MENNO SIMONS. Born in Witmarsen, in Friesland, Holland, in the year I496, and died in Woestevelt, formerly called Oldeslohe, on the i3th of January I56I, in the 66th year of his age. THE COMPLETE WORKS OF MENNO SIMON, TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL DU[TCH OR HOLLAND, Containing Renunciation of Popery, Foundation and Plain Instruction, The True Christian Faith, Concerning the New Birth, Cross of Christ, Pleasing Meditation on the Twenty-fifth Psalm, The Spiritual Resurrection, Excommunication, The Education of Children, Reply to Gellius Faber, A Supplication to Christians, Apology, Reply to John A'Lasco, The Triune, Eternal and True God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Christian Baptism, ReasonWhy, A Confession, Reply to Zylis, and Lemmekes, Replication, The Incarnation, Reply to Martin Micron, Jesus, the True Scriptural David, Letters, &c. FIREST r EJTJ "The mouth of the righteous speaketb wisdom, and his tongue talketh of Judgment; the Law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." Ps. 37: 30, 31. "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Heb. 13: 7 ELKHART, INDIANA. PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER. 1871. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by JOHN F. FUNK & BROTHER, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. The writings of a good man, when read steps of Jesus in love, humility, and meekwith an unbiased mind, and with a sincere ness; is a light in the world, and labors for desire to be profited and instructed, are al- the glory of God and the salvation of all ways beneficial to those who read them; for men, are well adapted to promote vital, "of the abundance of the heart the mouth christian piety, to strengthen and confirm speaketh," and "a good man, out of the the faith of believers, to encourage and cheer good treasure of the heart bringeth forth the weary pilgrim on his journey Zionward; good things." to instruct and teach us clearer views of Such writings may be the means of doing duty; to set before us the true character of much good among men, especially in these the'truly penitent child of God, what he times of worldly conformity, in which there must do and how he must live to become is such a great opposition to the cross of an heir of the kingdom above; to show Christ; in which men love ease and pleas- what the church, and what all believers ure, and make many devices to avoid those should be; to warn the impenitent; to exself-denying principles of the religion of pose erroneous views; to teach sinners the Jesus, and hope to gain the crown of life in way of life, and admonish them to turn some other way than that in which he him- from their evil ways, to flee from the wrath self walked, and pointed out to all his true to come, and seek the Lord while he may be followers; in which mankind are so much found; and thus believing, we have felt that given over to the pursuit of the perishable these writings should be placed before the things of this world, to honor, wealth and public in English, so that all who underpower, and are so deeply sunk in sin and stand this language may have the opportuunrighteousness; in which error and decep- nity to read and examine them for themtion are so prevalent that on every side we selves. hear the cry, "Lo, here is Christ," and "Lo, These works were originally written in the he is there," so that sometimes it seems al- Dutch language, only a portion of which have most impossible, for those who are not firm- been previously translated into the English ly established in the faith, to maintain them- and German languages. Hence the greater selves unmoved, and remain unshaken in portion of the book will be entirely new to the midst of this "crooked and perverse most of the readers of the present day. And generation." inasmuch as the church, bearing the name We believe that these works of the zeal- of Menno, has now so extended itself that it ous and pious Menno, in which he protests has become a body of considerable imporso powerfully against the prevailing cor- tance, and many of the members are much ruptions of the times, both in the church better versed in the English language than in and in the ordinary walks of life; in high the German, it is meet that the complete and in low places, or wherever found, and works should be published in the English advocates with such uncompromising firm- language, so that those professing the same ness and devotion, the imperative necessity faith with Menno, may enjoy the benefit of of a true and sincere change of heart,through his labors even at this distant day. the regenerating power of the Holy Ghost, For the foregoing reasons we have undera new life, a pious and holy walk, which taken the arduous and laborious task of delights in good works, follows the foot- translating from the original Holland or IV PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. Dutch language the entire work, including reasonably correct translation of the works all his writings, as far as known, with the ex- of Menno. ception of such of them as he himself rejects We have found a few places where neiand of which he makes mention in his article ther the English nor the German editions on the Ban or Excommunication. formerly published were entirely correct, In the translation, we have followed the and this will account for some differences edition of his works, published in the Dutch which the reader may observe by comparing language by John VanVeen, in Amsterdam, the different translations, and there may in Holland, in 1681. still, possibly, be some passages which could The first part of the writings of Menno be greatly improved, but without boasting Simon, with the exception of the "Account of anything that we have, humbly, in the of the severe persecutions of Menno Simon," fear of the Lord, sought to accomplish, we &c., and several letters in the latter part of believe that, as the result of our labor, we thevolume, wereformerly translated into the are enabled to present to the reader, a German language and published in several book which gives a very correct expression editions; and from the German translation, of the writings of Menno, in the English they were again translated into the English language. language, by I. Daniel Rupp, and published And if by the publication of this work we by Elias Barr & Co., in Lancaster, Pennsyl- may be instrumental in doing good to the vania, in 1863. This translation has been souls of others; if thereby the cause of Christ followed in part in the present work, though shall be advanced and the faith of believers the whole of it was diligently compared confirmed; if thereby a single soul may be with the original Dutch language, revised saved, and God glorified, then we shall feel and corrected. that our labor has not been in vain. The work has required a great deal of May'God bless the work; may it be the time, care, labor and expense. The original means of doing much good; yea, through it, work being written in very old style lan- may many souls be converted, and brought guage, on which account many passages from the darkness of sin and error to the were difficult to be understood, but the glorious light of the Gospel of Truth. May translators have worked faithfully, and by God be glorified and honored and mancomparing such passages with different edi- kind humbled and brought to Jesus. This tions of the work, and using such other is the prayer and sincere desire of your means as they could command, we feel as- humble servants, sured that we can offer to our readers a PBLISERS. TuiF PUBLISHERS. CONVERSION OF MENNO SIMON, AND HIS RENUNCIATION OF THE CHURCH OF ROME, WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY AND PLAINLY NARRATED HOW, AND FOR WHAT CAUSE, HE RENOUNCED POPERY; ALSO HIS SUBSEQUENT CALLING TO THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL. WRITTEN BY HIMSELF, AND ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE DUTCH LANGUAGE A. D. 1554. 1 TO THE READER. BELOVED READER, We are falsely accused, by our opponents, of following the teachings of Munster, concerning the king, the sword, rebellion, retaliation, polygamy and other abominations. But my kind readers, know ye that I, never in my life, accepted any of the foregoing doctrines; but on the contrary, I have opposed them for more than seventeen years, and to the best of my abilities, have warned all mankind against this abominable error. I have also, through the word of God, led some on the right way. Never in my life have I seen Munster, nor have I been in the communion of that sect. I also hope, through God's grace, neither to eat nor drink with such (if such there are), as the scripture teaches me; unless they confess their error with all their heart, bring forth fruits meet for repentance, and follow the Gospel in the right manner. MENNO SIMON. IMlenno Simon's Renunciation OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. MY READER, proceeded far therein, ere I discovered that I write to you the truth in Christ, and lie we were deceived. My conscience, which not. In the year 1524, being then in my was troubled on account of the sacramental twenty-eighth year, I undertook the duties of bread, aforementioned, was soon greatly rea priest in my father's village, called Ping- lieved, without any human aid or advice; jum, in Friesland. Two other persons of though I was encouraged by Luther in the about my age, also officiated in the same belief, that human authority cannot bind to station. The one was my pastor, and was eternal death. well learned in part; the other succeeded Through the illumination and grace of me; both had read the scriptures partially; the Lord, I continued daily to examine the but I had not touched them during my life, scriptures, and was soon considered by some, for I feared, if I should read them they though undeservedly, as being an evangelwould mislead me. Behold! such a stupid ical preacher. Every one sought my compreacher was I, for nearly two years. pany, the world loved me and had my affecIn the first year thereafter a thought oc- tions, yet it was said that I preached the curred to me, as often as I handled the bread word of God, and was a fine man. and wine in the mass, that they were not the Afterwards it happened, before I had ever flesh and blood of the Lord. I thought that heard of the existence of brethren, that a Godit was the suggestion of the devil, that he fearing, pious man, named Sicke Snyder, might lead me off from my faith. I con- was beheaded at Leenwarden, for being refessed it often-sighed and prayed, yet I baptized. It sounded strange to me, to hear could not be freed from this thought. a second baptism spoken of. I examined Those two aforementioned young men and the scriptures assiduously and meditated on myself spent our time daily in playing, them earnestly, but could find nothing in drinking, and all manner of frivolous diver- them concerning infant baptism. After I sions, alas! as it is the fashion and way of had discovered this, I conversed with my such useless people; and when we were to pastor on the subject; and after much distreat a little of scripture, I could not speak cussion, he had to admit, that there was no a word with them without being scoffed at; scriptural foundation for infant baptism. for I did not know what I asserted. Thus Notwithstanding all this, I dared not trust concealed was the word of God to my un- my own understanding, but consulted several derstanding. ancient authors. They taught me that childAt length I resolved that I would examine ren were to be washed by baptism from their the New Testament attentively. I had not original sin. I compared this doctrine with 4 MENNO SIMON'S RENUNCIATION the scriptures and found that it made bap- will I, for this, render thanks to the Lord tism take the place of the blood of Christ. forever. Afterwards, desiring to know the grounds Meanwhile it happened, when I had refor infant baptism, I went and consulted sided there about a year, that quite a numLuther. He taught me that children were to ber broke in upon baptism; but whence the be baptized on account of their own faith. first beginners came, or where they resided, I perceived that this also was not in accord- or who they properly were, is to this hour ance with the word of God. unknown to me, neither have I ever seen Next I consulted Bucer. He taught that them. infants were to be baptized, that their bap- Afterwards the sect of Munster made intism would cause those who had their train- roads, by whom many pious hearts in our ing, to be more careful in bringing them up quarter, were led into error. My soul was in the way of the Lord. I perceived that much troubled, for I perceived, that though this doctrine, too, was without foundation. they were zealous, they erred in doctrine. I then consulted Bu. I exerted my feeble efforts, as far as I was I then consulted Bulliger. He directed able, in opposing them by preaching and m o e to the covenant and circumcision. This exhortations. I conferred twice with one of I found incapable of being substantiated by their leaders, once in private, and again in scripture. public; but my admonitions availed nothHaving thus observed that authors varied ing, because I did that myself which I well greatly among themselves, each following knew was not right. his own opinion, I became convinced that The report spread far abroad, that I could we were deceived in relation to infant bap- readily silence these persons. All looked tism. to me. I saw that I was the leader and Shortly after, I went to the village in which defender of the impenitent, who all depended I was born, called Witmarsum. Covetous- upon me. This pained my heart; I sighed ness and a desire to obtain a great name, and prayed, Lord help me, lest I make mywere the inducements which led me to that self partaker of other men's sins. My soul place. There I spoke much concerning the was troubled and I reflected upon the result word of the Lord, without spirituality or of my doings, namely, that if I should gain love, as all hypocrites do, and by this means the whole world, and live a thousand years, I made disciples of my own stamp, such as and at last have to endure the wrath of God, vain boasters and light-minded babblers, what would I have gained? who, alas! like myself, cared but little about Afterwards, the poor straying flock, who these matters. Although I had now acquired wandered as sheep without a shepherd, after considerable knowledge of the scriptures, many severe edicts and slaughters, assemyetIwasted that knowledgethroughthelusts bled near my place of residence, called Oude of my youth in an impure, sensual, unprofit- Klooster, and, alas! through the ungodly able life, without any fruit, and sought noth- doctrines of Munster, and in opposition to ing but gain, ease, favor of men, splendor, the Spirit, the word and the example of reputation and honor, as all generally do Christ, drew the sword to defend themselves, who embark in the same ship. which the Lord commanded Peter to put up Thus, my reader, I obtained a knowl- in the sheath. edge of baptism and the Lord's supper, After this had transpired, the blood of through the illumination of the Holy Ghost, the slain, although it was shed in error, through much reading of the scriptures, grieved me so sorely that I could not endure and meditating upon them, and through the it. I could find no rest in my soul. I regracious favor and gift of God, but not flected upon my carnal, sinful life, my hypby means of the service of misleading sects, ocritical doctrine and idolatry, in which I as it is reported of me. I hope that I write continued daily under the appearance of the truth and do not seek vain glory; though godliness. I saw that these zealous chilsome, doubtless, may have contributed to dren willingly gave their lives and their esmy assistance in the pursuit of truth, yet tates, though they were in error, for their OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. 5 doctrine and faith. And I was one of those ed me his fatherly Spirit, aid and power; who had discovered some of their abomina- then I voluntarily renounced all my worldtions, and yet I myself remained satisfied ly honor and reputation, my unchristian with my unrestrained life and known de- conduct, masses, infant baptism, and my unfilements. I wished only to live comfortably profitable life, and at once willingly submitand without the cross of Christ. ted to distress and poverty, and the cross Thus reflecting upon these things my soul of Christ. In my weakness I feared God; was so grieved that I could no longer endure I sought out the pious, and though they it. I thought to myself-I, miserable man, were few in number, I found some who were what shall I do? If I continue in this way, zealous and maintained the truth. I conand live not agreeably to the word of the versed with the erring, and through the aid Lord, according to the knowledge of the and power of God, with his word, reclaimed truth which I have obtained; if I do not re- some from the snares of damnation, and buke to the best of my limited ability the gained them to Christ, while the hardened hypocrisy, the impenitent, carnal life, the and rebellious, I commended to the Lord. perverted baptism, the Lord's supper and Behold, thus, my reader, the God of mercy, the false worship of God, which the learned through the benign influence of his abound. teach; if I, through bodily fear, do not show ing grace, exerted upon me, in my heart, a them the true foundation ofthe truth, neither miserable sinner, produced in me a new use all my powers to direct the wandering mind, humbled me in his fear, taught me to flock, who would gladly do their duty if they know myself in part, turned me from the knew it, to the true pastures of Christ-Oh, way of death, and graciously called me into how shall their shed blood, though shed in the narrow path of life, to the communion error, rise against me at the judgment of the of his saints. To him be praise forever more, Almighty, and pronounce sentence against Amen. my poor, miserable soul. About one year thereafter, while I was My heart trembled in my body. I prayed secretly exercising myself in the word of to God with sighs and tears, that he would Godbyreadingand writing,ithappenedthat give to me, a troubled sinner, the gift of his six, seven or eight persons came to me, who grace, and create a clean heart within me; were of one heart and one soul with myself, that through the merits of the crimson blood in their faith and life, and as far as man can of Christ, He would graciously forgive my judge, were unblamable, and according to unclean walk and unprofitable life, and the testimony of the scriptures, separated bestow upon me, wisdom, Spirit, candor and from the world and subdued to the cross. fortitude, that I might preach his exalted They sincerely abhorred not only the sect and adorable name and holy word unper- of Munster, but the anathemas and abomiverted, and make manifest his truth to his nations of all other worldly sects. For the praise. sake of those pious souls who were of the I began in the name of the Lord to preach same mind and spirit both with them and publicly, from the pulpit, the word of true with me, they with much solicitude kindly repentance; to direct the people into the requested me, to reflect on the great suffernarrow path, and through the power of the ings and necessity of the poor, oppressed scripture to reprove all sin and ungodliness, souls (for the hunger was very great and the all idolatry and false worship, and to pre- faithful stewards were very few), and apply sent the true worship, also baptism and the to advantage the talents which I had unLord's Supper, according to the doctrine of meritedly received from the Lord. Christ, to the extent that I had at that time When I heard this my heart was greatly received grace from God. troubled. Trouble and fear were on every I also faithfully warned every one in re- side; for on the one hand I was sensible of lation to the abominations of Munster, con- my limited talents, my great ignorance, my cerning kings, polyganmy, dominion, the weak nature, the timidity of my flesh, the sword, &c., until after the expiration of about unbounded wickedness, perversity and tyrnine months, when the gracious Lord grant- anny of the world, the powerful sects, the 6 MENNO SIMON'S RENUNCIATION subtlety of different minds, and the heavy to, I surrendered myself, soul and body, to cross that would oppress me, should I com- the Lord and committed myself to his grace, ply with their solicitations, and on the other and commenced in due time, according to hand, the miserable, starving condition and the contents of his holy word, to teach, and necessity of these God-fearing, pious chil- to baptize, to labor in the vineyard of the dren, for I saw plainly that they erred as in- Lord with my limited talents, to build up his nocent sheep which have no shepherd. holy city and temple, and to repair the At last, after much prayer, I placed my- dilapidated walls. The great and mighty self and these circumstances before the Lord God has made known and revealed the word and his church, in order that we might pray of true repentance, the word of his grace and earnestly to the Lord for a season; should power, together with the salutary use of his it accord with his acceptable and holy will holy sacraments, through ourhumble service, that I could or might labor to his praise, doctrine and unlearned writings, together that he would give me such a mind and with the careful service, labor and help of heart as would enable me to say with Paul, our faithful brethren, in many towns and "Woe is me, if I preach not the Gospel," countries, to such an extent, and made the and if not, that he might provide a way to condition of his churches so glorious and beprohibit the same, for Christ says, "That if stoweduponthemsuchasubduingpowerthat two of you shall agree on earth as touching many exalted and proud hearts not only beanything that they shall ask, it shall be came humble; the unclean, pure; the drunkdone for them of my Father which is in en, sober; the avaricious, benevolent; the heaven. For where two or three are gath- ferocious, mild, and the ungodly, pious; but ered together in my name, there am I in the they also faithfully yielded their possesmidst of them," Matt. 18: 19, 20. sions and blood, bodies and lives, for the be, I ws nt c d blessed testimony they had, as mayyet daily Thus, my reader, behold, I was not called *Thus, my reader, behola, I was not call be seen. These are not the fruits and evito serve among the followers of Munster, nor doctrines, in hich God is of any other seditious sect (as it is falsely re- eiteoulte nd potdocrigm) t h vbe re- not a co-worker. Neither could they endure ported concerning me), b it I havebeen called, ported concerning eutihvebeenaled, so long under such grievous misery and opunworthily, to this office by a Epeople who pressive crosses, were it not the power and were ready to receive Christ and his word, wd the Almighty which sustains them. led a penitent life in the fear of God, served o rd them with suc their neighbors in love, bore the cross, sought Yea, more, the Lord endued them with such their neighbors in love, bore thecross, sought grace and wisdom, as Christ has promised the welfare and salvation of all men loved e and wisdom, as Christ has promised the welare and salvation of all men, loved to all his children in their trials, so that all righteousness and truth, and abhorred wick- the worldly-wise and renowned teachers, toedness and unrighteousness, which shows gether with the blood-guilty, daring tyrants, pointedly that they were not such perverted who, 0 God, boast that they are Christians, persons as they are slanderously reported were vanquished and abashed by these into have been. But they were true Christians,incible chapios and pious witnesses of though unknown to the world, if in anywise Christ. Those ferocious persons knew of no we believe that Christ's word is true, and Christ Those ferocious persons knew of nor his unblamable, holy life and example in- other weapons or refuge to which to resort his ab l, hy le ad e e i- than those of banishing, seizing, punishing, ~fst~a lliblDe. 1burning, murdering, and destroying, even as Thus have I, a miserable sinner, been en- has always been the custom of the old serlightened of the Lord, converted to a new pent, from the beginning, and as may yet, mind, fled from Babel, entered into Jerusa- alas! be daily witnessed in many places of lem, and finally, though unworthily, called our Netherlands. to this high and arduous service. Behold this is our calling, our doctrine When the persons before mentioned, did and fruits of our labor; on account of which not desist from their supplications, and my we are so grievously slandered, and so maown conscience in some degree made me un- levolently persecuted; whether or not all the easy (although in weakness), because I saw prophets, apostles, and faithful servants of the great hunger and need, already referred God, have endured similar sufferings on ac OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. 7 count of their faithfulness, we willingly leave nor ease, but only the praise of the Lord, all the pious to judge. my salvation, and the salvation of many But as much as regards my poor, weak souls. For this I, my poor, feeble wife and and imperfect life, I freely confess that I am children have for eighteen years endured a poor, wretched sinner, conceived in sin, extreme anxiety, oppression, affliction, misof sinful seed, and sinfully brought forth. I ery and persecution, and at the peril of my can say with David, that my sins are ever life, have been compelled everywhere to live before me. My thoughts, words and actions in fear and seclusion; yea, when ministers convince me. I see with holy Paul, "That repose on easy beds and downy pillows, in me (that is in my flesh), dwelleth no good we generally have to hide ourselves in sething," Rom. 7: 18. Nevertheless, I must be eluded corners; when they at weddings and allowed to boast this much in my weakness, feasts, pipe and beat the tambour, and vaunt if this wicked, desolate world would hear our loudly, we must look out, when the dogs doctrine (not ours, but the doctrine of Christ), bark, lest the captors be at hand. Whilst with patience, and, in the true fear of God they are saluted as doctors, lords and teachfollow it submissively, this would undoubt- ers by every one, we have to hear that we edly, be a more christian-like and better are ana-baptists, hedge preachers, deceivers world than, alas, it now is. and heretics, andmustbe saluted inthe name I thank God, who has made me willing of the devil. In short, whilst they are gloriwith holy Paul, to hate the evil and follow ously rewarded for their services with large the good; and willingly would I with my incomes and easy times, our recompense and own blood, reclaim this wicked world from portion must be fire, sword and death. ungodly and evil works, and gain it to Behold, my faithful readers, in such fear, Christ. Through the grace of God, it is my poverty, misery and danger of death, have desire to fear the Lord with all my heart; I, wretched man, performed to this hour, to love, seek and serve him, to do right be- without change, the service of the Lord, and fore him, and be an unblamable pious I hope through his grace to continue therein Christian. to his glory, as long as I remain in this I hope through the mercy and assistance earthly tabernacle. What I and my faithofthe Lord, thatno oneupon earth may have ful co-workers have sought or could have reason to accuse me of leading an avaricious sought in performing these our arduous and and luxurious life. Money and affluence, I dangerous duties, is apparent to all the have not; neither do I desire them, although well-disposed, who may readily judge from alas, some from a perverted heart, say that the works and their fruits. I eat more roasted than they do seethed; I will here humbly entreat the reader for and drink more wine than they do beer. Jesus' sake, to accept in love, this my conMy Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, was also fession in relation to my illumination, concalled a winebibber, and a glutton. I trust version and calling, and to meditate thereon. that through the grace of the Lord, I am in- I have made it out of urgent necessity, for nocent in this matter, and stand acquitted the information of the pious reader, because before God. I was slandered by the clergy, and am acHe who purchased me with the blood of cused, without foundation of truth, of being his love, and called me, who am unworthy, called and ordained to this service by a seto his service, knows me, and knows that I ditious and heretical sect. He that feareth seek not wealth, nor possessions, nor luxury, God let him read and judge. MENNO SIMON. AN ACCOUNT OF TIE SEVERE PERSECUTIONS OF MENNO SIMON, AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE PLACE WHERE HE LAST PREACHED THE GOSPEL, DIED AND WAS BURIED. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus," plished, his name, person, clothing and says Paul, " shall suffer persecution," 2 Tim. stature were described, and this description 3:12. These words, although often confirmed, posted upon the church-doors; so that he through the inconsiderate wickedness of this could not even find a hut of straw where he world, we find particularly confirmed in the could quietly rest with his wife and little example of our author Menno Simon. For, children, for any length of time. Menno after he had been persecuted in many ways himself relates that in 1546, at a certain and sought for by his opponents, they, in place, where they yet boasted of being order that their design might be accom- evangelical christians, four dwellings were, plished with certainty, issued a decree in at once, confiscated, because the owner had which it was stated that whosoever should rented one of them for a short time to his shelter, or in any manner conceal Menno sick wife and little children, though the Simon or any of his followers, should suffer neighbors were not aware of it. This severe death; which decree was enforced in the year persecution compelled Menno to remove to A. D. 1539 in the case of Tjaert Reyndertz,* a place situated between Hamburg and Lua peasant living near Harlingen (prov. Fries- beck, six and a half or seven miles from land, Neth.), who, because he secretly har- Hamburg, three miles from Lubeck, and bored Menno Simon in his house, in his great nearly a mile from Oldeslo, which formerly danger and distress, was a few days after, was a large forest of oaks, but which is taken to Leeuwarden (in the same province), now an open field, generally called Woeste and as an ungodly criminal put on the wheel, Veldt, belonging to the nobleman and though even his enemies acknowledged that estate of Van Vriesenburg; which nobleman he was a pious man. was at that time a very cruel person, on Besides this, another decree was issued which account he was generally shunned in the year A. D. 1543, throughout West and feared. But having spent much of his Friesland, by which a general pardon, the youth in the Netherlands, and having often favor of the Emperor, freedom of the country, witnessed the death of martyrs, he was very and besides, one hundred Carl guilders* compassionate towards them, being conwas promised to any criminal, even murder- versant with their doctrines. He clandeser, who would deliver Menno into the hands tinely gave them liberty to dwell there, and of the executioner; and, in order that their assiduously and faithfully assisted them; purpose might be more readily accom- although he was requested by the king's *See Martyr's Mirror, English edition, published by order not to permit them to live there; D. Miller, Lampeter Square, Pa., 1837, Page 382. therefore he announced to them, through ** Forty Dollars. one of his servants, that they should leave AN ACCOUNT OF THE SEVERE PERSECUTIONS, &c. 9 before sun-down, at the risk of punishment, ciation of popery, he suddenlybecame worse, yet, he sent a faithful servant after the first, though well taken care of, and the next day, to tell them the cause of this announcement, being Friday the 13th of January, 1561, he and to inform them that the men should calmly fell asleep in Jesus, in the sixty sixth either absent or conceal themselves for a year of his age, and was buried in his own week or two. In the mean while he suc- garden, which according to Hoornbeck, was ceeded in quieting this excitement, through also customary with the primitive Christians one of the courtiers. After this the exiles under the persecutions of the pagans. came hither from every side, until there was quite a little community there, who lived in o comparative quiet. Each family had to pay NOTE 1.-Although the "Martyrs' Mirror," page 59, one dollar a year for this protection, and and T. J. van Braght in his "Bloody Theatre" and were taxed no further. This may well be others, write that Menno Simon died on the 13th of considered a special dispensation of God's January 1559, yet we are led to think that he died in providence, that the exiles were fostered and 15, for the following reasons: protected by a very cruel person, who was The old biography of Menno Simon mentions 1561 as feared by all around him. For which reason the year of his death, which statement we deem corI rect; also on the 23rd of January 1559, he wrote a Menno considered it expedient, as it was i tract (see his Reply to Zylis and Lemmekes in this said, to remove to that place. book), and sent it to the German teachers, Zylis and Menno Simon died about thirty years af- Lemmekes. Now, if he died on the 13th of January ter he left the church of Rome. During this 1559, he must have written this ten days after his time he taught and proclaimed the gospel, death. purified of Roman idolatry and supersti- NOTE 2.-The reader should know that although some tion. His last exhortation was given on his old biographies mention 1505 as the year of his birth, death-bed, while the hand of death seemed yet we will take 1496; for, the "Martyrs' Mirror," already to rest upon him, showing his un-! "The Bloody Theatre," "The Decline of Tyrants" and quncaleelle - "Annals," all mention that he died in his sixty sixth quenchable zeal. He, however, partially re-, year. If Menno, then, died in 1561, he necessarily covered and was better for several days, but i was born in 1496, or else he died in the fifty sixth on the day of the anniversary of his renun- year of his age. Y~~^^ A FOUNDATION AND Plain Instruction OF THE tabing ortrint of Air arb }r"us lu nt BRIEFLY COMPILED FROM THE WORD OF GOD. TOGETHER WITH OTHER INSTRUCTIVE TREATISES, BY MENNO SIMON. TRANSLATED FROM THE DUTCH INTO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is-Jesus Christ." 1. Cor. 3: 11. ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER, 1871* TO THE READER. Pious, BELOVED READER, Since I perceive that our work, called, "THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE," which I published a few years ago, has been, through the grace of God, to whom be eternal praise and thanks, productive of much good to some; and God's holy word which was obscured for such a long time, has been again a little explained, through our limited talents, and as many well disposed children, requested and entreated me, diligently to revise and correct such parts as were obscured through the negligence of the printer, and which deprived the reader of the sense, I was prevailed on, and did so. In some places I made additions; explained the obscure parts, corrected those that were defective, and omitted redundancies; the style and language I improved, in order to be better suited to aid the kind reader, and to make known and acceptable to many, the despised truth. Not my reader, that I changed the original doctrines and contents; by no means! I have not changed, but as appears to me, improved its form, and given it more force and distinctness. Those who fear God may judge. The former, as well as this, is God's word; and all that the first teaches, this teaches also. May the Almighty, Merciful Father grant that through his grace our little work, so lightly esteemed, may produce much fruit in many thousands, Amen. MENNO SIMON. PREFACE. NOTE.-The following Preface shows to whom this bookc is addressed, and was written at the time when the errors of Munster yet prevailed. To those in authority and all others, of whatever condition, class or calling they be, Mfenno Simon wish7es the illumination of the Spirit, anc the pure knoiwledge of the kiinqdom of God, from our heavenly Father, and his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, w7ho has loved us and washed us from our sins with his blood. To 7iim be praise, honor, glory, and thanksgivinqg forever, Amen. Dear Sirs, Friends and Brethren, since we wretched; not exterminators, but defenders learn from the scriptures, and from experi- of righteousness; not persecutors but followence find, that the prediction of the prophets, ers of Christ and his word. Therefore, anoint Christ and of the apostles, concerning the your eyes with eye-salve, that you may see terrible oppression, misery, want, persecu- and understand which is the right way, the tion, danger, anxiety, and false doctrine, in truth and the life; the way which is so strait these latter times is being accomplished to and narrow and found of so few; the truth its full measure, Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke which is known to none, except those who 21; 1 Tim. 4; 2 Tim. 3; 2 Pet. 2; Jude 1, are taught of the Spirit of the Lord, illuminand this so powerfully, that unless the mer- ated and drawn by the Father; the life ciful Father graciously shortens these days which is to know God the Father as the only no flesh will be saved. true God, and Jesus Christ whom he sent; Therefore, we poor miserable men entreat that you may see him whom you fiercely and admonish every one, and that through pierced, and that you may with holy Paul, the mercy of the Lord, for once candidly to with your whole hearts, humble yourselves read our doctrine and faith, lay it well to before the Lord with much fasting and weepheart and understand it correctly, that you ing; clothe yourselves in sack-cloth; rend might know what kind of doctrine we in- yourhearts and not your garments, that you culcate, what kind of faith we maintain, may find grace in his sight. For he is longwhat kind of life we lead, and how we are suffering, gracious and merciful, and pardisposed, on account of which we have to dons the iniquity of all who sincerely repent hear and suffer so much, endure imprison- and seek his grace. Be no longer like Jeroment, exile, be robbed, derided, defamed boam,Ahab and Manasseh, but like David, and slain as poor, innocent sheep. In order Hezekiah and Josiah; that you need not on thatyoumay sincerely lament and weep over account of the office entrusted to you stand your former bloody deeds, before God, and confounded in the great and dreadful day of with greater circumspection guard and pre- the Lord, in that day which shall burn as serve yourselves from suchthings, and hence- an oven; and all who have dealt unrighteousforth be found a more pious, sincere, yea, a ly and used violence upon the earth, shall more God-fearing magistracy, Ex. 18: 23; be burnt up as dry straw and stubble, Mal. 4. Deut. 1: 17; not afflictors and destroyers, but I Therefore, we most humbly entreat you, fathers and guardians of all miserable and for the sake of the merits of Christ, that you 14 PREFACE. would thoroughly ponder and reflect upon lish this our faith and doctrine; and we our faith, doctrine and undertaking; and desire for Jesus' sake that we might obtain not esteem us to be worse than you do thieves so much grace, that they would not treat and and murderers, whom you do not condemn judge us except according to the word of without having certain knowledge of their God, as is reasonable and just. But should case. Our doings are not thievish, nor have we not obtain so much grace, we have to we to do with perishable possessions, but commend it to the Lord, who is the only helpwith God and his word, our bodies and er of every oneinneed. We will, nevertheless, souls, eternal life or eternal death. There- through the grace of God, abide in the word fore do not look upon the usages and cus- of the Lord; and comfort ourselves with the toms of the fathers, nor upon the worldly scriptures, which say, "Thus saith the LorD wise and the learned, for it is deeply hidden thatcreatedthee, OJacob, andhethatformed from their eyes. They were always those thee, O Israel, fear not; for I have rewho, from the beginning, thrust from them deemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; the wisdom of God through their own wis- thou art mine. When thou passest through dom and have trampled it under foot; for the waters, I will be with thee; and through the wisdom of God, which we teach, is that i the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when wisdom which none may understand, except thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt those who are desirous of living and walk- not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle ing according to the will of God; it is that upon thee; for I am the Lord thy God, the wisdom, which is not to be brought from H oly one of Israel, thy Saviour," Isa. 43: 1, afar nor taught in colleges. It must come 3. Again: "Fear ye not the reproach of from above and be learned through the Holy men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings; Ghost; as Paul says, Rom. 10: 6 —9. "Say for the moth shall eat them up like a garnot in thine heart, who shall ascend into mentandthe worm shall eat them likewool." heaven? (That is, to bring Christ down "I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who from above). Or, who shall descend into art thou that shouldst be afraid of a man the deep? (That is, to bring up Christ again that shall die, and the son of man which from the dead). But, what saith it? The shall be made as grass?" Isa. 51: 7, 8 and word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and 12. Christ also says: "Fear not them which in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which kill the body, but are not able to kill the we preach; that if thou shalt confess with soul; but rather fear him which is able to thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe destroy both soul and body in hell." "XWhoin thine heart that God hath raised him soever therefore shall confess me before men, from the dead, thou shalt be saved." There- I him will I confess also before my Father fore, look to God's word, to the testimony which is in heaven; but whosoever shall and example of the holy prophets, the Lord j deny me before men, him will I also deny Jesus Christ and his apostles. Let these be: before my Father which is in heaven," Matt. your doctors and teachers, and not the ambi- 10:28,32, 33. "With the heart," saith Paul, tious, mercenary preachers of this world; "man believeth unto righteousness; and then you will soon perceive, whether we are with the mouth confession is made unto within or without the truth. May the al- j salvation," Rom. 10: 10. mighty and eternal God give you such hearts i Since then the scriptures urge us so much, and minds. To him be honor, praise and both to believe and to confess, and so kindly gratitude, dominion, power and majesty comfort us against the raging and raving for ever, Amen. i of men, therefore, we also desire to abide by Seeing then, beloved, that satan can trans- I the same until death. And hereby testify form himself into an angel of light, 2 Cor. before you in Christ Jesus, that we neither 11, and thus sow tares among the Lord's have, nor know any other foundation, faith wheat, such as the sword, polygamy, secular or doctrine, than that which may be plainly kingdom, and kings and other like errors read, heard, and understood in the followon account of which the innocent have to ing, from the word of God, Amen. suffer much; hence we are prompted to pub- i MENINO SIMON. THE DAY OF GRACE. In the first place we teach, what Jesus, its Prince and Chief who has arisen as a the teacher from heaven, the Oracle and mighty one to prepare his way, Ps. 2: 7; Word of the Most High God himself taught, Is. 9: 5; Jer. 30: 9; his going forth is from John 3: 2, that now is the time of grace, a the heavens; the Anointed, who was the detime to awaken from the sleep of our aborn- sire of all nations, has come, girded about inable sins, Rom. 13: 11, and obtain an up- his loins with the sword of the Spirit and right, converted, renewed, contrite and peni- valiant for battle, Mic. 5; Hag. 2; Is. 24. tent heart, and sincerely lament before God, HI-e has declared the gospel of the kingour past profligate and dissolute course of dom, the word of his Father; he taught and life, and in the fear of God, to crucify and left unto his followers, an example of pure mortify our depraved, sinful flesh, temper love, and an unblemished life, Matt. 4: 17; and nature, and arise with Christ into a Jn. 7: 14, 15; conquered the mighty, denew, righteous, and penitent life and con- stroyed tle power of the devil, bore our duct, Eph.4: 22; Gal. 5: 24. Even as Christ sins, abolished death, reconciled the Fasays, "The time is fulfilled, and the king- ther, acquired for all the chosen children of dom of God is at hand: repent ye and be- God, grace, favor, mercy, eternal life, dolieve the Gospel," Mark. 1: 15. minion and peace, Heb. 2; 1. Pet. 2; 1. Cor. The time is fufilled, that is, the promised 15, and has been ordained by his Eternal and day of grace approaches; the time for the Almighty Father as an omnipotent King appearing of the promised seed; the time over the holy Mount Zion, as the head of of redemption, the time of that offering by the Church, a Provider and Dispenser of which all things were to be reconciled in heavenly blessings; yea, an Almighty Ruler heaven and upon earth, Gen. 3: 15; Col. 1: over all in heaven and on earth, Is. 2; Eph. 19; the time for the consummation of all 2; and this is what Christ here declares, the literal and figurative transactions into a The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of new, spiritual life and an abiding truth; the God is at hand," Mark. 1: 15. time for which the fathers, Jacob, Moses, Out of compassion and a sincere heart, Isaiah, Davd, Daniel, c with all the pa- Isaiah, ]David, Daniel, &c., with all the pa- exhort you with the apostle Paul, that you triarchs and prophets hoped, and which they tae heed to this day of grace, and be obedesired with many tears, and through faith dient to the word of God, which says, "I saw irom afar, and drew comfort and hope saw from afar, and drw c t have heard thee in a time accepted, and in therefrom, Heb. 11: 23; yea, it was to them salvation have I succored thee the day of salvation have I succored thee; such a great and pleasing consolation, that behold, now is the accepted time; beholdl good old Simeon desired to live no longer, i the a d ti; when he beheld the time and saw the Re- n ow is the day of salvation," and with when he beheld the time and saw the Re- Paul let us "give no offence in any thing, deemer. He said, "Lord, now lettest thou in a. * that the ministry be not blamed; but in all thy servant depart in peace, according to th s approvin ourselvesasthe ministers of thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy sal- thgs approving ourselves astheministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necesvation, which thou hast prepared before the, ii te in imri face of all people," Luke 2: 29-1. sities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonface of all people," Luke 2: 29-31. The time is fitfJlled, the predictions of the ments, in tumults (understand this in relation prophets and promises of the fathers appear to things which befall us), in labors, in watchin their full power; the sworn oath is accom- ings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowlplished; Israel has received its King David, edge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the 16 THE DAY OF GRACE. Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word death entered into that glory, which he, for of truth, by the power of God, by the armor a time, had left for our sakes, Luke 24; of righteousness on the right hand and on Jn. 11: 25. If Christ then had to suffer such the left, by honor, and dishonor; by evil torture, anguish, misery and pain, how shall report, and good report; as deceivers, and his servants, children and members expect yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; peace and freedom from suffering while in as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened the flesh.? "If they have called the Master and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always re- of the house Beelzebub, how much more joicing; as poor, yet making many rich; shall they call them of his household?" as having nothing, and yet possessing all Matt. 10: 25. "All that will live godly in things," 2 Cor. 6: 2-10. Oh, my beloved Christ Jesus," says Paul, "shall suffer perSirs, Friends and Brethren, my mouth is secution," 2 Tim. 3: 12. open unto you, and my heart is enlarged Christ also says, "Ye shall be hated of' towards you; for your sakes I am much all men for my name's sake," Matt. 10: 2'. grieved that you are so careless, and do not Therefore banish the pernicious thought, observe the people by whom these plain that you may hope for another time, from and intelligible scriptures were written; that your hearts, and be not deceived by your you so entirely despise the word of the Lord, vain hopes, for I have known some who and suffer this precious time of grace, which waited for a more convenient season, but God gives us all for improvement, to pass did not live to realize their hopes. Had the away so shamefully, and regard nothing apostles and fathers thus waited, the gosmore than to live with the whole heart, ac- pel of the kingdom would not at this day cording to the impure and wicked lusts of have been preached, and the word of the your flesh, bowing the knees before dumb Lord would have remained unknown. idols. Alas! it is time to awake! Remember Alas! were you christians and the people that the angel has sworn, Rev. 10: 6, by the of God as you boast yourselves to be, you eternal and living God, who created heaven should be able to say with Paul, "Who and earth, that after this time, there shall shall separate us from the love of Christ?" be time no longer. From the scriptures we Rom. 8: 35. For then the flesh, the devil, cannot otherwise conclude, but that this is sin, hell and death would all be subdued; the last watch of the year, the last procla- there would then be no desire to remain mation of the holy gospel, the last invita- long in this depraved, wicked, sanguinary tion to the marriage of the Lamb, which is world; neither would ye then boast of any. to be celebrated, promulgated and sanctifi- thing save the cross of Christ, Gal. 6: 16, ed before the great and terrible day of the and like Paul, with the whole heart desire Lord. Hereby we may learn and determine to be delivered from this body and dwell that the summer will pass away and the with Christ, Phil. 1: 23. winter approach. Those, who, like the fool- I sincerely desire that you may awake, ish virgins, neglect to prepare their lamps, and not hope nor wait for a more acceptwill come too late, knock in vain and be able time. If however the merciful Father excluded, Matt. 25: 11. Therefore comfort will give us liberty and peace, we will gladly not one another with idle comfort and vain receive them with all thankfulness, from his hope, as some do who think that the word gracious hands; but if he will not, his great should be taught and observed whilst they name shall, notwithstanding, be praised reject the cross. I mean those who know forever. the word of the Lord, but do not live ac- We have all enjoyed the acceptable time cording to it. Oh, no! it is the word of the of grace, for now is the day of salvation, cross and will, in my opinion, remain so to Is. 49: 8. Let us therefore not be like unthe last, for it must be sustained with much grateful, disobedient, blood-thirsty Jerusasuffering, and sealed with blood. The Lamb lem, who with such perverted minds reis slain from the foundation of the world, jected the divine peace, the heavenly grace Rev. 13:,~8; yea, he did not only suffer in and merciful calling; but let us awake, with his body, but also through the cross and sober hearts, and give ear to the inviting SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 17 voice, and in this accepted time arise from put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make the deep slumber of our abominable and not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts offensive sins, for the Lord is at hand. "The thereof," Rom. 13: 12-14. Let every one night is far spent, the day is at hand; let be vigilent, and improve the time which us therefore cast off the works of darkness, God has graciously given for repentance. and let us put on the armor of light, let us Ecce nunc tempues acceptum, ecce nunc dies walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting I salutis. "Behold, now is the accepted time, and drunkenness, not in chambering and behold, now is the day of salvation," 2 wantonness, not in strife and envying; but i Cor. 6: 2. SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. In the second place we exhort you in the call themselves the holy christian church. language of Christ, "Repent ye, and believe 1 Oh, no! they who do such things, saith Paul, the Gospel," Mark. 1: 15. Oh, thou faithful shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1. word of grace! Oh, thou faithful word of Cor. 6: 9, 10; Gal. 5: 19; Eph. 5: 5. Oh, ye divine love! thou art read in books, sung men awake and see for yourselves, for thus in hymns, preached with the mouth, with saith the word of the Lord, Verily, verily, life and death and proclaimed in many I say unto you, except ye be born from countries, but in thy power they desire thee above ye shall not see the kingdom of God, not;- yea more, all those who rightly teach Jn. 3: 3. Also, "Verily, verily, I say unto and receive thee, are made a prey for the thee, except a man be born of water and of whole world. Alas, beloved Sirs, it will the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingavail us nothing to be called christians, and dom of God," Jn. 3: 5, and again, "Verily, boast of the Lord's blood, death, merits, I say unto you, except ye be converted, and grace and Gospel, as long as we are not become as little children, ye shall not enter converted from this wicked, impious and into the kingdom of heaven," Matt. 18: 3. shameful life. It is in vain that we are What does it profit to speak much of Christ called Christians; that Christ died; that we and his word, if we do not believe him, and were born in the day of grace, and baptized obey his commandments? Again, I say, with water, if we do not walk according to awake and banish the accursed unbelief his law, counsel, admonition, will and com- with all unrighteousness from your hearts, mand and are not obedient to his word. and live a pious, penitent life, according to Therefore awake, and behold the doings the scriptures; for Christ says, "Except ye of the world. On every hand you see noth- repent, ye shall all likewise perish," Luke ing but sensuality, wine-bibbing, infernal 13: 5. Here do not understand such repride, lying, fraud, avarice, hatred, strife, pentance as is taught and practiced by an adultery, fornication, war, murder, hypocri- erring world, which consists only in an outsy, open blasphemy, idolatry, and false ward appearance and human righteousness, worship, Hos. 4: 11; Mic. 6: 14; Gal. 5: 19 such as hypocritical fastings, pilgrimages, — 1; in short, nothing but a powerful per- praying and reading Pater Nosters and Ava secution of all that God teaches, commands Marias, hearing frequent masses, auricular and enjoins. Who can relate the terrible confessions, and the like hypocrisies which and alarming condition of the world at the Christ and his apostles did in no wise present time? yet they (the wicked) want to teach and command. Hence it cannot be * There are multitudes in the world who profess to a propitiatory sacrifice, but rather will be a believe in the word of God, but by their works deny the provocation, and tend to excite the divine power thereof. displeasure. Such doctrines are unavailing 3 18 SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. and fruitless commands of men, the accursed of Christ, and count himself pious, unless he and enchanted wine of the Babylonian has truly repented. It is not enough that whoredom, which those who have dwelt upon we say, we are Abraham's children, that is, the earth, through the just anger of God, that we are called christians and esteemed have drunk for so many ages, Rev. 17: 2. i as such, but we must do the works of AbraBut we speak of a repentance possessed of ham, that is, we must walk as all true chilpower and works, as John the Baptist teach- dren of God are commanded by his word, es, saying, "Bring forth therefore fruits as John writes, "If we say, we have fellowmeet for repentance, and think not to say ship with him (God) and walk in darkness, within yourselves, we have Abraham to we lie, and do not the truth; but if we our father," Matt. 3: 8. "And now also the walk in the light, as he is in the light, we axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every have fellowship one with another, and tree, therefore, which bringeth not forth good the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleansotll fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire," us from all sins," 1 Jn. 1: 6, 7. Luke 3: 9. I ask all my readers, if they ever have Behold, dear reader, the repentance we read in the scriptures, that an impenitent. teach, is to die unto sin, and all ungodly X obdurate man, who fears not God nor his works, and live no longer according to the word, w-ho is earthly minded, sensual, devillusts of the flesh, even as David did, 2 Sam. ish, and lives according to his lusts, can )e 13: 12; 18: 1. When he was reproved by called a child of God and a joint heir of the prophet on account of his adultery, and i Christf' I believe you will be constrained for numbering the people, he wept bitterly, I to answer, no. But lie that with all his called upon God, forsook the evil, and corn- heart, ceases from evil and learns to do well, mitted these sinful abominations no more. to him the grace of the Lord is proclaimed Peter sinned very grievously but once, and throughout the whole scriptures, as the no more. Matthew, after being called by prophet says, " Wash ye, make you clean; the Saviour, did not again return to his ways put away the evil of your doings from before of life. Zaccheus and the sinful woman did I mine eyes, cease to do evil; learn to do well; not again return to their impure works of seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge darkness. Zacchelusmaderestitution tothose the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come whom he had defrauded, and gave half now, and let us reason together, saith the of his goods to the poor and distressed. The Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they woman wept very bitterly, and washed the shall be as white as snow; though they be feet of the Lord with her tears, and wiped red like crimson, they shall be as wool," them with the hair of her head; she anoint- Isa. 1: 16-18. Again, "If the wicked will ed them with precious ointment, and sat turn from all his sins that hle hath commithumbly at his feet, to listen to his blessed ted, and keep all my statutes, and do that words. which is lawful and right, he shall surely These are the precious fruits of that repent- live, he shall not die; all his transgressions ance, which is acceptable to the Lord; there- that he hath committed, they shall not be fore, it was said to David, that the Lord had mentioned unto him," Ezek. 18: 21, 22. And put away his sins from him; to Peter it was further, read and search the whole scriptures, proclaimed, that the Lord had arisen from the true instructions and testimonies of the the dead; Matthew was called to be an holy prophets, evangelists and apostles, apostle; Zaccheus was told that he had be- and you will find it clearly set forth, how come a son of Abraham, and Mary, that she this godly repentance is to be earnestly rehad "chosen that good part which shall not ceived and practiced, and that without it no be taken away from her," Luke 10: 42. To one can receive grace, enter into the kinodomi the adulterous woman, Christ said, "Go, of heaven, or ever hope for it."" and sin no more," Jn. 8: 11. aJ._n;! no or,"n.' 1i* The impenitent are without grace. Such a repentance we teach, and no other, These remarks apply to those who have cars to hear namely, that no one can glory in the grace and hearts to understand, and not to infants that are ilof God, the forgiveness of sins, the merits i capable of understanding. SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 19 In short, as far as in us lies, we teach re- I nor consolation of grace to be obtained. pentance from the word of the Lord, in order But the Eternal Word, God's Eternal Son that we may subdue those carnal lusts which must needs come from high heaven, assume war against the soul, 1 Peter 2: 11, crucify human nature, suffer hunger, temptation, the flesh with the affections and lusts, Gal. misery; the cross and death, as the scrip5: 24, refrain from conformity to this world, tures teach.* Oh, beloved Sirs, if this single Rom. 12: 2, cast off the works of darkness transgression was so great before God, what and put on the armor of light, Rom. 13: will become of thosewho so proudly, all their 12; that we "love not the world, neither days, despise the holy word, covenant, will the things that are in the world," 1. Jn. 2: and commandment of the Lord, who do not 15; "put off the old man with his deeds, and confess their sins and transgressions, though put on the new man, which is renewed in they are full of iniquity from the crown of knowledge after the image of Him that cre- their heads to the soles of their feet. Cain ated him," Col. 3: 9, 10; yea, cast off the was cursed and became a vagabond upon old Adam with his whole nature and deceit- the earth as long as he lived, because he so ifu lusts, such as pride, avarice, unchastity, enviously slew his innocent brother Abel. hatred, envyings, gluttony, drinking, idola- Alas! what will become of those, who, at try, and put on the new man, which, after the present day without compassion or jusGod, is created in righteousness and true tice, persecute, plunder and murder the piholiness, whose fruits are faith, love, hope, ous Abelites, who with fervent hearts seek rilghteousness, peace, and joy, in the Holy Christ and eternal life? Ghost, Eph. 4: 22; Rom. 14: 17; Gal. 5: 16; The ancient world was drowned in the be patient in suffering, merciful, compassion- waters of the flood, because the sons of God ate, chaste, sincerely hating and rebuking looked upon the daughters of men, that they all sin, and entertaining a sincere love and were fair, and took to themselves wives of zeal for God and his word.* I repeat it, all which they chose, and also because they that this repentance, which we teach, must would not be reproved of the Spirit of God, )be sincere, fruitful and acceptable to the for every imagination and thought of their Lord, according to the instructions of his hearts were evil continually. Reflect upon word. I-He that receives this repentance in the lusts with which the marriages of the sincerity, and abides therein unto the end, world at the present time are contracted, may rejoice and thank God, for the end yea, like dumb beasts; how the Holy Ghost thereof is eternal life. But he that rejects I is reviled, slandered and grieved, and how it and does not desire it, let him take warn- I they all walk in their perverted ways which ing that the end thereof is eternal death. i lead to hell, yea, to eternal damnation and Beloved Sirs, Friends and Brethren, do death. for once truly and sincerely lay it to heart, Sodom and Gomorrah, with the surroundwhat it is, and what the consequences will ing' cities, on account of their pride, wantonbe, willfully to transgress the commands of ness, cruelty, and abominable crimes, were the Lord and auTghtily sin against the burned up with the fire of the furious wrath word of God. Adam and Eve did but once of God, and cast into the abyss of hell. eat of the fruit of which the Lord had for- Alas, alas, what will befall those miserable bidden them, therefore, for Adam's sake the men in the great and terrible day when the earth was cursed. In the sweat of his face Lord will appear in his glory, whose pride, he was doomed to eat his bread all the days excess, debauchery, pomp, tyranny, bloodof his life. Eve and her daughters must thirstiness, adultery, fornication, and papal bring forth in pain, tand be in subjection to abominations, no heart can conceive, no their husbmands. They were driven fromln tongue express, no pen describe! Rom. 1: 24. Paradise, and with all their race, doomed Koran, Dathan and Abiram, though they to return to dust, from whence they were'were of the seed of Abraham, and some of taken. Here also there was no forgiveness. i *Thus Christ came into the world to redeem man. ~ Such are the fruits of true repentance, i kind. '20 SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. them were born of Levi, yet because they says Jeremiah, the prophet; say not, here is revolted against Moses and Aaron, and the temple of the Lord, the temple of the sought to enter into the sacerdotal office, Lord, the temple of the Lord, for it avails without being called, they and all their nothing, that Christ died, and that we are company, were swallowed up by the earth called by his name, if we do not possess a alive, Num. 16: 32. Consider what will ul- sincere, regenerating, vigorous faith in Jesus timately happen to our Korites, whom God Christ, pure, unfeigned love, willing obedinever acknowledged, much less were sent by ence, and a pious and irreproachable life. him, and whose office, calling and service God's mercy, we read, is to his saints, and are not from God and his word, but as the he hath care for his elect, but the hope of scriptures teach, from the bottomless pit, the wicked is vain, Wis. 3: 9; 5: 15. "The the dragon and the beast, Rev. 9: 1; 13: 4; eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and 20: 1-3, who mislead so many poor, miser- his ears are open unto their cry," Ps. 34: 15. able souls with their seducing doctrines, "Ye are my friends," says Christ, "if ye do Babylonian sorceries and hypocritical lives, whatsoever I command you," John 15: 14. and not only despise, but also rail, perse- Therefore, we pray and exhort you again to cute, crucify and kill Christ, the righteous reform; he is still the same unchangeable Moses and Aaron. If Moses, the faithful God, Mal. 3: 6. He is a strict, jealous and servant of God, could not enter the promised rigid punisher of all wickedness; yea, a land because he once doubted the word of righteous judge of all ungodliness and of the Lord, how much less shall this unbe- every evil work. He visits tie iniquities of lieving, perverted and obdurate generation the fathers upon the children unto the third enter the eternal land of promise and glory, and fourth generations of them that hate that not only disbelieve and despise the him, Ex. 20: 5. On the other hand, he is word of the Lord, the acceptable gospel of compassionate, kind, and merciful unto all Jesus Christ, but also bitterly hate and per- that do righteously, and fear his name, to secute it, trample the blood of Christ under many thousands who love him and keep foot, stop their ears against the truth, and his commandments. refuse to be taught by any means, either 0 reader, reader, beloved reader, it is a with the truth, the unblamable lives of the fearful thing to fall into the hands of the saints, or the innocent blood of the witnesses living God! The time is fulfilled, now is of Jesus, which has been shed, and in many I the accepted time, now is the day of salvacountries flowed like water. tion. The kingdom of heaven is at hand; 0, ye miserable men, who are so entirely would you inherit and enter into it, you depraved and miserable before God, take must repent, not only in appearance, as the heed to the word of the Lord, cleanse your hypocrites do, but as sincere penitents, with bloody hands, and your impure and unbe- 1 all your hearts, and all your powers, and lieving hearts, and no longer despise the bring forth good fruit. If not, you must be grace of God with your vain boastings, and cut off and cast into the fire of his fierce say not Abraham is your father, Jn. 8: 39; wrath, John 15: 6; Luke 3: 9. ImJ nirsi that you are the children of God; that Christ resi'puerite, oqmnes siiliter,, periites, i. e., died for you, or that you will also confide "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise in his mercy. "Trust ye not in lying words," perish," Luke 13: 3. FA IT H 1 In the third place, we teach with Christ Christ Jesus. The believer, by faith, reand say, "Believe the gospel," Mark. 1: 15. ceives dthis gospel tr through the Holy Ghost, That gospel is the glad tidings and promul- and does not look upon his former rightgation of the favor and grace of G-od toward eousness or unrighteousness, but hopes us, and the forgiveness of our sins through against hope, Rom. 4: 18, and with the FAITH. 21 whole heart depends upon the grace, word all that believe that I am he, shall have and promises of the Lord; since he well eternal life, Rom. 10: 11; John 3: 16. knows that God is true, and that his prom- Behold, beloved Sirs, Friends, and Brethises are sure, Ps. 33: 4; Rom. 3: 4; 1 Cor. en, all who believe this are those of whom 1: 9; thereby the heart is renewed, convert- the scriptures say, "To them gave he power ed, justified, made pious, peaceable and to become the sons of God, even to them joyous, Rom. 14: 17; Gal. 5: 22; he is born that believe on his name, which were born, a child of God, John 1: 13, approaches, with not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor full confidence, the throne of grace, Heb. 4: of the will of man, but of God," Jn. 1: 12, 13. 11, and thus becomes a joint heir of Christ These are they who are justified by faith, and a possessor of everlasting life, Rom. 8: and have peace with God, through our Lord 14; 1 Tim. 1: 16. Such then awaken in time; Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access they hear and believe the word of the Lord; by faith into this grace wherein we stand, they weep over their past unworthy lives and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and conduct; they desire help and advice Rom. 5: 1, 2, and this, as Paul says, is all for their sick souls. To such, Christ, who of grace and love, all have sinned and come is a comforter for all troubled hearts, says, short of the glory of God; being justified "Believe the gospel;" that is, fear not; re- freely by his grace, through the redemption joice and be comforted; I will not punish that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set nor chastise you, but will heal you, comfort forth to be a propitiation, through faith in you, and give you life, Is. 41: 10. A bruised his blood, &c., Rom. 3: 23-25. There is reed I will not break, and smoking flax I none, that of himself, can rejoice in, or boast will not quench, Matt. 12: 20; "I will seek of this faith;* it is tie gift of God, Eph. 2: that which was lost, and bring again that, 8. All who receive faith from God, receive a which was driven away, and will bind up tree full of all manner of good and delicious that which was broken, and will strengthen fruit; happy are they who receive this gift that which was sick," Ezek. 34: 16; for I am of God, for it is more precious than gold, not come to call the righteous, but sinners silver or precious stones; it is incomparable, to repentance, Matt. 9: 13; Mark. 2: 17; Lu. he that obtains it, obtains Christ Jesus, for5:32; according to the good pleasure of my giveness of sins, a new mind and eternal heavenly Father, I came into the world, and life, for the true faith, which is acceptable by the power of the Holy Ghost, I became a to God, cannot be dead; it must bring forth visible, tangible and dying man; in all fruit, and thus manifest its nature; itworks points like unto you, yet without sin, Heb. continually in love; walks willingly in 4: 15; I was born of Mary, the spotless vir- righteousness; mortifies flesh and blood; gin; I came down from heaven, proceeded crucifies the lusts and desires; rejoices in from the mouth of the Most High; I am the the cross of Christ; renews and regenerates, iirst born of every creature, the first and the quickeneth, makes free and gives peace in last; the beginning and the end, Rev. 22: Christ Jesus. Behold, such a faith, I say, 13; the Son of the Almighty God, Luke 1: is the gift of God, Eph. 2: 8, by which the 32, anointed with the Holy Ghost to preach ri\ghteous, according to the scriptures, are the gospel to the poor, and to bind up the to live as did Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the M oses, Rahab and all the saints. Every captives, to give sight to the blind, to open good tree bringeth forth good fruit after its the prison to them that are bound, and to kind, Matt. 7: 17; every tree which bringeth proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, not forth good fruit, although in its full Is. 61: 1, 2 Luke 4: 18. Believe the gospel. foliage, must be accursed and consumed I am the Lamb that was offered for you all. with fire, Matt. 3: 10. Thus also a fruitless, I take away the sins of tie whole world. powerless faith, such as is possessed by the My Father has made me unto you "wisdom, world, and does not work by love, be it ever righteousness, sanctifiction, and redemp- so learned, wise, eloquent, plausible and tion," 1 Cor 11: 30; Rom. 6: 10. Whosoever ~ believeth on me shall not be ashamed; yea, * Salvation is the gift of God. 22 A SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. miraculous, still, it is in the sight of God citizens and children of thle new and heavunclean, dead and accursed, 1 Cor. 13: 2. enly Jernsale, made fre free om your eneTherefore, we exhort you, with Christ Mies, hell, sin, dearth and the devil, and Jesus, "Believe the gospel;" that is, believe war according to e Spilit, and not acthe joyful news, the message of divine grace o. through Jesus Christ; leave off sinning, cording to 6. Qh crts manifest repentance for your past lives, Jio due habet Jtta ( ^ernamifl i. (., lie that submit to the word and will of the Lord; believeth on Son e of God athl everlastthen you will become heirs and joint-heirs, ing life, John 3: 36. A SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACYU. We poor, wretched men, deprived of all why we are not deterred from our doctrine, human assistance and consolation, who like faith and practice, by coercion, poverty. innocent sheep without a shepherd, have be- misery persecution and death; that you come a prey to the roaring lions of the for- Iay thus more th oroughly examine the est, and devouring beasts of the held; a r truth and be no longer guilty of innocent spectacle and reproach to the whole world, I blood. Be pleased to show some natural have to suffer daily, under the oppressive candor, and human charity towards your sword of lords and princes; have to hear poor servants. Think not in your hearts, and endure, the inhuman revilings and that we poor, forsaken men, after the tiesh, abuse of the learned, the abominable lying are wood or stone; but we are with you deand scoffing of the common people; we scended from one father, Adam, and front humbly entreat the imperial majesty, kings, one mother, Eve, and are created by the lords, princes, authorities and officers, every same Godl, having a common entrance into one in his calling, dignity and honor, and this world, are clothed with the same nature, all our beloved and gracious rulers, through desiring rest and peace, concerned for wives the deep and bloody wounds of our blessed and children as well as you, and naturally. Lord Jesus Christ, that you would but once as all other creatures on earth, fearful of lay aside all displeasure and evil opinions death. concerning us, and with sincere pity reflect hereforeee, humble yourselves in the name upon the inhuman and severe trials, misery, of Jesus, that your poor souls may be saved. necessities, crosses and martyrizations of Examine I say, our doctrine and instrucyour distressed and innocent servants; for tions, and you will find through the grace the great God before whom we stand, who of God, that they are the pure and unadultis the Searcher of all hearts, and before erated doctrines of Christ, the holy word, whose eyes all things are open and re- I the word of eternal peace, the word of eternal vealed; who knows that we seek nothing truth, the word of divine grace, the word of else upon this earth than that we, with a our salvation, the unconquerable word, good conscience, may live according to his against which the gates of hell shall never holy commandments, ordinances, word and prevail, Matt. 16: 18; they are the two-edged will; but if there are some pernicious sects, sword that proceeded out of the mouth of as alas! in our day there have been, they the Lord, Rev. 1: 16, the sword of the spiit will, no doubt, in due time become mani- by which all must be judged, that dwell fest. upon the earth, Eph. 6: 17. Do therefore condescend so much as to 0, ye beloved sirs, put the sword into the peruse our writings diligently and meditate sheath; for as true as the Lord liveth, you upon them with a God-fearing and impartial do not fight against flesh and blood, but heart, so that you may know with certainty j against Him, whose eyes are a flame of fire, A SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. 23 who judgeth and maketh war in righteous- with the word of the Lord, as the scriptures ness; who is crowned with many crowns, direct us, resist the anti-christian doctrines, whose name no one knoweth but himself; ordinances and life. AWe resist neither the who is clothed with a vesture dipped in' emperor, theking, norany authority to which blood; whose name is called the Word of they are called of God; but we are ready to God; who rules the nations with a rod of obey till death, in all things which are not iron; who treads the winepress of the fierce- contrary to God and his word, and well ness and wrath of almighty God; who hath know what the scriptures teach and enjoin on his vesture and on his thigh a name concerning this matter, Rom. 13: 1-8. But written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD we desire so much mercy, that under your OF LORDS, Rev. 19: 11-16. gracious protection we may live, teach, 0, ye highly renowned lords and princes, labor, and serve the Lord, according to the it is against this Being that you are in this dictates of our consciences, so that to you manner contending with your counsel and and many with you, the gospel of Christ sword. Remember what the great prophet may be rightly preached, and the gate of of the Lord, Zechariah, said concerning the life opened. Alas! if the learned had the children of God, who, in this world are ever word of God, and we had it not, how gladsubject to suffering, "-ie that touchet h you, ly would we be taught by them. But since toucheth the apple of mine eye," Zech. 2: we have it, and they do not, therefore we 8. It is a fearful abomination, and bitter pray, for Jesus' sake, do not urge us to leave enmity, thus miserably to murder, destroy Christ and join anti-christ; to go from truth and exterminate those, who with such warm to error; from life to certain death. hearts, seek the Lord and eternal life, and Oh, ye renowned lords and princes, who who would not molest any one upon the I are appointed of God, to be heads and ruearth. "Precious in the sight of the Lord," lers, consider well and believe on the word David says, "is the death of his saints," Ps. of the Lord; for if you will not desist from 116: 15. It is Jesus of Nazareth whom ye per- unrighteousness, fear God and do right, it secute, Acts 9: 5, and not us; therefore would be better for you if you had never awake, forbear, fear God and his word, for been born. The innocent blood of Abel we shall all be called to appear before one calls unto heaven, and will be strictly deJudge, before whom neither power, exalta- manded at your hands at the last day. tion, comeliness, fine speech nor talents will Again we say, awake, fear God's word; for avail. Judgment will there be passed in God, the Lord himself, will rule in heaven, righteousness upon all flesh, impartially in his kingdom, that is, in the hearts of and without respect to persons; the op- men. He will permit none to detract from pressed will then receive justice, and the his glory, or become exalted above him. crucified Jesus with his elect, released from ILucifer, the fair angel of God, desired to the power of death, and the hands of tyrants, exalt himself to the Most High, and was will enter into his promised inheritance, cast out of heaven into the abyss of hell; kingdom and glory. and is retained in chains of darkness till Seeing then that you deal so unjustly and thejudgementofthe lastday, Isa. 14: 12-15; tyranically, according to the evil intentions Rev. 12: 7-9; Pet. 2: 4. of your hearts, without the sanction of Beloved Sirs, receive it in love, and be not scripture and mercy, with the helpless and offended, for the truth must be made known. God-fearing, how can you expect any grace Your pride has arisen to heaven; look to and mercy in the day of the Lord? when we Christ and his word, his example and his shall all have to stand before the impartial life; judge impartially, and you will find judgment seat, where every one will be re- this to be true. The Almighty, eternal Fawarded according to his deeds, 2 Cor. 5: 10. ther, through his eternal Wisdom, Christ We desire not such favors as the evil-doers Jesus, has instituted and commanded all of this world; for we have not sinned in this things in his kingdom, that is, in his church, our doctrine, faith and practice, although relating to doctrines, sacraments and life, we have to suffer so much; but we, only according to his divine counsel, will and 24 A SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. wisdom. But you, through the counsel and of his pride; and how, after being punished, instigation of the learned, by your inhuman, he turned to wisdom, feared the Almighty, and cruel mandates, have changed, de- highly praised his wonderful and glorious stroyed and corrupted these, as if the al- works, and his great and adorable name. mighty and eternal word should yield to Beloved Sirs, awake, and mend your ways, your command and authority; and as for it does not become the creature to rise though the divine ordinances of the Son of up against the Creator. Christ alone will God might be changed into a more suitable be the head of his church, the Teacher in his form, and to a better purpose through the school; and he alone, the King who will wisdom of men. 0 presumption of all pre- judge his kingdom; not with the doctrines sumption! O folly of all follies! Why ex- and commands of men, nor with slaying alt thyself, O earth and dust! Acknowledge and murdering, but with his Holy Spirit, Christ Jesus, your chief Lord, who, of God, power, grace and word. is made to you a Prince and Judge. "The Therefore, we pray you, 0 ye great ones heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's," of the earth, whom we, through the mercy saith David, "but the earth hath he given of God, acknowledge in all temporal things, to the children of men," Ps. 115: 16. I have as our gracious lords, that you would reno doubt, that if any were to rise up against ceive the eternal, Almighty King, Christ the emperor or king, and enter into his Jesus, as the only Savior, Lord and soverkingdom and government, he would not be eign of our poor souls, even as he was orborne with patiently, nor go unpunished; dained by his Father; and that you would how much less then, will a poor, fleshly mor- attend to the duties of your office and temtal go unpunished, who rises up against the poral government, to which you have been Almighty Emperor, and King, Christ Jesus, called; for we with all our hearts, desire to to dethrone him from the seat of his divine render unto "Ca sar, the things which are majesty, and to rob him of his sceptre, and Cwsar's; and unto God the things which the crown of his glory, as though Christ are God's," Matt. 22: 21. Be pleased also Jesus, the eternal wisdom of God, was un- to consider this, our doctrine and instrucreasonable and unfit for the heavenly gov- tion, concerning baptism, the Lord's supper, ernment. Reflect what becanie of those and the shunning of Babylonian deeds; and haughty and proud hearts from the begin- compare them well with the word of the ning, who desired to place their seats unto Lord. We hope, through the grace of God, the throne of God ththat you will find, in truth, that we believe Therefore, humble yourselves under the and teach nothing but that which the true mighty hand of God, as Peter teaches. Take oracle of the Lord has commanded us, and as an example, the great and prosperous the holy apostles have tauglht and confirmed; king Nebuchadnezzar, and observe how to this end, may the, great Lord grant you grievously God punished him, on account his grace, Amen. CONCERNING BAPTISM. Christ, after his resurrection, commanded Here we have the Lord's command conhis apostles, saying, "Go ye therefore, and cerning baptism, when and how, after the teach all nations, baptizing them in the ordinance of God, it shall be administered name of the Father, and of the Son, and of and received; namely, that the gospel must the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe first be preached, and then those baptized all things whatsoever I have commanded who believe therein, as Christ says, "Go ye you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even into all the world, and preach the gospel to unto the end of the world, Amen," Matt. every creature; he that believeth and is bap28: 19, 20. tized shall be saved, but he that believeth CONCERNING BAPTISM. 25 not, shall be damned," Mark. 16: 15. Thus father, or a servant, his master, and it is has the Lord commanded and ordered; much more unbecoming for the creature to therefore, let no other be taught, or prac- exalt himself above his Creator. But now ticed forever. The word of God abideth it is manifest that the whole world, with its forever. Young children are without under- unprofitable doctrines, and commandments standing and cannot be taught, therefore, of men; with its anti-christian customs, long baptism cannot be administered to them standing usages, its tyrannical, murdering withoutperverting the ordinance oftheLord; sword, judges over Christ and his word. misusing his exalted name, and doing vio- The truths of Christ are esteemed lies; his lence to his holy word. In the New Testa- wisdom, foolishness; his light, darkness, ment there are no ordinances enjoined upon and his gospel, perverted and false. In infants, for it treats, both in doctrines and short, Christ must be silent and suffer. sacraments, with those who have ears to Now it may probably be said, that this hear, and hearts to understand, Matt. 13: was necessary in the beginning of the gospel, 16. Even as Christ commanded, so the holy because at that time, there were no believers apostles also taught and practiced, as may whose children might be baptized; but now, be plainly perceived in many parts of the if the parents are believers, then are the New Testament. Thus Peter said, "Repent, children also to be baptized, even as Abraand be baptized every one of you in the ham, when he believed, circumcised his chilname of Jesus Christ for the remission of dren, Gen. 17: 23. O no! this does not follow. sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Although Abraham believed God, only Ghost," Acts 2: 38. Again, Philip said to one-half of his seed was circumcised, namethe eunuch, "If thou believest with all thine ly, the male children, and not the female, heart, thou mayest," Acts 8: 37. Here, faith though he was the father of the female, as did notfollow baptism, but baptism followed well as of the male children, of which, by faith, Mark 16: 16. the grace of God, more shall be said in the Christ has thus commanded baptism, and replication. received it himself, according to the follow- In the beginning the gospel was to be ing manner: When the time had come, and preached, and faith followed hearing, and the hour had approached, in which he would baptism followed faith; this is incontrovertfulfill the commission enjoined upon him, able, for so the Scriptures teach, Rom. 10: preach the word, and make known his 17. But that the children of believers should Father's holy name, he came to John, to the be baptized because Abraham's children Jordan, and desired to be baptized of him, were circumcised, can in no wise be susthat he might fulfill all righteouness. He tained by Scripture; but if it could be esprepared to meet temptation, misery, the tablished, though it cannot, there would cross and death, and as a willing, obedient then be but few children baptized, for the child, resigned himself to the will of his Al- number of true believers, it is to be lamentmighty Father; he himself saith, "I came ed, is very small, as any one may see. down from heaven, not to do mine own will, They are not all christians who are so but the will of Him that send me," Jn. 6: called. But those only who have the Spirit 38. He was baptized of John, attested to of Christ, are true christians, though I know by the Holy Ghost, and acknowledged by not where many are to be found. Yea, what the Father, as a beloved Son, Matt. 3: 17; more shall we say? All who with Abel 17: 5. bring an acceptable offering; those who are Behold, thus Christ commands, and was born with Isaac of the free woman, and with himself baptized; thus the apostles taught, Jacob have the birthright, and have oband practiced. Who will rise up against tained the paternal blessing, must be slain the Lord, and say, it shall not be so? Who by bloodthirsty Cain, mocked by Ishmael, will teach and instruct wisdom? Who will and hated by Esau, even as we hear and see accuse the apostles and evangelists with on all sides. May God effect a change for falsehood? It would be entirely unbecom- tbe better. ing for a child to command and judge his Behold, this is the word and will of the 4 26 CONCERNING BAPTISM. Lord, that all who hear and believe the For as the death of our Lord would not word of God, shall be baptized (as above have profited us, had he not risen from the stated), thereby to profess their faith, and power of death to the praise of his Father, declare that they will henceforth not live neither will it avail us anything to bury our according to their own will, but according sins in baptism, if we do not arise with to the will of God. That for the testimony Christ Jesus from the power of sin, unto a of Jesus they are prepared to forsake their new life, to the praise of the Lord. "For homes, chattels, lands and lives, and to suf- in that he (Christ) died, he died unto sin fer hunger, affliction, oppression, persecu- once," says Paul, "but in that he liveth, he tion, the cross and death; yea, they desire liveth unto God; likewise, reckon yourselves to bury the flesh with its lusts, and arise to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto with Christ to newness of life, even as Paul God, through Jesus Christ." And, "As ye says, "Know ye not that so many of us as have yielded your members servants to unwere baptized into Jesus Christ, were bap- cleanness and iniquity, unto iniquity; even tized into his death? Thereforewe are buried so now yield your members, servants to with him by baptism into death; that like righteousness and holiness." For being as Christ was raised up from the dead by made free from sin, ye became the servants the glory of the Father, even so we also of righteousness, and have your fruit unto should walk in newness of life," Col. 2: 11, holiness, and the end everlasting life, Rom. 12; Rom. 6: 3, 4. 6: 10, 11, 18, 19, 22. Beloved Reader, take heed to the word of Here observe, intelligent reader; you who the Lord, for this also Paul teaches, who desire to know the truth, and seek the salreceived not his gospel of men, but of the vation of your soul, what the great and holy Lord himself; even as Christ died and was apostle Paul has taught you. If you beburied, so also ought we to die unto our lieve his word, doctrine and testimony to be sins, and be buried with Christ in baptism; true, you will no doubt readily perceive, we are not to do this after we have been from these instructions, and from many baptized, but we must commence and do all other passages in the Scriptures, that bapthis before hand. "For if we have been tism is no more applicable to infants, than planted together in the likeness of his death, circumcision was to the females of the Israwe shall be also in the likeness of his resur- elites; for we are no more commanded to rection. Knowing this, that our old man is baptize infants than Israel was to circumcrucified with him, that the body of sin cise female children. It is also impossible might be destroyed, that henceforth we for little children to die to sin, as long as should not serve sin; for he that is dead is they have not been made alive to it; neither freed from sin," Rom. 6: 5-7; for even as can they rise to a new life, as long as they Christ died, hath taken away sin, and liveth are not born of God through faith, and by unto God, so every true christian dieth unto the Spirit of God led into righteousness. sin, and liveth unto God. Therefore beware, for the intent of baptism Think not that we teach, that christians is to bury sin, and to rise with Christ into are to die unto sin, in such a manner, as to a new life, which can by no means, be the become insensible to sin. Not by any means; case with infants; therefore, consider well but they die unto sin, so as to be no longer what the word of the Lord teaches you on obedient to their impure lusts, as Paul says, this subject. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal Again, Paul calls baptism "the washing body, that ye should obey it in the lusts of regeneration." O Lord, how lamentably thereof," Rom. 6:12; also, John says, "Who- thy Holy Word is abused. Is it not greatly soever is born of God doth not commit sin; to be lamented, that men are attempting, for his seed remaineth in him; and he can- notwithstanding these plain passages, to not sin,* because he is born of God," 1 Jn. maintain their idolatrous invention of in3: 9; 5: 18. fant baptism, and set forth that infants are * According to the Holland, "He has no desire to sin." regenerated thereby, as if regeneration was simply a pressing into the water? 0 no, re CONCERNING BAPTISM. 27 generation is not such a work of hypocrisy, ing), there is no promise. "He that believbut is an inward change, which converts a eth not the Son, shall not see life; but the man by the power of God, through faith, wrath of God abideth on him," Jn. 3: 36. from evil to good, from carnality to spirit- The Lord commanded Moses that he uality, from unrighteousness to righteous- should stretch forth his hand, and with the ness, out of Adam into Christ, which can in rod smite the sea, and the waters should be no wise take place with infants. The regen- divided. Moses believed the word of the erated live by the power of the new life; Lord; stretched forth his hand and smote they crucify the flesh with its evil lusts; the sea with his rod; the waters were dividthey put off the old Adam with his deeds; ed and Israel was redeemed; not by the rod they avoid every appearance of evil; they and the stroke, but by the power of the diare taught, governed and influenced by the vine word received by Moses, through a sinHoly Ghost, Rom. 1: 17. cere and living faith. Had Moses not beBehold this is true regeneration with its lieved the word of God, and through disfruits, of which the Scriptures speak, and obedience not smote the sea, undoubtedly comes through faith in the word of God, affrighted and oppressed Israel would have without which no one, who has arrived to fared ill. He also received a command in the years of understanding, can be saved; the wilderness to erect a brazen serpent, so as Christ says, "Verily, Verily, I say unto that when Israel looked thereon, they might thee, except a man be born again, he can- be healed of the bite of the serpents. Moses not see the kingdom of God," Jn. 3: 3. Yea, believed the word of the Lord, and erected it is all in vain, if one were even baptized of a serpent; Israel looked upon it and was Peter, or Paul, or Christ himself, if he were healed, not through the virtue of the image, not baptized from above with the Holy but through the power of the divine word, Ghost and with fire, Matt. 3: 11, as Paul received by them through faith. In the same says, "In Christ Jesus neither circumcision manner salvation is ascribed to scriptural availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but baptism, Mark. 16: 16; the forgiveness of a new creature," Gal. 5: 6; 2 Cor. 5: 17. All sins, Acts 2: 38; the putting on of Christ, who are thus born of God, changed and re- Gal. 3: 27, and incorporation into his church; newed in the inner man, and translated not on account of the water, or the adminfrom Adam into Christ, are ready to obey istered sign (else the kingdom of God would the word of the Lord, and say with holy depend upon the elements and signs), but Paul, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to on account of the power and truth of the do?" They deny themselves with all their divine promise, which we receive by obediminds and hearts; they submit to the word ence through faith. For all those who teach and ordinances of the Lord, without dislike reliance upon words, the elements and or opposition; they receive baptism accord- works, with Aaron, make a golden calf, and ing to the command of the Lord, Matt. 28: suffer a people without understanding to 19. They become and manifest themselves commit idolatry and abominations thereas fruitful branches of Christ, the true Vine, with, for in Christ, faith alone availeth, and joint heirs in the church of the Lord, which worketh by love, the new creature, John 15: 5. They receive forgiveness of and the keeping of the commandments of their sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost; God. they put on Christ; enter the ark of safety, Beloved sirs, friends, and brethren, awake and are secured from the dreadful flood of and delay not, render the Most High his wrath, which, like a net, will come upon all due praise and honor, and give ear to his them that dwell upon the earth. This, how- holy word, for those who maintain that the ever, is not effected by the power of the baptism of children that are incapable of water or the sign, but by the power of the understanding, is a washing of regeneration, divine word, received through faith; for do violence to the word of God; resist the where there is no faith, which through love Holy Ghost; make Christ a liar, and his worketh obedience (we again speak of those holy apostles false witnesses; for Christ and who have come to the years of understand- his apostles teach that regeneration comes 28 CONCERNING BAPTISM. through faith from God and his word, which means of their plausible comments and their word is not to be taught to those who are much boasted reason (probably that they unable to hear or understand, but to those may retain the favor of the world, and live who have the ability, both to hear and un- in opulence without cross or affliction), and derstand; this is incontrovertible. teach, that baptism is a sign of grace; The holy apostle Peter also explains the which according to my limited understandsame and says, that "even baptism doth ing, can in no wise be established. Our also now save us; not the putting away of sign of grace is Christ Jesus alone, through the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a whom God's abundant love is freely disgood conscience toward God (or the cove- pensed and declared unto us. By signs he nant of a good conscience toward God), by was gloriously prefigured to the ancient pathe resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Pet. 3: 21. triarchs, as by the coats of skin to Adam Here Peter teaches us how the inward and Eve; by the rainbow to Noah, by cirbaptism saves us, by which the inner man cumcision to Abraham, by which sign they is washed, and not the outward baptism by were assured of the divine covenant. But which the flesh is washed; for only this in- we are assured of God, of his divine grace, ward baptism, as already stated, is of value and his eternal peace, by this one sign only, in the sight of God, while outward baptism which is Christ Jesus. The seal in our confollows only as an evidence of obedience sciences is the Holy Ghost, but baptism is which is of faith; for could outward bap- a sign of obedience, commanded of Christ, tism save without the inner washing, the by which we testify, when we receive it; that whole Scriptures which speak of the new we believe the word of the Lord, that we are man, would be spoken to no purpose. The sorry for, and repent of our former life and kingdom of heaven would be bound to ele- conduct; that we desire to rise with Christ mentary water; the blood of Christ would unto a new life; and that we believe in the be shed in vain, and no one that is baptized forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ. Not, could be lost. No, no! outward baptism my beloved, that we believe in the remission avails nothing so long as we are not in- of sins through baptism; by no means; bewardly renewed, regenerated, and baptized cause by baptism we cannot obtain faith of God, with the heavenly fire and the Holy and repentance, neither do we receive the Ghost. But when we receive this baptism forgiveness of sins, nor peace, nor liberty from above, we will be constrained through of conscience, but we testify thereby that we the Spirit and word of God, by a good con- have repented, received pardon and faith in science, which we thereby obtain, to believe Christ, as before said. With the fathers it sincerely in the merits of the death of the was not thus, for they, through the signs, Lord, and in the power and benefits of his received assurance and comfort that the resurrection; and henceforth, because we promise would be true and sure. We have are inwardly cleansed by faith, and the this assurance in Christ Jesus alone, in spiritual strength which we have received, whom all the figurative signs were complewe submissively covenant with the Lord, ted; so that we have in this only true sign, through the outward sign of baptism, which Christ, that which the fathers had in many is enjoined on all the believers in Christ, figurative signs. In short, had we forgiveeven as the Lord has covenanted with us in ness of sins and peace of conscience, through his grace, through his word, that we will no outward ceremonies and elements, then the longer live according to the evil, unclean REALITY would be superceded, and his lusts of the flesh, but walk according to the merits made of no effect. witness of a good conscience before him. Behold, this is the only and true foundaThough these words of Peter are very tion of baptism maintained by the Scripplain, the learned are not ashamed to force tures, and none other. This we teach and them into a very different signification, by practice though all the gates of hell rise against us; for we know it is the revealed * This has reference to infants, that are incapable of word of the Lord, and his divine ordinance, understanding. from which we dare not take away, nor add CONCERNING BAPTISM. 29 thereto, lest we be found disobedient and expressly commanded, nevertheless hemainfalse before God (who alone is the Lord and tains that it is right. O Lord! how lamentGod of our consciences), for, "every word of ably they do err, who court the favor and the Lord is pure; he is a shield unto them honor of men, and seek not the favor and that put their trust in him," Prov. 30: 5. honor of God. Since infant baptism is not Oh God, what are the learned and highly expressly commanded of God, as he aclearned masters of this world doing, who knowledges, it cannot be acceptable to the are so earnestly engaged in derogating from Lord, Et per consequence, i. e., and by conGod's word and wisdom, and ingeniously sequence, no promise can follow. Thereurging their own vain reason and wisdom; fore, the reader should know, that true they will not prosper; God will not give his christians ought not to be governed in this honor to another, for he is the Lord; that is matter, by the opinions and traditions of his name, and beside him there is no other, men, but by the word and the ordinances of Isa. 42: 8. Conquering, he will conquer them. God. For we have but one Lord and Master He will turn wisdom to folly and their rea- of our conscience, Christ Jesus, whose word, son to disgrace, for he "knoweth the will, command and ordinance, it becomes thoughts of the wise, that they are vain," us, as his willing disciples, to follow, even 1 Cor. 3: 20. as the bride rejoices greatly to hear the Luther writes, that children should be bridegroom's voice, John 3: 29. baptized on account of their own faith, and Since we have not a single command in adds, "If children had no faith, then their the Scriptures that infants are to be bapbaptism would be blaspheming the sacra- tized, or that the apostles did practice it; we ment," &c. It appears to me, to be a great modestly confess, with a good conscience, error in this learned man, through whose that infant baptism is but human invention; writings at first the Lord effected much good, a selfish notion; a perversion of the ordithat he maintained that children, without nance of Christ; a manifest abomination, knowledge and understanding, had faith, standing in the holy place, where it ought, while the Scriptures teach so plainly, that properly, not to be, Matt. 24: 15. they know not good from evil, that they can- Beloved sirs, how little the word of the not discern right from wrong, and he (Luther) Lord is regarded, which says, Ye shall not says that faith is dormant and concealed in do after that which is right in your own children even as in a believing person who is eyes, but observe whatsoever I command asleep, till they arrive at the years of un- you, Deut. 12: 8. Did not the Father testify derstanding. If Luther writes this as his from heaven and declare, "This is my besincere opinion, he writes much in vain con- loved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear cerning faith and its power, but if he writes ye him?" Matt. 17: 5. Does not the whole to please men, may God have mercy upon Scripture direct us to Christ? Are we not him, for I know of a truth it is only human baptized in his name that we should hear reason and the invention of men; but it shall his voice, and be obedient to his word? Do not make void the word and ordinance of you not boast to be the apostolic church? the Lord. We do not read in Scripture that Why do you then depart from Christ and the Apostles baptized a single believer while adhere to anti-christ; fiom the apostolic asleep. They baptized those who were doctrine and practice to the doctrine and awake, and not the slumbering. Why then practice of the learned? Do observe how do they baptize their children before that severely and frequently God punished men sleeping faith awakes and is confessed by for the self-formed opinions which they them? maintained as works of holiness and diBucer does not thus support this doctrine, vine worship. but he maintains infant baptism differently, Nadab and Abihu, because they offered namely, not that children have faith, but strange fire before the Lord, were suddenly that they, by baptism may be added to the destroyed by fire, before the altar, through church of the Lord, and instructed in his the wrath of God.:word. He admits that infant baptism is not Saul had mercy on Agag, the king of the 30 CONCERNING BAPTISM. Amalekites, and prompted by his good in- who are baptized in infancy, are called tentions, spared the best sheep and oxen, to Christians and are accounted partakers of sacrifice unto the Lord, contrary to the the Lord's grace, merits, death and blood, word of the prophet. That seeming act of and are called his people, although the mercy and laudable zeal was punished as whole course of their lives, is entirely heathe sin of witchcraft and idolatry, because thenish, wild and dissolute; yea, they inhe acted according to his own judgment, dulge in nothing but gluttony, drinking, and not according to the word of the pro- gaming, whoring, cursing and swearing, phet. He was reproved by the prophet, as though the water in baptism could make smitten with a pestilence, his kingdom and preserve them Christians. O no! Paul taken from him, and given to a more faith- declares, "He that hath not the Spirit of ful one, 1 Sam. 15: 23. Christ, is none of his," Rom. 8: 9. Yea, the Manasseh, the king of the Jews, and helpless, innocent children, though baptized others in Israel, made their children pass with the blood of the Lord, and having the through fire. They built temples and altars sure promise of the kingdom of God, if not in all the high places, also in cities and baptized, with this baptism, must be buried countries, with good intentions; for they without the grave yard as accursed. What were desirous thereby to honor the Al- infamy!-what blindness! We will say nothmighty and eternal God, as may be plainly ing of godfathers, of crossing, breathing seen, 2 Kings 21: 3-6. This glorious and upon, sprinkling with salt water, anointholy choice was so offensive before God, ing, spitting upon, and their abominable that Jeremiah refused to intercede for the exorcism, all of which is nothing else than people. Israel was desolated, Jerusalem open blasphemy, and not commanded of and the temple burnt; and the people with God. What abominable, detestable idolathe holy vessels were carried into a foreign try these things are. land, 2 Kings 25: 9; 2 Chron. 36: 12. There- In the third place, we are informed by fore, saith God by the prophet, Obey my historians, ancient, and modern, and also voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall in the decrees, that baptism was changed be my people; and walk ye in all the ways both as to its mode and time of administerthat I have commanded you; not those of ing. In the beginning of the holy church, your own choice; that it may be well with persons were baptized in common water on you, Jer. 7: 23.! their first profession, upon their own faith. What advice then, my beloved friends, according to the Scriptures. Afterwards a shall be given in relation to such wilful de- change was made; they were examined ceivers, who so presumptuously do violence seven times before being baptized; after that, to the expressed word of the Lord, and so they were baptized at two stated periods; shamefully belie the Almighty, the Most namely, at Easter and Whitsuntide. HiginHigh God, and teach that it is the word ins, the tenth pope, instituted godfathers, of God; though such things he never pro- in the year A. D. 146. Finally, Luther tells posed, much less commanded, and never will. us, that in the year A. D. 407, Pope InnoHow awful it is thus to sin against God, cent confirmed infant baptism by a decree, and so lamentably to pervert his holy and and it is to be feared that it will not be precious word! Yea, they shall be severely abrogated, but at the expense of much inpunished of the Lord with heavy judgments, nocent blood of the saints and children of they shall not escape the ire of his fierce! God; even as the prophets, in their days wrath, if they do not repent and reform; for reproved the accursed abominations and God is an enemy to all liars. They have idolatry of the kings, priests and people, neither part nor lot in his kingdom; but not by admonition only, but also with their their portion is eternal destruction, in the blood, as we read in both sacred and prolake of fire, 2 Thes. 2: 8; Rev. 20: 10; 19: 20. fane history. In the second place, it is evident, that in- If infant baptism was commanded of God, fant baptism is an accursed, abominable in his word, why did Innocent add his deand idolatrous institution; for all those cree? How can baptism as practiced by the CONCERNING BAPTISM. 31 world, be right, since it has been so fre- It is our determination, in this matter as quently changed? We entreat you, for in all other matters of conscience, in view Jesus' sake, to reflect that Christ Jesus and of the wrath of Almighty God, that we will not the learned, is King and Lord of his not be influenced by lords and princes, nor Church; and rules over it with his sceptre, by doctors and teachers of schools, nor by Spirit and word, Matt. 11: 27. As it is said, the influence of the fathers, and long estabHe is made unto us Wisdom, and none can lished customs, for in this matter, neither instruct him; he appeared, in order that emperors, nor kings, nor doctors, nor lihe might testify to the truth. They that love centiates, nor councils, nor proscriptions the truth, hear his voice; believe his word, against the word of God, will avail. We and not that of the learned; for his word is dare not be bound to any person, power, truth; but the word of the learned, in this wisdom or times, but we must be governed respect, is seduction; for Christ commands alone, by the expressed and positive comthat believers should be baptized; but in mands of Christ, and the pure doctrines and relation to infants, that are without under- practices of his holy apostles, as remarked standing, he gave no command. But the above; for if we do so, we neither deceive learned say, he that has not his children any one in this matter, nor are we deceived. baptized, and is himself baptized upon his Alas! woe to him, woe to him, who departs faith, as Christ commanded, is a fanatic, from this foundation, or is compelled to do ana-baptist and heretic. so, either through the infirmities of the flesh We have he n yu te p l or tyranny, or by false doctrine; and will We have here gven you the principalnot testify of the word of his Lord until reasons why we oppose infant baptism, not death unto this wicked and sinful generaonly in doctrine, but also to the sacrifice of tion, both in wor and dee, Matt. 10 our lives and possessions. For we well 3; 16 24. know, by the grace of God, that there is not one word in the Scriptures in its support. Observe, all of you who persecute the We tell you the truth and lie not. Is there word of the Lord and his people, this is one under the canopy of heaven who can our instruction, doctrine and belief concernshow us, by divine truth, that Jesus Christ, ing baptism, according to the instruction of the Son of Almighty God, the Eternal Wis- the words of Christ, namely, we must first dom and Truth, whom alone we acknowl- hear the word of God, believe it, and then edge as the Lawgiver, and Teacher of the upon our faith be baptized; we are not seNew Testament, has given a single com- ditious or contentious; we do not approve mand that children should be baptized; or of polygamy; neither do we seek nor wait that his holy apostles ever so taught, or for any kingdom upon earth. practiced? O no! no! to God be eternal praise; we What need then to urge this upon us by well know what the word of the Lord teachtyranny and punishment? Only show it to es us and testifies to, on this subject. The us in the word of God, and the difficulty is word of the Lord commands us that we, removed. For God, who is omniscient, with a sincere heart, desire to die to sin, to knows, that in our weakness, we humbly bury our sins with Christ, and with him to seek to walk according to the divine ordi- rise to a new life, even as baptism is a nances, word and will, for which we, poor figure thereof. miserable men, are shamefully reviled, ban- That we seek to walk humbly and- upished, robbed and slain by every one in rightly in Christ Jesus, in the covenant of many countries, like innocent sheep; but his grace, and his eternal peace, and with the Lord be eternally praised! We are esan approved conscience before God, even teemed as unworthy of heaven or earth,, even as Christ said, "They shall deliver as the mouth of the Lord has commanded; you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you; as he has testified by his example, and as and ye shall be hated of all nations for my we are taught by the pure doctrines and name's sake," Matt. 24: 9. practices of the apostles, 1 Pet. 3: 21. 32 CONCERNING BAPTISM. COUNTER ARGUMENTS WITH TIIEIR REPLICATIONS. Having briefly noticed the Lord's corn- Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins." But mand, and the apostolic doctrine, prac- this is not to be understood, that we receive tices and signification of baptism; that it is the remission of our sins through baptism. and will be the true baptism to the end O no! for if it be so, then Christ and his of time, we will also, now, through the merits must fall. But we receive the remisgrace of God, as a duty, refer and reply to sion of our sins, in baptism, as follows: some scriptural passages of which the The Lord commanded his gospel to be learned wrongfully make use, to make void preached to every creature, so that all who the ordinance of the Lord, and place in its believe and are baptized, may be saved. stead their own. Where there is faith, which is called the In the first place, they teach that we are gift of God, by Paul, there also are the all the children of wrath, and sinful; born of power and the fruits of faith. Where there the sinful seed of Adam, and therefore, say is an active, fruitful faith, there also is the they, children are to be baptized, in order promise; but where such a faith does not to be purified and washed from original exist (we speak of adults), there also is no sin, &c. promise. For he that hears the word of the To this we reply thus: With the word of Lord, and believes it with the heart, manithe Lord, we believe and confess that we all fests his fruit, and faithfully observes all come from, and are born of unclean seed; things the Lord commanded him; for the that we through the first Adam, who was of Scriptures teach, the just shall live by faith, the earth, became wholly depraved, and Heb. 10: 38. Then the remission of his sins children of death and of hell, Rom. 5: 12. is preached to him, as Peter teaches and inNevertheless, as we fell, and became sinners structs. in Adam, we also believe and confess, that Had Noah and Lot not believed the word through Christ, the second and heavenly of the Lord, they would have fared ill. Had Adam, we were restored to grace and justi- Abraham not believed, he would not have fled. For he appeared upon earth, that obtained such glorious promises; but they in and through him we might have life. believed, and did right, and became heirs Through him only we glory to have ob- of righteousness, Heb. 11: 8. tained grace, favor and the forgiveness of Had Moses and Israel not believed the our sins with God our Father; and not word ofthe Lord and been disobedient, how through baptism, whether we are children could they have been succored in the sea or believers; for if redemption, and the and in the wilderness? But they believed, washing away of original sin, were through and according to his promise, were protectbaptism, and not by the blood of Christ ed by the mighty hand of the Lord. But alone, then would the sweet smelling sacri- those who provoked him, and believed not fice, which is of eternal worth, have been in his gracious word, and the great miracles, vain, and without effect, or, there would be fell in the wilderness, and entered not the two remedies for our sins. Alas, no! the promised land. Scriptures speak but of one, which is Christ There was also reconciliation connected with his merits, death and blood, 1 Pet. 1: with the sacrifices of the Old Testament, not 19. Therefore, he who seeks the remission on account of the worth of the smoking ofof his sins through baptism, rejects the ferings upon the altars; for it was not posblood of the Lord and makes water his sible, says Paul, that the blood of bulls and idol. Therefore, let every one be careful goats should take away sin, Heb. 10: 4. lest he ascribe the honor and glory due to Before it was offered, it was all the Lord's, Christ, to the outward ceremonies and crea- and the cattle upon a thousand hills, were ture elements. his, says David, Ps. 50: 10. But because It is true, Peter says, "Repent and be the righteous believed the word of divine baptized every one of you in the name of promise as true, and walked in obedience CONCERNING BAPTISM. 33 to his command, so now also is the remis- and dismissed them; but did not baptize sion of sins preached through baptism; not them. on account of the water, or the ceremonies Thus did the wisdom of God himself; but performed, for Christ, I repeat, is the only the world would be his teacher. Christ does source of grace; but, because the righteous not command that infants should be bapreceive the promises of the Lord by faith, tized, but believers; but the world comand obediently follow his word and will. mands that we should baptize children and This direction does not extend to infants. not believers.* Yea more, if any one is For in all the Scriptures, there is not a baptized upon his faith, because the Lord single command given to baptize them. has so commanded; and for conscience' sake Therefore, it is not required of them as a has not his children baptized, because God sign of obedience. Since, then, infant bap- does not command it, his name, alas! is retism is performed without the command of proached by all, and he is subjected to torGod, it cannot be a ceremony of God, but ture, misery and death; and this is not to a pernicious superstition of men, and evi- be attributed so much to the rulers, as to dently idolatry; therefore, the promise of those who are esteemed teachers and preachGod cannot rest upon such abominations. ers, for what the rulers do, they generally It seems to me, it is high time to awaken, do by the counsel and instigation of the and to give heed to the Scriptures. For learned. By their fruits, they show who is Jesus' sake, sin is not imputed to infants their father, for they do his works. It seems that are innocent, and incapable of under- to me they always have been, and ever will standing. Life is promised, not through be those, who, with their false doctrines, reany one ceremony, but out of pure grace, I vengeful spirits, and hard hearts, shed the through the blood of the Lord, as he him- blood of the righteous, Rev. 17: 6; 18: 24. self says, "Suffer the little children to come Alas! such persecution is so disgraceful, unto me and forbid them not; for of such is that it is almost a shame to mention it. the kingdom of God," Mark. 10: 14. But For as clear as the sun shines on this world, concerning baptism he did not command and is seen by every one, so manifest is the them any thing. inhuman, raving tyranny of the learned According to my opinion, it is a great against te Lab and his chosen. God error, which some entertain, that the chil- that the eyes of these blind, pervertdren of the Jews were acceptable to Christ ed, blood-thirsty teachers, with all their tyron account of circumcision; and that oursanny, may be opened, that they may beare acceptable to him on account of bap- come satisfied and weary of their false doctism. 0 blasphemy and infamy! In everytrine and the seddin of innocent blood, Amen. instance, Christ, the only ediu of divine the grace must be set aside, and grace must be In he sec they teah that the attributed to the lifeless rites and elements. children of Israel under the Old Testament, Here I would ask all Pedo-baptists, how were admitted into God's covenant and they are going to prove that these blessed church trough circumcision; but now, our children were all circumcised, and that children are admitted through baptism. To there were not among them female chil- this, in accordance with Scripture, we reply, No. Whoever reads the Scriptures underdren? If they were acceptable on account No Whoever reads the Scriptures underof their circumcision, as they pretend, then, standingly, ill clearly perceive, that Abra1 ham was in covenant with the Lord, many why were not adults who were circumcised ham was in covenant with the Lord, many wh acceptable?'o 1^ t Ih wr years before he was circumcised. And that acceptable? the children were circumcised on the eighth Although they were circulmcised, he com- manded that adults should be baptized up- j* Menno means to say that Christ commands, that on their faith; but concerning infants he those who have come to years of understanding, who gave no such command. He took them into have the ability to receive the truth and believe it, his arms, laid his h them should be bptized, and not infants upon ther receive nor understand the truth, and therefore are inblessed them; promised them the kingdom, jcalale o lbelieving. 5 34 CONCERNING BAPTISM. day, although they had been in the cove- Therefore, are the signs not to be used for nant before. For it is evident, that we do any other purpose than that for which they not become the children of God through any were instituted and commanded of the Lord. outward rites, but through the paternal and Since Christ has ordained and commanded to gracious choice, through Christ Jesus. But baptize believers; and has not said a word an outward sign was required of Abraham about infant baptism, we believe and teach as a seal of obedience and faith. And like- that the baptism of believers is of God and wise of his seed, that they should circumcise his word, and infant baptism of the dragon the male children on the eighth day; no and the beast. sooner nor later, and not the female chil- All the rites ordained of God, both of the dren. Had the covenant depended upon the Old and New Testament, are ordained to sign, and not upon the assurance of grace, exercise our faith and to show our obedience. what would have become of the female chil- Therefore we should not use and change them dren, and the males that died uncircumcised at our pleasure; but we must use them as before the eighth day? the Lord himself has ordained and comBeloved reader, give heed to the word of manded, if we would escape being punished God. Although the women and female chil- by the fierce wrath of God, as were Nadab dren were not circumcised, they had the and Abihu, Lev. 10: 2. promise in common, in the promised seed, Since Christ has commanded that believthe holy land, the kingdom and glory. They ers should be baptized, and not infants, were no less the seed of Abraham and sub- and the holy apostles taught and practiced ject to the covenant of God, and the things thus, in accordance with the instructions signified by the sign thereof, than the cir- and commands of Christ, as may be seen in cumcised men and male children. From many places of the New Testament, all reawhich it is evident, that the children of Is- sonable-minded men must admit, that inrael were not in the Lord's covenant, on ac- fant baptism, although alas, practiced by count of circumcision, as Pedo-baptists as- nearly the whole world, and maintained by sert, but through the divine choice of grace. tyranny, is nothing less than a ceremony of And even as Abraham and the children of anti-christ, open blasphemy, an enchanting Israel, the female as well as the male chil- sin, a molten calf; yea, abomination and dren, were in the covenant not through the idolatry. sign, but through the divine choice, so also We also well know how they apply cirare our children in the covenant of God, al- cumcision as a figure of baptism, and adthough not baptized. The word of Paul is duce the saying of Paul in proof thereof, incontrovertible. He (God) has chosen us namely, "In whom also ye are circumcised in him, before the foundation of the world, with the circumcision made without hands, and has ordained us his children through &c., Col. 2: 11. He that will attempt to Jesus Christ, Eph. 1: 4. prove, by this passage that infant baptism Again, Children are entitled to the king- is right, does violence to holy Paul, and dom of heaven, and are under the promise falsely perverts his testimony. For he does of the grace of God, through Christ; as has not teach that external circumcision is a been said; and therefore we truly believe, figure of baptism, but alludes to inward cirthat they are blessed, holy and pure, ac- cumcision. For even as actual circumcision ceptable to God; are under the covenant, of the foreskin was performed with a knife and in his church, but by no means, through of stone, so also must our inbred and carnal any external sign; for there is not a word nature be cut off with that spiritual knife of in all the Scriptures whereby to maintain, stone, and circumcised with a circumcision that children should be admitted into the made without hands. The stone is Christ. covenant and the church by such a sign. The knife is the word of God, I Cor. 10: 4; Besides, it is very evident that they cannot Heb. 4: 12. It is with this circumcision that be taught or admonished by word, or sacra- believers, not children, are circumcised, as ment, as long as they are without the abil- Paul evidently intends to teach by this ity to hear and understand. scripture, "Ye are circumcised with the cir CONCERNING BAPTISM. 35 cumcision made without hands, in putting actions. Whether they are baptized or not, off the body of the sins of the flesh by the their inbred nature is prone to evil from circumcision of Christ, buried with him in their youth. They know no difference bebaptism, wherein also ye are risen with him tween Christ and satan; between good and through the faith of the operation of God," evil; between life and death. Whereby then Col. 2: 11. It appears to me, that these shall we know their faith, regeneration, or words plainly show that Paul spoke not in that they possess Christ and his Spirit? The relation to the baptism of infants; but in regenerating word must first be heard and regard to the inner circumcision of the be- believed with a sincere heart, before regenlievers. Read also what we said above con- eration, the putting on of Christ and the cerning Romans 6. influences of the Holy Ghost follow. In the third place, they say that children Behold, thus we are taught by the word are regenerated, put on Christ, and receive of the Lord. He that does, therefore, not the Holy Ghost in baptism. desire the palatable bread of the divine To this we reply: To be regenerated, to word, upon which our souls have to live. put on Christ, and to receive the Holy Ghost, may satisfy himself with the husks that the is one and the same thing; and according swine eat, Luke 15: 16; we cannot forbid to its power, inseparable. Have you the him. I trust that the gracious Father will one, you have the other also. But that does protect and preserve us forever, through his not at all concern infants; for regeneration great mercy, from their anti-christian doctakes place through faith, through the word trines and Pharisaical leaven. of God, and is a change of heart, or of the In the fourth place, they say that alinward man, as above said. To put on though infants are not so washed from oriChrist, is to be transplanted into Christ, ginal sin in baptism, that there are no reand to be like-minded with him. To receive gn s i b t t a n reand to be like-minded with him. To receive mains of it, still, for the sake of baptism it the Holy Ghost, is to be a partaker of his shall not be imputed to them as sin. gifts and power, to be taught, assured and influenced by him, as the Scriptures teach. To this we reply: Thus to teach and beThis cannot take place with infants; for lieve, is open blasphemy against Christ and they have no ears to hear the word of the his blood. I have proved more than once Lord, and no understanding to comprehend by the word of the Lord, that Christ is the it; for through the word and the hearing of only remedy for our sins, and that there is the word all this is accomplished. I tae word all this is accomplished. forever none other, Isa. 43: 25; Matt. 1: 21; Here it ay be asked, whether God is Acts 4: 12. If men will not believe the word not powerful enough to work faith in chil- of God, there is no human help for them. dren; because John the baptist, yet unborn, But the way or manner in which believers leaped for joy in his mother's womb. receive the remission of sins, in baptism, is We reply to this, that we are not speak- fully explained above, and he that reads it ing of the power of God; he made aged and understandingly, will give the Lord Jesus barren Sarah fruitful, and caused Balaam's the praise due him, and not ascribe the rebarren Sarah fruitful, and caused Balaam's ^ element ass to speak. But it does not follow that mission of his sins to rites and elements. all old, barren women will become fruitful, In the fifth place, they say that Christ has and that all asses are to speak. He does cleansed and sanctified his church with the not at all times do all that he can, or has washing of water by the word. Children, power to do; we speak only of the precept they say, belong to the church, therefore of the Scriptures, what they teach and com- they must be cleansed with the washing of mand us concerning this matter. water by the word, Eph. 5: 26. Because infants do not understand, they To this we reply: Paul does not speak of cannot believe, and because they do not be- infants, but of those who hear and believe lieve, they cannot be born again. Reason the word of the Lord, and thus by faith, are teaches us that they cannot understand the sanctified and cleansed in their hearts; for word of God. That they do not believe and such are cleansed by the washing of water, are not regenerated, is evident from their as the mouth of the Lord has commanded. 36 CONCERNING BAPTISM. Since infants have not this pure, sanctify- they should, therefore, be baptized; and ing faith, nor the means thereto (that is, the that they were not baptized before Christ's understanding), and are not commanded in death, gives us greater assurance of this still, Scripture to be baptized; how can they then and that for this reason: We certainly know, be cleansed with the washing of water by that he taught no other word, no other docthe word, having no faith in the word, and trine, no other baptism, nor did he give anno washing of water by the word? There- other Spirit, or another promise, nor did he fore, all pedo-baptists should know, that instruct others to teach differently after his their infant baptism does neither cleanse death, than he did before that event. That nor sanctify, but that it is idolatry in toto, he commanded his holy apostles, after his without promise, pernicious, and contrary death and ascension, to teach and practice to the word of the Lord. infant baptism, can never be proved by the We have before shown, that the remission word of the Lord. of sins, or reconciliation was connected with, Oh Human Nature! thou art not ashamed and consequent upon the Jewish offerings, to charge lies upon Jesus Christ and his if performed according to the instructions of apostles, and to practice infant baptism Moses. But when not thus performed, they under the semblance of the divine word, as did not obtain reconciliation, but made if the Lord had taught it, althougih:he never themselves the more guilty, as Saul, Uz- did. How much you are like those who ziah, Nadab, Abihu and others. In like say, "The Lord saith it; albeit, I have not manner is the church sanctified and cleansed, spoken," Ezek. 13: 7; thus saith the Lord. with the washing of water, by tie word, if As often as the question is put to us, Why it is done in every respect according to the shall infants not be baptized, since they are instruction of the word. But if it is not in the church of God, and partakers of his done so, we are not cleansed but much more grace, covenant and promise? We answer: commit sin. Because the Lord neither taught nor corlAnd although infants have neither faith manded it. nor baptism, think not therefore that they In the seventh place they say, The Scripare damned. Oh no! they are blessed; for tures inform us that the apostles baptized they have the Lord's own promise of the whole families, from which we may readily kingdom of God; not through any elements, conclude, that there were infants among ceremonies and external rites, but only by them. grace, through Jesus Christ, Matt. 19: 13- To this in the first place, we reply: Since 15. And therefore, we do truly believe, that they endeavor to maintain their position they are under grace, acceptable to God, with uncertain conjectures, they acknowlpure, holy, heirs of God and eternal life, edge by their own arguments, that they and on account of this promise, all sincere, have no scriptural authority for this docchristian believers, may assuredly rejoice trine. and comfort themselves in the salvation of In the second place, we answer: In things their children. of such importance, we dare not build upon In the sixth place, they say that infants uncertain suppositions, but upon the sure are to be baptized on account of the promise word, which is a lamp to our feet and a made them, as above stated; although Christ light to our path, Ps. 119: 105. did not baptize the children brought to him, In the third place, we answer: Four falminor had them baptized; but they say that lies are mentioned in the Scriptures, as havhe had infant baptism taught and practiced ing been baptized; namely, That of Corneafter his death. lius, of the Jailor, of Lydia and of StephanTo this we reply: This is a false doctrine, as, Acts 10: 48; 16: 15, 33; 1 Cor. 1: 16, and and has not the word of God to sanction it; the Scriptures plainly show that three of yea, it cannot be supported by a single these were all believers; namely, the family word in the Scriptures. We rejoice with of Cornelius, of the Jailor, and that of Steall our heart, that they have this promise; phanas. But touching the family of Lydia, the Scriptures, however, do not teach that although the Scriptures say nothing defi CONCERNING BAPTISM. 37 nitely concerning it, the reader should know indisputable, "Though we, or an angel from that it is not usual in Scripture, nor the corn- heaven, preach any other gospel unto you mon custom of the world, to call the family than that which we have preached unto you, by the woman's name, as long as the hus- let him be accursed," Gal. 1: 8. Else we band is living. Since then, Luke mentions would be constrained to acknowledge, that the family by the name of the woman, rea- the twelve apostles with their doctrine, were son teaches us, that Lydia was at that time not the twelve foundations and twelve gates either a widow or a virgin. Of the proba- of the new Jerusalem, Rev. 21: 12. bility as to whether there were infants in If infant baptism is apostolic, why does her house or not, we shall let the pious Tertullian write and say, "They who are to reader judge. be baptized, confess for a considerable time In the fourth place, we answer: The word in the church, before the bishop, that they household, or houses, does not include the renounce the devil, his pomp and angels. minor children as mentioned in the Scrip- After that they are," &c. ture; for Paul speaks of vain talkers who Revanus annotates on this passage and subvert whole houses. Now it is incontro- says That it was the custom of old, that vertable that an infant cannot be subverted adults (grown persons) be baptized by the by any false doctrine. Therefore, by the washing of regeneration. word house or houses, no others can be un- That infant baptism was not apostolic derstood than those who have ears to hear, may be distinctly seen from the insipid reand hearts to understand. marks of Athanasius, as Rufinus plainly In the last place, they appeal to Origen shows; see _Eusebius, 10 Libro Ecc. His., and Augustine, and say that these assert, Cap. 14. that they have received infant baptism from Remeber also how the early writers conRemember also how the early writers conthe apostles. tended aout infant baptism. Had it been To this we answer and inquire, Can Ori- tended about nfant baptism. Had i bee apostolic, and found in the gospel,- why gen and Augustine prove this by the Scrip- ostol d od e thus wnglel tures? Have they done so? We desire to know; should they have thus wrangled. if not, then must we hear and believe Christ Read also Erasmus Rotterod, in sua conand his apostles, and not Augustine and cion, i.e., in his 2ublic orations, Sebastus ^~Origen. 1 }'~~Frank's Chronicle, Ulrich Zuingli, in his That this is not the case may readily be book of Articles, Martin Cellarius, de imseen from Cyprian, because he neither en- enis pe, ei,. e., Concerning the inzjoined nor condemned infant baptism, if mense works of God, and you will find, that those who for many years past have been ^infant baptism is not the doctrine and pracpreachers at Norlingen, have rightly in- tice of the apostles. formed me in their church records, and not Behold, beloved reader, I admonish and deceived me in the meaning of the word advise you, if you seek God with all your Liberum. heart, and do not wish to be deceived; deCyprian also was a Greek, as well as Ori- pend not upon men and their doctrine, no gen, and lived twenty-five years after him. matter however old, holy and excellent they If then infant baptism was the doctrine of may be esteemed; for the divines, both anthe apostles and practiced by them, as Ori- cient and modern are opposed to each othgen and Augustine assert, it must first be er; but put your trust, alone in Christ and proved by the Scriptures, and in that case his word, in the sure instruction and pracCyprian must have committed a great sin tice of his holy apostles, and you will to leave the observance of the doctrines and through the grace of God, be perfectly safe practices of the apostles at liberty. For from all false doctrines and the power of any thing that is apostolic, dare not be the devil; and may walk with a free and changed by any man. The word of Paul is pious mind before God. 38 CONCERNING BAPTISM. AN ADMONITION ADDRESSED TO THE SCORNERS OF THE WORD CONCERNING BAPTISM. We well know, beloved reader, that there serve your neighbor in sincere and unare many unprofitable talkers, who teach feigned love, with all your powers, with all from the letters of the Scriptures, that in- your possessions, with your counsel, with fants should not be baptized, but only chris- your labor, yea, if required with your death tian believers; nevertheless they say: Why and blood; with a sincere heart to suffer my beloved, what can water avail us? We misery, disdain, and the oppressive cross have been once baptized in the name of of Christ for the Lord's word; and to conGod. Had we only the new life, it would fess Christ Jesus before lords and princes, suffice us. O dear Lord! thus is thy pre- in prison and bonds, by words and deeds, cious word every where esteemed of this vi- unto death. cious world as fables of JEsop; as if Omni- We think that these, and the like compotent Majesty, the Eternal Wisdom and mands, are more painful and difficult to Truth had taught and commanded some perverse flesh, which is naturally so prone things to no purpose. No, my good reader, to follow its own way, than to have a hand no; his name is the Sovereign Lord; his full of water applied; and a sincere chrisword is his will; his command is eternal tian must at all times be ready to do all life. All things which he has taught and this; if not, he is not born of God; for the commanded us, he will undoubtedly have regenerated are of one mind with Christ us to observe; if we do not, woe to us. Jesus. Christ says, "Ye are my friends if ye do I All who, by the grace of God, have been whatsoever I command you," John 15: 14. translated from Adam into Christ, and be"My counsel," says the prophet, "shall come partakers of the divine nature, and stand, and I will do all my pleasure," Isa. are baptized of God, with the Spirit and 46: 10. Therefore, O Creature, do not longer fire of heavenly love, will not contend so fight against God. Give ear to him and deridingly with the Lord, and say: My beobey his voice, for it is his divine counsel, loved, what can water avail? But they say word and will. Who are you, that you with trembling Paul, "Lord, what wilt Thou would contend with God? Christ's sheep have me to do?" And with the penitents on hear his voice. True christians believe and the day of Pentecost, "Men and brethren, obey. Are you a sincere christian, born of what shall we do? " They will renounce their God? Then why do you dread baptism; own wisdom, and willingly obey the word which is among the least that God com- of the Lord, for they are influenced by his manded you? It has always been a difficult Spirit, and through faith, with willing, obeand important command to love your ene- dient hearts perform all things commanded my; to do good to those who hate you; to i them of the Lord. pray in spirit and in truth, for those who But as long as their minds are not repersecute you; to crucify your wicked and newed, and they are not of the same mind ungodly flesh, with its impure lusts and de- with Christ; are not washed in the inner sires; to subdue your arrogant pride; your man with clean water, from the living fountavariciousness; your offensive unchastity; ain of God, they may well say, What can your bloody hatred; your eating and drink- water avail us? For as long as they are ing to excess; to renounce your accursed earthly and sensually minded, the whole idolatry; to desist from your envious revil- ocean would not cleanse them. ings; to curb your slanderous tongue; to My faithful reader, think not that we put govern your heart, and flesh; to love and great stress upon the elements and rites. I fear with all your heart, your Lord and tell you the truth in Christ, and lie not. If God, your Creator and Redeemer; and in any one were to come to me, even the emall things to submit to his holy word, and peror, or the king, and would desire to be COtCERNING BAPTISM. 39 baptized, still walking in the unclean, un- words and judge them by the word of God, godly lusts of the flesh, and were he not un- and you will find that the baptism which blamable, penitent and regenerated, I hope you have received is without the command by the grace of God, I would rather die than of God's word; that it originated through to baptize such an impenitent and sensual self-righteousness, and was invented byman, man. For where there is no renewing, re- and therefore it must be accursed of God, generating faith, leading to obedience, there who alone will reign and rule in his church. is no baptism.* Even as Philip said to the Would you rejoice in the promise and be Eunuch, "If thou believest with all thy partakers of the church of Christ, you must heart, thou mayest." But nevertheless, you believe the word of the Lord, be obedient to, ought to know, should the subject for bap- and follow his counsel, will and ordinances. tism come with a hypocritical heart, under But if you refuse, and follow your own, and semblance of faith, that his hypocrisy would not the Lord's counsel and will, you cannot not be imputed to the baptizer as a sin, but comfort yourselves with any scriptural proto the dissembler; for no man knows the mise, for "he that believeth not," says Christ, heart of man, save the spirit of man which "is condemned already." is in him, 1 Cor. 2: 11. Therefore, do no longer comfort yourselves It appears to me, that you may readily with such vain comfort, and say, We have conclude from the language which we have been once baptized; for at heart you are yet used that we desire no other water, than entitely unbelieving; yea, rebellious and that which the word of the Lord has com- unclean. Your whole life is earthly and manded. For since we believe that Christ carnal, your baptism anti-christian, and is the true Messiah, to whom the law and without the sanction of the word of God. the prophets pointed, whom all the right- Therefore, awaken, repent, believe in Christ, eous fathers and patriarchs desired; that he seek, fear and love God with all your heart, came from heaven and testified to the truth, then the word of the Lord and his unction and that his command is eternal life, we will teach you what is proper for you to do must, therefore, hear his voice and obey his or not to do, in this matter. And say not, word; if not, we actually show that we do as some do, I will renounce the church and not believe, but that we reject his counsel idolatry; I will serve my neighbor, &c.; but and word, and are ungrateful towards him, I do not wish to be baptized. for his love. O you blind men! Do you think that the I know well, that many of you will say, Lord is pleased with your staying away We were once baptized in the name of God, f the church, or with your alms, or any and with that we are satisfied. To which thing of the kind, if you rject his counsel we reply: If you fear God with all your and word? No! no!! He desires your obeheart, and acknowledge that his word and dience, but not sacrifice. He desires the whole ordinances are just and good, you must de- hert, the entire ma. With him, neither cide that you are not baptized in the name church nor alms will avail, neither words of God, but contrary to it. It is true that nor deeds, as long as you do not manifest the adorable, exalted name of God was pro- a new heart and life. " For in Christ Jesus, nounced over you, but not otherwise than it says Paul, "neither circumcision availeth is pronounced over church-bells, churches, anything, noruncircumcision, butfaithwhich altars, consecrated water, tapers and palms. worketh by love, a new creature, and the All anti-christian idolatry and abomina- keeping of the commandments of God," Gal. tions, alas, are performed under the sem- 5: 6;: 15; 1 Cor.7: 19. blance of the divine name; although they An whosoever is renewed in Christ and are not done by virtue of, but against his born of God, he liveth no more, as Paul name, for they are done contrary to his says, but Christ Jesus liveth in him. In all word and will. his ways he conforms to the word of the My dear reader, reflect well upon these Lord, for that powerful, active faith con" ~_____~_ ~strains him to all obedience, and to every *There can be no scriptural baptism administered. good work. But where this new life is not, 40 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. there fair words may indeed be, but in truth, were sent; what kind of faith they had; there is only unbelief, disobedience, wan- what kind of lives they led; with what doctonness, presumption, and perverseness. trine and practices you were baptized. If I hereby entreat and admonish you, be- you will seriously reflect thereon, I hope by loved reader, not to be so obstinate against the grace of God, if you desire true peace the Lord, and say, What can water avail us? and liberty of conscience, you will soon be But do reflect that Christ Jesus himself was aware that you never knew either the exbaptized, Matt. 3: 13, although he was with- ternal or internal baptism, much less reout sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, ceived it. 1 Pet. 2: 22; yea, who was himself right- Behold, beloved reader, here you have eousness, the way, the truth, and the life. the true foundation and scriptural instrucTell us then, what could water avail Christ, tions of the baptism of Christ, and an exwho was all in all things? The disciples also planation of the baptism of anti-christ. at Ephesus were re-baptized of Paul, because they knew nothing of the Holy Ghost, al- P the Lord, the ost H, for a sou though they had been baptized with the bap- and clear understanding, that you may sintism of John. If Christ himself was baptized cerely know the right and blessed truth, bewho was without sin, and others were re-bap- ieve, and in te fear of the Lord, faithfully tized of Paul, who had been baptized with observe it. Cease from all useless disputing the baptism of John, which was also from and gainsaying; for whosoever will dispute heaven, Why do you then despise the Lord's and gainsay with the determination to rebaptism, you who are poor, miserable sin- main inthe road way, will ruin his soul, ners, who were baptized without knowledge never walk with a good and sure conscience and faith, with the baptism of the dragon before od, and alays find occasion to - and the beast? I pute and wrangle. Cyprian, the Martyr, with his entire coun- Therefore, do examine, believe, and obey cil in Africa, resolved that those who were the word of God with a sincere and devout baptized of heretics, should be re-baptized heart, and be not deceived by being led into with the christian baptism, and this for the the appearance of godliness, by fair speeches, reason, that they maintained that the bap- and you will certainly obtain the sure doctism of heretics could not be the baptism of trine of the saving truth, and the consoling Christ. Reflect a little, kind reader, who promise of grace. The Lord Jesus Christ they were that baptized you; by whom they grant you his grace, Amen. THE LORD'S IIOLY SUPPER. You know, beloved sirs, friends and breth- tors, debauchees, adulterers, whoremongers, ren, that every where much is written, and rogues. It is also celebrated, as may preached and said concerning the Lord's be seen, with abominable pomp and splenSupper. But with what knowledge, with dor, with hypocrisy and idolatry; and bewhat faith, love, peace, unity, and after I sides, it is dispensed by such ministers who what manner and ordinance they celebrate only seek worldly honor, ease and the satisit, is plainly evident. It is true, the Lord faction of the cravings of their flesh and commanded, in the New Testament, the bodies. breaking of bread, or the last Supper, but Since so many of you are so zealous not in the manner in which you celebrate it. about the Lord's Supper, but not according Your Lord's Supper is common to all, no to the Scripture, as you shall hear; for your matter who, or what they are; to the avari-! table may more properly be called the devcious, proud, gay, drunkards, haters, idola- i]'s table than the Lord's table, 1 Cor. 10: 21, THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 41 I desire for Jesus' sake, that you would in all things spiritually. For whatever that the true fear of God, reflect to whom, why may be in substance, it can be handled, seen and wherefore the Lord instituted, ordained and tasted. But this we should most conand left, this his last Supper, to his church, sider, that we in our weakness ought to folso that it may prove to you a living and an low, and as much as possible conform ouraffecting sign; that it might bring to your selves to the signification, that is, that which minds, and set forth the Lord's great and is set forth, represented and taught by this abundant kindness, true peace, the love and sign to all true christian believers. union of his church, the communion of his On this account, we will not trouble the flesh and blood; and that you may die to well meaning and pious reader, with jarunrighteousness, and every ungodly work; ring, fruitless disputing, concerning the outlive to righteousness and godliness; re- ward sign, as the learned do; but we only nounce the devil's table; and that you may desire, by the help and grace of the Lord, sit down at the Lord's holy table, in the by the power of the divine word, to point church of Christ, with true faith, a pious, out correctly, for whom, and why Christ penitent and regenerated life, and with un- Jesus left and ordained this Supper; so that feigned, brotherly love. we may not esteem the visible sign above Thus saith Paul, "I have received of the the reality, and depart from the truth to Lord that which also I delivered unto you, images. that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which To come to a right, profitable and chrishe was betrayed, took bread; and when he tian understanding of the Lord's Holy Suphad given thanks, he brake it and said, per, what it is, to whom, why, and whereTake, eat; this is my body, which is broken fore it was enjoined, four things in particufor you; this do in remembrance of me. lar should be observed and well considered. After the same manner he took the cup, In the first place, we must take heed that when he had supped, saying, This cup is the we do not, as some, who make the visible, New Testament in my blood, this do ye, as perishable bread and wine, the Lord's real oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. flesh and blood. To believe this, is contrary Heor. you. have Palsxlai'oe. to nature, reason and Scripture; yea, it is Here you have Paul's explanation of the open blasphemy of the Son of God, abomiwords of the Holy Supper, instituted by notion and idolatry. But as Israel had to Jesus Christ, Luke 22: 19, 20, concerning hold the passover annually, at the appointwhich words, the learned have disputed ed time according to the command of Moses much; and alas, some of them, through to commemorate that the Almighty God, the their idolatrous misunderstanding (if we God of Abraham, of Isaac and Jacob, did may call it such, and not pride), have dis- graciously preserve his people from the punputed at the expense of much innocent ishment and plagues, when he slew the first blood; and what holy Paul says concern- born of the Egyptians; and by his strong ing them, is fulfilled, "Professing them- hand and outstretched arm, so gloriously selves to be wise, they became fools," Rom. and wonderfully led them out, and redeemed 1: 22. For they disputed most about the them from the iron furnace of Egypt and the sign, which avails little, but the thing signi- dread tyranny and dominion of Pharaoh, fied for which the sign was instituted, which according to the word of his promise, and avails much, they touch not. In my opin- hence the paschal lamb is called the Lord's ion, they also pay little attention as to what passah, that is, passover; the sign for the rethe qualification of the guests or communi- ality; for the lamb was not the assover alcants should be, in order to sit with Christ thoug so called, but it only typified the at his table, and to celebrate this Holy Sac- passover, as said. So in the Holy Supper, ^^ ~~~rament~....the bread is called the body, and the wine There is not a single word commanded in the blood of the Lord, Matt. 26: 26-28. I the Scriptures, that should give cause for say the sig is put for the reaily,* not that dispute concerning the visible and tangible._. sign, or what it signifies. The spiritual, judge I * Reality, the thing signified or typified. 6 42 -THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. it actually is the real flesh and blood of triarch, or a prophet, but his eternal ALChrist; for with that he ascended into heav- MIGHTY WORD, his ETERNAL WISen, and sitteth at the right hand of his Fath- DOM, the brightness of his glory, in the er, immortal, and unchangeable, in eternal form of sinful flesh, and "made him to be majesty and glory; but it is an admonish- sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might ing type and memorial that Jesus Christ the be made the righteousness of God in him," Son of God has redeemed us from the power 2 Cor. 5: 21. of the devil, from the dominion of hell and My good reader, do not understand this eternal death, by offering up an immaculate as if Christ had been a sinner; by no means. sacrifice, his innocent flesh and blood, and The Scriptures acquit him of all sin. He has triumphantly led us into the kingdom was the spotless lamb. He knew not sin, of his grace, as he himself says, "This do neither was guile found in his mouth. But in remembrance of me," Luke 22: 19. Paul calls him sin, according to the Hebrew In the second place, it is to be observed, manner of expression; that is, an offering that there is no greater evidence of love, for sin, as the prophet says, "He was woundthan that one suffers death for another, as ed for our transgressions, he was bruised for Christ says, "Greater love hath no man our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace than this, that a man lay down his life for was upon him; and with his stripes were his friends," John 15: 13. Since this holy we healed, Isa. 53: 5. He gave his life as sign is only a memorial of the Lord's death, an offering for sin. and since death is the greatest evidence of Behold, worthy reader, all those who sinlove, as said, we are therefore reminded, cerely believe in this glorious love of God, when we are at the Lord's table, to eat his this abundant, great blessing of grace in bread and to drink his cup, that we not only Christ Jesus, manifested toward us, are earnestly show forth and remember his more and more renewed through such a death, but also all the glorious fruits of di- faith; their hearts overflow with joy and vine love, manifested towards us, in Christ; peace; they break forth with joyful hearts, namely, that God, in the beginning, made in all manner of thanksgiving; they praise man after his image, incorruptible, placed and glorify God with all their hearts, behim in Paradise, and made all creatures cause they, with a good conscience have resubject to him. When he was beguiled of ceived the Spirit; they believe and know the serpent, he was cheered and comforted that the Father loved us, so that he gave us with the promise of a coming Conqueror poor, wretched sinners, his own and Eternal and Savior, Jesus Christ. God sent Moses Son, with his merits, as a gift and an eternal and the prophets, who sedulously practiced ransom, as Paul says, The grace and love the law, and pointed to the promised Christ of God, our Savior, appeared not on acand his kingdom. Christ Jesus, according count of the works of righteousness, which to the promise of the Scriptures, finally ap- we have done, but according to his mercy he peared in this world, a true man, born of saved us, by the washing of regeneration, the Virgin Mary, and in much misery, af- and the renewing of the Holy Ghost; which fliction and labor, preached the saving and he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus gracious word to the house of Israel; sought Christ our Savior, "That being justified by the lost sheep, and brought them to their his grace, we should be made heirs accordtrue Shepherd; appeased and reconciled us ing to the hope of eternal life," Tit. 3: 7. before the Father, through his painful death Here it is proper to observe, how the and precious blood, Rom. 8: 3. As he him- Righteous died for the unrighteous, when self says, "For God so loved the world, that we were yet sinners and enemies; how the he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso- spotless Lamb was prepared for us, in the ever believeth in him, should not perish, but fire of affliction, suffered upon the cross, and have everlasting life," John 3: 16. was offered an eternal propitiation for our Oh, wonderful, unsearchable and incom- sins; how the Creator of all things was prehensible love of God! He did not send bruised for our sakes, and he, who was into this unfriendly world an angel, a pa- above all the children of men, became the THIE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 43 most unworthy, and was counted with evil the good of the whole body; thus it also bedoers; how the Innocent bore the sins comes the true and living members of the of the whole world, blotted out all our body of Christ, to be in harmony, of one transgressions, and redeemed us with his heart, one mind and one soul; not quarrelcrimson blood, as the Scriptures declare, some and unpeaceable, not spiteful and en"I restored that which I took not away," vious, not cruel and hateful, not malicious, Ps. 69: 4. In short, how that Jesus Christ not obstinate or rancorous, one toward anthrough his obedience, delivered Adam and other, like the ambitious, covetous, and the all his'seed from the consequences of diso- proud of this world; but in all things, one bedience, and by his painful death, again toward another, be long suffering, friendly, restored life. peaceable, ever ready in true christian love The apostle Paul acknowledged this great to serve his neighbor in all things possible; and glorious work of divine love, broke by exhortation; by reproof, by comforting, forth and said, "Who shall separate us by assisting, by counseling, with deed and from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, with possessions, yea, with bitter and hard or distress, or persecution, or famine, or labor, with body and life. Ready to forgive nakedness, or peril, or sword, as it is writ- i one another, as Christ forgives and serves ten, For thy sake we are killed all the day us with his word, life and death, as Paul long; we are accounted as sheep for the says, "Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindmore than conquerors through him that h ness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longloved us. For I am persuaded, that neither I suffering; forbearing one another, and fordeath, nor life, nor angels, nor principali- giving one another, if any man have a quarties, nor powers, nor things present, nor rel against any; even as Christ forgave you, things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor so also do ye; and above all things, put on any other creature, shall be able to separate charity, which is the bond of perfectness; us from the love of God, which is in Christ and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, Jesus our Lord," Rom. 8: 35-39. i to the which also ye are called in one body; And this is what John says, Let us love and be thankful," Col. 3: 12-15. him for he first loved us. Nature teaches And again; as in the natural body, the us to love those who love us. And this is more honorable members, such as the eye, the first fruit of the Holy Sacrament, if right- the ear, the mouth, &c., do not despise the ly celebrated. less honorable members, on account of their In the third place we have to observe, inferiority; and as the inferior members do that by the Lord's Supper we are reminded not envy the superior members, on account of, and admonished to christian unity, love, of their superiority, but as every member in and peace, after which all true christians its place, is peaceable, and contributes to should seek and strive. "For we being the good of the whole body, be its funcmany," says Paul, "are one bread, and one tions high or low; so it is also in the church body; for we are all partakers of that one of the Lord. Paul says, Some he appointed bread," 1 Cor. 10: 17. apostles; some prophets; some evangelists; Like as natural bread is made of many some pastors and teachers. Let every one grains, broken by the mill, and kneaded to- be mindful that he boasts not of what he is, gether with water, and baked by the heat of I has, or possesses, for it is all the grace and the fire; so is the church of Christ made up gift of God. Let every one attend to his of many true believers, broken in their duty, "for the perfecting of the saints, for the hearts, with the hammer of the divine word, work of the ministry, for the edifying of the and are baptized with the water of the Holy body of Christ; till we all come in the unity Ghost, and with the fire of pure, unfeigned of the faith, and of the knowledge of the love, into one body, 1 Cor. 12: 13. And as Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the the natural body is in harmony and peace measure of the stature of the fullness of with all its members, and as each member Christ," Eph. 4: 12, 13. naturally discharges its duty to promote This is also set forth in the Holy Supper; 44 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. but how the world, calling themselves chris- Likewise also the wine, This cup is the New tians, live up to this, is shown by their fruits Testament in my blood, &c.; this do in reand actions. membrance of me, 1 Cor. 11: 24, 25, as if he In the fourth place, we have to observe, had said, Behold, dear children, so far has that the Holy Supper is the communion of that love which I have had for you and the the body and blood of Christ, as Paul says, whole human family, and ever shall have "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it for you, constrained me, that I left the glory not the communion of the blood of Christ? of my Father, came into this world of afflicThe bread which we break, is it not the tion, and am as a poor, miserable servant, communion of the body of Christ?" 1 Cor. to serve you, for I beheld that you all be10: 16. longed to satan, and there was none to reSince then it is a communion, as said, we deem you; that you had all gone astray, would fraternally exhort all of you, that like erring sheep, and there was none who you would earnestly examine yourselves, cared for you; that you were a prey to dewhether you have been made partakers of vouring wolves, and there was none to ranChrist? Whether you are flesh of his flesh, som you; that you were wounded with and bone of his bone? Whether you are in death, and there was none that could heal Christ, and Christ in you? For all who you. Therefore, did I come from heaven, would worthily eat of this bread, and drink and became a poor, weak, and dying man, of this cup, must be changed in the inner in all things like unto you, sin excepted. man, and converted and renewed in their In my great love I zealously sought you, minds, through the power of the divine and I found you helpless, loathsome, and word and the operation of faith; become miserable, yea, half dead, the services of my new creatures, born of God, and translated love I have so cordially manifested toward from Adam into Christ; be of a christian you; your sores I bound up; your blood I disposition, long suffering, peaceable, mer- wiped off; I poured wine and oil into your ciful, affectionate, truly humble, and obe- putrid wounds; set you free from the jaws dient to the word of the Lord. The proud, of the bears and lions of the pit; I laid you ambitious, selfish and carnal heart must be upon my shoulders, and led you into the circumcised; the evil eye must be plucked tabernacles of peace; your nakedness I covout; the ear that delights to hear evil, must ered; had compassion on you in your misbe closed; the unprofitable, backbiting ery; I fulfilled the law for you; your sins I tongue must be bridled; the unclean, bloody took away; I proclaimed to you the peace, hand must be cleansed; the impure, un- the grace and favor of my Father; I made chaste flesh must be restrained, &c.; they known to you his good will; I pointed out must lead a crusade against the world, the the way of truth; and I have powerfully flesh and the devil; their loins must be girded testified to you, by my unheard-of signs and about with truth; having on the breast-plate great miracles, that I am the true Messiah, of righteousness; their feet shod with the pre- the promised Prince and Savior. paration of the gospel of peace. They must Behold, beloved children, so long have I be armed with the shield of faith; with the been with you, taught my Father's word, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the admonished, reproved and comforted in his Spirit. They must be led by the Spirit of name; but now my hour is at hand; this God, that they may become sincere chris- night I shall be betrayed. All that the protians; and strive with all their powers, that phet said of me has come to an end. But they, in their weakness, may be like-minded since I can serve you no longer with my with Christ Jesus, Rom. 8: 14. doctrine and life, I will, at last, serve you When Christ instituted and celebrated the with my painful sufferings, body, blood, Holy Supper with his beloved disciples, he cross, and death. said, With desire I have desired to eat this And this is the reason why I called you passover with you before I suffer. Then he to this Supper, so that I might institute a took the bread, and brake it, and said, Take, memorial for you in the use of bread and eat, this is my body which is broken for you. wine, that you might occasionally come to THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 45 gether after my death, and commemorate despisers, according to Scripture, are not inthe gracious favors of my ardent love, so vited; such as whore-mongers, rogues, adulabundantly manifested towards you; and terers, debauchees, the giddy, robbers, liars, especially, that I loved you so dearly, defrauders, tyrants, shedders of blood, idolthat I offered my body; and shed my ators, slanderers, &c., for such are not the blood for you. Greater love hath no man people of the Lord; but those, who are born than this, that a man lay down his life for of God, the true christians, who have buried his friends. I have by my death obtained their sins, and walk with Christ in a new for you everlasting reconciliation, grace, and godly life; those who crucify their flesh; mercy, favor and peace with my Father, as who are led by the Holy Spirit; who sinI told you, namely, "Even as the Son of cerely believe in God; who seek, fear, and man came not to be ministered unto, but to love him, and in their weakness, willingly minister, and to give his life a ransom for serve and obey him; such are members of many," Matt. 20: 28. his body; flesh of his flesh, and bone of his Beloved reader, take notice of the word of bone. the Lord and this institution. For where Oh! delightful assembly and christian this Holy Supper is celebrated with such banquet, where neither gluttonous eating faith, love, devotion, peace, harmony, and and drinking is practiced, nor the impious so much sincerity of heart, there Jesus Christ vanity of piping and drumming is heard; is present with his grace, Spirit, and pro- but where the hungry consciences are filled mise, and with the merits of his sufferings, with the heavenly bread of the divine word, misery, flesh, blood, cross and death; as he and with the wine of the Holy Ghost; and himself says, " Where two or three are gath- where the peaceful, joyful souls are singing ered together in my name, there am I in the melodies before the Lord. midst of them," Matt. 18: 20. But where the Awaken, 0 you, who sit in darkness and pure knowledge of Christ, living faith, the walk in the region and shadow of death. new life, christian love, peace and harmony Awaken, I say, and observe that the supper, do not exist, there is not the Lord's Supper, which you have held to the present, is not but a despising and mocking of the blood the supper of Christ, but of anti-christ; not and death of Christ, a consolation of the the table of the Lord, but the table of the impenitent, a seducing hypocrisy, and open devil. For it is generally dispensed only blasphemy and idolatry; as, alas! we know by open deceivers, and worshippers of idols; and see by the world. and received by a people who are as yet enOh! delightful assembly and christian tirely obstinate and carnally minded, disbanquet, commanded and ordained of the believing and rebellious against the word Lord himself, where there are no carnal of God. And moreover, they believe it to pleasures to gratify the flesh and appetites, be the real body and blood of the Lord, and but where are set forth, sought for, and de- celebrate it with such unbecoming, heathensired by all true christian believers, the glo- ish pomp and splendor. 0! abomination rious and holy mysteries, by the visible and idolatry!! signs of bread and wine. Beloved reader, I bear witness to the truth Oh! delightful assembly and christian in Christ and lie not, that the Holy Supper banquet, where there is no unseasonable, of Christ is not to be dispensed by a deslanderous mockery, and where no trivial ceiver, nor to be received by an impenitent songs are sung; but where the pious chris- and obstinate sinner. It does not require tian life, peace, and harmony among all the such a gorgeous and splendid array, as brethren; besides the joyful word of divine that in which the world is wont to celebrate grace, his gracious kindness, favor, love, it; neither golden vessels, nor hypocritical service, tears, prayers, cross and death are semblance of confessions, absolution, bowset forth, and taught with cordial thanks- ing, and smiting upon the breast, &c., but giving and devout joy. itmustbecelebratedwithabroken heart, true Oh! delightful assembly and christian penitence, a humble mind, with unfeigned, banquet, to which the impenitent and prgid ardent love, with peace and joy in the Holy 46 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. Ghost. Again I say, awaken, and reflect edged truth, but are walking again in the upon what I write. God's work is not imi- broad way, have returned to the love of the tating a dead letter; it is not trifling; nor is world, and are rejecting Christ and his it the sounding of many bells and organs, word, and depending upon the seducing and of singing; but it is a heavenly power, doctrines, the interpretations and false proa living, moving of the Holy Ghost, which mises of the learned; such have no part at warms the heart and mind of the believers; the Lord's table, for they are without God, pervades, comforts, anoints, encourages, as John says, "Whosoever transgresseth, awakens and enlivens them; makes them and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, joyful and happy in God. For this is the hath not God," 2 John 1: 9. true nature and power of the Lord's word, All who walk in the pride of their hearts, if it be rightly preached, and of his Holy despise their neighbor on account of povSacraments, if rightly used. erty, distress and affliction, and know not It is, therefore, high time, to take heed to that they themselves are poor mortals, seed the word of the Lord; for all who are earth- of Adam, food for worms, and a wilting ly and carnally minded, are not born of flower; yea, dust and earth, whether they God and his word; are obstinately averse are emperor, king, rich, or learned, and all to the Lord's word; love not their neigh- who thus sit at the Lord's table with a bors, nor are ready to help them; and are proud heart, eat and drink damnation not in the communion of God, therefore they themselves. cannot be members of his body, or guests All who boast of the Lord's Spirit, name, at his table. For Paul says, To be carnally covenant, word, knowledge, merits, grace, minded, is death. Christ says, Those who blood and death, yet reject his holy counsel, are not born from above, cannot see the doctrine, command, ordinance and his unkingdom of God. Samuel says, Disobedi- blamable example, despise and grieve his ence is as iniquity and idolatry. John says, Holy Spirit, hate, defraud and speak falsely He that loveth not his brother (neighbor), against their neighbor, and sit at the Lord's abideth in death. Again, He that loveth table, eat and drink damnation to themnot, knows not God, for God is love. In selves. short, without love, all preaching, all faith, j All who love houses, lands, possessions, baptizing, celebrating the Lord's Supper, Ifriends, children, the world, favor, ease of prophesying and suffering are vain. the body, honor and this life, more than We do, therefore, admonish all those de- they do Christ and his word, and attend the siring to celebrate this Supper, that they Lord's table, eat and drink damnation to would rightly learn to know what the true themselves. Christ says, He that loveth any Supper is, what it signifies, how and where- thing more than me, is not worthy of me, fore it is to be used, and who are to be par- and cannot be my disciple, Matt. 10: 37; takers of it. And then also to examine i Luke 14: 26. themselves well, as Paul teaches, before And this is the sum of the whole matter, they eat of this bread and drink of this cup; that all those who would sit at the Lord's that they do not comfort themselves with table, with the disciples and guests of Christ, the visible sign, and err in regard to the re- whether rich or poor, high or low, must be ality represented by the signs; for they sound in the faith, and unblamable in conwho know not Christ and his righteousness, duct and life. None are excepted; neither believe not him and his word, and walk not i emperor nor king, prince nor earl, knight according thereto; but according to the su- or nobleman. Yea, as long as they err in perstitious doctrines and commands of men, } doctrine and faith, and are in their lives and partake of the Lord's table, eat and carnal and blamable, they are by no means drink damnation to themselves. i to be permitted, with the pious to partake All who have received the word of the of the communion of the Holy Supper; for Lord through faith, acknowledged it to be they are not in Christ, and therefore must true, and have again transgressed it, and remain without, till they are truly converted have not continued to walk in the acknowl- to Christ; walk in the ways of the Lord, are THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 47 of one spirit and one faith with Christ and eousness, thanksgiving, peace and joy in his church. For the Lord's Supper is a cor- the Holy Ghost. For it is a communion munion of the flesh and blood of Christ, of the blood and body of Christ, of which which is not to be given to the ungodly and no one is a partaker, nor can be, unless obdurate, but to the sincere, penitent, chris- he becomes a humble, peaceable, pious tian believers, as a pledge of reconciliation. Christian, dead unto sin, and born of God If any one has a good appearance before according to his word; one who is in Christ, men, and is inwardly proud, avaricious, and Christ in him; flesh of his flesh, and carnal and without the Spirit of God, he is bone of is bone, i a true partaker not judged of the church, but of the Lord of the body and blood of Christ; as himself, the Searcher and Trier of men's Paul says, "We are made partakers of hearts and reins, as the Scripture says. W7e Christ, if we hold the beginning of our condo, therefore, admonish all those who would fidence steadfast unto the end," He. 3: 14. go to the Lord's table; to examine them- Behold, beloved readers, here you have selves before they partake of it; for all who the true instructions concerning the Lord's eat unworthily of this bread, and drink of Holy Supper, with its significations, fruit, this wine, eat and drink damnation to them- power, nature, and the guests, as the mouth selves, 1 Cor. 11: 29. of the Lord has ordained, and the holy apostles have left and taught us; and with Thus, beloved sirs, friends and brethren, a le does the, Holy Supper instruct and admo — what knowledge, faith, love, unity, peace, dtoes the; Holy Supper instruct and admonsh: Frst Th re and the d n- piety, and according to what usage and orsh s' First, Th1he ofread, as tle body of idinance it should be celebrated in the church Christ, which he offered for us, and the cup, of God. the blood of Christ which he shed in great of o Herewith compare the supper of the world, love, for thle remission of our sins. and you will learn to know which is the In the second place, we are admonished true one; what an abomination anti-christ to union, love, and peace, which must be has made of it, what enchantments he pracamong all true christians, according to the ticed with it, and how we poor sinners, spirit, doctrine and example of Christ; for with all our forefathers, have, as idolatrous Paul says, "We being many are one bread, Israel of old, for hundreds of years, offered and one body," &c. incense unto the brazen serpent, and danced In the third place, we are admonished before the golden calf. 0! my faithful readto a pious and unblamable life, to true er, fear God, with sincerity examine the regeneration, which is of God; to all right- Scriptures, and believe the truth. TIHE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. The Scriptures teach that we have no oth- God, and changed it into a daily offering er offerings for sin than the body of the for sin, as we may plainly read in the canLord, as before said. But since the enemies ons of the mass; which undoubtedly is an of Christ have possessed the cathedral for abomination of abominations; for thereby, so many years, they have, as the Scriptures Jesus Christ, the all-sufficient and eternal teach, altered the laws of the Most High, offering, is entirely renounced and made of and instead thereof, instituted their abomi- no effect, as the Propitiator and Mediator nation of desolation, and corrupted the Holy of the'New Testament. He is thrust from Supper with their councils, violence and the throne of his Majesty; his merits, cross, false doctrine, till, alas! it retains but the blood, and death are rejected; yea, all the shadow, and the mere name, and this they types and shadows of Moses, all the predicdid to destroy and corrupt the true, eternal tions of the prophets; the promise of angels, offering of Christ, which alone avails with and the whole New Testament, are thereby 48 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. denied; though all harmoniously point to fered an acceptable offering, a sweet smellthe one and eternal offering of Christ; and ing sacrifice, of eternal worth, whereby he instead of it, they have ordained an unholy, appeases the Father's wrath, reconciles the blind, seductive and carnal idolatry, with a human race, opened heaven, closed hell; piece of bread! Beloved reader, here put no made peace between heaven and earth; and other construction upon these words; for sits now, and henceforth, at the right hand what I write is the truth. of his Father, till his enemies be made his They have brought it so far with this un- foot-stool; yea, with this one offering, he godly seduction, that they have arrogated has perfected forever all those who are sancto themselves all power in heaven, upon tified. This cannot be gainsayed, whether earth, and in hell; they therefore break the by emperor or king, doctor or teacher, angel bread into three pieces. With the first, they or devil. His word stands firm and immovreconcile God; with the second, they inter- able. He has with one offering, I say with cede for the world; and with the third, as one offering, perfected for ever those who they pretend, they pray for the souls in are sanctified. purgatory. O my beloved reader! I mean all those Through this accursed infamy they rose who are yet without the Spirit of Christ and so high in honor, that they are above all the his word, Take heed what the word of the potentates of earth, whom they made their Lord teaches you, and observe the true docown servants. By their hypocritical service trine of Christ, the true teachers, the true and enchanting idolatry, they have hoarded sacraments, the true church, and the true money, goods, gold, silver, land, rents, clois- christian life, which is of God, so that you ters, cities, principalities and the dominions may once learn to know what kind of pasof this world; because every one loved this tors feed you; what kind of baptism and splendid service as a holy and divine work; supper you practice; by what kind of offerhonored and feared their exalted and pom- ing you are reconciled; what kind of lives pous names as the messengers of God. you lead, and of whose body you are memBy this ingenious and subtle magic, the bers. Roman anti-christ has gained such respect 0 how long, says Solomon, will you simandauthority,thateventheimperialmajesty, pie ones love simplicity? And you scorners the highest sovereignty on earth, whom we delight in scorning? How long will you reare commanded of God to respect and fear, main under the heavy bondage of sin? How had to humble himself and kiss hisfeet; yea, long will you remain in the communion of what is still worse, Frederick Barbarossa, a the devil, and suffer yourselves to be dragged great and renowned emperor, could not be down to the abyss of hell by the cords of reconciled with Pope Alexander III., until unbelief? Awake, and ransom your poor he humbled himself at Venice, before the souls! Come out from among them. Flee church, and suffered the Pope to tread upon from all false doctrine; avoid every appearhim with his feet! ance of evil; believe in Christ Jesus; repent Behold, thus anti-christ has enchanted the and lead an unblamable life; follow Christ whole world with his offering. The gracious with a sincere heart; enter into the house Father be eternally praised, that he has, and covenant of his everlasting peace, into through his paternal grace delivered us, his the communion of his flesh and blood. Take poor children, from this enchanting offering, upon you his easy yoke, and light burden, and given us to know the only and eternal and you will find rest for your souls; you offering of his Son, Jesus Christ, who, ac- may then of a truth say, that you are chriscording to the order of Melchizedek, is or- tian*s that you have obtained the remission dained an eternal High Priest over the of your sins, by the grace of God, through house of God; who, in the days of his flesh, the merits of Christ; and that you are joint offered up prayers and supplications with heirs of the eternal kingdom. May God strong crying and tears, unto him that was grant unto you all his grace and mercy, able to save from death, and was heard, be- Amen. cause he honored God. This one, I say, of- In the second place, they made the bread, THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 49 in the Holy Supper, into the real flesh, and Therefore, all who are in Christ and with the wine into the real blood of Christ, and believing, penitent hearts, rely upon the understood the words of Christ literally: pure offering of the body and blood of Take, eat, this is my body, &c., and did not Christ, and know that it is the only ablution observe that Christ, John 6, does fully in- and reconciliation for their sins, the only struct us, how we are to eat his flesh and and eternal medium of grace; eat the true drink his blood; and says, that it would flesh and drink the trUe blood of Christ, not profit nothing really to eat his flesh, and to with their mouths, but spiritually, by faith, drink his blood, for this could not be done, as said before. because he was about ascending to heaven The reader may readily observe from where he was before; we are therefore not these words, that the bread is no flesh, and literally to understand this eating his flesh, that the wine is no blood for were they flesh and drinking his blood; but spiritually, as and blood, as the idolators pretend and he himself says, "The words that I speak un- teach the poor people, one of two conseto you, they are spirit, and they are life." quences must follow; either the perishable All those who thus understand this from the bread and wine are changed into the imperScriptures, are by many, reproached as ac- ishable and heavenly Son of God; or the cursed heretics and profaners of the sacra- Son of God must be changed into bread and ment, and must suffer for it by water, fire and wine. This is incontrovertible. and the sword. 0 dear Lord! they are more ignorant than O dear Lord! is this not an ungodly error, the heathens ever were; true, the heathens and great blindness, to teach and to believe, worshipped and honored the sun, moon and that a piece of bread, and a drink of wine stars, which have their influence upon things should be changed into the real and essen- below. They worshipped the ox, the dragon, tial flesh and blood of the Son of God, serpents, fire, and other creatures; some of whereby we may be delivered from hell, which had living breath within them. They the devil, sin and death, and are made chil- also worshipped images of wood, stone, dren of grace? 0, horrible heresy! gold and silver, made by skilful workmen, O miserable, blind people, believe the who cast, carved and decorated them in the words of Christ, when he says, that it pro- likeness of man. But those who are called fiteth nothing to eat his visible and real by the name of Christ, pray to, worship, flesh; and that his words are spirit and and adore a piece of bread, and a mouthful life, John 6: 63; believe that he ascended of wine, as the real flesh and blood of Christ, up to heaven and sitteth at the right hand who came from heaven for our salvation; of his Father; therefore he cannot be eaten became man, and was made an offering upnor confined in the body by any one, nor on the cross for our sins. O intolerable can he be consumed by age, fire, or worms, abomination and infamy! that the praise of as may be plainly seen, is the case with the God, the glory of Jesus Christ is converted visible bread and wine. and changed into such a feeble idol, which But where the Lord's church, the beloved can neither avenge, speak, hear, see, stand disciples of Christ, have met in Christ's nor walk; which worms eat and time conname to partake of the Holy Supper in true sumes; and must be locked up, preserved, faith, love and obedience, there the outward assisted, and carried about by the hands of perishable man eats and drinks perishable men, like the idols at Babylon, of which bread and wine; and the inner, the imper- Baruch writes. ishable spiritual man eats (in a spiritual O my faithful reader, learn rightly to sense) the imperishable body and blood of know Christ Jesus. He is not like the fabuChrist, which can not be eaten nor consumed, lous Proteus,* now like the everlasting Alas above said. Like is profited by like; this mighty Son of the eternal, Omnipotent God, is incontrovertible. The visible man is nour-and then a perishable creature, bread and ished upon visible food, and the invisible man is fed upon invisible bread, as we may Proteus could according to poetic fables, change plainly learn from the word of the Lord. himself into different shapes. 7 50 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. wine. Oh no! he is unchangeable through lated; it represents christian peace, harmoall eternity. Neither can he be confined in ny, brotherly love, and a pious, unblamable any house, church nor chamber, in silver or life, as already said; therefore they desire golden vessels; for, according to his eternal, not this Supper, and have forsaken the divine Being, heaven is his throne and the Lord's word and ordinances, and have earth his footstool, and after his holy hu- turned away from the Creator to the creamanity, he ascended iito heaven and sits ture, and from the true Reality, to the perat the right hand of his Father. He is the ishable signs; yea, they call the disgraceful eternal and Almighty Power, Brightness, and sinful mass, the sacrifice of the Lord; Word, Truth, Wisdom, and image of God. and the bread and wine his real flesh and He has all power in heaven above and on blood; for this is the custom and manner of earth below, all things are under him; at the ungodly, because they know not the his name every knee shall bow, and every I true God, the God of heaven and earth, and tongue confess to him, that he is the Lord, believe not his holy and inestimable word; to the honor and glory of his Father, and but hate the true service and are opposed he will not appear again in the flesh, but he thereto. In God's stead they have a visible will come in the clouds of heaven, to judge and tangible creature; and maintain a servthe goats and sheep. ice of their own choice. So did Israel with Therefore I say again, He cannot be eaten, the golden calf; with Baal and Moloch; and nor can he be digested in the body of man. Antioch with his Maosim (god of forces); Augustine plainly acknowledges this; when the Babylonians with their Bel; the Egypthe says, "Why do you make ready to eat? ians with their Isis, &c. From this source, only believe, and you have eaten him." originates all disgraceful idolatry, which is Beloved reader, we well know, that Au- practiced with this abomination, such as gustine did not write this of the natural eat- carrying about the bread, exalting it, praying of the Holy Supper; but of the spiritual ing thereto, offering of incense, and on every eating, which is by faith; and with that occasion seeking to pay it Divine honor and view, we adduced it, so tha ththe god-fearing Divine service; to maintain which there is reader might see the difference between out- not a tittle nor a letter, nor an inference, in ward and inward eating, and not mistake all the Scriptures. Yea, alas! many esteem the one for the other; for the external use of it so highly, that they say this is the one the sign is nothing but a false appearance who reconciled us upon the cross. Even as and hypocrisy, if the thing which is invis- Israel said to the calf, "These be thy gods, ibly represented, is not connected with it. 0 Israel, which brought thee up out of the That this is the case with infant baptism land of Egypt," Exod. 32: 4. and the world's supper, may be readily Beside this, the use of the cup is withheld proved from the Scriptures; but where the from the people in the Roman church. If it mystery is connected with the sign, for which were the Lord's Supper, as they pretend, purpose it is ordained, there is the baptism they would, in every respect, use it accordof Christ, and his Supper, as the Scriptures ing to the ordinance of the Lord. But this teach. But this is hidden from the world. custom shows that it is not the Supper of They acknowledge that the Scriptures teach Christ, but a deluding seduction of antia Supper, but what it actually is, what it christ. prefigures, and who are to partake of it, Therefore, be wise and sober, you who they know not, so completely has the Baby- name yourselves after the name of Christ. lonian whore deceived and bewitched them Spew out the wine of Babylonian whoredom in this matter. which you have drank. You have danced The Holy Supper, as taught by Christ and and burned incense long enough to the his apostles, reproves all idolatry; foreign golden calf. Give the Almighty the praise mediums of reconciliation; hatred, discord, and honor due him; lest it happen to you and unrighteousness; for it directs alone to as it did to faithless, disobedient, and idolthe one offering of Christ which was made atrous Israel. Although the Lord God graby his flesh and blood, once for all, as re- I cionsly redeemed them from the power and THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 51 tyranny of Pharaoh, yet they had to suffer not have who would willingly visit all so punishment on account of their unfaithful- deadly wounded; he offers his services withness and obstinacy, and were destroyed in out money and without price; he has a well the wilderness. And so it is also in vain scented, healing salve, good to heal our that we are redeemed by the blood of the wounds, it is his powerful word to instruct; Lord from the dominion and power of the and his crimson blood, to reconcile, as was devil, if we do not repent, but remain idol- said. But they desire him not; they turn atrous, and believe not in Jesus, and in our him away with violence, false doctrine, reweakness are not obedient nor live accord- proach, lying, treason, rebellion, persecuing to his word. tion, and murder; as has been fully shown. In the third place they teach, that this 0 dear Lord! What counsel shall be given bread is dispensed for the remission of sins. to this disobedient, perverse, and blind Miy faithful reader, take notice of what I people? write. Where Jesus Christ, his word and My worthy reader, we testify the truth in Spirit are not known and acknowledged, Christ; beware, believe, obey, hope and there is nothing but unbelief, idolatry, error, seek, where and what you will; we are asand an uncertain, wavering conscience, as sured that you will find in the word of God, may be seen. no other remedy for your sins, than the one They all seek some remedy for their sins, we have pointed out to you, which is Jesus but the true remedy, Christ, they do not ac- Christ; else the Scriptures must be false. knowledge; hence they have contrived so Thus says Isaiah, "I, even I, am he that many remedies, that we can neither describe blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own nor relate all of them; such as absolution, sake, and will not remember thy sins," Isa. holy water, fastings, confessions, masses, 43: 25. pilgrimages, infant baptism, bread and "The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity wine, &c. of us all," Isa. 53: 6. I know not to whom to compare this gen- The angel said to Joseph, "Thou shalt eration, other than to a sick and wounded call his name Jesus, for he shall save his person, who has entrusted himself under the people from their sins," Matt. 1: 21. care of an unskilful physician, who can give "This is my blood of the New Testament, him no suitable medicines, and apply no which is shed for many, for the remission healing plasters; he spends his money in of sins," Matt. 26: 27. vain; he suffers pain and affliction, and is "Behold the lamb of God, which taketh getting worse instead of better. A skilful, away the sin of the world," John 1: 29 experienced physician is recommended to i "For he hath made him to be sin for us, him, who, prompted by pure love and mercy who knew no sin; that we might be made would visit him without money and without the righteousness of God in him," 2 Cor. price, bind up his wounds, and gladly cure 5: 21. him; but the sick man will not receive such "Who, his own self bare our sins in his a good and well-disposed physician. Who own body on the tree," 1 Pet. 2: 24. then could feel for such a man, because he "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanswould rather perish than get well? eth us from all sin," 1 John 1: 7. So it is with this perverse generation. "He loved us, and washed us from our They feel and are sensible, at times, that sins in his own blood," Rev. 1: 5. they are failing and sick, but they seek med- My good readers, look well to yourselves, icine and counsel of those who sicken them and be not deceived; if there were any other still more with their poison; and are not remedy for sin than the one pointed out, as healed of their wounds and cured of their related, we might then with propriety say, diseases. They refuse the skilful, the heav- that these and other passages, have not enly Chirurgeon and Physician, Jesus Christ, rightly directed us, and holy Paul also recommended by all the patriarchs, pro- erred not a little, when he says, "There is phets, apostles and by angels; yea, ap- one God, and one Mediator between God pointed by the Father himself, him they will | and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave 52 SHUNNING BABYLON. himself a ransom for all, to be testified in cities, because they renounced this abomindue time," 1 Tim. 2: 5, 6. able idolatry. All those, then, Bwho seek other 1remedies Place these two beside each other; weigh All those, then, who seek other remedies for their sins, however glorious and holy them well by the spirit, wor and ordithey may appear, than the only remedy nances of the Lord, and yo will find, if provided by God, deny the Lord's death, you do at all believe that the word of God which he died for us, and his innocent blood is true, to what abomination and frightful which he shed for us; and they are those idolatry the world has come, and that we of whom the Lord complains and says, have, according to our feeble abilities, through his prophet Jeremiah, My people plainly explained to you the immovable have committed two evils; they have for- foundation of truth out of the word of God. saken me, the Fountain of living waters, Praise the Most High, all of you who fear and have hewn them out cisterns, that can the Lord, that he has manifested his unhold no water, Jer. 2: 13. bounded love and grace toward us poor All false doctrine goes to deny the true sinners, in this dreadful time of unbelief; that he let shine out of darkness, the clear throne of grace, Jesus Christ, who alone is that he lsh out of darkness, the clear our righteousness, acceptable to God; and light of the holy gospel, and the true knowl edge of his son Jesus Christ, which was conall false doctrine goes to the erection of edge of his son Jesus Christ,whichwas constrange Baals to be worshipped instead of ealed for several centuries in this dark Crstange as sai befwore hp. Egypt, under the thick clouds of the antiChrist, as said before. - christian abominations, 2 Cor. 4: 6. ThereBehold, beloved sirs, friends and breth- fore, let us be vigilant thereto, and diligentren, here you have the salutary truth and ly walk therein, so that thick darkness may the only ground of the Lord's Supper plain- not again cover us, as the prophet says, ly and briefly set before you, what it is, for Jer. 13: 16. whom it is ordained, and what it teaches, O my dear reader, rightly learn to know and represents to us with its mysteries and Jesus Christ, who has ordained this Holy significations. Supper and the breaking of bread for his You have also a view of the anti-christian disciples and all christians. Believe the supper, with its dreadful abominations, glorious and unspeakable gifts of his grace. whereby the Lord's Supper is destroyed, Fear, love, honor, and serve him; walk in and the kingdom of anti-christ is fortified, godly union, love and peace with your and is placed in the stead of God's throne, neighbor, even as this Supper, with its rewhereby, alas! so many hundreds of thou- presentation, testifies and admonishes; die sands of poor souls were and are yet daily to your wicked flesh, crucify its unclean deceived; on account of which so many lusts; in all things lead a life according to pious hearts are so slanderously spoken of the spirit, word, and example of the Lord, and reproached by the learned, and so so shall your Supper redound to his praise, dreadfully murdered and slain in some and your souls shall have life everlasting. SHUNNING BABYLON. We further teach and admonish from the and who are able to judge between true and word of God, that all true children of God, false doctrines, between Christ and antiwho are regenerated from the incorruptible christ, must shun, according to Scripture, living seed of the divine word, who have all seducing and idolatrous preachers with separated themselves, according to the their doctrines, sacraments and worship. Scriptures, from the idolatrous generation, They must avoid all, of every doctrine, and yielded to the yoke and cross of Christ, faith, sect, creed and name, who are not SENDING PREACHERS. 53 found in the pure doctrine of Christ, and in rayed in a fool's garment; and his holy the scriptural usage of his sacraments, be- apostles, the witnesses of his eternal truth, cause they have neither calling, doctrine, they regard as useless talkers and liars, nor life, according to the word of God, but and thrust them out with scorn. are sent by anti-christ, and ordained in his In short, they preach and lay before the employment and service. And poor people, lies for truth; darkness for Because they not only fail to observe and light; death for life, and anti-christ for acknowledge the pure doctrine of Christ, Christ. and the established usages of the apostolic Therefore it is unfit that the bride of church, in relation to the holy sacraments, Christ, who stands prepared to hear only but because they also have changed them the bridegroom's voice, the dear children of into vain confusion, abominable and open God who have their feet washed and their idolatry, as has been stated. garments cleansed in the blood of the Lamb, Because they have deceitfully mingled the John 3: 29; who are established upon the light froth of man's doctrine, with the fair, immoveable foundations of the apostles and precious gold of the divine word; and the prophets, upon the precious corner stone, pure wine, with the unclean waters of their Christ Jesus, should again hear the strange foolish wisdom. voice and doctrines of anti-christ, again deBecause they so shamefully censure, abuse, file their garments, and in faith, doctrines, assail, and wouldwillinglyroot out and burn worship, and life accord with anti-christ. the city of God, the city of righteousness They who do so, if they repent not, are conand eternal peace; the lovely Jerusalem demned by the Scriptures and adjudged to with its sacred temple, the house of prayer, death. and rule therein with their spiritual money- This we teach according to our limited changers, Pharisaic commands, and en- talents, with all earnestness, as much as in chanting traffic. us is, not out of contempt, as the Lord Because like Belshazzar, they, in their knows, nor yet out of obstinancy, caprice, Babylonian idolatries and drunkenness, so or party stubbornness, as the world asmiserably misuse and degrade the precious cribes to us. Oh no! God preserve all his vessels and utensils of the Lord, the pre- own from party spirit. But we so preach cious souls whom he has consecrated with out of the true fear of the Lord and the his crimson blood, and by whom the true great distress and burden of our conservice of the Lord should be performed, sciences. God's pressing word, and love for Rev. 1: 5; Dan. 5: 3. your poor souls, urge us, as may, through Because like Herod, they mock Christ, the grace of God, be seen with more clearthe eternal Wisdom of God, as a fool ar- ness hereafter. SENDING PREACHERS. According to the Scriptures, the calling and that the whole Scriptures, both of the Old sending of true preachers were performed and New Testaments, were written for our in two ways; some were called by God instruction, admonition and correction; and alone, without any human instrumentality, that they are the true sceptre and rule by as was the case with the prophets and apos- which the Lord's kingdom, house, church ties. Others were called through the medi- and congregation must be governed and adum of the pious, as may be seen from Acts justed, 2 Cor. 3: 16. Every thing contrary 1: 23-26; 1 Tim. 3: 7. We hope no one will to Scripture, whether it be in doctrines, faith, be so ignorant, who is otherwise of a candid sacraments, worship or conduct, should be and rational mind, but that he will know measured by this infallible rule, and de 54 SENDING PREACHERS. molished by this just and divine sceptre, which the Lord had written with his own without any respect to persons, and brought finger. He cared neither for life nor death, to nothing. Therefore would we, your will- but rushed forth among the idolatrous peoing servants and associates, of like mortal ple, and rebuked them by his word and by nature with you, each one in the office and the sword, because they gave to a molten station to which he is called, humbly ad- creature the honor of Almighty God, who monish you, in all love, that you would re- with such love gloriously effected their deflect on the salvation of your immortal souls, liverance from Egypt, Exod. 32: 7. and would rightly examine the sending or When Zacharias, the son of Barachias, a calling, the doctrine and conduct of the man full of the Holy Ghost, saw the false bishops, pastors and preachers of your worship of the people, he hazarded his life, churches. Examine them by the aid of the and stood forth for the honor of the Lord. spirit of the Lord, and by the doctrines and He rebuked his brethren, erring Israel, and customs of the apostles, because you have said, "Why transgress ye the commandpersecuted and destroyed so many pious, ments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper?`^ godly christians, by the idols' houses of the 2 Chron. 24: 20. ungodly, which are supported by the bloody Also the worthy prophet Jeremiah was havoc-cries of the learned. Yea, we doubt burdened with much suffering and cares. not, but that if you follow our advice with a He was much troubled on account of his sincere heart, you will soon perceive, that faithful services, and had determined in his we, miserable men, do nothing more in this heart to prophesy no more in the name of matter, than the word of God teaches and the Lord; but when he saw that the people enjoins; and that your preachers are not were ungodly and neither acted nor spoke the servants of Christ, but hirelings, hypo- aright, he said, "God's word was in my crites, deceivers and mockers, concerning heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, whom the Scriptures warn us, on every side, and I was weary with forbearing and I and represent them under many evil names, could not stay," Jer. 20: 9. John 10: 12; Matt. 3: 4. Again, also holy Paul says, "Wo is unto Candid reader! let this be to you a true me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do and unwavering rule, that all who rightly this thing willingly, I have a reward; but if preach Christ and his word, and thereby against my will, a dispensation of the gospel bring forth obedient children to the Lord, is committed unto me," 1 Cor. 9: 16. must have been called through one of the Behold, my good reader, all who by such aforementioned means. They must have a power are touched in their hearts, who are been brought into the vineyard of the Lord, moved by the Holy Ghost, who are pressed through the true and unfeigned love of God by love to God and man, and urged by the and man, through the power of the Holy Lord himself, or by his spotless christian Ghost. They must improve the talent of church; or are called to the service of the grace which they have received from God, Lord by an unblamable, truly believing, they must rebuke sin, and teach faith and Christian church, to rightly teach in the righteousness, without any respect of per- house of God; that is, the church of Jesus son, they must set forth the word and praise Christ, with sound doctrine, and by a pious of the Lord; they must faithfully perform and unblamable conduct, admonish, rebuke, the work and service of the Lord and bring reprove and comfort them in paternal love; the gathered sheaves into his barn and the to set forth and administer the Lord's holy acquired wealth into his treasury. Such a baptism and Supper, in a right manner; to shepherd was the faithful Moses; for when repel diligently, with God's word, all deludthe Lord informed him that Israel had made ing and false teachers; and to exclude all a molten calf, he hastened from the mount- evil members from the communion of the ain, and when he heard the tumult and godly, &c. To such, the word of Christ is. saw the multitude playing, and dancing, a As my Father hath sent me, even so send I provoked zeal burned in his heart, so that iyou; without such a sending, no one can he cast down and brake the stone tables ever rightly preach the gospel, as Paul says, SENDING PREACHERS. 55 "How shall they preach except they be eloquent and esteemed as great and excelsent?" lent men. But all that they attempt is lost Yes, it was with this sending and calling labor. They will rise too early, or go out that all the prophets, apostles and servants too late, their calling is powerless, their of God came forth. They assumed not the service is vain, their labor without fruit, honor to themselves, as do the preachers yea., it is nothing but sowing by the way, of this world; but like Aaron, they were and beating against the wind; for no one called by God, or, as has been said, by the can serve in this high and holy office, conspotless church. They were brought by the formably to God's will, except those whom spirit of God, with pious hearts, into his the Lord of the vineyard has made worthy service; they had always esteemed them- and fit, by the spirit of his grace. selves unfit to serve the people of God, or Since then, this sending is the true sendstand forth in such a high and responsible ing and calling, which is taught in the Scripstation. tures, as has been observed, we faithfully When Moses was called of the Lord, that counsel the reader, that in the pure fear of he might lead out the people, he refused God, he would mark what kind of people from his heart, he excused himself and de- their teachers are; of whom, in what way, lined, because he was of a slow tongue; he and to what they are called. For it is manidesired not the office to which the Lord had fest that some of them are useless, haughty, chosen him, yea, he resisted so long that lustful men; some are avaricious, usurers, the Lord was angry, Exod. 4: 10-15. liars, deceivers, others again are drunkards, Isaiah was confounded because he was to gamblers, licentious, open seducers, idolapreach the word of the Lord. He lamented ters,&c., concerning whom it stands written, that he was of unclean lips till the angel If they repent not, they shall not inherit the purged them with a coal from off the holy kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6: 9, 10. Some also, altar, Isa. 6: 6. are idle profligates, young and haughty, Jeremiah was called and prepared from wholly unlearned in the Scriptures; and his birth of God, to be a prophet; he said, were anointed and shaven by anti-christ, Ah Lord God! I am not fit to preach, for I when they obtain a little knowledge of the am but a child, Jer. 1: 6. Latin tongue, like as if the qualifications Peter was asked by the Lord three times, for the ministry and for the care of our souls, if he loved him, before he gave him charge I were not to be founded upon godliness and of his sheep, John 21: 15. tile gifts of grace, but upon language; Oh Paul was called from heaven, and ap- no, my reader, no, their foundation must be pointed by the Lord himself in the service sought for more deeply. of the Gospel; for the Lord chose him as Besides this, those so chosen, desire nothsuitable for the ministry, Acts 9: 3. ing but a sensual, corrupt, carnal life, disMatthias was chosen through the zealous i honest, filthy lucre and benefices, which prayers of the church, and the lots of the heretofore anti-christ and his servants have apostles, to be an apostle in the place of collected together and multiplied by means Judas, Acts 1: 26. of sorcery, theft and robbery.* All who are not sent of God, nor by an They are only called by carnal love, favor unblamable christian church, conformably and faction; one has a son, another a brothto the regulations of Christ and the apostles er, a third a favored friend, a fourth is made are not called, as above said. Such are not willing by money and gifts. called by the Holy Ghost; by the pure, un- They are also with a similar spirit infeigned love of God and their brethren; and stalled and established in their office; to with a correct knowledge and zeal for the wit, with eating, drinking, gormandizing divine word; but they enter upon it with a and luxury; with pompous greeting, choir temporal, sensual life, seeking man's faor, letters, apellations, presentations, investpraise, money and profit. They will never itures and such like anti-christian titles. gather fruit in the vineyard of the Lord, though they may be learned in language, ~ * That is what the priests seek. 56 SENDING PREACHERS. But by whom are they thus called? By the sual, corrupt bodies, false and deceiving church? No. Christ's church knows no such doctrine, idolatries, sorceries, and ungodly callings, customs, practices and teachers, wanton lives. O where will you conceal but they are called by the assemblies of the yourselves from the wrath of God? Then impenitent, the haughty, avaricious, forni- shall you cry, O ye mountains fall upon us, cators, gamblers, drunkards and idolaters, and ye hills cover us, Rev. 6: 16. 0 then who neither know God nor his word, but you will know what kind of calling you had; who abuse, persecute and hate all christian what kind of life you led, that you served no truth, and walk after the lusts of the flesh.* other God than your belly, the devil, and Again, to what are they called? That they your selfish evil flesh, that you came unmay preach the pure word of God? That called, that you have sought nothing but they may go before the poor people, with the milk, wool and flesh of the sheep, and doctrines and conduct consistent with the that one blind man has led another, till commands of Scripture? 0 no; but that they both have fallen into the abyss of the etermay teach the doctrines and commandments nal wrath of Almighty God, and the torof men; that they may withstand the holy ments of hell. truth, and betray the pious and godly, who O precious souls awake and fear God, for refrain from the broadway, into the hands the hour draws near that your momentary of the blood-thirsty; and in this manner as- laugh will be changed into an everlasting siduously serve and support the dominion weeping; these short lived joys to eternal of hell. pain, and this easy, carnal life to death and My beloved reader, why shall I complain endless wo. Jude says, "Wo unto them! so much; it is yet much worse than I can for they have gone in the way of Cain, and write. One blind man calls another; one ran greedily after the error of Balaam for idolater another; one ungodly man, anoth- reward, and perished in the gainsaying of er. It is, as the prophet said, deceivers, Core." Again, to them "is reserved the liars, drunkards, and gluttons are good blackness of darkness for ever," Jude 1: prophets for this people, Mich. 2: 11. 11, 13. O sensual preachers! You who with Korah, Behold, beloved sirs, friends and brethDathan and Abiram ran uncalled, particu- ren, we openly declare that the sending and larly you who know that your calling and calling of your preachers are neither of God conduct are not of the word and Spirit of nor his wor, but are from anti-christ, the God, judge your hearts by the word of the dragon and the beast; that they are not Lord, fear his rigid punishment and severe called to preach the word of the Lord, by sentence, and reflect how the aforementioned the Spirit of God, and the church, but they persons, for the same reason, were fearfully are called and urged by their lusts with the destroyed by the Lord before all Israel, priests of Jeroboam, to worship the golden Num. 16: 32. calf, 2 Chron. 13: 8, 9. They enter not in by It suits perverted fleshly ease to live in the right door, therefore, the Scriptures testivoluptuousness here upon earth, with fat- fy that they are thieves and robbers, John tened bodies, with gloves on the hands, with 10: 8. ostentatious show, to be greeted by men as Since then, we have been saved out of the doctor, lord and master. But when the mes- mouths of the lions and bears of the pit, senger of death shall knock at the door of and out of the snares of concealed thieves your souls and say, "give an account," you and robbers, through the great Shepherd of will no longer remain as stewards and hire- the sheep, the High Priest of our souls, lings; then you must appear before the Christ Jesus, and are now upon the chosen throne of the eternal Majesty, and the poor and fruitful mountain of Israel, and the miserable souls which you have led out of green luxuriant pastures of the holy word the true way of Christ, with your lying (the Lord be eternally thanked), our hunmouths, your unbelieving, blind hearts, sen- gering consciences have been fed with the food of eternal life, it must ever be a con* Observe by whom the priests are chosen. a demnable folly to forsake such a true shep THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 5 herd, and such precious pastures, and again to the Popish priests. What the calling and enter upon the barren and waste deserts, sending of the Lutherans and Zuinglians is, under the false shepherd who does nothing by what spirit they are moved, what they else but rob and deprive God of his glory, seek, and what fruits of repentance they and ruin and murder our poor miserable souls, John 10: 10. show by their doctrines and sacraments, we souls, John 10: 10. This I have said particularly in relation willingly leave all the godly to judge. THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. As I have presented to the reader, the first only right, true seed from which are born part in relation to the sending and calling the truly believing and obedient children of of a true preacher, according to the word of God. If the church of Christ brings forth God, I will now, through the grace of God, children from the doctrine of man, and not present in like manner the second part, re- from God's word, she is not faithful unto lating to the doctrine; for there is but little Christ, and her children are not of his seed. difference between their calling and their Therefore may nothing else be preached doctrine, as the calling is, even so, most in Christ's kingdom and house, the church, commonly, is the doctrine. except her King and husband's own comWhere the spirit of God urges or moves mands and words, according to which she to preach, there will the word be incorrupt- and all her servants must conform. ibly taught in the power of God; and up- This command and word (I say), Christ right children of the spirit will thereby be commanded all true messengers and preachborn. But where flesh and bloodcalls, there ers to observe, as he spoke; Preach tAie will a carnal doctrine be taught and carnal gospel. He does not say, preach the docdisciples will be made, for that like pro- trines and commands of man; preach counduces like is incontrovertible. I deem it un- cils and customs; preach glossy ordinances necessary here to prove this with much and opinions of the learned, but he says, scripture, for their actions bear testimony. "Preach the gospel," and "teach them to The Scriptures plainly show how a preach- observe all things whatsoever I have comer rightly called by the word of God is to manded you," Matt. 28: 20. rightly teach that word without perverting My faithful reader, observe that all the glosses, without any mingling of leaven; as true servants of God, both of the Old and Peter says, "If any man speak, let him New Testaments, taught nothing but God's speak as the oracles of God," 1 Peter 4: 11. word, as may be seen and read in many They are the children of the Holy Ghost places in the Scriptures. who speak the word of the Spirit, as Christ Moses was found faithful of God in all his said, "It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit house. He regulated and taught nothing of your Father which speaketh in you," which God hadnot before commanded him, Matt. 10: 20. "For he whom God hath sent Num. 12: 7 Heb. 3: 2. speaketh the words of God," John 3: 34. To Isaiah, and all of the other prophets, testipreach the word salutarily andunblamably, fled in many places what kind of doctrine is one of the highest and greatest commands ey taut, and from whom tey had enjoined by Christ. He said, "Go ye in all ceived it; and said, Thus saith the Lord the world, and preach the gospel to every your God, who brought you out of the land creature," Mark 16: 15. of Egypt; thus spake the Lord of Hosts, The Gospel, the word of God, preached Again the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. unmingled, in the power of the spirit, is the Paul dare not speak of any thing which 8 58 ZTHE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. Christ had not wrought through him, Rom. men, as profaners of the holy Sacrament, 15: 18. Yea, Christ himself did not teach and they must suffer and be banished, as his word, but the word of his father, he degraded and accursed heretics. said, My doctrine is not mine, but is of him 0 blind leader! you, who during your who sent me, "All things that I have heard life have not rightly understood one sentence of my Father, I have made known unto of the word of the Lord, nor have received you," John 7: 16; 15: 15. Since then the one ray from his spirit, but have trodden true messengers of God, taught nothing but the kingdom of God with your feet, and the word of the Lord, which is the only doc- have thrust it from you with your horns, trine from which our souls can obtain eter- Ezek. 34: 21. How truly are you associates nal life, as the Lord said, Dent. 8: 3. So it of those of whom it stands written, that they is easily here to mark and judge what kind say, "We have made a covenant with death, of teachers they are who direct the poor un and with hell are we at agreement; when the cultivated people to legends, histories, fa- overflowing scourge shall pass through, it bles, holydays, images, holy water, tapers, shall not come unto us; for we have made palms, confessions, pilgrimages, masses, ilies our refuge, and under falsehood have matins and vespers; who teach of purgato- we hid ourselves," Isa. 28: 15; again, "VWo ry, vigils, times, bulls, offerings, and satis- unto them that call evil good, and good faction for souls and sins, who also make a I evil; that put darkness for light, and light piece of bread and a drink of wine, to be for darkness," Isa. 5: 20. "Wo unto you, the essential body and blood of Christ; who for ye shut up the kingdom of Heaven teach and say that when they have but spo- against men," said Christ, Matt. 23: 13, and ken these words, HIoc est corpus mbeum (this make the poor souls err from the way. Yet is my body), the Lord, willing or not will- again, W'o unto you! ing, must descend unto their idolatrous However, I am not much astonished that hands, even though the Heavens should such persons teach such shameful doctrine, rend assunder, and the earth crumble down, since they have neither known Christ nor O blasphemy! his word, but they hold and teach all things O dear Lord! my heart trembles in my I as they were taught from youth up, out of body, that I must relate and mention such the old usages, and the papistical laws. But terrible abominations. But because the that which grieves me most, is, that those simple plain people, who do not guard also who now are aware in part of the hidthemselves against such seducers; who, con- den whoredom of the Babylonian woman, scientiously, are bound hand and foot, and and have put from them some of her abomiare blindly rushed into eternal death, and nations, yet cling to human sophistry, so the abyss of hell, by these useless men, that they can neither be moved nor taught, therefore I cannot remain silent, but must with the powerful word of God, with the disclose this, through undissembled love unblamable lives, the candid professions, to God and your souls. Who knows but or the innocent blood of so many godly God may give grace that you may be pre- saints. Nevertheless, some of you, have, at vailed upon to hear, your eyes opened to times, to yield to the truth with stopped see, and your hearts to understand, that mouths and subdued hearts, but still ye you may be freed from the snares of the cease not to upbraid, defame, and belie, devil, whereby you are taken. with envious tongues and slanderous lips, Yes, my dear reader, they have made the bright, clear truth of Christ, and the lords, princes, and the world drunk by their pious children of God, before your carnal, cup, Rev. 17: 2, and have completely be- blind churches which are of like calling witched them, so that all who turn from with yourselves. This also your writers do their shame, and would not pervert the as may be seen and heard every where. Behonor of their Savior, by a piece of bread, sides, I fear that they are not less guilty all who shun false teachers, and desire the than the papists in moving the lords, prinsalutary administration of the Lord's Sup- ces and ruling powers, by commissions, per, as above said, will be upbraided by all complaints, revilings, outcries, and writ THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 59 ings, to persecute the Lamb of God, and en the hands of the wicked, so that no one his chosen, Rev. 17: 6; and to cause an up- repents of his wickedness, as the prophet roar, when their deceiving leaven, particu- lamented. larly the calf worship of their infant bap- 0 ye useless unprofitable teachers, who tism, and their unfounded supper, is reject- are believed to bear the vessels of the Lord, ed. Let each one behold for himself and these my words are to you! Why do you learn to know them rightly. I know of a declaim so much of faith and love, whose truth that they are without the Spirit, the fruit you so greatly hate and dislike? If sending, or the word of Christ; for I am you have the fear and unfeigned love of sensible how malicious they generally are God, let them appear and be made manitoward those who are rightly led, who fear fest through your words. Say, beloved the Lord with all their heart and who would preachers! Where is your christian humilgladly become christians. In their doctrines ity, your godly, christian zeal, pleasure, and deeds they seek, not less than the pa- peace and joy in Christ Jesus? pists, friendship of man, honor, pomp, Where is your mercy which you shew? bounties, fine houses, and an easy licen- where are the naked whom you have clothtious life. ed, the hungry whom you have fed, and the 0 my beloved reader, these are not the needy whom you have entertained? Matt. teachers who lead many to righteousness, 25: 41-43. Where are the lost whom you and who shall shine, as the light of heaven have again sought, the wounded whom you and as the stars, now and in eternity, Dan. have bound up, and the sick whom you 12: 13. For I know not where a single con- I have healed? Ezek. 34: 4. Where is your gregation shall be found which they have unblamable, pious life which is from God? led with their doctrines and conduct to re- That which you preach, perform and do, penting lives, and to the worship of God. is for the most part idle hypocrisy. Their great clamor is against the pope and Some of you approve in some degree, of a his cardinals, bishops, priests and monks. pious, christian life, preach also much of Moreover, all those who gladly seek the Christ, of his merits, spirit and grace, and best for their poor souls, must be upbraided are yourselves, manifestly those who lead a by them, as profaners of the sacraments, gross, carnal life, who crucify Christ anew, anabaptists, fanatics, and heretics, who I grieve his spirit, and despise his grace, as through the word of God, reprove their de- may be seen. ceiving doctrines, idolatrous sacraments, 0 preachers, preachers! how aptly has and idle lives. the Holy Ghost likened you to dry wells Yea, when they can find but one (though and empty clouds from which no water can cut off), who was before united with the be obtained, and to unfruitful trees from people of God, but who has now fallen into which no fruit can be taken, 2 Pet. 2: 17; some vice, they judge and sentence all the Jude 1: 12. I know not to what you may godly by this one; Behold! say they, what be more suitably compared, than to a wommanner of people they are. They seek noth- an who lives in all manner of shame and ing so much as to find cause of censure; wantonness, and yet talks much about modtherefore, they look upon Judas, but not esty, decency and virtue: Should not her upon Peter, Andrew and John; they do words be regarded as mockery? Might it not regard what manner of people they are not be said, why do you talk of modesty themselves, nor what kind of disciples they and chastity, since you are full of all manhave. ner of immodesty and shame? Besides, it is nothing but the grace, favor, W7e are well aware that you have demolmercy, and the love of God, that they teach ished some of the little idols of Babylon, and preach to their covetous, proud, gor- such as the Roman ablution, the invocation geous, impure, drunken, and impenitent of departed saints, vile purification, abchurch, not observing that such as they are, staining from meats, and the like self-rightcannot inherit the kingdom of God, as the eousness, idolatry, and other superstitions, whole Scriptures testify; they also strength- but, alas, the horrible blasphemy and abom 60 THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. inations are still retained; such as accursed Lord's mouth. They strengthen the hands unbelief, obstinacy, earthly-mindedness, un- of the ungodly. They destroy the souls who scriptural infant baptism, the idolatrous should haveeternal life, and encouragethose supper, and the impenitent, old life which who must forever die; and this they do for is of the flesh. handfuls of barley and pieces of bread. Therefore, we testify with the truth and They preach to the people peace when there declare that you are not ambassadors of is no peace. Therefore, shall they stand in God nor teachers of Christ. For it is plain shame, who follow such abominations, althat you reject the word and ordinances of though they yet are not ashamed and yet the Lord, and run of yourselves, Jer. 8: 6, forbear to blush, Ezek. 13: 16. and have pastured yourselves under the Behold, dear reader, since they so shamename and appearance of the evangelical fully deprive Christ of his honor and gain, shepherds of the Lord, and have led to and scatter his sheep, and, with the sword destruction so many hundreds of thousands of their deceiving doctrines, destroy the poor of souls, through your wanton doctrine, idol- souls who are so greatly loved by the Lord, atrous sacraments, and carnal lives. for whom he so earnestly seeks, and whom But the teachers who are sent of God, and he so dearly purchased. Since they so enwho have been rightly called, teach the word viously war against the word and ordinanof God in purity, abide in its holy ordinan- ces of the Lord, we say and teach with ces, and live (after their weakness) unblam- Christ, "Let them alone; they be blind leadably, for they are born of God, and are ers of the blind." Guard yourselves against taught and moved by his Holy Spirit, they such false prophets; for though they come seek neither gold, nor possessions, neither in the appearance of sheep, they are neveran easy life nor earthly applause, they wait theless, inwardly ravening wolves. They upon their enjoined duties with all earnest- are the strangers whose voice Christ's sheep ness, they fear God from the heart, seek know not. They are those of whom Paul their neighbor with fidelity; they are armed warns us and says, "Now I beseech you, with the weapons of righteousness, on the brethren, mark them which cause divisions right hand and on the left, Rom. 6: 7. They and offences contrary to the doctrine which deal without respect to persons. The pow- you have learned; and avoid them; for they erful, sharp sword of the divine word, cuts that are such serve not our Lord Jesus out of their mouth; it is a shining lantern Christ, but their own belly; and by good in their hands; they are taught in right- words and fair speeches deceive the hearts eousness, are full of all spiritual wisdom; of the simple," Rom. 16: 17, 18. they divide the good from the evil; the holy Again, John says, "Whosoever transfrom the unholy, and the clean from the un- gresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of clean. In short, they shine in doctrine and Christ, hath not God. If there come any conduct, even as from the beginning till the unto you, and bring not this doctrine, represent time, it has been written and re- ceive him not into your house, neither bid marked of all true prophets, apostles and him God speed, for he that biddeth him God servants of God. speed, is partaker of his evil deeds," 2 John O dear Lord, how lovely are those pas- 1: 9, 10, 11. tors and teachers who seek nothing else but The word of God, abundantly exhorts us the extension of the kingdom of God; who that we should leave such and beware of rightly preach the word of repentance and them; shun their voice and retreat from grace, that they may win many souls; and them, and not take them into our houses, for this end, they expose their reputation, as has been said. If we are Christ's sheep houses, property, persons and lives. and the children of the Holy Spirit; so must These are they, who, with Christ, the we even hear Christ's voice, and follow after chief shepherd, gather together and feed his and obey the monitions of the Holy Ghost. lambs; but the others are those who scatter IReflect how sincerely holy Paul admonished and destroy them. They are prophets, but the Philippians, that they should guard not of God; they preach, but not out of the against strife, evil doers, and the concision. THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 61 He taught the true servants of God that they proves them. How much more earnestly it should shun those, who failed no further (as becomes us to beware of them, who deceive it appears) than that they out of zeal, with- the whole world, who upbraid and persecute out knowledge, held fast to the circumcision the godly, and crucify all truth, against all which they had received from their fathers, false teachers and blasphemers of God, who and would not admit that it should be abol- urge, institute and practice all manner of ished through Christ, for this he sharply re- idolatrous and abominable doctrine. THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. As you have just heard the ground of the then must be blameless, the husband of one calling and doctrines of the preachers, we wiife vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given will proceed, and through the grace of God to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to point out by the Scriptures how the true wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; apostles, bishops, teachers and pastors, in but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one the church of Christ, should conduct them- that ruleth well his own house, having his selves in their deportment and lives; it is children in subjection with all gravity; for not enough that a man appears to speak if a man know not how to rule his own much of the word of the Lord, but what he house, how shall he take care of the church says must also be maintained by a devout of God? Not a novice, lest being lifted up and unblamable conduct, as the Scriptures with pride, he fall into the condemnation of teach. the devil. Moreover, he must have a good Thus says Paul, "But I keep under my report of them which are without; lest he body, and bring it into subjection; lest that fall into reproach and the snare of the by any means, when I have preached to devil, he must be sober, just, holy, temothers, I myself should be a cast-away," 1 perate; holding fast the faithful word, as Cor. 9: 27. If it becomes the hearers and he hath been taught, that he may be able disciples to lead an unblamable life, how by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to much more does it become teachers, because convince the gainsayers; even so must their they rule the hearers and are their over- wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithseers; as Paul says, "Remember them which ful in all things," 1 Tim. 3: 1-11; Titus have the rule over you, who have spoken 1: 8, 9. unto you the word of God; whose faith fol- Behold dear reader, it is requisite that low, considering the end of their conversa- every preacher and teacher, who would tion," Heb. 13: 7. rightly govern and rule in the church of He also admonishes Timothy thereto, and God, be thus qualified; for if any one were says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but to reprove and teach others, and is himself be thou an example of the believers, in not blameless and is ignorant; he will justword, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, ly have to hear; Why do you teach others in faith, in purity," 1 Tim. 4: 12. In all and teach not yourself first! Thou teachest things shewing thyself a pattern of good a man should not steal, and thou dost steal. works; in doctrine, shewing uncorruptness, Thou sayest a man should not commit adulgravity, sincerity, &c., Tit. 2: 7. For it is tery, and thou dost. Thou adhorrest idols, undoubtedly proper, if any one teaches and yet thou committest sacrilege. Thou boastreproves others, that he first himself be est of the law of God; and dishonorest God rightly taught and unblamable, as Paul by breaking the law, Rom. 2: 21-23. teaches, "If a man desire the office of a All those thus called, who are in doctrine bishop he desireth a good work. A bishop sound, and unblamable in life, may teach, 62 THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. exhort, reprove, root up, and build in the They are the beautiful messengers of name of the Lord; their labors will not peace, who preach the gospel of grace, be fruitless, as may be seen, in the case of favor, mercy, love, and peace, and bring Moses, Samuel, Elias, Elisha, Isaiah, Jere- glad tidings of good things, to us, poor, miah, Peter, Paul, John, and with all the miserable, troubled sinners, Isaiah 52; 7; true prophets, apostles and servants of God, Rom. 10: 15. who preached the word unblamably in the They are seven mighty mountains, wherepower of the Spirit. upon grow roses and lilies, whose sweet Their doctrine cuts like a sharp edged scent refreshes with joy all who fear the sword, for it has power, it is fruitful, has Lord, 2 Esd. 2: 19. spirit and energy, as the prophet says, "As They are the splendid crown of twelve the rain cometh down, and the snow from stars of the woman, pregnant and in travail, heaven, and returneth not thither, but water- Rev. 12: 1, 2. eth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and They are the walls of the new and heavbud, that it may give seed to the sower, and enly Jerusalem, based upon the twelve founbread to the eater, so shall my word be, that dations, that is upon the ground and docgoeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not trine of the twelve apostles, Rev. 21: 14. return unto me void, but it shall accomplish See, worthy reader, with such and similar that which I please, and it shall prosper in glorious images and parables, are all the the thing whereto I sent it," Isa. 55: 10, 11. pious pastors and teacers honored in the Yea, all those who enter the vineyard of Scriptures, whom the Holy Ghost has orthe Lord with such a sending or calling, dained as bishops and overseers in his and with such a spirit, doctrine and con- church, congregation and house. duct, as said, are the shepherds of whom it These y sy with holy P, ollo is written, "I will give you pastors accord- as we are the followers of Christ,'for o ing to mine heart, which shall feed you with exhortation was not of deceit, nor of unknowledge and understanding" Jer. 3: 15. cleanness, nor in guile, but as we were alThey are the teachers who turn many to lowed of God to be put in trust with the righteousness; and they shall shine a s the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing brightness of the firmament, as the stars men, but God, who trieth our hearts; for forever, Dan. 12: 3. neither at any time, used we flattering words, They are the spiritual streams, and the as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness; rivers of the paradise of Christ, which issue God is witness. Nor of men sought we from the fountains of the paradise of God, glory," 2 Thess. 2: 3-6. to irrigate and fertilize the whole country, I repeat it, These are they who gather Gen. 2: 10-14. 1 with Christ what has been scattered, bind They are the spiritual posts and pillars up the wounded, and heal the sick, for they in the court of the tabernacle of Moses with are influenced by the Spirit of the Lord and hangings of fine twined linen, Exod. 27: 9. urged by unfeigned love. They are vigilant, They are the three score valiant men, of the and assiduous in the discharge of entrusted valiant of Israel, who are around Solomon's duties. They fight daily with the weapon bed; they all hold swords; being expert in of obedience. They tear down, break and war; every man with his sword upon his destroy all that which is against the word thigh, because of fear in the night, Cant. of God, not by external power, with sword 3: 7, 8. and spear, but by the preaching of the holy They are the seven horns or trumpets, of word, in power and spirit, with the word of the golden years, before whose sounds, the Lord. They till, sow, water and plant. teaching and preaching, the walls of Jericho They cut down what is ripe. They gather fell, that is, all false doctrine, all powers their grain and sheaves, and carry them into and dominions raised up against the true the Lord's barn, and their fruits will abide Joshua, Jesus Christ, and his people, are unto eternal life. brought low, Josh. 6: 10, Since the Scriptures require such teachers, THrE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 63 as before-mentioned, it is then indispen- become princes on earth, Rev. 18: 15. In all sable, that we weigh the conduct of your things they are blamable, violating female preachers in the balance, and determine chastity, which is carried on to such an untheir actions, by the plummet of the divine blushing degree, that it cannot be expressed; word, before your own eyes, that you may they are unchaste, unmerciful, malicious, discover how much they are wanting in their scorners, unfriendly, unrighteous, liars, conduct of the pattern of the true bishops, drunkards, and full of inordinate desires. preachers and pastors, spoken of by Paul Their tables are full of uncleanness, as Isato Timothy and Titus, in all their lives and iah the prophet says. Their hearts are full actions; and that they are the very reverse, of avarice, and they are malicious towards who, without spirit, word, work or truth, I those who will not contribute to their supbut in semblance only, are so called of the port. They even prepare war against them, world. as Micah teaches; are full of adultery; sit It is manifest, beloved reader, that they with harlots in their houses: beget children have changed the meek office of a true bish- illegitimately. They are unbelieving, reop, preacher and pastor, which is an office fractory, proud, ambitious; obey not the of christian service, and if rightly attended w ord of the Lord; are bound with the cords to, is an office full of labor, poverty, trouble, of the devil, and there are many who have care, reproach, misery, tribulation, cross Inot known the truth, are a scandal and disand affliction, into ungodly gorgeousness grace to the world. Their dreadful, abomand princely glory, that they may be great- inable fruits make this manifest to all. They ly respected and feared, of those whose fight against Christ and his word; hate all names are not written in heaven, to this end the pious; speak reproachfully of all those they appear in splendid robes; are dressed who seek, love, and fear the Lord with all in shining garbs, Rev. 13: 8; are called by their hearts. In short, it is impossible to pompous names, and use in their services relate all their abominable crimes, lewdness, crosses, ointments, caps, togas, unclean pu- ungodly deeds, private and public vices, inrifications, and have cloisters, chapels, bells, famy and abominations. organs, music, masses, offerings, &c., of 0 dear Lord! how much more have they which there is not a word to be found in become the reverse of the upright and true the Scriptures. Under these splendid trap- bishops, overseers and pastors, although pings may plainly be seen the slily, croach- this proud generation boast that they can ing wolf, the earthly, sensual mind, the anti- bring Christ down from heaven, reconcile christian seductions and bloody abomina- God, forgive sins, and that they are the true tions; for they seek nothing but the favor of pillars, heads and eyes of the church. men, honor, splendor, venery, idleness, self, Although I have written this especially gold, silver, gluttony, &c., and suffer them- of the Roman priests, the reader should selves to be called spiritual doctors, teach- know, that I cannot acquit those in any ers, lords, abbots, guardians, fathers and wise, who boast of the word; for with the priors. exception of adultery and fornication, and Alas! how vastly they do differ from the a few of the abuses of the bread, which prophets and apostles in their office, serv- are not found with them, they seek and deices, examples, usages, lives, and in all they sire, in the common walks of life, unreasondid; who entered the vineyard of the Lord able gain; they idolize baptism and the without purse, without money, or much Holy Supper, and oppress, backbite and clothing; who were made a spectacle to the slander the pious, about the same as the whole world; and for Christ's sake were others do. killed all the day long, and accounted as Therefore, I fear all who preach for money, sheep for the slaughter; as may be seen and flatter the world, are the spiritual sorfrom the Scriptures. cerers of Egypt, 2 Tim. 3: 8, priests of the But these have their chests and coffers groves, servants of Baal, and prophets of full, they are waxed rich through the abun- I Jezebel, destroyers of the Lord's vineyard, dance of the Babylonian sorcery, and have i Jer. 12: 10, defilers of the land, Jer. 23: 11, 64 THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. blind watchmen and dumb dogs, spoilers of sual; of the world, and of the devil, as is the good pastures, they trouble the clear evident; and that you so miserably deceive waters, are devourers of souls, Ezek. 22: 27, poor souls; and so cruelly hate, belie, refalse prophets and ravening wolves, devour- proach and betray all those who sincerely ers of widows' houses, thieves and murder- seek the salvation of their souls; take their ers, enemies of the cross of Christ, whose property, deprive them of honor, and life, end is destruction, whose God is their belly, who in great love admonish, by the word of and whose glory is in their shame, who God, your deceiving teachers, and reprove mind earthly things, Phil. 3: 18, 19, false their ungodly deeds with all discretion, teachers, founders of sects, cursed children, Deut. 8: 3; Matt. 4: 4. wandering stars, withered trees, without O Balaam, Balaam, how long will you fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; so unmercifully kick and cuff the poor ass foaming out their own shame, to whom is which has to suffer all the opprobium, scorn, reserved the blackness of darkness forever, and disgrace, for the sake of his master's Jude 13; anti-christs, locusts that rose from testimony? And never kindly listen how he the bottomless pit, came to hurt those who answers you in a human voice, and reproves have not the seal of God in their foreheads, your great folly and error? That he is driven Rev. 9: 4. In short, if they will not repent, by an angel with a naked sword, namely, they are already condemned according to by the Spirit and word of the Lord, that he the Scriptures, Tit. 3: 11; Rev. 21: 8. can longer carry (endure) you in your unNot that I would judge any one, my good godly deeds. reader, I well know that it is written, Judge Well now! seed of Cain, Korah and Banot, that ye be not judged; condemn not laam, prepare for defence; lie, cheat, cenand ye shall not be condemned; but they sure, blaspheme, hate, root up, disgrace, are judged of him, who says, "The word and murder as much as in you lies; allege that I have spoken, the same shall judge all the councils, authors, and learned teachhim in the last day," John 12: 48. ers who have been for centuries; appeal to Who do such and the like things, says all the lords and princes, emperors, kings Paul, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. and the mighty of the earth. Use all the But if any one shall do the works whereof power, art and cunning that you can comPaul speaks, he will not be judged of mand, it will avail you nothing; the Lamb me, nor by any other man, but by the word will conquer and gain the victory, the people of the Lord. Therefore we entreat you to of God will triumph, not with tangible weapmeasure the conduct of your preachers with ons, but in patience with the Spirit and the Scriptures, and you will find, by whom Word of God. Jerusalem and the temple they are judged. must be built up, although the Azotus and O miserable preachers, whose blindness Sanballat may attempt to hinder it, not we may well lament; how much better would with inanimate stones, which are now tread it be for you never to have been born. For upon in every street with your unclean feet, if you have finished your short, perishable, Neh. 4: 6; although all the gates of hell voluptuous and idle life; and have not re- may resist, Babel must be destroyed and pented, as above stated, your portion will laid waste. The ten kings will and must be God's eternal wrath, punishment and perform their services. You will gnaw your judgment in the torments, the pains and tongues for pain, bitterly cry and weep on burnings of hell; woe and death shall be account of the torments of Babel, and say, your end, as the Scriptures threaten, Phil. Alas alas! that great city, that was cloth3: 19. ed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and The reason is, because you reject Christ, decked with gold, and precious stones, and and despise his word, which is everlasting pearls! For in one hour so great riches is food for the soul, upon which we must eter- come to nought; for her sins rose up to nally subsist. You despise his word be- heaven, and the Lord remembered her wickcause it reproves your vain and frivolous! edness, Rev. 18: 16. conduct, showing that you are indeed sen- The gospel woill and must be heard; lies THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 65 must be exposed, and your blind folly made remember what is written, " Come out from known to all men; although I and my breth- among them, and be ye separate, saith the ren may be called off by death before this Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and takes place, yet it will undoubtedly happen I will receive you, and I will be a Father at the appointed time, which the Holy Ghost unto you, and ye shall be my sons and so plainly foretold and taught through the daughters, saith the Lord Almighty," 2 Cor. worthy disciple, John. 6: 17, 18; and again, "Come out of her, my O stiffnecked, and evil generation, how people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, long will you resist the Holy Ghost? How and that ye receive not of her plagues," Rev. long will you revile the truth, and prefer 18: 4. Consider that the mouth of the Lord lies? How long will your hands drip with said, "Beware of false prophets, which come the blood of the innocent? Reform your to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they wicked lives, fear God with all your hearts, are ravening wolves: ye shall know them renounce all your glossy, sensual and carnal I by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of doctrine, come forward with us, treat us ae- thorns, or figs of thistles?" Matt. 7: 15, 16. cording to the word of God, that the gospel They are the salt which has lost its savor, may be rightly preached, and maintained and is henceforth good for nothing, but to by a pious and blameless life. 0, if you be cast out and to be trodden under foot of would do this, no innocent blood would be men, as the Lord says, Matt. 5: 13. shed, and the truth would be made known. In short, they are those of whom Paul But we are afraid it will be as the prophet warned and said, "This know also, that in said, "The wicked shall do wickedly, and the last days perilous times shall come; for none of the wicked shall understand; but men shall be lovers of their ownselves, covthe wise shall understand," Dan. 12: 10. etous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disFor it is the custom of all the sects, who are obedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, out of Christ and his word, to defend their without natural affection, truce-breakers, foundations, faith and actions with the false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers sword. The Romans, the Arians, the Cir- of those that are good, traitors, heady, highcumcellions, the Lutherans, the Zuinglians, minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers and the Munsterites, are our witnesses; but of God; having a form of godliness, but Christ's people suffer and forbear. denying the power thereof; from such turn Is it not a grievous error, that these poor away," 2 Tim. 3: 1-5. people want to be called Christians, and are Again, thus you see that your preachers guilty of such abominable things, such as are such persons as described, and that the exterminating, robbing, apprehending,burn- Scriptures abundantly admonish and coming, torturing, murdering, &c., under pre- mand that we shall forsake them, fear them, tences, as if the kingdom of Christ, the glory avoid and flee from them, &c. And this is of the Lord, the word and truth of God, the reason why we openly teach not to hear were to be defended and maintained with their seducing doctrines, not to use their such horrible disgrace? sacraments, and to have nothing to do with Alas, no! you miserable men, no. All their false worship. who are moved by the spirit of Christ know Rather say, What godliness can Israel of no sword but the word of the Lord; their bring from Assyria, Egypt, or from Babyweapons are powerful, fervent prayer, a Ion? long-suffering and patient heart, strong, im- How can the true service be found with moveable faith, a living hope, and an un- the priests of Baal? How can you be taught blamable life, whereby the gospel of the in divine things to righteousness, by those kingdom, the word of peace, is to be pro- who are ignorant thereof themselves? mulgated, and to be defended against the How can you learn Christ from antigates of hell. christ; and the word of God from false proBeloved reader, if you have the fear of phets? God, then learn rightly to know your bish- How can you be blessed by the cursed, ops, prophets, pastors and teachers. and I and be rightly led by the blind? 9 66 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND How will you draw water from dry fount- j the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth ains, and gather fruit from withered trees? the will of my Father," Matt. 7: 21. 2 Pet. 2: 17. And we also, agreeably to the contents of How can you be partakers of the Lord's God's word, have departed from their doctable and of the table of devils? i trine, sacraments and service, and this we How can you drink both of the Lord's cup testify both by word and deed, with possesand the devil's cup, and be in the commun- sions and blood, before lords and princes, in ion of Christ and of anti-christ? 2 Cor. 10: 21. cities and in the country, before you, and You cannot serve two masters who are op- the world as an admonition, doctrine and posed to each other; you must love the one instruction, so that you all, both teachers and hate the other, or else you will hold to and hearers, might awaken, to reflect on the the one and despise the other. You must truth, repent and come out from the kingbe for Christ or against him, you will gather dom and fellowship of anti-christ, and enter with him, or destroy in opposition to him. the kingdom and communion of Christ; and Matt. 6: 24. thus extricate your poor souls from the Since we, by the grace of God, so plainly snares of unbelief, that you may be rossee how your preachers are sent, see their cued, preserved and eternally saved. doctrine and lives, how they go without be- For we will sooner endure, in our mortal ing called, falsify the word of God, lead bodies, misery, poverty, tribulation, hunger, a wanton, sensual life, deceive the poor thirst, heat, cold, bonds and death, and adpeople; and being so abundantly admon- here to the word of the Lord, than lead seished by the Scriptures, that we should for- cure easy lives with the world, and for the sake, avoid, and shun such preachers, be- sake of a short and temporal life, ruin our cause they are so diametrically opposed to s ls. Christ and his word, and we desire to be i. i. ft. ^. WAe think w-itlh hloly Peter, that we shllould obedient to the voice of our shepherd in this matter as it becomes all the pious of Christ, rather obey God than man; and with virtufor the kingdom is promised to the obedient, ous Susanna, it is better to fall into the as the Scriptures say, "Not every one that hands of man, than into the hands of God. saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into All who fear the Lord may read and judge. COUNITER ARGUMiENTS OF BABYLON AND ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATIONS. Beloved reader, although we have clearly world and ease, they have garbled a variety shown you the difference between true and of scriptural passages, by which they perfalse preachers, and why we should not suade the simple, those who dread the cross hear them, we hope that the god-fearing, of Christ, that it is lawful to hear their docwho acknowledge the word of the Lord to trine and attend upon their church services, be true, might fully comprehend this GROUND and this they do in order to live at ease and AND TRUTH; still we find some among those enjoy good times. preachers, who partly know that their cause In the first place, they say that Christ cannot stand the test of the Scripture. said, "The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Nevertheless, not being born of God, nor Moses' seat: all, therefore, whatsoever they fearing him but seeking unlawful gain, the bid you observe, that observe and do; but ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 67 do not ye after their works," Matt. 23: 3. related; so long did Christ direct his disFrom which they conclude, that, as the ciples and the people, at that time, to them; Scribes and Pharisees were sitting in the for the law was not fully accomplished; the seat of Moses, and mingling leaven with the perfect sacrifice, which was to abolish all unleavened lump, of which Christ warned typical sacrifices, was not yet offered; the his disciples, saying, all therefore whatso- veil of the temple was not yet rent, the ever they bid you observe, that observe and figures and shadows were not yet changed do, they also now sit in Christ's seat, al- into the new and abiding reality. After it though they are in their doctrine and lives had all been accomplished according to the not upright and free from guilt; that there- Scriptures, and all things made new in fore we are to hear them, so far as they Christ, he did not then send out the Scribes preach the word of God, but not to do after and Pharisees with Moses' law, but his distheir works. ciples with his own doctrine; and said, "Go To which we reply: First we ask them ye into all the world and preach the gospel whether they and the Pharisees are one or to every creature," Mark 16: 15, "teaching not d If they answer yes, they must then be them to observe all things whatsoever I have their own judges, and decide that they are commanded you," Matt. 28: 20. of those who crucified Christ, stoned Ste- Since then all things are new in and phen,beat theapostles,persecutedthesaints, through Christ; and as the people of Moses and they are of those who are threatened were directed to his preachers, by Christ bewith eternal woe; they may well then be fore his death, to those who sat in Moses' afraid and fear the Lord and his judgments. seat and rightly taught the law, and cereIf they answer no, then they can prove monies; in like manner, in the new Testanothing with this passage. ment, are we, after the death of Christ, diSecondly, we reply: If they adduce this i rected to those preachers who sit in Christ's passage, quasi arcgumentum assimzili, i. e. seat, teaching his words unblamably, and as it were an argument of similitude, and using his sacraments as the Scriptures teach. remark that to sit in Moses' seat, is to But the Scriptures abundantly warn us of rightly preach and attend to Moses' law those who adulterate Christ's doctrine, nmiswith its ceremonies. This did the Scribes use his sacraments, seduce the people, lead and Pharisees, they left the law and cere- dissolute and wanton lives; such we are to monies entire and altered nothing therein, shun, avoid and abandon, not to admit them although they practiced some superstition into our houses, for they sit in anti-christ's, with it, as may be seen from Matt. 15: 3. and not in Christ's seat, as said, Matt. 7: 15. For had they altered the law and ceremony, Secondly, they adduce what Paul says, they would not have been sitting in Moses' "Quench not the spirit; despise not propheseat. syings; prove all things; hold fast that But even as the Scribes and Pharisees did which is good, abstain from all appearsit in Moses' seat, these will then also have ance of evil," 1 Thess. 5: 19-22. to show that they sit in Christ's seat, that I answer: Paul himself explains, accordis, they must prove that they preach Christ's ing to our opinion, of what spirit and progospel, baptism, supper, separation; preach phecy he thus spake. For if it were the and practice all things correctly, or the ar- opinion of the apostle that we should repair gfunzentumt assimvili cannot stand. If this is to houses where this open seduction and the case, we may then ask counsel of the idolatry are carried on, and there prove Scriptures; why they suffer the traditions their spirit and doctrines, Paul would then of men to be added thereto' But we well have contradicted himself, when lie says, know that the Scriptures are silent on this that we shall separate, rshun and flee from subject. then; for we know of a certainty that they Thirdly, we reply: So long as the Scribes do corrupt the word and sacraments of the and Pharisees were sitting in Moses' seat, Lord., and seek nothing but a good living, and practiced the ceremonies and taught and are without the spirit and doctrine of the law which pointed to Christ, as before Christ. 68 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND O no; Paul did not write this of such of pure hypocrisy and slyness, with the wise preachers as the Scribes and Pharisees were, men, for he was desirous of the child's death, neither of the idolatrous priests of Egypt to prevent its becoming a king. But when and Babylon (understand well what I mean): he saw that he failed in his hypocrisy, he but he said this touching the prophets, pas- became very much enraged, and showed his tors and teachers in the Church of Christ, fierce, tyrannical, ungodly disposition; he that we are not to quench their spirit, but sent forth and slew all the children that prove their doctrine, and hold fast to that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts which is good. And if theytaught any thing thereof, from two years old and under, that not in accordance with the Scriptures and by the slaying of all the innocent children the true faith, to avoid it. If any man pro- he might also destroy the born king, as may phesy, let him prophesy according to the be seen from Matt. 2: 16. proportion of faith, Rom. 12: 6, and this is O my good reader, how justly they do apto what John exhorts his disciples, "Be- peal to this hypocritical, lying, ambitious loved, believe not every spirit, but try the and tyrannical Herod; for the greater part spirits, whether they are of God," I John 4: of them are of the same spirit and disposi1. And this passage, Abstain from all ap- tion. They are so much pained that Christ pearance of evil, may be understood as not is born again through his word. They pracproperly referring to what is just mentioned. tice hypocrisy like Herod; they lie, and say My good reader, we have proved your that they are sincere; but they fear their unpreachers so well, both as to their spirit lawful gain, their rich and lazy life, lest and doctrine, that we may with a clear con- Christ should rule, as Herod feared, lest he science say, that they are not of God and should lose his kingdom. And they are his word, but of the bottomless pit, of the ready to destroy the pious, as Herod was dragon and of the beast. Say, dear reader, determined upon the blood of Christ, as how shall we acknowledge those as teach- you have heard. ers who so wantonly fight against the word Since then they are manifestly hypocritiof God? What communion has light with cal liars, and earthly-minded, and also indarkness? WThat concord has Christ with tent upon blood, as may be seen in some Belial? I Cor. 6: 14. The greater part of places; therefore we will also take for an their teaching and action is delusion and example in this matter the wise, who, being hypocrisy. My reader, do not pervert these admonished by a heavenly inspiration, did words, for what I write is the truth, and I not return to Herod, and, through the grace can prove it to the whole world, from their of God faithfully observe the Lord's inspidoctrines, lives and sacraments. ration, counsel, doctrine and admonition, Thirdly, they ask, Why will we not hear and turn to those who point out Christ in them; for the wise men of the East gave full power and; practice, and teach in the heed to what Herod said? truth, according to the spirit. Answer: To adduce this passage seems to Fourthly, some of them say, Although me to be so puerile, that it is by no means the devil should preach the word of God, worthy of reply. For Herod did nothing why should we not hear him? else than by the instruction of the scribes, In the first place I reply to these vain, point out to the wise men the town in which slanderous calumniators, that it would be the king of- the Jews should be born, and well for them to learn rightly to distinguish he did it with a blood-thirsty heart, as the between the spirit and disposition of the following act shows; he sent them to Beth- devil, and the spirit and nature of Christ, lehem and said, "Go and search diligently before they would utter such unseasonable, for the young child, and when you have I blasphemous words before the poor people. found him, bring me word again, that I may The devil was a liar from the beginning, come and worship him also," Matt. 2: 8. and will undoubtedly always be. Since then Herod was afraid when he heard that the ihe is a liar, and lying his nature, disposiJews had a king born, lest he might lose his tion and work, as the Lord says, how can kingdom and glory; he therefore spoke, out he then sincerely and rightly teach and ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 69 preach the word of God, which is truth, vices, as may be abundantly read and seen and is diametrically opposed to his lying in all the books of Moses. disposition and nature, and though he did Secondly, that Israel was commanded by teach the truth correctly, and give Christ his God, that if a false prophet were to rise up praise, still he does so with a false heart; l among them, and though he were to do for he is a devil and the truth is not in him. wonders and signs, he should die, Deut. He confessed Christ, rightly and accord- 13: 4. ing to the contents of his word, when he Thirdly, Israel was not allowed to teach said, Thou art Christ, the holy one of God; or to receive any doctrine or worship from thou art Christ, the Son of God. However, any strange nations circumjacent to them, Christ did not desire his confession, but re- but to keep closely to the law and testiproved him and said, Hold your peace, and monies. come out of him, for his confession was made Fourthly, where there arose some ungodly with a diabolical heart, as said. kings, such as Jeroboam, Ahab, Manasseh Secondly, I say, If any one would hear and many others, who loved their own rightthe voice of the devil, he need not go far; eousness and idolatry more than the word alas! he can hear him every where. All who and right worship of the Lord; and when speak lies, speak of the devil. In the be- the false prophets multiplied, who turned ginning he spoke through the serpent; in the people from the Lord and his law, then Israel through the false prophets, and now also did the Lord raise up true prophets through his preachers, in order to deceive such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, &c., to reprove the people of the world, and divert them the disobedient, idolatrous kings and false from the truth, that they never can be saved. prophets, and to warn the people faithfully Since then, that from the beginning hehas of them, and said, "Hearken not unto the been, and still is a lying spirit, an adver- words of the prophets that prophesy unto sary of God, a falsifier of the Scriptures, you; they make you vain; they speak a and a murderer of souls, and will eternally vision of their own heart, and not out of the be such, who can neither teach nor endure mouth of the Lord," Jer. 23: 16. These any thing good, because he is by nature prophets all gloriously pointed to Christ, unclean, a liar, and a deceiver, always the to his kingdom and reign. enemy of every thing that is good, we will Fifthly, that Christ, as well as Moses, ortherefore stop our ears, through God's grace, dained and appointed in his kingdom, comand not hear such blasphemous speaking; munity, or church, prophets, preachers, turn our backs upon the devil, with all his teachers, ceremonies and ordinances, which lying preachers, as the Scriptures teach; are to be observed by all true christians for and we will sincerely believe the Scriptures, ever. which direct us to Christ to hear him. Christ Sixthly, the holy apostles teach, advise, directs us to his disciples, and they direct and admonish us, that we are to separate us to such teachers who are blameless in ourselves from those, in doctrine and in doctrine and life, as related. May the merci- worship, be they baptized or not, who agree ful and gracious Lord eternally preserve all not with the spirit, doctrine, regulations the pious hearts against this Herodian gen- and examples of Christ. eration, and against the devil's preachers, Seventhly, that the whole world with their Amen. spirit, doctrine, sacrament, worship and Fifthly, some also say that we may hear conduct, are far from Christ's spirit, word, them, if we suffer ourselves not to be de- sacrament, worship and example; and, ceived by them. alas! are nothing but a new Sodom, Egypt I answer: The reader should observe how and Babel, Rev. 11: 8. the people of God ever were, fiom the days Eighthly, that all those who acknowledge of Abraham, separated from the world; and God's word, and are partakers of his Spirit, especially since the days of Moses, they are called on to let their lights shine out of have had their own particular preachers, darkness and give light to the world, that teachers, ceremonies, ordinances and ser- they reprove all ungodliness by word, deed, 70 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND life and death, confess the Lord's holy name,' but we worship Him who made heaven and word and will, and confirm it by a pious earth. and unblamable life, according to the Scrip- I answer: Can a single passage be adtures. duced from the Scriptures, that uncleanness, Ninthly, that "whoso shall offend one of sin, falsifying the ordinances of God, idolthese little ones which believe in me (Christ), atry, disobedience to the word, and hypocit were better for him that a mill-stone were risy are all pure to the pure, that is, to tle hanged about his neck, and that he were true believers; then we might consider a drowned in the depth of the sea," 2Matt. little on it. But we know certainly, that not 18: 6. a single passage can be advanced. Tenthly, that we reflect well, why or for O my reader, if the men of God had tlus what reason we are not to hear such preach- nnderstood the Scriptures, as these poor ers. If we do hear them, and desire to be People do, the three valiant young men taught of them, then we seek the truth would lave by no means suffered themamong lies, and life among the dead. But selves to be cast into the fiery furnace. The if we will not be taught of them, but use our upright Eleazer, the God-fearing pious mothliberty, as they call it, we must confess that er with her seven sons, the holy prophets, such hearing is no hearing, but trifling and apostles and pious witnesses of God, would hypocrisy, by which we despise the spirit, have saved their lives, would have escaped doctrine, ordinances, counsel, admonition, tle cruel tortures and pains, and said, To community and church of Christ; and the pure all things are pure, we will chleerstrengthen the seducing abominations, idol- flly comply. atry, and kingdom of anti-christ, and con- 0 no! my good reader, no: the lea.n ale form to the world in all appearance of evil, not to touch the unclean. Touch not the unact the hypocrite, grieve and vex many a cle tin, says te Sprit of Go througl pious child of God, cause strife among the Isaiah and Paul, tlht is, wat the Scriptures pious, and esteem lightly the innocent blood forbid. lie that washed himself, after the which is shed in many places on this ac- touching of a dead body, if he touch it count. ag'ain, what availeth his washling! Is it not folly for any man to wash his clothes, and Behold, my readers, all who fear the Lord, aIterwards tieac then into the mire again. and rightly examine and judge these ten m n and rlightly examine and judlge tAhe6 te, Thle Scriptures plainly teach, thlat "the just articles, here briefly stated, by the Spirit shall live by faith," and that a itood tree and word of the Lrd, will not halt lere, y and word of the Lord, will not halt here, brings forth good fruit." We certainly know but they will faithfully take heed to the tat an humble, -ownded sl ill y an ac * a * hrr that an humble, lowtly-mnindedl soul will nevcounsel and admonition of the Holy Ghost- I er magnificently array itself in gold, pearls reprove the world both by works and doe-' Pals reprve te ol both b s an or other costly apparel; that those who fear trine; avoid every appearance of evil, andl tle Lord will be onest, claste, sober; tev walk unblamably in the house of the Lord. 1ill not ta, rin, sing and dne titv will not talk, drink, sing and dance wit i1 But touching the false worship, the light- dishonorable women; for the knowledge, minded comfort one another, and say, chil- fear and love of God and his word forbid dren may be baptized; for the child is clean; them; and should one do so, we would the water is clean; to wash and to bathe is know that his light is darkness, and his also clean, &c. VWe may also receive the conduct not agreeable to the Scr-itures. supper of the Lord at the hands of these And so it is unbecomiingo to those w]ho boast preachers, althoughl it is in idolatrous ]lous- of the word, and would reprove seduction, es; christians have no idols any more, they 1the,idolatry anid aminaions (f preachers only use bread and wine as such, which is by the Sc.riptnTl.es, and vet associate with pure to the pure; Paul says, To the pure all tlheni in their doctrlne, stacraments, false things are pure. They appeal to the case of service, for words wvithout actions )pr(ofit Naaman, the Captain of the king of Assyr- nothing. "Have no fellowship with the unia; and to the house of Rimmon, and say, fruitful vorks of diakness, but ratlher re We care not for the idolatry of the priests, prove them," Eph. 5: 11. ITS BUILDERS, WITH IHEIR REPLICATION. 71 It is true, that to the pure all things are file and make implre, if not sanctioned 1)by pure, which are not contrary to the Spirit the heart. and word of God. For none are called pure lMy good reader, if that were true all the in the Scriptures, except those who conform passages would. have been spoken to no to the Spirit and word of the Lord. All, who purpose, which say; neither be ye idolators agree with the word, to them all lawfiul, pure as were some of them; h.ave no fellowship things, are pure, such as eating, drinking, with the unfruitful works of darkness; avoid clothing, houses, manors, land, gold, silver, all appearance of evil, &c., then would also wives, children, goods, food, to wake, to the offence of the cross have been ended. sleep, to speak, to be silent, and all things No, no, it becomes a true christian to be which God has given us as necessaries; be- wholly pious, to glorify God, both in body cause they are pure, they will also use all and spirit. lawful, pure things purely; namely, in the Aaron, a high. priest called of God, a type fear of God, with thanksg'iving and mlodlera- of the Lord Jesus, when he was constrained lion, to the praise of God and to the service of the people to make gods for theml wh.liel of their fellow man; to which end, these should go before thlle, he was overcome things were given of God, for the use of m en. through the weakness of the flesh, that lie All things prohibited of God, such as hy- yielded to the idolaters, and made them a pocrisy, unfruitful works, conformity to the golden calf. Aaron did not worship it in world, living in affluence and splendor, and his heart; for he well knew it was not the living in idolatry, are by all means, impure God who led them through the red sea, but to the pure, to the faithful, obedient children that it was a creature made of gold. Neverof God; and the pure can never use things theless this guilt was charged to Aaron, for impurely through all eternity, according to MAoses said, "W;hat did this people unto the will of God; for the Spirit of God and thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin his word forbid them. upon themi?" Ex. 32: 21; yea, the Lord Adam was allowsed of God to eat of all would have destroyed him had not Moses the vegetables and fruits of the earth, for interceded for him, Dent. 9: 20. his subsistence, except of the tree of knowl- We would, that all founders of sects and edge of good and evil; for if he should eat erring spirits, whose rejection of the cross, thereof, he must die. All the fruits and ease, carnal minds and hypocrisy, is cloakcreatures allowed of God, were pure to pure ed under the semblance of the word of God, Adam, but one tree was impure to him would reflect well upon the history of Aathrough the command of God; he ate there- ron; I trust they would no longer conceal of, and he, with all his seed, fell under the their nudity and disgrace witl fig-leaves; power of death. but would clothe themselves with the true And even as all things are pure to the coat of skins, with Jesus Christ, made of pure, and are for the good of the pious, so God; for they comfort and encourage the also to the impure all things are impure, poor, rude people in their idolatry and and to the evil all things are evil; because faith, by their ungodly dealings, which they they are impure, they use, all the creatures call liberty, grieve the pious unto death, of God impurely. They eat and drink to discourage and offend the poor, wavering excess; they dress gorgeously; anid indulge souls of whom it is written, "VWhoso shall in lewdness; they raise their children to offend one of these little ones, which believe idleness; they a.variciously hoard gold, sil- in le, it were lbetter for him, that a millver, houses and lands, and there is nothilng stone wereae hanged about his neck, and that they use purely accordilng to the will of hte were drown in tlb deptl of the sea,." God; for they are impure, sensual, disobe- Matt. 1S: 6. dient -to the word, and ar eafrthly-m-inded, What christian liberty is, and how it is to as the Scriptures say. 1)e used according to tle will o:f Go(d, is filly Further; it is also an abominable calumny explained in Ronm. 14. and slanderous seduction, what some pre- Say, beloved, how can we include in christend and say; outward idolatry cannot de- tian liberty, that which is so openly com 72 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND mitted against so many passages in the I could bear to see his father thus assaulted, Scriptures against brotherly love, and con- and yet keep his silence? trary to all the examples of so many saints, Since then, we see with unclouded eyes, as said? how miserably they treat our eternal FathO, were they pure in heart, who introduce er, who loved us so greatly, in their houses such subtle arguments, and would they but of abomination; and how they behave tolove Christ supremely over every thing, how wards his son, Jesus Christ, who bought us soon they would then know that that which with such a precious price. Again: How they maintain is contrary to the spirit and they quench his Holy Spirit, hate his will, word of God. But I fear they are those con- his word, and abuse his sacraments, reject cerning whom it is written, "There is a gen- his ordinances and commands, revile and eration that are pulre in their own eyes, and reproach his children, deceive poor souls, yet are not vwashed from their filthiness," and rob Christ of his gloryy; and with all Prov. 30: 12. this, they desire us to unite with such open Touching Naaman, we have to notice at- enemies of God; to act the hypocrite with tentively the following passages. them, to listen to their ungodly seductions First, that Naaman was neither a Jew, and abominations; if we should, we would nor a proselyte, but a foreigner, who was be very ungrateful children, and without not included in the doctrine, ceremonies, or- love. This is incontrovertibly true. dinances and righteousness of Israel, al- No; such is not the way of pious christhough he would no longer serve idols, and tians; but as Christ defends his church, is would serve and offer to God, he had not not ashamed of her, and enlightens her by yet received the sign, viz., circumcision. his Holy Spirit and word, comforts her in Secondly, that he was the servant of his all her distresses, strengthens her in suffermaster, upon whom the king depended; ings and endows her with power and wisand therefore had to attend to the service of dom, before lords and princes, wise and his master when the king worshiped in tie learned, and before the whole world, that house of Rimmon, and would worship none all have to be silent and ashamed in prcsother than the true God who had cleansed ence of a poor, humble Christian; and in him. the day of judgment acknowledge her before Thirdly, thatwe cannot conclude with cer- his Father, and will bestow upon her the tainty from the answer of the prophet, how eternal kingdom; and so do the spirit and far he did, or did not comply. love of Christ also demand of us, that we Fourthly, that the house of Rimmlon, and confess before men his divine honor, word, the service thereof, and our temple with its will, ordinances and commands, and beservices, are not the same; for in the house sides, we are to testify it by our works, posof Rimmon the name of God, the laws, the sessions, blood, life and death, and not clanordinances and ceremonies, were not abused, destinely frequent such houses of abominafor they were not known there. But what tion, where his great and adorable name is abuses, disgrace, scoffings, abomination and so miserably dishonored and slandered; blasphemy, are carried on in our temples and where we hear not the truth, nor learn under the name of Christ, all rational men any piety. For it is nothing but hypocrisy may determine by the Scriptures. which they teach; although they disguise But if any one says, Why do you concern it with the word of the Lord, as may be eviyourselves about the doings of the priests? dently observed by their works. Worship God as Naaman did, this sounds All, teachers and hearers, run, says the to us thus, "Behold your pious father will prophet, like a frantic heifer, they all hate be often slanderously mocked, insulted,. re- reproof and instruction, and live impruviled and much abused; let such things not dently according to their own lusts. They move you, or confound you, but be uncon- desire not God's word, therefore, I fear the cerned and contented. Submit quietly, but scourge is ready, and the avenging sword in your heart honor your father, &c." Say, of the Lord is drawn; that soon one ungodly beloved, what rational and upright child man will eat another, so that many of them ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 73 will be destroyed, for these foolish people, unto you," Matt. 6: 33, for if the countenance will be punished. of his grace is in this matter over those who Fifthiy, we have to observe, that in the reject hbim, how much more over those who New Testament we alre only directed to the fear hintl and keep his commandments. Spirit, word, counsel, admonition and us- Thirdly, that the Almighty, bountiful God, ages of Christ; what he allows us we may God Almighty, who is all-sufficient to supdo, but what he forbids we dare not do; it port tile poor and needy without any idolbecomes all true Christians to conform there- atry, hypocrisy and service of the devil; beto, and not according to such doubtful his- cause le Ihas no delight in such offerings tories and obscure passages, fromn which we and gifts of unrighteousness; as the prophet can draw no sure ground, and which teach says, Behold, to obey is better than sacrithe very reverse of what t!e Lord's apostles fice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams; publiclyf taughlt. for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and HIere I would faithfllly ad nish ie shin- stub)bornness is as iniquity and idolatry, cere reader, that he would not sufnbr h.iself 1 Sai. 1: 22, 23. to be deceived with such words; but at all All, therefore, who say- that they do this times to kee) and abide in the unchangeable on account of their wives and children, and and sure greund, which the faithful witnesses for the sake of the poor, ought to know that of Christ, the holy apostles have left us, w-hich they love their wives and children more than they taught us plainly in their writings; for God, and lessen the arm and power of God, the deceivers seek but to confound the wav- and lie unto the Lord; they should know ering, and to be free firoml the cross of Christ. that they only c(over and adorn their indoBut, say tlhe-, aWce eteeml it teo be better lence, their dislike of the cross, their unbeto do so sometimes, in order that we may lief, earthly-mindedness and hypocrisy unadminister to our wives and children, and der such pretense. Let every one take heed serve the poor, than that we should A-wholly to himself and fear God, who has eyes like abandon the preachers, and thlerebly make flaming fire, whic h penetrate heaven and all our possessions a prey. earth, and cannot be blinded by fair words. To whiclh we reply, in the first pllace: The Again, they further pretend that Paul pufirst command teaches, "Thou- s,,i-alt love the rified himself according to the custom of the Lord thy God wvith all thy hea t, and with Jews, and Timothy was circumcised. This all thy soul, and with all - 1 ti in t.d " d l Where is quite different, for these were things which the name of -te Lor-d is pl'ofaineld, and where God hald commanded, although they ended his wordl is violat(d, t'hetre t it behooves you in Christ. The reason why Paul consented in all love: to reprov e hngs with an1 thereto was, that he might preach the word unblamable life, by thl wocd o1f Cod, an d with more freedom to the Jews, as he says, to defend the praise o' God, as ilui as in' Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I you is; reflect upon wh a t the Lord says, miglht tg-in thfe Jews; to them that are under IThosoev-er loves fatlher, muotiler, brother, tthe v>vr, as under the law, that I might gain sister,'ife, children, possessions and life tihein thiat are under the law," I Cor. 9: 20. more than ime, cannot b, my isciiple, Lukce And since these works did not originate 14: 26. with anti-christ, but from God, with which Secondly, that all who lbelieve that God Paul would not offend the weak Jews; as made heaven and earth, and sustained Is- explained; how- can weti then show by them, rael forty days with bread from leaven, and that we are at liberty to hear false preachwater from the rock, sent Elias his neces- ing, receive tle baptism and enjoy the supsary food 1)-w a raven; who gives the birds per of anti-christ; and to take part with the in the air, the fishles in tlie ewater, and the world in open idolatry and blasphemy? Alreptiles lupon earth, their food; they will though this may not be done with the heart, not doubt tile goodness, power and promise it is at least so in appearance. Or we must of their Lord Jesus Christ, wh]o says, "Seek consider the works of the law, which were ye first the kingldom of God, and his right- of God, to be as unclean and ungodly as the eonsness, and all these tfiings silal1. be added, works and abominations of darkness, which 10 74 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON. are of the devil; and esteem the renuncia- and divine services, they are freed from spirtion of the cross of Christ as highly as the itual Babylon, that is, from sin, hell, death, zeal with which Paul undertook to teach the devil, from the doctrines and commands of Jews the Gospel of Christ. men, from all idolatry and abominations, O my faithful reader, if you would not as Paul says, There is, therefore, now no lose your poor soul, do not then dishonor condemnation to them which are in Christ Christ, rightly seek his praise, obey his Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after Spirit, doctrine, counsel, admonition and the Spirit; for the law of the Spirit of life in example, and you will never be made Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the ashamed; you will soon discover that the law of sin and death, Rom. 8: 1, 2. purification of Paul, and circumcision of All, then, who say that they are yet capTimothy, are different from the doings, tives of Babylon, testify that they have not abominations, idolatry and blasphemy of been set at liberty by the Cyrus (Jesus anti-christ, vwhich have been practiced from Christ), from their sins, and have not comes tJime to time, in the name of Christ, even to from Chaldea to Jerusalem, Isa. 24: 28; the present day. May the gracious, merci- Ezra 1: 1-4. ful God grant that you may all come to the Secondly, that Israel is not commanded knowledge, and walk in his truth, Amen. here to conform themselves to the gentiles; Lastly, they say, That we are yet prison- but when they saw them carry their idols, ers in Babel, and that we may therefore do even as we may see on the days of papistiin semblance the works of Babel; and as- cal processions and abominations, although sert the sayings of Bartch, "Ye shall see in we are not in their temple, then they should Babylon gods of silver, and of gold, and of worship God only, and give him the honor; wood, borne upon shoulders, which cause for if God had commanded them to conform the nations to fear; beware, therefore, that in all things to the Babylonian idolatry, ye in no wise be like to strangers, neither and only serve the Lord with their heart be ye afraid of thenm, when ye see the multi- secretly, then Shadrach, Meshach and Abedtude before them and behind them, worship- nego acted foolishly in refusing to worship ing them; but say in your hearts, O Lord, the great golden idol, on account of which we must worship thee," Bar. 6: 4, 5. they hazarded their lives. O no! the miAnsiwer: Here we have first to observe, raculous work, shown of God to them, testiwhat is shown by the Babylonian captivity; fies that they acted rightly. All, then, I when the Israelites did not serve God aright say, who teach that true believers are not in their own country, they were scattered ac- released from Babylon, do thereby deny thle cording to the prediction of Moses, by the merits, death and blood of Christ, deny faith righteous and gracious judgment of God, with its power, and the Holy Ghost with his among the heathen nations, and were led liberty, and despise wholly the innocent captive under the dominion of Babylon. So blood of the free witnesses of the free chilit is with those who boast themselves as be- dren of God, which is shed so abundantly. ing the spiritual Israel; because they be- Let every one see well to what he believes came unfaithful to the Lord, and rejected and teaches; for I fear that both the shedder his word, and turned their ears to preachers of blood, and the despiser are alike guilty. of lies, the Babylonian king, anti-christ, has My good reader, examine the Scriptures taken advantage of them and deprived them well, and you will find, that to the free chilof the true doctrine, ceremonies and services, dren of God here upon earth, there is no liband led them captive under his dominion, erty promised as to the flesh, for Christ says, and has bound them miserably with the "Ye shall be hated of all nations for my cords of error and idolatrous abominations. name's sake," Iatt. 24: 9. Again, "If any. But all those who are again enlightened man will come after me, let him deny him1y the Spirit and word of the Lord, born of self, and take up his cross and follow me,' God, and die unto the old man, sin; forsake Matt. 16: 24. Again, "W hosoever killeth all human misleadings, and rightly use the you will think that he doeth God service," holy sacraments of the Lord, his ordinances John 16: 2. "All that will live godly in A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE EXHORTATION. 75 Christ Jesus," says Paul, "must suffer per- pointed out, and which we on every occasecution," 2 Tim. 3: 12. And "through much sion maintain and defend in so much tributribulation we must enter into the kingdom lation. of God," Acts 14: 22. For the liberty of the I have served you all with this small spirit is to be maintained with much misery, gift, as I received it from my God. I gladly tribulation, persecutions, bonds, fear and! would that I could serve you longer with death. "The disciple is not above his mas- i great and abundant grace, to the praise of ter, nor the servant above his lord; it is the Lord. Therefore, have I renounced enough for the disciple that he be as his praise, honor, ease, and forsaken all, and master, and the servant as his lord," Matt. willingly submitted to the pressing cross of 10: 24. my Lord Jesus Christ, which ofttimes weigh s Behold, beloved sirs, friends and breth- very heavily on my weak flesh. I seek neiren, here you have the leading parts, and ther gold nor silver (the Lord knows this), chief articles of a CHRISTIAN GROUND AND but am ready, with faithful Moses, to suffer FOUNDATION, with a plain instruction and affliction with the people of God, rather than exposition of the anti-christian abomina- to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: tions and Babylonian acts, whereby the true and I esteem the reproach of Christ greater apostolic foundation, for a long time, was riches than the treasures in Egypt, for I corrupted and razed to the ground; and we know what the Scriptures have promised us, have contrasted light with darkness, truth and this is my only joy and desire of my with falsehood, that the whole truth by our heart, that I may extend the borders of the seeking, doctrine and belief, undertaking kingdom of God, publish the truth, reprove and weak attempts, may be made manifest. sin, teach righteousness, feed the hungry And I hope by the grace of God, that you with the word of the Lord, lead the stray will readily receive it, if you are at all hon- sheep into the right path, and win many estly disposed, read it with a sincere heart, souls to the Lord through his Spirit, power fear God, and acknowledge Christ as the and grace, and so act in my weakness, as true head; and see that we are grounded he taught me who purchased me, a miserupon the only eternal corner stone, that we walk in the right way, although in weak able sinner wit s crimson blood, and to have the plain truth, and that there gave me this mind, by the gospel of his is no other ground or way, and truth to be grace, namely, Jesus Christ, to him be found in the Scriptures, that can stand be- praise and glory, and the eternal kingdonm fore God, other than this, which we have Amen. A GCI -M11: IRSTIA AN'D AFFECTIONATE EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTIIOITY. Also to the learned, to tle coqmmton12 people? to cct.s (c to the I ride i Ci'ist, that it not a little scorce/ecd by thee heat of/ the.sJ, ece',/I'ewhere. We have shown you in the preface, faith- abominable deceptions, and the manifold ful reader, why or wherefore we published dangers at this time, for there are to be these our writings, to wit: on account of the found so many schisms, communities, 76 A CHRISTIAN AiND AFFECTIONATE churches and sects, who are all called after stroy men's lives,,4Lut to save them," Luke the name of the Lord; such as Romzans 9: 56. or papists, Luitherans, Zain/Rllians, erring Since there are so mlany of you who treat sects, and the christians who are upbraided the children of God so inhumanly, as we as anabaptists. Even as in former times see, we have compiled summarily our acts. among the Jews, were the Chasidim, Zad- principles,.aith cd docrine, fro the wolrd ikin, Essenes, Sadducees, Pharisees, &c., of God, and have published them; so that which sacred and profane history mention. every slanderous evil speaker and bloody Each boasts to be the Church of Christ, and persecutor, may tlherefrom learn what our to have the word of the Lord, although the undertaking properly is, wha't twe seek and greater part of them not only live inconsist- do, and Ipon whatt g'ound the city of God ently with the Spirit, word and example of must be built, and i-wich of all the aforeChrist, but they very enviously upbraid and moeenetioned congr elations or cllrches is the slander, and are inimically opposed to it; right and true church of C1-rist. Even as and it is just as it was in the beginning, that there vwas but one iAda- an d one Eve; one the pious every where have to suffer much'Noah an: d on-e nark, one isaac and one RIefrom the impious; as Abel had to suffer of becca, so t lcr-e is but one chllwciA of Christ, Cain; Isaac of Ishmael; Jacob of Esau, &c., whichl is 1t-e boy, the Ci-y,: -temphe, tle although created by the same God, by na- l ( u e t nd Icie of Clirst, hav-ing t one ture have one common origin, boast all of gospel, one fline baptisI, one sut)pper, one Christ; and in the day of judgment, find and one service; watll ie tl sa. m wy-\,y the same judge. Anti-christ rules through and lead ino a pious unbla imable life. as tlhe hypocrisy and lies, with power and sword; Scriptures teacl. but Christ reigns patiently with his word All who have not th e pure, uncorrupted and spirit. HIe uses no other sword nor word of God, the true, livn -' wlithl, with e the sabre. 0 man! man! Look upon the irra- Lord's h olSy batis1 a)d Suppol r, in power tional savage creatures, and learn wisdom. and Sopilrit, d( w-al the broa od rod of the Roaring lions, frightful bears, and all de- fleshl, re not tfle community and clurch of vouring wolves agree among themselves Christ. IT Here neither namre nor boasting with their respective species; but you, poor, a avails; w rVe iu e i1 C;hrit, and Chlist in helpless worms; you, who are created after nus v"e mnust be moved by iis Spirit, and in God's own image, and are called rational I every resect abide in IIs holy word, otlerbeings, born without tusks, claws and horns, wise we have no Cod. born with an unsound, feeble nature, sense- The chld-rin o-a Isr1]1 weve not saved, alless, speechless and powerless, yea, neither - tou though L -Cy' e of tlu seed of Abraham, able to walk nor stand, and have to depend. becaulse ti-e1y w 1-alr1Ted noit in tlihe wayay of entirely upon maternal aid, which teaches AbrLahami..-, s vi tl oti' we are you that you are to be peaceable and not called a'fter t ii am oi Chiist, if we sewek, contentious; but when you attain your un- not his promise with al or c souls, aind net derstanding and manhood, you are so very sincerely hear anid follw Id b.i-l e S:oedietlit unsettled, tyrannical, revengeful,,.00ood- to I-ls'oiyr wa il. thirsty and unmerciful, so muchl so that it ice it is wi.i inLown to a i tihe -io us, tht cannot be fully conceived, related or de-' we tand( our fore1eia the or main y centuries, scribed. Your open works bear testimony to were under t i e te-avy burden, and in the this, notwithstanding youurselves seriic oi'fEypt deceived by tle i s -1rohto be christians. 0 no! my faithful reader, ets, neveir heard tile boo0k of thlt ]la,ww,the no! Christ teaches,'"P eace I leave you,m ly t - i e peace I give unto von," Jolm 14: 27.. a. t.;..... of>4.. a.on, as he ard ao e. Tilte ic.itr' atb er says, "Let the peace of God:r':e inl g insery a',nd!,ad cc~:i- a ss0'.-' o,, ci':? ->~'<,~:'q nism'y aT'nd hearts, to which also ye ar'e (alea in one tiba.t-ic-, of his eOf P1, i- r.ise.'p to body, and be ye thaInkful," Col. 8: 15. us the t.ruie Moses,'emiu.bon-'abel, Cl-ast JesusI Again, "The Son of man is not come to de- through his word and Spirit; now then, it EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 77 becomes you, O you highly renowned lords the fear of God, examine these our faithful and princes, since you and we boast of the instructions, and judge by the Spirit and same Christ, gospel, redemption and king- word of Christ, as much as in you is; comdom, that you no longer obstruct by your pare them with the doctrine and lives of the mandates and powers, the journeying of the apostles, with the piety, love, customs, acpeople of God to the eternal promised land; tions, misery, cross and sufferings of the but you should favor them more, and pros- primitive church; I hope, by the grace of per their journey by your gracious permis- God, you may plainly comprehend that our sion; that you may hear and read with the doctrine is the infallible doctrine and ground venerable and pious Josiah, with a broken, of the Scriptures. Read this ouR FOUNDAmeek heart, in the true fear of God, the lost TION, together with other books, appended book of the law of Christ, which has been to this, viz: the boo7 conccrning faith and lost for a long time. Rend your hearts and its power; concerning regeneration or the not your garments; for you are not only led new creature; of the cross, sufferings and off from the true path, but you are so much persecution of the saints; of excommunicabewitched by the man of sin, that you per- tion, ban or exclusion, and other tracts, pubsecute the innocent, pious hearts, who in no lished from timez to time, and you will then wise injure you or any one upon earth. find, by the grace of God, that this doctrine That you would, with king Cyrus, release is the pure gospel, which the Lord taught the poor captive children from the land of by his own mouth, and which his holy apos Chaldea, who cry and weep at the rivers of ties preached through the whole world, and Babylon, that they may again possess the by the power of the Spirit testified thereto spiritual land of Canaan, and build up the with life and death. Ours is no new docspiritual Jerusalem, the altar and the tern- trine, as the preachers without truth, preple in their ancient city, and establish thle tend and persuade you; but it is the old spiritual priesthood, and practice the spir- doctrine, which was preached and practiced itual offering and divine service accordinfg in the church, for more than fifteen hundred to the instructions of the word of God, that years, whereby the church was, is, and shall they may no longer hear and observe the be borne, till the end. Babylonian laws, namely, the teachings of O you high-renowned lords and princes, men and their commandments; but the law turn to the truth of God, and receive reproof, of Israel, God's word and righteousness. and wisdom; for through wisdom, kings Some of you, though alas few! are so far reign, and princes decree justice; observe taught, through the grace and word of God, how far your spirit, faith and lives differ that I trust, you know, that neither usages from the Lord's Spirit, word and life. nor councils, neither learning nor sword, nor mandate, can bend or break the word Thinlk you, dear sirs, that you are born of the Most High, the word of truth, the to live merely in splendor and magnificence, word of the heavenly witness, the gospel of and to lead a vain, sensual life? That you the kingdom, for other foundation cannot may freely continue in your licentious and be laid to all eternity, than that which is pernicious lusts and still be Christians O laid, Mwhich is Christ Jesus, I Cor. 3: II1. ]no, "If any nan have not the Spirit of Christ, Therefore, wisdom cries, "Turn you at le is none of his,"Rom. 8: 9. my reproof; behold I will pour out my Solomon says, "As a roaring lion, and a Spirit unto you, I will make known my raging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the words unto you," Prov. 1: 23. poor people. The prince that wanteth unLove righteousness ye rulers of the land. derstanding is also a great oppressor," Prov. "Be wise, now, thlerefore, 0 ye kings; be 28: 15. The poet also well knel w this, when Instructed, ye ji udgoes of the earth, serve the le -says, Q2'ic qicd ffdeirant,rgs, ee, lectnm?'r? Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling," Aceic, i. e., The mischief whi ch kings do, Ps.'2: 10, for the king that honors wisdom the common people have to pay or atone shall rule forever. for; but a wise king disperseth the unDo, therefore, with a meek heart, and in godly. 78 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE Therefore, beloved sirs, see well to it; this danced before the ark of the Lord, yea that is that to which you are called, namely: he was even despised of his wife Michal; that you are to chastise and punish, in the but he said, I will play before the Lord, true fear of God, with all equitable and just who chose me, and I will be yet more vile discretion, the open evil doers; such as than this, in my own sight. thieves, murderers, sodomites, adulterers, 0 you highly renowned, noble lords, bedebauchers, menslayers, the violent, forni- lieve Christ's word, fear the wrath of God, cators, sorcerers, robbers, &c., that you give love righteousness, do justice to widows and each his portion, execute judgment and orphans, judge rightly between man and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out man, fear no man's highness; despise no of the hand of the oppressor, that you are man's littleness, hate all avarice, chastise to prevent, by proper means (understand with discretion, suffer the word of God to without tyranny and bloodshed), open de- be taught in liberty, prevent none to walk ceivers, who so miserably lead poor, help- in the ways of truth; yield to his sceptre less souls, by hundreds of thousands into who called you to this high charge, and destruction, whether they are priests, monks, your throne shall be established for ever. preachers, baptized or unbaptized; so that Now as the sceptre of Christ is an upriglht they will no longer derogate from the al- sceptre, and teaches, judges and corrects mighty majesty of God, our only and eter- every one, without respect to person, I, a nal Savior, Christ Jesus, the loly Ghost, poor and unlearned being lmust lay aside together with the word of grace; nor intro- my diffidence, and grow bold in love, whereduce those ridiculous abuses and idolatry, by I would desire to save you-r poor souls, under semblance of truth, as has been done and with Samuel reprove Saul, witl Abdia to this time; and by this means, in all love reprimand Jeroboaml, withElias chide Ahab, and earnestness, enlarge, assist and protect, with Isaiah reprehend Ilezekiah, with Nawithout violence, blood or sword, the king- than and Gad rebuke David for their misdom of God, by your gracious permission, deeds and transgressions, and thlus prowise counsel, pious, unblamable lifei. claim my Lord's Spirit, word and will, wlho Behold, beloved lords, this is your callingl knows but there might be some one that will and your incumbent duty; do not domineer regard the fidelity and love of his poor mIiliso maliciously over the children of God and ister; hear Ills well-meanLing voice and chr(ishis word, as alas, many of you evidently tian exhortation, land depart from an Undo, and as it is customary. godly- and evil way; thus some of the afor'Such rulers were Moses, Joshua, David, mentioned kings heard the reproving word Ilezekiah, Josaphat,Josiah, Zerubbabel,&c., of the mouths of the prophets with fear. and they faithfully discharged their enjoined du- reformed, and meekly received the word. ties, conformed to the word of God, protect- And were it even so, that my faithful sered their subjects with solicitous concern, vice and love, should be rewarded with obeyed the commands of the Lord, abolish- death, as I have reason to suspect it may ed the false prophets and the priests of Baal, happen, because haughty and proud flesh with their altars, groves and idolatry, and is unwilling to be reproved, but uses at all faithfully kept their people and country, to times its evil nature, however, nothing worse observe the ordinances of the Lord, his laws can happen me, than did the pious Isaiall and divine service as commanded by Moses; of Manasseh; Zechariah of Joaz; Urijali of they feared God, and had the book of the Jehoiakim, Abimelech and other priests of law to which they conformed, and by which Saul; John of Herod; Christ of Pilate and they judged the people; and always remem- of the Scribes; and as it happened to all the bered the Lord their God, who set them over apostles and pious witnesses of the whole his people as potentates and rulers. world. They feared God with all their hearts, I do not esteelm my liii to be better and praised his name, and humbled themselves dearer than the beloved men of God did with all their strength, as David did, when their lives. I can only be deprived of perhe was girded with a linen ephod, and ishable and mortal flesh, which must once EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 79 die, and return to dust, though I should all things alike, both praise and reproach, live to be as old as Methuselah; not a hair riches and poverty, life and death, who can fall from my head without the will of seek only the hollor of Christ, and the salmy heavenly father; if I lose my life for the vation of their beloved brethren, and preach sake of Christ and his testimony, and on nothing but the pure, unmixed word of God, account of my sincere love for my neighbor, and seal it, with spirit, power and work, as I certainly know, that I will save it in life it is commanded of Christ, and as it is proeternal, therefore, I cannot conceal the truth; claimed and taught through the whole worl d but I must testify and reveal it without hy- by his holy apostles. pocrisy in the true fear of God, to my be- I repeat it, hearken not, follow not, and loved lords. believe not the multitude of the learned, Beloved, noble lords, learn rightly to who suffer themselves to be called doctors, know yourselves, whence you are, what you lords and masters, for they are sensual and are, an(d wh1at you will be. All of you, one b)loodthirsty, but seek and follow the faithas well as anrother, l)e he1 emperor or king, ful in Christ. who are called the curse and are fromt the same seed that we poor and filthl of the earth, among these you will find unregarded are, and you came into this sor- Christ's Spirit, truth, power, works and life. rowful world as we did, and you are no more You will also, through the grace of God, find than vapor, frail flesh, a withering flower, how far you and your spirit, faith, baptism, dust and ashes, as we all are. To-day you supper, conduct, church and actions are outare kings and triumph in great and high side of Christ's Spirit, doctrine, commands, honor, to-morrow vou are laid low, and prohibition, ordinance and usage. must be food for serpents and worms. Say, O you kings and rulers of the land, O Sirs, my beloved sirs, humble your- Where is your faith and love, with their selves; righteous is he who will examine pious nature? Where is the fear of your your case, and mighty is he, who will pass God? Your lamp and light?'Your humble judgment upon you; his name is the RUL- heart, dead unto sin? And your unblamIXG LORD; he is the Almighty, the holy, the able, godly life, which is out of God? Is it terrible, the high adorable and omnipotent not all world and carnality which you seek God, who created heaven and earth, and and follow? We generally find in your who ha.s in the hands of his strength all houses and courts nothing but extravagance, nmajesty, power and dominion. Learn to pomp and showy clothing, hardness and know him; ]earn to fear him. Awaken, look presumptuousness of heart, insatiable avaout, the time is not far off, when you will rice, hatred, envy, backbiting, betraying, hear, "(GYie ac accoo.unt of tnhy stewardship; whoredom, debauchery, gambling gaming, fori th0ou ma.rcst be -no loener steward," Luke eating, drinking, dancing, swearing, stab16: 2. bing, housebreaking, &c. This is your chivTherefore, do not hear those who seek alric custom and court conduct during the fat prebends and a lazy life, they deceive whole course of your lives; and you never you, they teach you according to the lust of once reflect on the misery, tribulation, luyour hearts; they flatter you for the sake mility, love and righteousness in which the of unlawful gain, they preach to you wan- Lord of lords, and King of kings, lived beton deception according to their own opin- fore you, what he taught the children of ion, and not out of the mouth of the Lord; men, and what pattern or example he left they fatten their bodies, and h.ave fine times, them; the affliction and misery of the wretchfrom the fatness of your poor souls (beloved ed reach not your ears; the sweat of the sirs, understand rightly what I mean), al- poor we find on your houses, and the innothonugh they boast much of the gospel; hear cent blood on your hands; you receive gifts them, who are not like the wind-shaken and presents to pervert judgment, and youi reed, those, who with John and Elias, are take counsel together against the Lord and not so munch fl'ighJtenned by the wilderness his anointed. The prophets of Jezebel, and of misery, who suffer daily for the truth's the priests of Baal, sensualists and flattersake, love gold and wood alike, who esteem ers, are much respected with you, they set 80 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE upon soft cushions, and live well. But Ah! I will ease me of mine adversaries, and those who with Micah, preach to you adver- avenge me of mine enemies,' Isa. 1: 23, 24. sity and truth, must expect imprisonment, "Behold, the princes of Israel, every one bonds, and death, and are deserving of all is wise in thee to their power to shed blood. disgrace; yea, it has come so far (may God In thee have they set light by father and make it better) that where four or five, ten mother; in the midst of thee have they dealt or twenty have met in the name of the Lord, by oppression with the stranger; in thee to speak of the word of the Lord, and to do have they vexed the fatherless and the widhis work, in whose midst Christ is, who fear ow;" they are like the devouring wolves to the Lord with all their heart, and lead an shed blood and destroy souls for the sake unblamable life before all the world, that if of their avarice, "Behold, therefore," says the:y bea ppr~]tcnd(med. a lnd, onioplainth lroiught the Lord. "I have smitten mine hand at thy agaiilt n i hn t a ic tou st them t mst tie d is t gain which th ade, and by fire, or be destroyed 1) t he swordl, or sinlk at thy blood whlich hath been inl the mlidst into the depths of the waters. of thee, Ezek. 22: (, 7, 13. But they who have met in the namIe of' \Woe to them that devise iniquit and Baal, a meeting of all lmanner of mischief, work esil lpon their bedsi we the lo lwho exceed Sodom acnd G-omorrahl far ing i s light, they practice it, because it is in wickedness, where all mlannler of ihumanl tthe power of their hand. And they covet things are carried onl lIet-eei manl and lan; fields, and take them by violence; and things are carried on between man and man; anld hetw-eevn woman and wcnman;;as i l houses, and take them away; so they opand between woman and woman: as it is in Spain, in Italy, and in the cloisters, in press a man and his house, even a man and public brothel-houses, theatres, -encing- his heritage. Therefore, thus saith the Lord; schools, and the accursed drunken taverns, lcold against this family do I devise an where many live in open disgrace, and act evil, from which ye shall not remove your so shamefully against God's word. Such necks; neither shall ye go haughtilyi for live ul1nmolested an~d at Dpeace. this time is evil," Micah 2: 1-3.: " iHear, 0 heads of Jacob, and ye princes I do not mention the public assemblies of of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to all manner of idolatry, where the most high, know judgment who hate the good and love blessed and precious name of God is so mis- the evil? Who pluck off their skin from off erably blasphemed, the blood of Christ des- them, and their flesh from off their bones; pised, the Holy Ghost grieved, the truth dis- who also eat the flesh of my people, and graced, lies commended, and poor souls de- flay their skin from off them, and thev break ceived. The blind, ignorant people are not their bones and chop them in pieces, as for only directed to the holy water, bread, wine the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. and the mass, but also to the dumb idols, Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he of wood and stone, as alas! it may be so will not hear them, he will even hide his face extensively witnessed. from them at that time, as they have be0 my beloved lords, what are you doing? haved themselves ill in their doings," Micalh WVhere is the sword of righteousness which 3: 1-4. was given to you, of which you boast? You Woe to her that is filthy and polluted to have to acknowledge that you leave it in the the oppressing city! she obeyed not the scabbard, and in its stead you have drawn voice; she received not correction; she trustthe sword of unrighteousness. Yes, beloved ed not in the Lord; she drew not near to her sirs, things are so (God better it), that the God. Her princes within her are roaring prophets write and call with propriety, "Thy lions; her judges are evening wolves; they princes are rebellious, and companions of gnaw not the bones till the morrow; her thieves; every one loveth gifts, and follow- prophets are light and treacherous persons; eth after rewards; they judge not the fath- her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they erless, neither doth the cause of the widow have done violence to the law, the just Lord come unto them; therefore saith the Lord, is in the midst thereof; lie will not do iniqthe Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, nity; every morning dotll he bring Ilis EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 81 judgment to light, he faileth not; but the No, my beloved sirs, it will not acquit you unjust knoweth no shame. I have cut off in the day of the righteousness of God. I the nations; their towers are desolate; I tell you the truth in Christ; notice the rightmade their streets waste, that none passeth ly baptized disciples of Christ, who are bapby," Zeph. 3: 1-6. tized inwardly with Spirit and fire, and exThere are but few of you, I fear there is ternally with water, who are baptized accordscarcely one, who seeks the Lord with all ing to the word of God; know of no weapons his heart, fears, loves, and serves him; other than patience, hope, quiet, and God's therefore, will also the fury of God be word. Paul says, "The weapons of our warpoured out upon you like water, and the fare are not carnal, but mighty through God sword of his wrath will come upon you, as to the pulling down of strong holds; castmay be seen daily in many places; God ing down imaginations, and every high better it. thing that exalteth itself against the knowlThe wise man says, "Power is given you edge of God, and bringeth into captivity of the Lord, and sovereignty from the High- every thought to the obedience of Christ," est, who shall try your works and search 2 Cor. 10: 4, 5. Our weapons are not weapout your counsels; because being ministers ons with which cities and countries are desof his kingdom, ye have not judged aright, olated; walls and gates broken down and nor kept the law, nor walked after the coun- human blood shed in torrents like water, sel of God; horribly and speedily shall he but they are weapons with which the spiritcome upon you; for a sharp judgment shall ual kingdom of the devil is destroyed, and be to them that are in high places. For the ungodly passions are annihilated, and mercy will soon pardon the meanest; but the flinty hearts are broken, that have never mighty men shall be mightily tormented. been sprinkled with the heavenly dew of the For he who is Lord over all shall fear no holy word. We have and know no other man's person, neither shall he stand in awe weapons besides, the Lord knows, even if of any man's greatness; for he hath made we should be torn into a thousand pieces, the small and great, and careth for all alike. and as many false witnesses were to rise But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty," against us, as there are spears of grass in Wis. 6: 3 —8. the fields, and grains of sand upon the sea Therefore, beloved lords, take heed that shore. you rightly execute your responsible and Again, Christ is our fortress; patience our dangerous office according to the will of defence; the word of God our sword; and God; for, alas! I fear that many of you, as our victory is a candid, firm, unfeigned faith yet, have paid but little attention to this in Jesus Christ. We let those take spears matter, and hence it is that anti-christ rises and swords, who, alas, regard human blood up with his wickedness, and Christ is reject- and swine's blood alike. He that is wise ed with his righteousness; lay to heart what let him judge what I mean. is written, "Keep thee far from a false mat- ter; and the innocent and righteous slay W7e acknowledge, beloved sirs, that some thou not; for I will not justify the icked," of the false prophets were baptized extersays the Lord, Exod. 23: 7.' bnally in appearance, with us, with the same Here I well know that we have to hear of baptism; even as thieves, murderers, highMunster, dominions, polygamy, sword, way robbers, sorcerers and the like, were theft, murder and of the like abominations baptized with you; but they were not of usfor had they been of us, as John says, they and disgrace, which, you always assert, re- of u a J s suit from baptism; and under this pretext would no doubt have continued with us. you reprove every thing the mouth of the Christ says, "There shall arise false Lord commanded, and what the holy apos- Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew ties taught and practiced, and for this pur- great signs and wonders; insomuch that if pose you cite some seditious sects and fac- it were possible, they shall deceive the very tions, that the cry of the learned and your' elect; behold, I have told you before," Matt. blood-shedding may be sanctioned. 24: 24. 11 82 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE This warning of Christ was not given to that he would reign one thousand years in the ungodly, obdurate despisers, for they the flesh with his saints? are already entangled in the snares of un- All these sects arose in the days of the righteousness, but is given to the contrite of apostles, nevertheless the gospel of Christ heart and to the willing souls, so that they remained the true gospel, the doctrines of may learn to know the Spirit, and not suffer the apostles, the true doctrine. themselves to be led into error; "For tie The Scriptures teach that we are to flee devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, from, and avoid such leaders of sects and seeking whom hle may devour," I Peter 5: 8. heretics; and we hope to obey willingly the The craftiness and artifice of the devil, injunction all the days of our lives. who assumes the appearance of an angel of Therefore, my beloved sirs, pass an imlight, are not known by some, therefore, so partial and rational judgment in this matmany have stumbled and erred, and were ter, as before God, who will judge you in led into crooked paths by the deceivers; but the great day; this we ask of you for Jesus' this was not through baptism; for the ele- sake; for we seek nothing else upon earth mentary water can neither teach, nor per- (the Lord knows), than the true foundation of vert, but it was done through false prophets, the truth, the praise of Christ, the obedience of which, I say, we have been so faithfully of his word, and that with a good conscience, warned by the mouth of the Lord. as we testify to the whole world, with our Beloved sirs, fear God, judge rightly; the writings, word, possessions, blood, life and truth of God can never be changed into se- death. duction and error, through the lies of the We also write the truth in Christ and lie devil. O no! the word of our God shall not, that spiritually, we acknowledge no stand forever. king, neither in heaven above nor upon earth Should the devout angels be unjustly beneath, than the only, eternal and true judged, for the sake of Lucifer's arrogance king, spiritual David, Christ Jesus, who is and be punished with his punishment? Or Lord of lords, and King of kings. should all the apostles be traitors, for Judas' And if there is one who will declare himsake? By no means. Every one shall bear self king in the kingdom and dominion of his own burden. "The son shall not bear Christ, as did John von Leyden, of Munster, the iniquity of the father, neither shall the he shall not go unpunished with Adonijah, father bear the iniquity of the son. The soul 1 Kings 1, for the true Solomon, Christ Jesus that sinneth it shall die," Ezek. 18: 20. himself, must possess the kingdom, and sit Should we reproach the doctrine of Christ eternally upon the throne of David. and his apostles, because the father of lies But, according to the flesh, we teach and has resuscitated, in the name of Christ, the exhort to be obedient to the emperor, king, practice of circumcision as essential to sal- lords and princes, yea, to all in authority,,atfion? That the dead will not rise in the in all their transactions and civil reguladay of judgment? That Philetus and Hy- tions, so far as they are not contrary to the menius asserted that the resurrection of the word of God, Rom. 13: 1-3. dead has already taken place? That some We teach and confess that we know of no pretended that the great day of the Lord sword, nor commotion in the kingdom. or was at hand? church of Christ, other than the sharp sword How could the apostle help it, that the of the Spirit, God's word, as is abundantly Nicolaitans had their wives common, as shown in our writings, which is sharper and Eusebius relates? That the Ebionites de- more piercing than any two-edged sword, nied the deity of Christ, and taught that and it proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, Christ began only to exist in Mary? And whereby we make the father at variance that the Corinthians maintained, that the against the son, and the son against the world was created by angels; that Christ father, the mother against the daughter, and was no more than a mere man, and had not the daughter against the mother, and daughyet risen, but shall rise with us in future, and ter-in-law against the mother-in-law. But the EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 83 sword of worldly policy we leave with those according to the laws of the land, and if not to whom it is committed. Let every one be repented of, with eternal death according to careful and not take the sword, lest he shall the word of God. perish with the sword, Matt. 26: 52. The Almighty merciful Lord, through his We acknowledge, teach, and approve of paternal grace, Spirit and power, will unno other matrimony than that one, which doubtedly keep and preserve, inoffensive to Christ and his apostles publicly and plainly the end of the world all the pious god-feartaught in the New Testament, namely, one ing, and faithful who acknowledge him, and man and one woman, Matt. 19: 4, and that are sincere, fro all such terrible errors and they may not be divorced except in case of ungodly abominations. adultery, Matt. 5: 32, for the two are one t flesh, but if the unbelieving depart, a sister A ind should it be the casel, iht one or brother is not under bondage in that case, ined aon u o uses violence (whi h 1 Cor. 7-:15. i is quite unknown to me), and would do that We acknowledge, teach and seek no other which is fr e evi, y beoved sir kingdom than that of Christ, which shall know you that such an one as not of ndur for vr, in which there is no pomp, from the beginning, and will for ever not be endure for ever, in which there is no pomp, for ever splendor, gold, silver, meat and drink, but, cept he be thorouly conveted, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy repent sincerely, and become one with the Ghost; we confess with Christ, that our Spirit, doctrine and example of Christ, as kingdom is not of this world; we brought the Scriptures teach. May the gracious Lord nothing into this world, therefore, it is evi- grant that they may awaken, overcome their dent we can not take any thing out of it, as drowsiness, learn to know their works, see the Scriptures say, 1 Tim. 6: 7. 1 their nakedness, and be extricated from tlhe We know of no murdering, much less do snares of the devil, by which the poor, miserWe know of no murdering, much less do P we teach or permit it; for we truly believe able people are so lamentably led captive that a murderer has neither lot nor part in at his wl the kingdom of God, Gal. 5: 21. O beloved Therefore, beloved lords, beware that you sirs, how should we desire the blood of any be not, in judging faith, like the reckless and man, since we have to die daily for man's senseless who persist without any knowlsake? The Lord who created us knows that edge of the matter, in their own opinion and we seek nothing, but that we might instruct, wantonness, like irrational creatures, upand be a pattern to all the world, with our braid the good, and praise the evil, persedoctrine, life, blood and death, that they I cute and condemn what they understand not. might reflect, awaken, repent and be saved, Again, I say, be not like those blood-thirsty, for this is the nature of pure love to pray raging and malicious men; but examine the for persecutors, to render good for evil, to Scriptures with trembling, with Solomon love the enemy, to heap coals of fire upon pray for wisdom, look to the Spirit, word, the head; and let him avenge who judges doings and example of Christ, and pass an rightly, Rom. 12: 20. impartial righteous sentence, according to We know of no theft, much less do we the truth, as it is enjoined upon, and comteach or permit it, but we are ready before manded unto all the princes and judges in God and man, with all our hearts, to bestow the Scriptures, as is heard. our possessions, gold, and all that we have, O beloved sirs, take heed. If our faitlh however little it may be, and in addition doctrine, sacraments, transactions and dothereto our sweat and labor, to meet the ings are not of God, as we are every where necessities of the poor, as the Spirit and slandered, then are we tile most miserable word of the Lord, and true brotherly love of all men upon earth; if whilst we are to teach us. WVe well know that theft is ex- be every one's deceiver, heretic, anabaptist, pressly forbidden in the Scriptures, Eph. 4: knave, footstool and prey; have to endure 28, and that it will be punished by death* the stocks, galowst, whees,,sword, water, *In some countries theft was formerly pullished by fire, and all manner of misery; our poor death. j souls must nevertheless be the property of 84 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE the devil, and brands of hell, although in the rulers who practice and uphold the our weakness we so cordially seek the Lord, same, are not the disciples of Christ; the and are so sincere, as may be seen. O no! hour in which you shall have to render acmy beloved sirs, no; the Spirit, doctrine counts, when you depart this life, will teach and life of Christ will not deceive us; for his you this truth. It can never be, says Cyword is truth, and his commands eternal prian, that such lion-like fury and lupine life. The promises of God stand sure and ferocity should dwell in the heart of a Chrisimmovable; and they will not fail to the tian. O how good it would be for some of pious. you, yea, how good it would be if you had Therefore, we pray and admonish you, never been born; for there are so many of yea, we counsel and desire that you would you who neither regard law nor gospel, contrast our seeking with your seeking; our heaven nor hell, God nor the devil; but the spirit with your spirit; our doctrine with evil flesh will follow its propensity. the doctrine of the learned; our conduct with Think you, beloved sirs, that the Almighty your conduct; our poverty with your riches; God and Lord, who holds the heavens and our rejection and reproach with your seek- the earth in the hollow of lis hand, who ing of honor; our affliction and tribulation kills and makes alive, the ruling Lord over with your voluptuousness and luxurious all, who upholds all by the word of his living; our patience with your tyranny; our power, who creates and destroys, the conhard bonds and reproachful death, with sumliig fire, before whose presence the hills your ungracious fury and unmerciful ierce- melted like wax, Ps. 97: 5, that he will yield ness. I speak of the guilty; if you should then and give away to sensual minds and earthly find that your doctrine, faith, life, seeking hearts? No! no, before him the great and and doings are more in accordance with the small are alike; the rich and the poor; the Spirit, word and life of the Lord, and are strong and the weak; the learned and unbetter than ours, en instruct s with a learned; the wise and the foolish, are all paternal spirit; we will willingly hear it, alike. He is no respector of persons, all and be obedient, for we do desire to obey who fear him not, and conform not to his the truth unto death. counsel, doctrine, Spirit and example, be he But if you can not reprove us by the i emperor, king, doctor, or licentiate, he must Scriptures, and see that our doctrine is the suffer eternal punishment and be under his best, it would then be heathenish, ungodly`judgment and wrath. and tyrannical, to force us out of life into B s f Beloved sirls, fealr G(od do right. learn death, thrust us from heaven into hell, by ~ ^. -, a. m, wisclomn and truth, cleanse your hands, the sword and violence; this you will have w d and h, cleanse yr han to acknowledge and coness. But I amT which are wet and imbrued in innocent to acknowledge and contess. But I am. -.-,..~.-n. blood, and reflect how the righteolus God afraid, so much discretion will not be mani- bl, r. t r I-, - *. l will punish in due time. all unrigllteoustested to us wretched children, that the mat- w i punish in due time, all unrighteousfestedto us cc^.~Etcl l d ^,. t ^ ^ -; ness, malice and violence; and how severely ter be weighed in the balance of the holy ess, malice and violence; and how severely he, ever did, and will avenge and require word, and determined by the plummet of r ei d. -n d in y h p f'. the innocent blood, torture and death of his Christ. But the upbraiding, betraying and..,,^ a saints' of those blood-thirsty tyrants. tumult of the priests and your unmerciful edicts must be our scriptures; and your rack- The blood-thirsty Cain had to be an acers, hangmen, wrath, torturing,water, stocks. cursed vagabond and exile in the land all fire and sword, O God, of which we, grieved the days of his life, because he so miserably children, hear in many places, must be murdered his innocent brother Abel. our instructors, which we at last must pay The unmerciful, arrogant murderer, Phawith our possessions and blood. Beloved raoh, with his whole host, was destroyed in lords, with christian discretion, love and the Red sea, by the righteous judgment of friendship, reflect upon this how it agrees God, on account of his tyranny and cruelty, with the Spirit, doctrine and life of Christ? w31ich he exercised towards the children of We well know that all bloody preachers Jacob, God's people. who teach and advise such things, and all Joash was slain by his own servrants to EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 85 avenge the innocent blood of Zachariah, could endure it, yea, he himself could not whom he slew between the temple and the abide his own smell. The righteous wrath altar, 2 Kings 12; 2 Chron. 24: 20-22. of God laid hold upon this ungodly misManasseh was led captive on account of creant, and he had thus, under unheard of his great abomination and idolatry which pain and sufferings, to end his proud, bloodhe practiced; and on account of the inno- thirsty, unrighteous life, and depart from cent blood with which he filled Jerusalem, this world, 2 Macc. 9: 9-12. 2 Chron. 33: 1-18. Herod, arrayed in his royal attire, seated Ahab was shot through with an arrow, upon his throne, through the flattering apand his blood was licked up by the dogs at plause of his people, on account of his clothe waters of Samaria, 1 Kings 22: 34-38, quence and wisdom, exalted himself against and his wife Jezebel was thrust out of the God, in his heart, and in that very hour he window, and was trodden under foot of was smitten by the angel of the Lord, was horses, and her flesh was eaten of dogs, 2 eaten of worms, and, according to the writKings 9: 33, to punish her'for her ungodly ings of Eusebius, departed this life in such deed, and the blood of Naboth, according to a way that all the proud, haughty tyrants the word of the Lord, which he spake by may look at themselves in the case of Herod, Elijah, the Tishbite. as in a mirror, and fear. Sennacherib must leave Jerusalem with In short, as it happened to Pilate, Nero, disgrace, on account of his slanderously Domitian, Maximinius, Diocletian, and genpompous words, by which he blasphemed erally to all malicious, blood-thirsty tyrants, the Most High. The angel of the Lord slew, and what kind of death they generally died, in one night, one hundred and eighty-five who rose up against Christ and his saints, thousand men in his camp, and he was may be read both in sacred and profane thrust through with the sword by his own history. children, in the temple of his idol, Nisroch, What kind of death and with what con2 Kings 19: 35, 37. science some of these blood-guilty of our Nebuchadnezzar, on account of his pride, lay, departed this life, I will not write for was rejected by the people, for the space of certain reasons; I will nevertheless say this seven times, or years, his dwelling was with much, that neither emperor nor edicts, upon the irrational creatures, he ate grass like which they relied all the days of their lives, oxen, his body was wet with the dew of could neither quiet nor pacify them in the heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' hour of their death, but ofttimes were troubfeathers, and his nails like birds' claws, led in their hearts, and with lamentations, Dan. 4: 32, 33. painfully bewailed the innocent blood, which Belshazzar caroused with his mighty men, they shed in the emperor's name, and said, princes, wives and concubines; they were O we poor, miserable men, what will become merry, drank out of the holy vessels which of us? Nebuchadnezzar, his father, lhad plundered 0 God, what counsel? Beloved sirs, what out of the temple at Jerusalem; and being counsel shall be given you? How will your in full glee and joy, praising their gods of poor souls fare, in the day, "In the which the gold, silver, brass, iron,.an( of stone, the heavens shall pass away with a great noise impenitent and obdurate tyrant was pun- and the elements shall melt with fervent ished of God without mercy, that he, the heat, the earth also, and the works that are same night was deprived of his dominion, therein shall be burnt up?" 2 Peter 3: 10, nation, body and life, Dan. 5: 23, 30. when we must all appear before the judgAntioclus, the Great, a king and prince lment seat, and stand before the impartial of all wickedness, a tyrant of tyrants was judge? when every one shall be rewarded punished of God wnith such a plague, that according to his works he that keepeth worms crept lfom his bowels when yet alive, Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep, "For and pieces of flesh fell from his body, and yet a little while, and he that shall come the stench was so intolerable, that no one 1 will come, and will not tarry," Heb. 10; 37. 86 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE Therefore, desist from touching the apple known so many who have made as ostentaof the Lord's eye; for he that touches his tious a display as you, in silk and velvet, with saints, touches the apple of his eye. Take gold and silver, and sat in exalted seats, and pity on your own souls, which must suffer passed sentence upon innocent blood, but for it with eternal death, if you do not turn now they are no more; we inquire for their to God with all your heart, and no longer places, and they are not to be found. shed the blood of the innocent; for they daily The day will usher in as lightning, and call to him, "How long, O Lord, holy and the hour shall come upon them like a temtrue, dost thou not judge and avenge our pest; beware and reform. WVe see thatthe tree blood on them that dwell on the earth ", buds, that the summer is nigh at hand, and Rev. 6: 10, they call, I say, and their cries our Redeemer is hastening, who redeems all are entered into the ears of the Lord of Ithe troubled souls from their afflictions, and Sabaoth, avenging he will avenge, and the he will recompense all proud scoffers acblood of his servants he will require at your i cording to their demerits. hands. Yea, the day is coming, and is not far off, Do not excuse yourselves, beloved sirs, when "the righteous man shall stand in great and judges, that you are the servants of the I boldness before the face of such as have afemperor; this will not acquit you in the day licted him, and made no account of his laof vengeance. It availed Pilate nothing that bors; when they see it, they shall be troubhe crucified Christ in the name of the em- led with terrible fear, and shall be amazed peror. Serve the emperor in imperial mat- at the strangeness of his salvation, so far ters, so far as Scripture permits, and serve beyond all that they looked for, and they, God in divine matters, then you may claim repenting and groaning for anguish of his grace and call yourselves after his spirit, shall say within themselves, This was name. he, whom we had sometimes in derision, Do not interfere with the right and king- and a proverb of reproach; we fools acdom of Christ; for he alone is the Ruler of counted his life madness, and his end to be without honor; how is he numbered among the conscience, and beside him there is none witht honor; how is e numbered among other, let him be your emperor, and his the children of God, and is lot i aon holy word your edict, in this matter; and the saints! Therefore have we erred from holy word your edict, in this matter; th way of tin you will soon be satiated with raging and te way of tth and the light of righteousmurder. You must heed God before the ness hath not shined unto us, and the sun emperor, and obey God's word before the of righteousness rose not upon us. We word of the emperor, if not, then you are wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness the judges of whom it is written in Micah, and destruction; ea, we have gone through They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt deserts, where there lay no wy; but as for every man his brother with a net. "That the way of the Lord, we have not known it. every man his brother with a net. That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, What hath pride profited us or what good the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for hath riches with our vaunting brought us areward; and the great man he uttereth his All those things are pased aay like a shadow, and as a post that hasteth by," mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. s, a as a ps t The best of them is as a brier; the most up- t, right is sharper than a thorn hedge; the Then will e t ole, intoleble judgday of thy watchmen and thy visitation mentpass uponall who know not God, and cometh; now shall be their perplexity," that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Micah 7: 2-4 Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Therefore, fight no longer against the lamb Lord and from the glory of his power, when and his chosen, it will be hard for you to he shall come to be glorified in his saints, kick against the pricks. and to be adored by all them that believe. But you will, with all scoffers, say in your Then the wicked will hear, "Depart from me hearts, when is the promise of his coming? ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for O beloved sirs, do pay attention, we have j the devil and his angels," Matt. 25: 41, EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 87 Then shall your laughter be changed into such kings, then you are not only kings weeping, your joy into sorrow, your sump- according to the flesh, but also according tuous, temporal lives into everlasting death, to the Spirit; those who love the prince your luxury into everlasting woe, your of all kings, who are cleansed of sin by pride into dust and worms, your violence his blood, who have made God and his into suffering, your pomp into stench, and father their kings and priests, those reign your cruel and unmerciful tyranny be retrib- and conquer with all the children of God, uted with unquenchable hell-fire. the world, flesh, blood, sin, death, devil, My beloved sirs, with him nothing will be false doctrine, and the infernal gates; they concealed or forgotten. He is the judge that rejoice not because their names are enrolled searches the hearts and tries the reins, who I in the register of the kings of this world; penetrates the heights of heaven and the but they rejoice because their names are depth of the abyss, and the length of the written in the book of life, in heaven. earth, who will not only judge and punish O you high-renowned noble lords and evil works, and every idle word, but also princes, O that you would in all love and every unclean, carnal thought. meekness receive this simple, plain, but O dear Lord! O Lord of lords! where then true instruction of your poor servant, and will be the emperor and his edicts, the false not despise it, whereby I have so fully, and prophets, and their deceiving doctrine? Then with a good heart, admonished all your they will howl and weep, and cry in anguish worthy highnesses. of soul, O ye mountains fall upon us, ye Look not upon my weakness nor to my rocks hide us from the face of him that sit- little understanding, but look to the Spirit, teth upon the throne, and from the wrath of word and example of Christ, which I have the Lamb. Then, there you will see, that recommended and taught in sincerity of it was nought but lies and wind with which heart to you and to all men, according to you comforted yourselves, as said, Rev. my weak abilities. 6: 16. Do sincerely repent, so that you stand beBeloved lords, awaken! It is yet to-day; fore God; wail and weep with David; put do not boast because you are of the royal on sackcloth and raiments of hair; scatter family, and are called gracious lords, for it ashes upon your heads; humble yourselves is but smoke, dust and pride; but boast and with the king of Nineveh; confess your faults rejoice when you are born of God, when with Manasseh; die unto your ambitious you become a "chosen generation, a royal flesh and pride; fear the Lord, your God, priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar peo- with all your powers; judge in all wisdom pie; that ye should show forth the praises with fear and trembling; help the oppressed; of him who hath called you out of darkness grieve not the distressed; promote the just into his marvellous light," 1 Pet. 2: 9. cause of the widows and orphans; protect Boast notthatyouaremightyuponearth, the good; punish the evil in a Christian and have great power, but boast rather that manner; discharge the duties of your offices you rule your land in the true fear of God, properly; seek the kingdom and country with virtue, wisdom and righteousness, to that will endure forever; and reflect that the praise of the Lord. you, however highly esteemed, upon earth Boast not that you can subdue lords, prin- are only pilgrims and sojourners in a strange ces, cities and countries; but boast if you land. subdue your earthly mind and can over- Obey, believe, fear, love, serve and follow come carnal temptations by the power of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for he faith, and die to ungodliness, and triumph it is before whom every knee shall bow; he through Christ, and be taken in the king- is the eternal word, wisdom, truth and Son dom of glory, with all the pious soldiers of God. Seek his honor and praise in all of God, and receive the promised crown your thoughts, words and actions, and you at the hand of the Lord, for if you be shall reign in eternity. 88 APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. Herewith I will leave all the lords and that in all my studies, fiom my youth, in princes, with all the magistracy and rulers, preaching and singingi, I sougLht only a vain, and those sent by them, in the hands of the lazy, good living, praise and favor of men. Lord, and address myself to you, 0 you yea, solely the gratification of my carnal learned, you, who think that you have the desires, till the gracious and great Lord bekeys of heaven, and are the eyes and the stowed meuponthe giftof his graciousSpirit, light of the people; I will speak with you, and opened the understanding of my heart, as with those whose salvation I seek with that I acknowledged with the preacher Soloall my heart, because I see with open eyes, mon, that all my seeking, life and doings that both you and your disciples run vol- were vanity, and that the end thereof was untarily into the eternal destruction of your certain death and hell. souls, and nevertheless boast that you are But that you continue so to seek is too the sent teachers, and your churches the palpable to be denied. For if there were no churches of Christ, and would cordially and prebends and cloisters, but few preachers, brotherly admonish you, one and all, Ro- priests and monks would be found. This I mans, Lutherans and Zuinglians, concern- certainly know. So long as these exist, the ing the following articles. world shall never be in want of deceivers That you would notice, in the first place, and hypocrites. that your ministry and services are not of Say, beloved, what else is your whole God and his word, but are from the bottom- seeking and doing, than world, carnality, less pit, for it is evident that you blaspheme gluttony, and a voluptuous life? Who can and persecute the word, ordinances and scrutinize and fully describe your earthly commands of Christ, and teach and enforce mind and sensual life? Some of you make the word, ordinances and commands of anti- an ostentatious display in ermine, in silk christ; that you profane the temple of God, and velvet, others live in full revelry, others build and honor temples of stone, break the are avaricious and hoard; some violate virliving images in which the Spirit of God gins and maids, others pollute the bed of dwells; make and dress images of gold, their neighbor, others' chastity is like the silver and wood; that you hate a pious, chastity of Sodom; all your doctrine is deblameless life; encourage and defend, by ceiving, your sacraments are enchanting, your dissolute examples, a disorderly, pas- your piety is principally ungodliness, and sionate life of the flesh. Say, my beloved, your divine service is an open abomination Where is there a single letter in the Scrip- and idolatry; some of you neither fear God tures concerning all your doings and wor- nor the devil; you blaspheme the name of ship, such as of masses, infant baptism, God, his holy word you falsify, his chilauricular confession, &c.? Is not, in truth, dren and servants you persecute, and, in rethe greater part of what you do and trans- liance upon his grace, you do all manner of act, all deception, hypocrisy, blasphemy, evil; if you can only lead a life free from abomination and idolatry? Whence do you care, and enjoy fine times, then all is well derive your offices and services, and of whom done. Say, beloved, is it not so? ANorthy are they? I would advise you, in true love, men, is it not so? This is your chief seeking that you would reflect upon them according and striving, among great and small, this to the Scriptures, and in the true fear of God. you must acknowledge and confess; for the Secondly, consider what you are properly fruit is manifest to all the world, and it canseeking through this your office and service. not be any longer concealed. You and I, heretofore, stood in the same O men, men! beware! If any one could calling, office and service; I candidly confess enter into life, on this broad way which you APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 89 teach, and in which you walk, and keep his hearts causes you to stumble; return, your soul in God, we might truly lament and say, path is slippery, and your way leads to the that the prophets, apostles, and all the wit- abyss of hell. nesses of God, and also Christ Jesus him- Beloved men, learn to know what God's self, did not act wisely, and that they have own and eternal Son, Christ Jesus, sought not dealt rightly towards us, that they upon earth, what he taught, and what expassed their lives with so much anguish, ample he left you; his seeking was his Fasuffering, tribulation and pain in this sor- tler's praise, and the salvation of our poor rowful vale of tears, and directed us, lmiser- souls; his doctrin'e was his father's word, able, weak children into such awa. and his lprec(edence a sure way to the king0 no, ny beloved, no; truth will eternally dom of God. "AWho being in the form of be truth; if you are not converted to a better God," says Paul, "thought it not robbery to and christian mind; if you die not to your be equal with God, but made himself of no deception, and also to your vain, carnal reputation, and took upon him the form of life, repent, and become in your disposi- a servant," Phil. 2: 6,'; and came poor and tions like innocent, little children, you can- miserables into this sorrowful world; the.r not enter the kingdom of heaven, "For to was no room in the inn when hle was born; be carnally minded," says Paul, "is death." h e had not whereon to lay his hlead; nor in Teachl, call, hope, boast in any way you his death had he wherewith to quench his choose, if you desire to be saved, you must thirst, although it is he through whom the walk in thle ways of the Lord, hear his almighty, all-bountiful Father grants to all word, and be obedient thereto; for nothing his created beings, residence, clothing, meat avails in h]eaven and upon earth, vwhereby and drink, as Paul says, "For ye knew the you can be saved, neither baptism nor the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though Lord's Supper, neither eloquence nor erudi- he was rich, yet for your sakes lhe became tion, neither councils nor long standing poor, that ye through his poverty milht be usages, neither emperors nor edicts, neither rich," 2 Cor. 8: 9. Christ with his grace, merits, blood and I If you have any fear of God, and would death, if we are not born of God (under- not lead your own, and the souls of your stand it right, those who have ears to hear, poor people wilfully to deathl, then contrast and minds to understand), believe his word your seeking with the seeking of Christ, sincerely, walk in the light, and do right, your doctrine with the doctrine of Christ, as John says, "This, then, is the message your spirit with the Spirit of Christ, and which we have heard of him, and declare your life with the life of Christ, then you unto you, tllhat God is light, and in him is may truly find whether you are in or out of no darkness at all; if we say that we have Christ, who is your God, what Lord you fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, serve, and of whose spirit and kingdom we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk vou are. in the light, as he is in the light, we have Thirdly, observe what fruits and usefulfellowship one with another, and the blood ness your office and services bring forth; of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us froml for what is your doctrine other than a useall sin," 1 John 1: 5-7. i less, feeble sowing in the wind, which has O transgressors, transgressors, examine neither spirit nor power; your sacraments your hearts, give heed to my words and are an encouragement to the impenitent, learn wisdom, you who live in voluptuous- and your lives examples of wickedness. lness and sit at ease, who say in your hearts, j Where are the avaricious whom you have It is we, besides us there is none other; what meliorated, tile drunkards you have made we commuand shall be heard, and what we temperate, the polluted you have made pure, speak must be valid upon earth; we cannot the haughty whom you have humbled? How go astray in the Scriptures, and in counsel will you teach others, being yourselves unwe cannot err, and we can teach nothing un- taught, and beget Christ an acceptable lawful. Ah I alas I your boasted wisdom church, and are yourselves the servants of leads you astray, and the pride of your anti-christ, and tlle children of Belial, You 12 90 APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. and your disciples, therefore, must ever con- shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; fess, both high and low, men and women, for ye neither go in yourselves (mark), that you are all dead bodies, and have not neither suffer ye them that are entering to the Spirit of God; for with you we do not go in," Matt. 23: 13. find contrite hearts, true knowledge of Christ, What I think, I write, and dissemble not. true love, an earnest desire after the king- I fear, worthy sirs, that there are many of dom of God, dying to earthly things, true you so ungodly, and so far determined humility, righteousness, friendliness, mercy, upon unlawful gain, indolent life, and the chastity, obedience,wisdom, truth and peace; praise of men, that you would rather see all but every where we find hateful, envious, the god-fearing put to the stake, than lose a obdurate, malicious hearts, an aversion and guilder of your rents, or to hear a harsh despising of the divine word, lust and love word from the magistracy, for the sake of of this world, haughtiness, pride, pomp, lies, the truth. knavery, disgrace, adultery, whoredom, rob- O you, with wanton looks, when will you bery, burning, slaying, cursing, swearing, be ashamed? You diamonds! when will you and all manner of malice. be softened, and you Moors, when will you Behold, you withered trees, and careless become white? I think never more; for how shepherds, these are the fruits you bring can you do any thing good, because you forth, and the sheep you pasture, these are have learned evil, and are used to it from the churches and disciples you comfort with your infancy? the blood of the Lord, preach to them grace Alas! my soul must grieve and painfully and peace, and to whom you dispense bap- mourn for your sakes, that you have erred tism and the Lord's Supper. If I write not so lamentably, and besides this, you cover the truth, reprove me. all your disgrace under the word and name O beloved sirs, so entirely have you lost of Christ, and do not observe, O you men, every Christian virtue, and understanding, that you, together with all the false prophbesides, the light, and the Scriptures; you ets, are promised in the Scriptures, and hold captive in ungodliness under the pow- threatened by the Spirit of the Lord, every er of hell, the poor, ignorant people, whole where with nothing but punishment, wrath, kingdoms, cities and countries; yea, the damnation and blackness of darkness, the whole wide world, and that, O God! for flaming lake and eternal gnashing of teeth, such small hire, namely, for one hand full weeping, wailing, fire, woe and death. of barley and one piece of bread, as the The hour is near at hand when we shall prophet says, 0, that my words might be a hear, " Give an account," &c. Alas, would it lie, and not the truth; sunshine is clear, but then be due to us, when the day is at hand, still clearer is the truth which I write. to walk a thousand years on burning coals And this is not enough for you, O you and in red hot armor (flames), then we might men, that you so miserably deceive the poor even rejoice and be of good cheer; but now wretched souls; and besides this, you also it is hidden-from your eyes, through your rebuke, defame, belie, and betray all those haughtiness, avarice and momentary luxwho seek and fear God with all their hearts, ury. rebuke all unrighteousness with doctrine Perhaps I would be smitten on the cheek and life, and so willingly walk in Christ. by some of you, and with Micaiah, be comYou deprive them of their possessions and pelled to hear from Zedekiah, "Which way lives that you may be greatly honored went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak among the people, and be not evil spoken unto thee? " 2 Chron. 18: 23. 0 my beloved, of in your doings, that you be not hindered fear God and understand the truth. You in your unlawful gain; and that you may direct the poor dissolute souls to the subtenjoy an easy and voluptuous life to the lety and philosophy of the learned, to the end of your days. many councils, to customs and usages of O how rightly you are depicted by the long standing, to imperial edicts, to the docwisdom of God, which says, "Woe unto you, trines and commandments of men, which scribes and pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are nothing but quicksands, which cannot APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 91 save the house from the tempest, but I do ery, tribulation, bonds and death, as we not so, but, with Moses, the prophets, apos- may abundantly read and see in the Scriptties, angels, and the Father himself, I direct ures and in history; I do also here, with you to Christ Jesus, to whom all the emper- my small talents, for similar views and reaors, kings, councils, usages and the learned, sons, openly testify to the truth, because will have to yield; for his word is truth, I see, that you all hypocritically flatter and his commands are eternal life. To him lords and princes, and caress the world, and every knee shall bow, of things in heaven because there is, alas, nobody who opposes and things in earth, and things under the this ungodliness with the word of the Lord, earth; all who reject him, reject the Father nor reproves the wickedness of the world; that sent him, Phil. 2: 10. I must, on this account, hear and bear This I teach you; I direct you to his much, as did the abovementioned although Spirit, word, life, command, prohibition, I mean it so well, and have such true ordinances and usages, as to a sure and im- grounds. movable foundation, laid in Zion, to a plain O worthy men, deliberate! reflect on the and safe way, prepared of God, who, ac matter. Consider the end; contemplate the cording to his sure promises, will lead all consequence. You console yourselves with the truly penitent and Christian believers the invention of men; but we put our trust into eternal life. in the word and truth of God; you seek the Beloved men, observe, there were four world, we seek heaven; you place your afhundred false prophets in the days of Ahab, fections upon the present, we upon the futking of Israel, who unanimously prophesied ure; you depend upon the emperor and temprosperity and felicity, that he should ad- poral powers; we depend on Christ and his vance, for God would give the enemies of promises, till we all shall appear before the king into his hands; while there was but him, who will come in the clouds of heaven, one Micaiah, who spoke the real truth and to requite all flesh; then you will see what predicted adversity in the name of the Lord, you sought, what office you conducted, what 2 Chron. 18: 6, 7. fruits you brought forth, for what hire you served, whose word you preached whose And there were also four hundred and served, whose word you preached, whose n~.?counsel you rejected, and whom, O men, fifty prophets of Baal, and four hundred s, prophets of the groves, all of whom did you have so enviously pierced. T ^ T- _, I n A - Hereby I will commend you to the Lord, eat at Jezebel's table; there was only one H I, El.ah, a man of God,'and a prophet of the you learned and preachers; and entreat for Elija wh, szalu fot h l ^ mi a God's sake (to the good of all your souls), Lord, who was zealous for the law of his that you accept this my faithfl warning that you accept this my faithful warning God, and defended his praise, 1 Kings 18. with gratitude and love, written to you, with gratitude and love, written to you, Joash, with all the princes, priests and with a sincere and Christian intention; read common people, were unanimous in their it with an understanding heart; reflect upon groves and their false worship, which they it, and examine it with fear and trembling. had chosen after the death of Jehoiada, the I certainly know that you will find nothing high priest, and there was but one Zecha- in it but kindness, love, zeal, and a sure riah, who reproved the ungodly abomina- foundation of the only and invincible truth. tions, and threatened them with the wrath And though some of you may think that and punishment of his God, 2 Chron. 24. I reprove too severely, you ought to know Even as those renowned and worthy men that I have not done so without the instrucof God, though they were few, reproved, tion, counsel and doctrine of the holy prophwith pure, divine ardor, in the power of the ets, Christ and the apostles. I have given Spirit, and faithfully admonished by the no name without the word of God. Let him law of God with their great and glorious that is innocent thank God and rejoice; he talents, all the disobedient and idolatrous that is guilty, is not reproved by me, but by kings, princes, priests and the common the Spirit and word of God. people, without respect to persons; and O, ye whom I desire as friends, fear God on account thereof suffered disgrace, mis- and his judgment; reform your earthly car 92 APPEAL TO THE COMMON PEOPLE. nal life; abandon all your deceptions, prophet says, "But if the wicked will turn blindness, seducements and abominations, from his sins that he hath committed, and in which you have hitherto been involved; keep all my statutes, and do that which is seek the right truth with all your powers; lawful and right, he shall surely live, he pray to God for wisdom; warn every one; shall not die; all his transgressions that he deal and act unblamably; then you will hath committed, they shall not be mennot be of that number of shepherds called tioned unto him," Ezek. 18: 21, 22. The graby such dreadful names in the Scriptures, cious and merciful Lod, grant you all his and you will not be partakers of that dis- grace, knowledge, Spirit, wisdom, light and pleasure, punishment and wrath, but you truth, that you may sincerely awaken, rewill inherit grace, mercy and life, as the -pent, and be eternally saved, Amen. APPEAL TO THE COMMON PEOPLE. Give ear, ye people; you who trust in in my body quakes and fears, when I reflect lies, and boast that you are Christians; tear that such a numberless mutltitude of men your bands asunder, and suffer yourselves are born in vain and to no purpose; who to be led no longer as asses bound and un- will have eternally to endure the wrath and der a heavy burden of sin, by these afore- judgment of the Lord, if they repent not, mentioned drivers, for they deceive you; and shall never find grace. they preach to you according to their own Beloved children, take!eed, for thus opinion, and not out of the mouth of the I Christ Jesus teaches you, I tell you of a Lord; they comfort you in your wicked truth, "Except ye be converted and become ways; they call and cry only mercy and as little children, ye shall not enter into peace, though it is displeasure and judg- the kingdom of heaven," Aatt. 18: 3. 0, ment, as the prophet says. The priests and' dear Lord, this is spoken by God's eternal prophets teach a false worship, and comfort truth, which cannot lie, and how ungodly my people in their calamity, that they shall you ignorant people live, and how far you esteem it lightly, saying, "Peace, peace, are fromn the innocence of children, your when there is no peace;" they are the blind fruits testify; for you despise God and his leaders, who lead you and themselves into word; you hate all righteousness and trtlh, the pit, and the blind watchmen who Twa tch mrany of you live as the irrational creatures, not over the city of God. Thieves and nur- others quarrel, curse, swear, 1ae covetous, derers, who slay your poor souls with the practice usury, lie, cheat, injure and desword of their false doctrine, and steal from fraLud one another; fidelity and piety are you the word and kingdom of the Lord; seldonm found among you, faithlessne s, greedy shepherds who seek your wool, milk and knavery, alas, every where eating and flesh, and not your souls. In short,t to excess, gamblnl, aing, a dink, rinig and they are those who wholly desolate the carousing are pastimes amongst you; to kinodom of Christ, and promulgate in high pollute womlen and defile virgins is called honor the kingdom of anti-christ through ocourting and loving. To take the advalntage the whole world, and vwlo always comfort of, and defraud one another, is called lunand defend you, poor children, in your dis- derstanding and wisdom'; vyo 1re valiant solute abominations, your obdurate, blind at beer and migihtty at wirne; unri(nghteouslife, so that, alas! there is none who is sin- ness and destruction are in all your waays, cerely converted to the Lord, laments his the poor and w eak you oppress, and you sins, and says, Whlat do I? rexvile the aliictcd, the,god-fearingl and pionls; 0, worthy children and brethren, my heart i you think and practice nothing but evil, you APPEAL TO THE COMMON PEOPLE. 93 are without understanding, says the proph- for the kingdom of heaven suffers violence. et, as a frantic heifer. Pomp and splen- Strive, says Christ, to enter in at the strait dor you call the fashion and custom of the gate; ask and you shall receive; seek and country. The one lies in wait for the oth- you shall find; knock and it shall be opened er's honor, property, and life, and seeks his unto you. The Almighty, great God is not destruction, as the prophet says, your faith 1 satisfied with a bare name, but he desires a is hypocrisy, your worship idolatry, your true, sincere faith, unfeigned, ardent love, a whole life is world and flesh, as may be new, converted heart, true humility, mercy, seen, and then you say, he that walks in chastity, patience, righteousness and peace; simplicity, walks right, as if ignorance, he desires the whole man, heart, professions blindness, despising the truth,and godliness, and actions. He who delights in the word were a pious, humble and plain life. Dear I of the Lord, speaks the truth from the heart, children, be ashamed of your offensive wan- crucifies his flesh, and will give his goods tonness and accursed folly. and blood for the word of the Lord, if it be Do you suppose that Christ is a liar, and required. his word a fable? no! his sentence stands Behold, dear children, this is the way in immovable, and shall never be altered; if which we will all have to walk, if we desire you live in pride, avarice, voluptuousness, to be saved; therefore, awaken and learn unchastity and in carnal lusts, believe not wisdom. Hear the inviting voice of God, Christ and his word, continue to be earth- open unto him, and meet him, that he comly-minded, and are not born of God, you plain not of you, as he did formerly through must die eternally, or the Spirit of God is his prophets, of obdurate and stiff-necked not true, but false. Judea and Jerusalem. "I have nourished," Say, beloved, why extol the apostles and says he, " and brought up children, and they prophets, while you revile their doctrine as have rebelled against me; the ox knoweth heresy, and their lives as madness? AWhy his owner, and the ass his master's crib; suffer yourselves to be called christians, but Israel doth not know, my people doth while you hate and oppose Christ's word not consider. Ah, sinful nation, a people and example? laden with iniquity,, a seed of evil-doers, Say you, we are without understanding, children that are corrupters! They have forunltaught, and know not the Scriptures? I saken the Lord, they have provoked the then again reply: The word is plain and Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are needs no coinmment, namely "Thou shalt: gone away backward," Isa. 1: 4. love the Lord thy GCod with all thy heart, Jeremiah says, "Every one turned to his and with all thy soul, and with all thy course, as the horse rusheth into the battle; strength, and thy neighbor as thyself," yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her Matt. 22: )37, 39. Ag'ain, You shall give appointed times; and the turtle and the bread to the hungry and entertain the crane, and the swallow observe the time of needy, Isa. 58: 7. their coling; but my people know not the If you live according to the flesh, you judgment of the Lord," Jer. 8: 6, 7. shall die; for, to be carnally miinded is Remember, dear children, how greatly death; the avaricious, drunkards, and the Jesus Christ took to heart the obstinacy proud, shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and blindness of the Jews; when he said, for he will judge adulterers and fornicators, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I Rom. 8; 1 Cor. 6, and many like passages. have gathered thy children together, even All who do not understand such passages, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her we must confess and acknowledge, are more wings, and ye would not," he wept and said, like irrational creatures then men, mcore "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least like blocks than christians. in this thy day, the things which belong O my children, my beloved chlildren, do unto thy peace, but now they are hid from not deceive your own souls; seekr wisdom thine eyes," Luke 19: 42. and understanding, even as you do your "VrXhlerefore lay apart all filthiness and daily food, that you may find great riches; superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with 94 APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. meekness the ingrafted word, which is able the only, and true shepherd of your souls, to save your souls," James 1: 21. Seek God who sought you in such great love, and purwith a full heart, repent sincerely, cleanse chased you with such a precious price, then yourselves inwardly before the Lord, let go you may, of a truth, boast that you are the world, flesh, false doctrine, and every thing people of God, and the church of Christ. contrary to the honor, will, and word of To him, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God; hear, believe and follow Jesus Christ, be praise and the eternal kingdom, Amen. APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. Christ said,"Falsechristsandfalseproph- which all the body, fitly joined together, ets shall rise, and shall show signs and cometh unto a perfect man, unto the measwonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even ure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. the elect. But take ye heed, behold, I have I fear that your sins will be punished; foretold you all things," Mark 13: 22, 23. for you are earthly, and carnal minded, 0, you backsliding, erring children! Mind, whereby you thrust from you the pure had you taken to heart this faithful warn- knowledge of Christ, and hate his cross; ing of our Lord and Savior, Christ; had and against all admonition of Scriptures, you acknowledged his Spirit, doctrine, and against the undeceiving example of Christ holy life as a perfect Spirit, doctrine and and his saints, you conform yourselves in life, and acknowledged him as the true the splendor, pomp, eating, drinking, folly, Prophet, promised in Scripture; and hadyou hypocrisy, and false worship, of this proud, received him as the true and living Son of useless, vain and idolatrous world, which God; you would never have been led so far you should, by right, instruct and admonfrom his ways, nor would such frightful ish by a pious, humble, sober, and godly errors have taken place. But, O Lord! I walk. fear that some of you are so far enchanted, 0, you backsliding children! consider that you will nevermore come to Christ, the how grievously you disgrace the holy Moses, true Shepherd; for you, through a perverted who teaches and speaks to you out of the and obscure understanding of the Scriptures, mouth of God. He says, "I will raise them defend, as just and right, the abominable up a prophet from among their brethren, works of ungodliness, which are not only con- like unto thee, and will put my words in his trary to the Spirit, word and will of Christ, mouth; and he shall speak unto them all but also contrary to reasonable modesty, that I shall command him. And it shall nature, and reason. come to pass, that whosoever will not hearIs it not a grievous error, that you suffer ken unto my words which he shall speak in yourselves to be so sorely bewitched by my name, I will require it of him," Dent. 18: such worthless persons, and so lamentably 18, 19. This is repeated by Peter and Stemisled from one unclean sect to another; phen in Acts 3: 23; and 7: 37. first to that of Munster, next to Battenberg, What do you do with all the great prophnow Davidists; from Beelzebub to Lucifer, ets of God, as David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and and from Belial to Behemoth? Ever learn- Ezekiel, who, in so many places, with such ing, but never able to come to the knowl- plain words, through the inspiration of the edge of the real truth. You suffer your Holy Spirit, direct us to Christ and his selves to be led about by every wind of word? They must either testify to lies, or doctrine. You choose out a way for your- your prophets must be deceivers and false selves, as do also the priests and monks; teachers. This is incontrovertible. you hold not to the head, Christ, from Did not holy Paul say, "But though we, APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 95 or an angel from heaven, preach any other must be understood), by which you can gospel unto you than that which we have prove and establish one of all your erring preached unto you, let him be accursed," articles? Gal. 1: 8. That your prophets, with their If you would appeal to the literal underking, dominion, polygamy, sword, &c., do standing and transactions of Moses and the not agree with Paul and the doctrine and prophets, then must you also become Jews, gospel of the apostles, you are all forced to receive circumcision, literally possess the acknowledge and admit, whence it forcibly land of Canaan, again erect the Jewish follows, that they, with their doctrine and kingdom, build the city and temple, and acconduct, are cursed and anathematized. cording to the law, offer sacrifices, attend to Say, my beloved, what do you do with the worship of God, and declare that Christ, the revealed and infallible word and testi- the promised Savior, has not yet come, who mony of the Almighty Father, which he has changed the literal and figurative cerehimself has testified of his Son, and said? monies into new, spiritual and abiding sub"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am stances. well pleased; hr hear ye im," Matt. 17: 5. Him shall -you hear; but since you reject miserable, eng sheep, observe, I his Spirit, word and example, you follow have bee oremarked to the mais trates, and hear those who, with their spirit, doc- the kingdom of Christ i not of tis trine and conduct, are from the bottomless visible, perishing world, but that it is an pit, yea, manifestly anti-christs and false eternal, spiritual and abiding kingdom, prophets. I where there are no eating and drinking, but Know you not, that the Son of God has righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy himself commanded us that we should ob- Ghost. There no king reigns, but the true serve all that he has enjoined, and that he King of Zion, Christ Jesus. He is the King will be with us until the end of the world? of righteousness, the King of peace, the King Will you then say, that the doctrine of of kings, who has all power in heaven above, Christ and his apostles was imperfect, and and on earth beneath; before whom every that your teachers bring forth the perfect knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. instruction? I answer, tat to teach and be- The true king David in Spirit, who, through instruction? I answer, that to teach and be- c bo lieve this, is the most horrible blasphemy, his righteousness, merits and crimson blood, the most mocking perversity, that can be has ransomed the sheep from the mouths of uttered against the Most High; for you the savage lions and bears of the pit, has thereby declare that Christ is not the true slain the great and terrible Goliah, and Son of God, the perfect Teacher, and the obtained for the spiritual Israel of God, etertrue image of righteousness. You deny the nal welfare and eace. Neither the King whole Scripture, you reject the testimony of nor his servants bear any sword but the Moses and all the prophets, who pointed to sword of the Spirit, piercing even to the the only and true Christ, as has been shown; dividing asunder of soul and spirit the you disparage the word of the Father, and word of od, wit which he brings forth reject Christ Jesus, with his Spirit, word, builds, extends and governs his kingdom, kingdom and spiritual government; you guards and defends it under the pressing put your trust and hopes in lying, mortal cross, in all trials and temptations, from flesh, and upon earthly, carnal things, the gates of hell, onsets and powers, and which, as the Scriptures teach, must be dis- not with iron or steel, as the rude, vindictive parsed like dust before the wind. Examine world does; for his kingdom and dominion the Scriptures in the fear of the Lord, and is spirit, and not letter, as has been shown reflect, if such is not a gross blasphemy Again, under this kingdom, and under against the Almighty. this King, no other wedlock must be tolerSay, you deceived children, where is there ated, except between one man and one woa syllable in the whole doctrine of Christ man,as God had in thebeginning established and the apostles (according to which Spirit, in the union of Adam and Eve; and Christ doctrine, conduct and example all Scripture has further said, that these two are one flesh, 96 APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. and that they shall not separate, save for he were one who could dry up the bottom the cause of fornication, Matt. 5: 32. of the sea, and hurl the stars down from This is not a kingdom in which a, display heaven, let him be abandoned, and let his is made of gold, silver, pearls, silk, velvet doctrine be regarded as deceiving and erand costly finery, as is done by the proud roneous, for, to all eternity there may no wicked world, and which also your leaders other foundation be laid, than that which is teach and give you liberty to do under this laid, Christ Jesus. Hie is the corner stone deception, viz., that it is harmless if you do and foundation in Zion, on whom all the not desire and serve them from your heart. building fitly framed together (according to Thus might satan approve his haughtiness, his will, Spirit and word), growetht into a and make pure and good tile desire of Ihis holy temple unto the Lord. eyes. In the kingdom of all mhumility (I 0 ye backsliding children, hear the word say), the outward adorning of the body of God and make haste, for your way is in is not desired and sought with powNer, but darkness, and your path leadts to death. the inwvard adorning of the spirit, with zeal, Embrace the truth and learn wisdom, for diligence, and a broken, contrite heart. your comforters have destroyed you and Here is known no lying, eating, drininng, rendered uneven the way in which you tmust or hypocrisy; here none conforms himself go. Munster and Amsterdamz may well be to a drunken, luxurious, idle and idolatrous to you an eternal warning and example. world, nor lays from him the cross of Christ, A1hen a prophet, said Moses, speaks in the as you do, but all are upright and godly in name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, heart and deed. They speak the truth from nor come to pass, that is not the thing the heart. They lead a circumspect, tem- which the Lord hath spoken. perate life; shun all idolatry and false doc- O dear Lord! HIow many innocent hearts trine from within and without; abstain from have they ruined? How many poor souls all appearance of evil; perform the true have they deceived? What gross shame have worship of the heart; abide firmly in the they cast upon the word of the Lord? What word and ordinances of Christ; lead an un- great abominations have sote of them coinblamable life before the whole world, and mitted under the appearance of good? How testify of Jesus Christ with the mouth, have they made the poor, blind magistrates, works, possessions and blood, as the divine who are, alas, destitute of a correct underhonor requires it. standing of the holy word, to be guilty of Here that confession is unknown to which innocent blood? some of you pretend, here we confess only I think it is time you should see and learn to the true God before whom we have sinned, to know your lying faithless, and deceiving and to our neighbor against whom we have prophets. They are the foxes which destroy trespassed. the vineyard of the Lord. These are the Here modesty, rectitude, and honesty are thieves and murderers of your souls; false taught and practiced, but not immodesty, prophets who deny the Lord that bought disgrace and uncleanness. I think you un- them; who have directed you, poor erring derstand well what I mean. sheep, by their own lying visions, dreams, In short, here the Spirit, word, will, corn- and thoughts of their hearts, and have led mands, prohibitions, ordinances, customs, you against all the Scriptures upon a false and examples of Christ are taught. To and loose foundation. which all Scriptures refer us, and not the How like unto those you have become, of opinions of false prophets, high sounding whom Ensebius writes, that they walked acwords, enchanting appearances, boasting, cording to the lusts of their hearts, as the dreams, and lying miracles, against which, prophets foretold; who denied Paul and the the Spirit of God, and the Scriptures every- New Testament, and carried with them a where warn and counsel us. book, which they boasted, fell from heaven Dear children, reform yourselves. Every as a present to them. one who teaches you otherwise, than is testi- So it is with you, O ye entranced (bear fied by the word of the Lord, even though with me, for it is the truth which I write). APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 97 The prophets you read according to the ous than Elias, and more miraculous than Jewish understanding. You say the doc- Moses. trine of Christ and the apostles is at the They persuade you that the doctrine of present time fulfilled; and pretend that the apostles is imperfect, but that they now there is now another dispensation, &c., and teach that which is perfect. This is a deobserve not that you thereby deny the Son ception above all deceptions, as above said, of God, and gainsay the whole Scriptures; for thereby the creature is honored more you comfort yourselves with mere lies, as than the Creator. Paul does not refer to also did disobedient Israel in their time. any better doctrine or perfection other than Oh dear Lord! How long shall these sore I that which is shown by the doctrine of the plagues endure? how long shall the name apostles, which will abide in everlasting of the Lord through you be blasphemed, and clearness, according to the infallible promise his holy word through you be disgraced? of God, and which we shall receive in the Is it not a grievous error (man phrenzy), resurrection of the righteous, when all docthat Christ, the Son of the living God, trine shall receive an end. This is true, who, brought forth in eternal righteousness, otherwise Paul is at variance with himself, has reconciled heaven and earth by the and the true reality is not to be found in blood of his cross, with his word of truth, Christ. and with the counsels of eternal life, is re- Again, will you say, then, with the Jews jected from your hearts, which he so dearly and Scribes, that Elias will come before the bought, and which should, so properly be great and terrible day, and thus wait for the dwelling place of Christ; and poor, sin- something new? ful flesh, and mortal man descended from First, I answer with Christ's own words, Adam, full of all unrighteousness, haughty that "all the prophets and the law prophespeeches, lies and open deception is received sied until John, and if ye will receive it, by you and adopted in stead. this is Elias, which was for to come," Matt. Oh, beloved children, what are you doing? 11: 13, 14. Are you so thoroughly enchanted that you Secondly, Even though Elias himself were have lost all reason, intelligence, the Script- to come, he dare not teach any thing against ures, and everything, so that you cannot see the foundation and doctrine of Christ and at all? then may God be merciful unto you. the apostles, but he must, if he would preach Good children, observe that a letter of the aright, teach and preach conformably to the law of Moses could not be changed till the same, for, by the Spirit, word, actions and new Moses,ChristJesus, came,whowas prom- example of Christ, all must be judged, and ised through the law and the prophets. If receive the last sentence, otherwise the whole then the letter of the law was so strong, effect- Scriptures are false. ive and firm, and in its time unchangeable, Therefore, one of two things must follow, although given only through a servant, and either that we are not to look for an Elias sealed by perishable blood, how much more any more, since John was the Elias who powerful, effectual, firm, and unchangeable was to come; or if an Elias should come is the free law of the Spirit, which was given yet, he must propose and teach us nothing through the Son himself, and confirmed by ebut the foundation and word of Christ, acthe blood of the eternal covenant. cording to the Scriptures; for Christ is the All who taught anything contrary to the man who sits upon David's throne, and word of Moses, were false prophets, for noth- shall reign forever in the kingdom, house, ing was to be taken from, nor added thereto, and congregation of Jacob. but all appeals were to the law and the testi- I would then, herewith sincerely admonmony, Deut. 4: 2. All the prophets of the ish you all to weigh and prove all spirit, present day are false who teach contrary to doctrine, faith, and conduct, with the Spirit, the Spirit, word, commands, prolibitions, doctrine and conduct of Christ, and that ye ordinances and example of Christ, even betemperate. All s)irits which accord therethough such should exhibit themselves inI with, are from God, but those which are appearance, as holier than John, more zeal- contrary, are from him, who from the begin13 98 TO THE BRIDE, KINGDOM, STATE, ning has turned Adam and his race aside fully admonished of God. Beware, the day from God, and ]as led them by lies onward approaches, repent, reform. The word of to death. God is true. Is there any one among you If you will not hear, b-t will ever turn who fears God, let him reflect on what I your ears to lies, and believe the deceiving here write; search the Scriptures and becreature more than the infallible Creator; if lieve the truth, for God hates all liars. you set your feet upon slippery places; if Eternal wroe and gnashing of teeth will be you neither fear nor regard Scripture ad- the portion and reward of the hypocrite; monitions, northe?power and pniishments of Whosoever transgresseth andc abideth not God, but relect and set aside all as idle and in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God," 2 useless, and suffer yourselves always to be John 1: 9. comforted with falsehoods, visions, dreams, 0 ye miserable, enci anted children! turn splendid delusions, false interpretations and i -i I- ye ew what it was to forsake continue, without the cross, on the broad the livig fountain of Christ, and dig for way, then will the righteous Lord send to yourselves dry wells which can neither yield you moc"kers and deceivers, and by his nor hold water, Jer. 2, how soon would you righteous judgment suffer you to be led turn your back on the false prophets and from one ungodly course to another, as may their hypocritical lives, surrender youralready be seen. j selves to the true Shepherd of your souls, You shall be satiated w'ith lies, vanity, Chjrist Jesus, and follow and obey his sure folly and hypocrisy. You will reap the teain, admoitio, ordinan fruits of youL-r wantonness, and at last, vwithl I-n i i i of yu wJ.nt. at l, and holy example (although in weakness); all false prophets and lyin wonder work- I but alas, enchanting blindness has obscured ers, you shall hear the words, "I know youre not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye your -understanding. The beloved, merciful workers of iniquity," Luke 13: 27. Lord grant you eyes to see and hearts to Be ye then eternally warned and faith- understand; this is our sincere wish, Amen. TO THE BXIDE, KIlNGDOMI, STATE, CIURCII OF THE LORD, GiAC AND PEACE. Thus spake tile Bridegroom, Cihrist Jesus, name, lhear the voice of Christ, your king; tlrough Solomon to his bride, the church, hear the voice of your bridegroom, ah, thou "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and. come b ride of God, thou friend of the Lord, arise, away, for lo, the winter is past, tle rain is and adorn thyself to honor thy king and over and gone, the flowers app)ear on the bridegroom. Though thou art pure, purify earthl; the time of tlie sigingg of birds is i thyself yet more though thou art holy, conmet, and the voice of the turtle is heard in hallow thyself yet more, and though thou our land; thle fig tree putteth forth her green art right, rectify thyself yet more; adorn figs, and the vines,-;.!l t1e: t-nder grap.e l hseTl wrth tlhe -V'ite, silken 0lobe of rioltgive a good sm,. At..se,, y 1,,vr?) ~V-,;r o ia.I e,:: us' 7I:-; ~S; li1ai,,ol. t thy 1ieck the,olde.e one,, a;nd (come'..lv..~.' " Can.'t -:.(.- -1'. it cal oLf -,.e y tivr f;w itht fti ai-ir Chosen, true c;ld"i, o li. c24, o, -.,. o s-; unt on the wedding iare called to tohe lih3k e,grace, -iflnherita,, sudment; Behold, iny brethren, here you have now 118 FAITH. the true properties and nature of a true IChrist to be the Son of God, and his word christian faith, and what a great mystery, as the truth, acknowledge that his cornsignification, spirit and power are contained mands are eternal life, and that they seek summarily in these words, He must believe no other worship, word, sacraments, or that God is. "Whosoever believeth in him Imeans of reconciliation, nor another way should not perish, but have eternal life," of life than that which Christ, God's own John 3: 15; "He that believeth and is bap- Son, presented and taught them by the tized shall be saved," Mark 16: 16; "WTho- word of his truth. soever believeth on him shall not be Hence it is evident, that where sincere and ashamed," Rom. 10, and the like passages. true faith is, which avails before God, which For it will always be tle case where there is a gift from him, and comes from hearingthe is a true, christian faith, there also will be holyword,throughtheblossomingtree oflife, a dying to sin, a new creature, true repent- full of all manner of precious fruits of rightance, a sincere, regenerated and unblamable eousness, such as the fear and love of God, christian. One does no longer live accord- mercy, friendship, chastity, temperance, luing to the lusts of sin, but according to the! mility, candor, truth, peace and joy in the will of him who purchased us with his Holy Ghost, &c., there is a sincere, evangelblood, drew us by his Spirit, and regenera- ical, pious faith; there also are the sincere, ted us by his word, namely, Christ Jesus. gospel fruits of an evangelical nature. But where there is only nominal faith, and I say gospel fruit, for the strange fruit, no righteousness, or change, or new and pen- I g f ge itent life, there is nothing but unbelief, hy- such as infant baptism, masses, matins, pocrisy and lies. No matter how much we vespers, caps, palms, crosses, chapels, almay speak, or dispute about the Scriptures, tars, bells &c., know not the gospel, for this rule will remain firm, and can never be they are neither commanded of God, nor of broken. "(If ye lile after the flesh, ye sal Jesus Christ, his Son, nor by the apostles die," Rom. 8: 13. All therefore, who live in and prophets, therefore, are they abominapomp and splendor, in excessive eating and tions and not believing fruits, even as the drinking, adultery, fornication, avarice, golden calf was with Israel, the worship of hatred, envy, lasciviousness, defrauding Ba al, the high places, altars and churches, and such sins; all who defame the Lord's and the crime of making their children pass holy and high name, word, will, and also through the fire. his community, slander and traduce their The true evangelical faith looks upon, and neighbor; deprive him of his honor, name, has respect to the doctrine, ceremonies, cornwelfare, body and goods; and all who mands, prohibitions, and unblamable excurse and swear by the Lord's sufferings, amples of Christ alone, and strives to conwounds, sacraments, cross and death, are form thereto with all its powers, even as lire unbelieving heathens, and not believing in its nature can produce nothing but comchristians. This is as clear as the light bustion and flame; the sun, nothing but of day, for their fruits testify before the light and heat; the water causes moisture, whole world, that they are not the true olive and a good tree brings good fruit after its tree and vine from which we may pluck or natural properties; and thus uprig;ht, evangather the true, ripe fruits; for, that they gelical faith produces true evan-elical fruit, comfort themselves with the doctrines and and that, after its true, good, evangelical commands of men, use a strange baptism, nature; yea, even as anhonest virtuousbride, Lord's supper and divine worship, which bythevirtue and the nature ofnatural love, is Christ has not taught; seek the remission ever ready to hear and o0bey the voice of her of sins by foreign means; such as holy wa- bridegroom; and from a sincere, pious dispoters, masses, auricular confessions, pilgrim- sition, favor and love whtich shle has foir a(nd ages, &c., walk in a perverted, crooked path, towards him, will ever so conduct herself, believe not Christ and his word, all must before her most faithful friend and beloved confess who have only natural discernment husband, whom she respects and loves with and understanding. All who acknowledge all her heart, that for his sake she voluntarily FAITH. 119 endures what ever may befall her; even also soul partakes of her bridegroom's nature it is with a sincere, regenerated belie;ver, who and disposition, is pious in heart and has been joined to Christ, by grace through thought; true in words and well seasoned; faith; he has become one with Christ through all her ways are righteousness, devoutness; this ardent love, that he is ever willing and wise as the serpent; harmless as the dove; prepared to do his bidding and will, to en- a genuinely pious disposition, fidelity, zeal, dure all things for the sake of the holy name peace, fervent prayer, an unblamable conof Jesus, in evil as well as in good report. duct, a sincere, pure, brotherly love, and a Eager to endure all things that may befall voluntary obedience to Christ and his holy him at any time, be it joy or tribulation, word; for the righteous live by faith, as we satiation or hunger, refreshing or thirst, shall incontrovertibly and plainly show, by honor or dishonor, in good or bad report, the grace of God, in the following examples, in prison or at liberty, in exile or at home, recorded and testified to in the holy Scriptease or discomfort, life or death. Such a ures, Amen. NOAH'S FAITII. The holy Scriptures testify concerning him. The same day that he entered the ark, Noah, the son of Lamech, that he found the fountains of the great deep were broken grace before the Lord, because he was a'up, and the windows of heaven were opened, righteous man,t unwavering and perfect in and it rained forty days and forty nights, his generation. Peter calls him a preacher till all the high mountains upon the face of of righteousness. High and glorious is the 1 the whole earth were covered; fifteen cubits testimony, which is given in the Scriptures upward did the waters prevail; and all concerning this man. creatures upon the earth that had in them When all the world was depraved before the breath of life, as men, birds, beasts and God, and the face of all the earth was full worms were destroyed. Noah and his famiof wickedness, the sons of God saw the ly, together with the animals which were daughters of men that they were fair, and with him in the ark, were preserved in the they took them wives of all whom they ark by the power and grace of Almighty chose, and would not suffer themselves to God, in whom'Noah trusted with all his be reproved by the Spirit of God; then spake heart. the Lord, I vill yet give them respite for Through faith, saith Paul, Noah honored a hundred and twenty years; he also gave i God, and prepared the ark for the salvation Noah a command, that he should make a of his house, according to the divine comship or ark, by which he and his house mand which was not yet seen, through might be saved from the coming flood, for which he condemned the world, and became God the Lord was about to destroy the an inheriter of the righteousness which is whole world with water. Noah believed the by faith. word of the Lord with all his heart, and Oh! lovely example, 0 glorious pattern of kept it in his mind, as if he saw it before a sure and firm faith. For, as he believed him with his eyes. He commenced building his God, so was he upright and unwavering. as he had been commanded, for he believed He believed the threatened punishment firmwith his whole heart, that the threatened ly, as if he saw it before his eyes, and therepunishment would come. And when the ap- fore he labored so many years, and, through pointed year was completed, and the dis- the eternal Spirit of Christ, he warned the obedient, wicked world repented not, the unbelieving, disobedient spirits, or men led word of the Lord must be accomplished. captive by sin, to repent and reform. He Noah went into the ark with all clean and feared the word of the Lord, and doubted unclean creatures as the Lord commanded not that it would happen as the Lord had 120 FAITH. spoken. He well knew that the word of the' pray to God for grace, would clothe ourLord was powerful, as the prophet said, selves in sackcloth and mourning garments, "0 Lord, thou spakest from the beginning would truly repent, reform the wircked life, of the creation, and saidst thus, Let heaven follow after righteousness, and with our new and earth be made; and thy word was a and spiritual Noah, Christ Jesus, enter into perfect work,' 2 Esdras 6: 88. the new and spiritual ark, w!hich is ]is And when lie had preaclhed and built church; ever being careful and fearful th'at forty, eighty or a hundred years (the Script- the deluge of the coming II wrath of Go v Nill ures do not say how long he built and not unexpectedly overtake us writh a'l t e taught), he did not become weak in faith unbelieving and impenitent, who ac:1no ]by long delay, for he well knev that the edge neither God nor Christ, neither Spirit punishment of God would come upon the nor word, as it overtook the covrrupt antediunconverted, because he had form;erly so luvian world as mentionied; ye:, - oi-V uld told him, and that he, and his would be sincerely watch for the cormlig of tle Lord, preserved through the mercy and grace of and give heed to the time of grace, preserve him who promised, for he is the God of our wceddingo garment, lad 1av-e (.:i in our truth, and no lie is found in him. lanps, that our h.ose e no unseasona1 The Lord God warned the pious Noahl, broken thiroI1, and we with te ue.. t, -!oc and said, "The end of all flesh is come be- ha d nott on Oa wdg ie d di t for''.' fsth.-' fore me, for the earth is tilled with violence flroinm thle Lo-rd's v,-, -dng, into oitc- da('k - through them, and behold, I will destroy ness landi. ac'i -c ct:ialy,iwit:0u-. them with the earth," Gen. 6: 13. So also Because alas, ve dro not believe t ihetnreats, hath he through his ownblessed Son, througlh punishments, w rath and judgments of tlhe his holy prophets and apostles, with his holy Lord, ad ia av li(ttl r dA,, f'or te c xar - word, truthfully warned us and said, If you pies of Scrnpuii-, thierefore, we say v.ti tihe repent not, be not born of God, believe not mockers, Belovei,., where ivc s tie irois of in Christ, walk not in his commandments, his coming? All thir-s abide as they wer.e reform not your wicked lives, but serve from thte Beoinnilng sincre tihe I atelrs fell strange Gods, be haughtty, proud, ambi- asleep. It ri, I feari, hlappen with uas as it tious, lustful, blood-thirsty, malicious, un- did with the unbelievers and disobedient just, idle, earthly, fleshly, and devilish, you who were overtaken with sudden destruction will die in your sins, and shall not enter in the time of Noah. and JLot, as one mar y into the kingdom of heaven, shall be con- plainly see and read concerlnirng the coming' demned, shall be cast into tLe fiery pool, of the Lord,?lfatt. S4; LuIue 17; beca.use we must inherit eternal woe and pain, with all do not believe the threats, jadgiments, a-nd the accursed, and with devils, and have no wrath of the Lord, but disregard them, therepart nor communion in the kingdom of fore do we lead such a reckless, unbridled Christ, to all eternity. life, follow the lusts of the flesh., cat, drin My readers, take heed, if we, with the up- build, sow, reap and Inmarry -itLhout any right and godly Noah, observe the faithful fear or care, and avariciousliy hoard up gold, warnings of Christ and his Holy Spirit, and silver and possessions, and lhaugi- tili sa: believe with the whole heart; believe the in our hearts there is peace and liberty, tiil word of God to be true and immutable, the swift destruction shall overttake -s. threatened punishment will come in its time, Again, let every one look well andc watch. even though it should be delayed a tholu- The messenger, with 1his peremptlrory snumsand years; yet, I advise that every one mons is already atL trhe door, vho will say. watch, for all who die in their sins, receive Render an account; thou m-ayest be no longtheir punishment, for the time of grace is er stewardl. l t could we th the un athen expired; then we would undoubtedly ering and rpions Noah', iil c be.lieve t e fear and tremble to the inmost of our souls, coming etelrnal wrath and i slhment, also at the wrath and punishment, threatened in the promises thr-ouga Chiris t, to all true chil the Scriptures to all the impenitent which i dren of God, we would, undoubted] y, not be will be eternal in its duration; we would found so inattentive, drowsy and inliffer FAITH. 121 ent, but with full earnestness without delay, sleep and regard us not. Let us not strike rise from our abomlinable sin, separate our- our fellow servants; neither eat nor drink selves from our grievous errors, and shun with gormandizers, that he may not give us wickedness as we would a hungry, roaring our portion and lot with the iypocrites. lion, orablood-tlirsty enemyw; we shouldalso Cocernin ts athig, rea tt. 24; ^\.^ - ^ ^. ^ Concerning th~is watclin^g read Matt. 24 watch with open eyes all our days, lest the Master- of the hlouse overtake us when we a' ABP RiAtA,1S FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. Abraham, the highly renowned patriarch, for it is manifest that you are stubborn and Awho had not his enoual in honor, as Si'aclh unelievin so ieshly earl. y nind writes, believed God and trusted upon his that you would not give a clay house, a word with the whole heart, and ths man- j poor bed, a cow or a horse, nor would you ifested obedience and power as the result endure a hard word for the sake of the word of his faith. The Lord commanded him of the Lord, and his testimony; and I doubt and said, "Get thee out of thy country, whether you would forsake father or mother, and froml thy kiend, a1n froi ty fh- o tle anTd of yo0r birth, for the sake of -r's house, unto a Iand thiat I wil sho e th ee, your faith, an-d like Abrah iam, travel with and I *w ill -make aof thee rat ti, n vfe a ga ion, a i d children to an unknown land. I will bless thee, and make thy name g,-ea-t, Cursed unbelief kee-ps off the whole world and thou shalt be. a blessing, and I will from the truth; for many of you say, We bless them thla.lt bless thee, and curse hima well know that you have the truth, but what thiat curseth thee, and in thee shall all fam- does it avail? TV are re poor and fuli of years, ilies of the earth 1be blessed," Gen. 12: 1-3. we cannot longer labor or earn; we have a'When he heard the command, he believed house full of children and cannot earn our his God and consulted not the ease of his bread in otlhe- Iands; we fear, a so, that the body nor his natural reasonr, but renounce od Lod may not have such a care for us as lhe both, Cand did not strive nor dispte w ith ilad ior Abraham; others, say we, have much God, in whom he trusted and by whose wealth, we are young in years, and may commPand hie went forth; he did not desire live long, yet father d mother hinder us. to know before hand into what land he The wife says, 1iy lhusband opposes me; should go. iHe believed hils God with his the' husband says, my wifLe iS again st me, wh-ole heart, he was obedient and ve-tit forth and the like unbelieving fleshly excuses and at that hour, together w ithl Sarai, his wife, jca res. They never take to heart, nor undernot knowing where he should go. lie re- stand, that Christ hats richly promised you, posed firmly and surely upon the promise tlhat if you abide by his word, you shall reof God, who iwould not deceive nor betray ceive all the necessaries of the earth, as food, l;im, for he well knew that lhe was a God clothing, and shelter. "I have been young, wh.o was true and firm in all his vwords, and a and now I am old; yet have I not seen the that lie would bring him into such a country ri hteous forsaken, nor his seed.begingo aOs he had promised him. bread,' Ps. 37: S5. Behold, how upright and perfect, howl Faithful readers, observe, if we had a firm plain, obedient, and full of confidence is faithi and a sure confidence, like this godly true, christian faith, as may be seen in this n lan, and dare trust from the heart upon the patriarch. Comipare your faith and its fruits I iiving God, O how little should vwe trouble wLitl Abraham's faith and its fruits, and I ourselves with such heathenish cares, conpresume you will find that you have never Icerning dwelling, eating, drinking, andc yet becomne- Ilis faithful~ seed a, nd children; I c.oth.ing,.for we well know, that Christ, 10CV la: b1;S.LIIIL c'~;-cl cLll 122 FAITH. God's own Son, has promised that if we en; that they should be strangers in another seek the kingdom of heaven, and his right- land that was not theirs, and that they eousness, and turn our hearts to some hon- should be oppressed and compelled to serve est labor, he will not forsake us to all eter- four hundred years, &c. When this promise nity, but will supply all our necessities, for was made he believed; he believed this, and he cares for us. h is belief was reckoned to him for rightSecondly, observe his faith, when a mes- eousness. He waited with patience, and it sage came to Abraham, that Lot, his broth- was fulfilled in its time; he murmured not, er's son, was taken to Sodom by Chedorla- nor disputed with God, because his seed omar, the king of Elam, and his confederate should suffer so greatly for so many years. kings, Abraham rose up with three hundred An admonition to all true christians that and eighteen of his servants and followed they should cleave to the word of the Lord, after the aforementioned kings; he overtook 1 with all the heart, and should hold firmly them in the night and slew them and re-took to his promise; for God cannot forget or all their goods, together with Lot, the pris- I'break his word; heaven and earth shall oners and their wives, Gen. 14: 10. pass away, but his word shall stand and Here the faithiful patriarch manifested Irs abide forever. All who shall trust in it, to love, the result of faith, and feared not the theln it shall be reckoned as righteousness, power of the four kings. He trusted in the as it was to Abraham. Through faith he living God, he sought not his own safety, saw the promise from afar; lie saw it, and nor the safety of his servants, but willingly comforted himself therewith. In like manrisked all, in order that he might rescue his ner also with us, the promise of the future, oppressed kinsman from the hands of his eternal life, is given through Christ, and we enemies, as an example for all the spiritual are informed that for his name's sake, we children of Abraham, that they should so must suffer much from this perverted and love their brethren who are born of the in- wicked generation. This promise is seen corruptible seed of the holy divine word, from afar, and all who sincerely believe it and not only assist them with money and and comfort themselves therewith,wvill doubtgoods, but also in an evangelical manner, lessly receive it in due time, however hard risk and give their lives for them in time of and long they may be persecuted and torneed. I say in an evangelical manner; for mented by the evil Egyptian race. For, althe aid of the sword is forbidden to all true though the children of Abraham were grieved Christians. According to the New Testa- with much sorrow and pain for some hunment, all true believers should meekly suf- dreds of years, yet did the Lord, according fer, and not fight and combat with swords to his promise, lead them forth victoriously, and firearms. But if we wish to save or 0 and gave them the land of promise; and gain our neighbor's soul, by the help of the thus it will be with us if we doubt not the Spirit and word of our Lord, or if we see promises, but receive them with a firm faith, our brethren in need or peril, and petse- as Abraham did, and through faith walk in cuted for the sake of the word of the Lord, all the commandments of God, possess our then we should not close our doors to them, souls in patience and honor, fear, love, thank but receive them in our houses, share with and serve the Lord. Hiow lamentably sothem our food, aid, comfort and assist them ever, we are here persecuted, oppressed, in their tribulations, &c. In such cases, we smitten, robbed and murdered by the hellshould risk our lives for our brethren, even ish Pharaoh, and his fierce, unmerciful servif we knew beforehand that it would be at I ants, or burned at the stake, or drowned in the cost of our lives. This example we have the water, yet shall the day of our salvation of Christ, who for our sakes, did not spare arrive, and all our tears shall be wiped fromhimself, but willingly yielded his life, that our eyes, and we shall be arrayed in the we through him, might live. white silken robes of righteousness, and In the third place, observe, that to Abra- with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, follow the ham the promise was given, that his seed' Lamb, and sit down in the kingdom of God should be as numerous as the stars of hear-' and possess the precious, pleasant land of FAITH. 123 eternal peace. Praise God, ye who suffer for mouths against Christ, and say, What can Christ's sake and raise your heads, for the baptism profit us, or why does God detime is near when you shall hear, Come ye mand so much water? It is enough, if we blessed, and ye shall rejoice with him for- are inwardly pious men, regard the comever. mands of love, and lead a pious, virtuous In the fourth place, observe, that Abra- life, and such like hypocritical words; for ham received a command from God, that he i these poor miserable hypocrites know not and also his male children of eight days when the inward man, of which they boast, old, should be circumcised, with all his I has become upright through faith and piservants, those who were born in his house, ous in God, through the grace, word, and and those who were bought, and this should I Spirit of the Lord, that he dare not depart be a covenant sign between God and him. one hair's breadth from the word and ways lIe was not disobedient to God, nor yet dis- of the Lord, but does willingly all things pleasedwithhim,neitherdidhe complain nor whatsoever the Lord has commanded him, murmur against him on account of the great let it be what it will. pain and smarting he should suffer in his It is very manifest that Christ Jesus hlas old age, by performing such a dishonorable commanded water baptism, upon the conand ridiculous ceremony, vwhereby he could fession of our faith, and that he received it neither praise God, nor help or serve his himself, Matt. 3: 16. The holy apostles did neighbor, but he heard and believed the not teach nor practice otherwise; their sigword of the Lord, and humbly and submis- nification and efect were not otherwise, and sively followed it without delay. Hle well so many glorious promises depend thereon, knew, that unless he would believe the word as may plainly be seen and read, Mark 16: of God, he could obtain no grace, no bless- 15 (understand me rightly), not by virtue of ing, no promise, for only the obedient ob- the wrought sign itself, but that we receive tain the promise. Christ, in whom the Father gave the promise Here again the simple, plain submission, through faith, and are ready to live accordand willing obedience of Abraham's faith, ing to his word. Say, beloved, how shall are made manifest by its fruits; for if he one obtain the accompanying promise if he had followed flesh and blood, and reasoned does not do what is commanded? But what with himself, he undoubtedly would not have does it avail all who believe not the Lord's obeyed, but he would have entered into ar- word, who would rather have money, goods, gument with God, and said, No, Lord, it body and life, than Christ? They are earthly shall not be so, for this sign will profit me and fleshly minded, they strive against nothing, for Thou art not praised thereby Christ, disobey the Scriptures, dispute and nor my neighbor served. All the heathen say, AVhat can Vwater benefit us? But if they who know not thy great name will mock at believed the word of the Lord from the it as foolishness, from the very nature of the heart, as Abraham did, and were new and ceremony. O no'! Ie spake not against the changed men in Christ Jesus, through the Lord, but he believed and acted, and it was power of the same faith, they would love reckoned to him for righteousness, and he their enemies, do good for evil, pray for was called the friend of God. those by whom they are persecuted, be This is for the encouragemlent of all the ready to forsake possessions and all that pious, that they should believe, and submis- they have and are for the glory of the sivelv follow the word of the Lord, however ILord, and for the necessary service of their heretical and ridiculous it mnay appear to neighbor. They would not reject the cross them, not murmuring against tie Lord why I of the Lord, but flesh and blood would be lie so commlande(t it; but it i;s enougoh that i mortified; they would fear God and his they know that lie has commllandted, and in {udgmients, and love him, for his kindness; what manner he has commnranded. they would undoubtedly not mlurm-ur and Again, it shames all haulghty despisers dispute, but stand prepared, like Abraham, and unbelieving mockers, wh o so presumpt- i to seal their faith by its fruits; they would uously open their blasphemous, wicked receive the commanded baptism, surrender 124 FAITH. themselves to all obedience, and according l doubted not. He did not think upon, or to their weakness, walk as the Lord corn- regard his own frailty and the barrenness mands, teaches and enjoins upon all true of Sarah, but lirni and strong in faith, he Christians.:trusted upon the promise of his God, and Since they believe not Christ and his word, praised him for his griace; for he knew that they neither fear nor love him; therefore God was able to perform that which he bhad they reject, upbraid and blaspheme his holy promised. Therefore, from this same Abradoctrine, Spirit, commandments, prohibi- ham, because he believed thle word of the tions, ordinances and usages as deceiving Lord, descended as many as the sand which heresy, and obedience to him as an open is upon the sea shore or the stars of heaven, abomination. 0 reader, beware! God, toe Gen. 22: 17. Lord, is a God who adheres to his word; Behold. most beloved, ho an -ilpright, ulie brought calamity upon Adam and Eve Ieigned, clristian faith reg ard s God as aLand their posterity on account of the forbid- migmhty and true; it knowts that he can and den fruit. For a small transgression Uzzah will do all that he has promised, and therewas punished with death, 2 Sam. 6: 7. On fore, Abraham looked not upon the frailty account of one transgression, the faithLfal and age of hinmsef- and Sarah. Sle doubted iMoses was not permitted to enter the prom- not the promised words ut bt selieved without ised land. -Whoever received not the wav-ering, for he knew we-l,A th'at the same bloody sign of circumcision, wa:s to be cut God who created healven ancd earth, and off from among the people. Thlerefore, it the fullness thereof throu!hL his word, who must be plainly understood, that hiis word s.tretched. the heavens abroad, and to the and will must be obeyed, otherwise we can- stormy, raging sea set an established bound, not be saved, for he is the God who has' whose word sustains thle earth in -te midst made heaven and earth and th.e fullness 0o the water, vwo rules all with' the word of thlereof; the Almiglty, terrible G;ode, v wo 1his steng ltJ, nd gives lie to the dead, could lives forever in his majesty and glory; the undoubtLedly, wen lhe chose, render that Lord and Bu1eler over all. Woe to him o uitl, wo if hich before wTYas barril. speaks against him and despises his wo-d Sinee ten, such a promise a s giveni to and will. The works of such an one testify himi of God, he doubted not, but hloed fr; that lie believes not in Christ, and xwhoso- that, whliie in nature, vwas not to be expectever believeth not, as Christ himself declares, ed. Tr': 1-ouu' - faith in God, he received that is condemned already. Therefore, it is all wh-lich w as promised to him, namely his son in vain to excuse ourselves or seek evasion. Isaac, t'ouigh the aoed and barren Sarah; How any one who is so unbelieving and re- so in i1ke manner it is spiritually with us; bellions, that he refises God a handful of if we believe, with the whole heart, tle pron.mwater, canl confornm hiiself to love his ene- ised w ord of race, which is thie gospel o mies, mortify the flesh too he service of his eae, whereby the redemton fot neighbor, and to take up the cross of Christ, sins, tmuronl the blood of the Lord. is madch I will leave the seriors reader to reflect up- knovw; so ii also our dead colnscience on, in the fear of God. f-lou ri'sh and live; we shall receivie the spir'I know for certain, that all their disputa- itual Isaac, Clhrist Jesus, with the ete-rnal tion, pretention s and evasions are nothing' blessnl, and hing f orth fruit. Cis a but fig leaves, and their lives, nothing but My mtotller and( m ly brethren are thlose, who lypocri'sy. hear th e wor n will o o ani wl of and do aIn the fifth pl.tace observe, when1 thli e Lord cordinglly;'but wlhosoever etieveth not thi had spoken to Abralham, that at the end of'Isaac, receives not Christ, but lte wrai't'l o thle year he wou —ld. retlrn, alind that Sa'Lai God a, ies o — him. hiss wife, should have a son, w:om he shou. sixth iesv. w ^e re, call Isatac, and tiihat 11e woaud male h is eter- L: Lo" d t'ied t e f it a 1Araham, h nal covenant with hiim anrid h'ijs seed afrter;. e said,'Take now thy sont,.it oi"y son, him; tahoug1h e was n early a hundrced. yeas'Isaac, hom tho lovest, d et t hee into old, and Sarah ninety, nevertheless, he t+he land of i oriah, and. ofer himr there for FAITH. 125 a burnt offering upon one of the mountains! ness, and he was called the friend of God," which I will tell thee of," Gen. 22: 2. Abra- James 2: 23. ham heard the word of the Lord and was Beloved children, we must always stand obedient. Iie took] his son with him and confounded before God, when we compare went to the place, which thle Lord had cor- our little, weak faith and its fruit with the manded him; and when he came there, Isaac faith of Abraham. He refused not to travel said, Father, behold here is fire and wood, in an unknown country, as soon as he was but where is the lamb that shall be offered? commanded. He was a man full of peace, Abraham answered his son, and said, "My and sought not his own interest. He reson, God will provide himself a lamb for leased Lot out of the hands of his enemies. a burnt-offerirng.' He believed the promise concerning the 0 my most beloved, refect I Observe the promised land and seed. He murmured conduct and conversation of Abraham and not on account of the long time nor of the his son Isaac. I suppose reason will teach oppression of his seed. He suffered himyou howT fuill of trouble and grief; the mind self to be circumcised in advanced age. He of the father was on accwtount of hiis beloved believed the Lord's promise concerning son, for Abraham was flesh and blood as Isaac, and taught all his servants and chilwe are. That son, who was born to him in dren, that they should follow the way of his old age, through tie promise and gift of the Lord, and do that which was right. He God, his only son born of a free woman, the was willing to offer Isaac as the Lord had desire, the joy and the peace of his heart, commanded him. This may truly be called the staff of his age, through. whom lie re- faith. ceived the ceom-ortiing promise, must be slain So entirely was this pious man dead to and burned with tlire. himself, that he denied all his lusts, his will Hovow hard and sorely el was tried, yet and mind, and loved his God alone. He did le not oppose God vwith a single word, trusted, feared, loved and honored his God, nor contend and say, Why hast thou given with all his soul and heart, and walked acme a son since le must die? Neither did lie cording to his commandments, as is evireprove the Lord, by sayihlg, that he had denced by his fruits, as may be observed f-alsified his promise, for it was through and understood from many passages of Isaac that the promise was made, but he Scripture. But what kind of faith our false, confided in his God with his whole heart; boasting christians possess, who suffer themhle laid aside all reasoning and wisdom, and selves to think that they are the seed of followed not sense nor flesh. He spared Abraham, I will let their fruits be the judge; not his beloved son for tlie Lord's sake. He for they covet and hoard, curse and swear, loved his God far above his child, and there- l ie and cheat; they are haughty and proud, for e herefused not to offer him willingly as eat and drink intemperately, commit fornit blurnt offering to Him from whom lhe re- cation and adultery, fight, rob, steal, take ceived him. -e bound him and lifted him usury, and are full of idolatry and wickedutpon the wood, and raised his hand and ness. Those who have a little light refuse Iknife to slay him; he believed that God to remove from one village to another, or could again raise him from the dead. Hle from one city to another, for the word and -was aout to obey the command which hlie trunth of the Lord; they seek their own inIhad received, when an angel spake from terests, and esteem brotherly love but lightHeaven, saying,' Lay not tline lhand upon l y; they are earthly minded, and flee from the lad, neitclhe do thou any t hing unto him, the cross of Christ; they regard not the for now I know thlt tlholu fearest Cod; see- promise and goodness of the Lord; they i'A t...-....i. hast nt w'ithl t on, thi n l e' Lea not his coming judgment, and punishonly son iom' (AE. th i mert;,n t hey7 love the creature more than the thl"e obedie-nt, i-tl Abrah-.am received`his C, eat is or; name be blessed forever, Amen. sonL as a type of the resuirection. Th Ie word In short, I know not what it is, in which of James is true, "AbrahalL believed God, I they do not serve themselves, nor act conand it was iamputed unto him for righteous- trary to the coimma nd of God. They boast 126 FAITH. notwithstanding, that they are the children steps of this pious patriarch; you are not of Abraham, and have his promise. Ah no! his seed and children, neither have you his my friends, your prophets have led you faith nor his promise. But all who receive astray, and your false hopes deceive you; Christ in their hearts, throtugh faith, and as true as the Lord lives, if you believe not a adhere strictly to his word and obey it, are his word, from the whole heart, nor through the power of the same faith, walk in his the spiritual children of Abraham, and felways, bring not forth the christian fruits of low heirs of his promise, for they are reckrighteousness, and do not follow the foot- oned his seed. FAITH AND FIDELITY OF MOSES. Moses, a servant and messenger of God, statutes of the Lord. IHe stood as a faithful was also found faithful, vigorous, living mediator between God and the people, when and active in his faith. He was called of they had sinned, and he turned the wrath the Lord, that le should lead Israel out of from Israel. He punished idolaters, whoreEgypt. He did not exalt himself to the high nmongers and the rebellious. He slew Sihon, station of a prince, but humbled himself be- king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bafore God with all his heart, and said, Send, shan. The Lord was with him in all his Lord, whom thou wilt, but what am I, that ways. I should go to Pharaoh and lead forth Is- By faith, says Paul, "He refusled to be rael? Besides, I am not eloquent, neither called the son of Pharaoh's dauglter, choosheretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto ing rather to suffer affliction with the people thy servant, but am of a slow tongue. IHe of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin refused so long, that the Lord was angry. for a season, esteemincg tile reproach of WVith fear and trembling, lhe at last took Christ greater riches than tCle treasure in upon himself the commanded duty, and sur- Egypt, for he had respect unto the recoimrendered himself to his God, in whom he pense of the reward; by faith li.e forsook trusted. Egypt, not fearing the wrath of t he king,, for He went willingly before the fierce Pha- lie endured, as seeing him who is invisible. raoh, and showed great wonders and power Through faith he. kept the passover, and the before him and all his servants. IHe ran- sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed somed the people, through the out-stretched i the first born should touch tlhem." Heb. 11: arm and strong hand of God. He divided! 24 — 8. the Red Sea and passed with Israel, un- Kind reader, respect the word of the Lord, harmed, through the deep, Exod. 14: 21, 22. for when we look spiritually upon such holy He received the tables of stone on which examples and contrast them with the insupwere written the cornmandments of the Lord. portable pride, haughtiness, avarice, idolaHe caused bread to rain from heaven, and try, disobedience and unfaithfulness of the water to flow from the flinty rock. He pre- prince of the world, and with' tl1e ibind, madl pared the tents and the ark of the testi- unbelief of the common people, thenv e nrmust.1 mony. as he was directed upon the mount- acknowledge that they are ifar frotT thle obeains. lHe ordained the figuraLtive priesthood, dience and active faith of Mostes. Yea, t they with all the duties, offerings, sanctifications, are unbelievi1g heathen,'andi t ('risappare], &c., accord-ing to t-ie command of' tians. th~e Lord. Mj Moses beie s (eod'tnvi.1.. c,nt'f iti V lie wenit with thle people, i itched th tents, in all his transactionl le -x kin, and and took them'up again at the commandc of solicitous for the wtelfare of the people u-Ithe Lord. He gave them the conmmlands and! der his care, as he was commanded.. He FAITH. 127 was the meekest of men; served neither lieve and trust him; who teach and practice for gift nor reward, but obeyed the voice rightly the ordinances, commands, sacraand word of the Lord; was faithful in all ments and true worship of God; who conhis house, and faithfully prosecuted his du- form their whole lives both inwardly and ties in the fear of the Lord. HIe faithfully outwardly, according to the word and excolmmanded out of the mouth of God, and ample of the Lord; and who, in love, exein upright love, faithfully admonished the cute the service which is enjoined on them, people, that thley and their descendants, as this faithful Moses has done in all his from generation to generation, should hear transactions, I fear they are so few that we and be obedient to the voice of the Lord should have to go far and search long to God of their fathers, and should follow no find them, and if there are still some, they other customs, commandments, righteous- must be, alas, given as a prey to the bloodness or worship, than that which he had thirsty, and bear the cross of the Lord. taught or commanded them, till the new I testify to you the truth in Christ, and prophet, the teacher of righteousness, the lie not. All who hear not the voice of Christ. blessed seed of Abrahan, Christ Jesus, believe not his holy word, follow not his should come. pure unblamable life, from the whole heart, But if we would go to ()or riulers, princes, in all humility, patience, meekness, obelords, bishops, priests, monks and preach- dience and love; have not the working ers, and all those who boast of the name and living faith of Moses, but are, after the and faith of Christ; if we would rightly contents of his doctrines, already judged. measure their faith and obedience with tile 0, reader, beware! neither money, name, word of t le Lord, which is the true stand- nor boasting will avail you, but power and ard, and should lind some who sincerely deeds, if you wish to be saved, and not lbe seek Christ from the heart, fear, love, be- condemned. TIlE FAITH OF CALEB AND JOSHUA. Joshua and Caleb, through faith, passed wh^le congregation in the wilderness of Paover Jordan and entered the promised land. ran to Kadesh, carrying with them grapes, When Moses sent out the twelve spies to I pomegranates and figs, saying, "WAVe came view and explore the country, he said, "Get unto the land whither thou sentest us, and you up this way southward, and go up into surely it floweth witll milk and honey, and the mountain, and see the land what it is, this is the fruit of it. Moreover, we saw the and the people that dwelleth therein, wheth- children of Anak there. And Caleb stilled er they be strong or weak, few or many; the people before Moses, and said, Let us and what the land is that tley dwell in, go up at once and possess it; for we are whether it be good or bad, and what cities I well able to overcome it. But the men that they be that they dwell in, whether in tents went up with him said, we be not able to go or in strong holds, and what the land is, up against the people, for they are stronger whether it be fat or lean, whether there be than we. And they brought up an evil rewood therein or not; and be ye of good port of the land which they had searched courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. unto the children of Israel, saying, The land Now the time was the time of the first-ripe j through which we have gone to search it, is grapes," Num. 13: 1T7-2. a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereThey went up and viewed the land, even of, and all the people that we saw in it are as Moses had commanded them by the men of great stature; and there we saw the mouth of the Lord, and after forty days 1 giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the they came to Moses and Aaron, and to the giants; and we were in our own sight as 128 FAITH. grasshoppers, and so we were in their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who sight," Num. 13: 27-33. with such unheard-of signs and wonders, "And all the congregation lifted up their led t hem through the Red Sea, and so gravoice and cried; and the people Twept that ciously uph'eld and guarded them in the night, and all the children of Israel nmur- wilderness. mured against Moses and against Aaron; Thus, alas, it is with some at the present and the whole congregation said unto them, day. They have spied the pleasant land, Would to God that we had died in the land have seen and tasted its precious fruits, of Egypt, or would to God we had died in 1 have been enlightened by the word of the the wilderness, and wherefore hath the Lord Lord, have tasted the heavenly gifts, have brought us unto this land, to fall by the partaken of the Holy Ghost, have tasted of sword, that our wives and our children the sweet word of God, and the power of should be a prey? Were it not better for us the world to come, and have beheld the to return into Egypt? And they said one to grace of the Lord, but since they do not another, Let us make a captain, and let us consult God, but their own sinful, disobereturn into Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron I dient, evil flesh, which always seeks its own fell on their faces before all the assembly of pleasure, and will not willingly bear the the congregation of the children of Israel. cross of the Lord. They behold with carnal And Joshua and Caleb rent their clothes; eyes, and see that so many po-verful tyrants and they spake unto all the company of and fenced cities are arrayed against them, the children of Israel, saying, the land \that they have to pass a howling wilderness, which we passed through to search it, is an and must ascend many high mountains; exceeding good land. If the Lord delight I that they must] give as a prey, honor, money, in us, then he will bring us into this land possessions, vwTe, childrenb, body and life; and give it us; a land which fioveth with hence thely uLrmur against Mioses aned Aamilk and honey. Only rebel not ye against ron, and seek to stone Joshua and Caleb. the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the iThey cause their poor teac-ers and leaders, land, for they are bread for us; their dce- who with truee lode cirect to thoe wvord a:(lfence is departed from them, and the Lord exa:miles of Ce1-1 Is., a i pre ach'i thle Aulre is with us; fear them not. But all the con- truth,i1:1i4 eae su i tol erable. s lThe ya 1 gregation bade, stone them vwith stones, bite and cdefamne thet-m beyon —d measure, a- n Num. 14: 1-10. choose fo- themiselves, here and thre a capBehold, dear reader, it is because these two tain, false prophet or teacher, who, wcith faithful men believed the word and prom- fair words and under the appearance of ise of Gcd, with all their hearts, that they good, lead them back to Egypt. They pretrusted firmly in his Almighty power, pa- ifr temporal to eternal things, they fear perternal mercy and great works, as if they ishing man more than the ilmmortal, eternal had already obtained them. They saw the God, the Lord and Creator of the world. heinous unbelief and heard the bitter mur- AV ith unbelieving, carnal Israel, they say muring of their brethren, that they thereby in their hearts, "We are not strong enougl' detracted from the Almighty Majesty, as if to go up against this great and strong peohe were not able to fulfil his promises unto ple, and are not able to obey the doctrine, them, and that he had deceived them by ordinances and example of Christ, for a11 his enticing words, therefore, they were very the world is against us, all lords and prinsorrowful and sad, and rent their clothes, ces persecute us, the preachers and priests as has been said. And therefore they were iupbraid and defame us, and we must bethe only two persons of six hundred thou- come a by-word and a derision to all the sand, that came with Moses out of Egypt, world. We are much too weak to bear such who entered into the promised land. All great mlisery, teIre ore tey w-ant to transfer the rest died in the wilderness during tihe it to the Lord. Tihus you t'hink and err, for time of forty years, and they did not reach i your unbelieving, carnal hlearts have so the promised land, because they did not be- blinded you, that you know not the r igillieve on the Almighty God. the God of their eouns judgment of God, you hlope rnot that a FAITH. 129 holy life shall be rewarded, and esteem not in a single word, but that he will fulfill, in the honor of an unblamable soul. its time, all that he has promised; who are Dear reader, take warning, for as true as not prevailed on by the gates of hell; who the Lord lives, I tell you, that all those who suffer not themselves to be deceived by the thus cast aside the word of the Lord, again subtle lies and philosophy of the learned: become unbelieving in God, and become so who are not frightened by the tyranny of earthly and carnal-minded that they fear the blood-thirsty; who are not vanquished those whom they ought not to fear; and fear by carnal lusts; nor enchanted by the fine not those whom they should fear; who think appearance of false prophets, but walk hummore of the perishable creatures, such as bly in the King's highway; who follow home, lands, gold, silver, wife, children, Christ, their Shepherd and Leader, and body and life, than of the everlasting God judge all their ways by his Spirit, word, and his eternal kingdom, and have a greater and unblamable example; who turn not desire to enjoy in peace, for a season, the aside, neither to the right hand, nor to the dark Egypt of this ungodly world, than to left; behold they are those who will victoriinherit the pleasant fruitful land, in endless ously enter the spiritual, promised land, the peace with God; such shall all fall in the eternal rest and peace, God's eternal kingwilderness, and unless they repent, shall dom and glory, with all the saints and benever enter into his rest, Heb. 4: 1. lievers, and through grace, eternally inherit But those who, with Joshua and Caleb, it with Christ, as Joshua and Caleb inherithold firmly to the word of the Lord; who ed the figurative land through faith, and firmly believe on Christ, as the Scriptures with their children inherit it. 0 children direct; who are firmly assured in their hearts believe. "All things," says Christ, "are posby the Holy Ghost, that God will not fail sible to him that believeth," Mark 9: 23. THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS KING JOSIAH. Josiah, an illustrious and pious king in saying, "Go ye, inquire of the Lord for all his works, did that which was pleasing me, and for the people, and for all Judah, to the Lord, and walked in all the ways of concerning the words of this book that is his father David, and departed not there- found, for great is the wrath of the Lord from, neither to the right hand nor to the left. that is kindled against us, because our faAnd when he was yet a child he began to thers have not hearkened unto the words of seek the God of David, his father. And in this book, to do according unto all that the eighteenth year of his age he sent Sha- which is written concerning us," 2 Kings phan, his scribe, to Hilkiah the high priest, 22: 13. that money might be given to those who So they went to Huldah, a prophetess, worked at the house of the Lord. And Hil- the wife of Shallum, and asked her as Jokiah said to Shaphan, I have found the siah had commanded them; the woman anbook of the Law in the house of the Lord, swered them, "Thus saith the Lord God of and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan and Israel, Tell the men who hath sent you unto he brought it to the king. And when the me, Thus saith the Lord, behold, I will king heard the words of the law, which were bring evil upon this place, and upon the written in the book, he rent his clothes, as inhabitants thereof even all the words of one who feared his God. He believed the the book which the king of Judah hath word of the Lord, and feared the coming read, because they have forsaken me, and wrath which he threatened in the book have burned incense unto other gods, that which was found. He then commanded they might provoke me to anger, with all Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, and Shaphan the works of their hands; therefore, mywrath 17 180 FAITH. shall be kindled against this place and shall Lord, resolved in a manly spirit, and acted not be quenched. But to the king of Judah, valiantly in all his doings, for he believed which sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus and trusted God with all his strength; and shall ye say to him, Thus saith the Lord with earnest zeal, he tore down all that his God of Israel, as touching the words which forefathers and former kings, out of their thou hast heard, because thine heart was own imaginings and choice, had brought in tender, and thou hast humbled thyself be- and established as holy service. fore the Lord, when thou heardest what I He burned all the vessels of Baal and tore spake against this place and against the down all the groves, high places and altars, inhabitants thereof, that they should be- in the land of Judea and Samaria. He decome a desolation and a curse, and hast filed Topheth, which is in the valley of the rent thy clothes and wept before me, I also children of Hinnom. He destroyed the horses have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold, of the sun, and burned the chariots of the therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, sun with fire. He broke down the altar of and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave Bethel and offered the idolatrous priests and in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the dead bones thereupon, as the man of the evil which I will bring upon this place, God had proclaimed aforetime. He deand they brought the king word again. stroyed all that was opposed to the law "When now the king heard these words, of God. lie kept the passover of the Lord he sent and gathered unto him all the eld- as it was written in the book of the coveers of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king nant, in such a glorious manner as no judge went up into the house of the Lord, and all or king had kept it before. He also put the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of i away all sooth-sayers and wizards, images, Jerusalem with him, and the priests and the idols, and all the abominations, that were prophets, and all the people both small spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusaand great, and he read in their ears all the lem, that they might perform the words of words of the book of the covenant, which the law which were written in the book that was found in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah, the High priest found in the house the king stood by a pillar, and made a cove- of the Lord, and like unto him there was no nant before the Lord to walk after the Lord king that turned to the Lord with all his and to keep his commandments, and his heart and all his soul, and with all his testimonies, and his statutes with all their might, according to all the law of Moses; heart, and all their soul to perform the neither after him arose there any like him, words of this covenant that were written in 2 Kings 23: 24, 25. this book. And all the people stood to the Hear now, O ye great princes and kings, covenant," 2 Kings 22: 15-20 and 23: 1-3. and all those who suffer themselves to think And Josiah caused all who were to be found that they are faithful lords and christian in Israel to serve the Lord, and they depart- princes, to you is my admonition! Have you ed not from him as long as Josiah lived. any fear of God? Any love to Christ or his Here, dear reader, observe what kind of blessed word? Or is there yet any sincerity faith Josiah had, and what the fruits thereof of nature with you, who have understandwere. He heard the word of the Lord, and ing? Then know that you are not gods from believed it. He rent his clothes, inquired heaven; but poor dying men of the impure of the Lord and renewed the covenant be- guilty seed of Adam. Humble yourselves cause he heard what God had commanded under the Almighty hand of God, and comin the same book; that they should not do pare Josiah with his faith and works with according to their own thoughts; that they your faith and works, in order that you may should not follow after strange Gods, nor learn to know how far you are from the the abominations of the Canaanites and the Spirit and word of Christ, and that you bear other heathens which were dispersed before nothing else than a mere, idle, vain, empty them, but they should serve the Lord alone name. and cleave to him, and keep his commands Whilst Josiah was yet a child, and young as he directed them. He was strong in the in years, he feared God, and manifested a FAITH. 131 mature mind and understanding in all his and deceiving priests; the greater part of works; but you, my dear lords, fear neither whom are open drunkards, libertines and God nor the devil. Cursed unbelief is your idolaters, full of all unrighteousness, covetmother, and unrighteousness, your sister. ous in heart, whose belly is their god, blind In divine things you are blind, deaf and watchmen, and dumb dogs, who dishonor dumb; yea, during your whole lives, you God, and destroy poor miserable souls. are as destitute of understanding as chil- You have them in preference in your courts dren. and give them the highest seats at your Josiah was eight years old when he was tables. They are honored with high names made king, and in the eighth year of his and great titles, and are greeted by every reign, he began to seek the God of his fa- one as doctors, lords and masters. You ther David; but your seeking, from the present them splendid dwellings, great rents cradle on, is solely pomp and splendor, and possessions, and say, They who serve haughtiness of heart, wantonness, riding, the gospel must live by the gospel; although sporting, killing, enlargement of your do- they do nothing but place soft pillows and minions, increase of patronage and treasure, cushions under you, and preach according fighting, warring, taxing and usury; to af- to the itching of your ears. But the true, flict the destitute and poor; to domineer pious teachers and faithful servants of one over another, and to live, with all your Christ, who sincerely seek your salvation might, openly, according to the lusts of the and that of the whole world, who direct you flesh. The open deed testifies that I write to Christ, who rightly use his sacraments the truth. and ordinances, who desire to lead you and Josiah began, in the twelfth year of his all men on the right way, and who walk unreign, to purify Judah and Jerusalem from blamably, they must without mercy or christhe high places, groves, idolatry and molten tian modesty be persecuted by you, senimages, but you build them in every city, tenced to fire and water, and must bear village, street and alley; upon every high mockery and shame before all the world. mountain and in every deep valley, and Josiah made a covenant with the Lord, whoever would admonish youwith the Spirit and with all the elders, priests, prophets and word of Christ, must be a heretic and and common people, that they should serve must tread the press of affliction. the Lord as long as they lived, &c. But Josiah was solicitous for the house of the you have made your covenant with antiLord, and appointed and paid artificers to christ and with all your preachers, priests, labor thereat. But you break down, and by monks, judges and rulers, that the pervertyour vindictive mandates, tyranny and the ed, broad way should be pursued, the docsword, oppose the house and dwelling of trines and institutions of men should be Christ, which is his church, which he has taught, followed and observed, instead of sanctified by his Spirit, cleansed by his the true service of God; to the people, docblood, and adorned by the word, ordinances trine, commands, Spirit, Supper, life and and sacraments of his Father. You prevent separation of Christ, you give no place, and it from being rebuilt in its apostolic clear- whoever acts or speaks contrary to your ness, and from becoming perfect in its doc- abominations, must lose his possessions or trines, sacraments and conduct, according his life. to the command of Christ and his holy Josiah heard the word of the Lord and word. became contrite in heart; he rent his clothes Josiah expelled all soothsayers and wiz- and wept before the Lord; he feared the ards. He offered the idolatrous priests upon coming wrath, because they and their foretheir idolatrous altars, and burned the dead fathers had rejected the word of God. But bones, p.. but the bones of the man of God you, nay dear lords, are so hardened and fropm. d-ah, and of the prophets of Sama- blinded, so bound by your sins, and lusts ri hle burned not. But you sustain and of the flesh, through cursed unbelief; so c-.eislh, as shepherds of the flocks of Christ enchanted by the false prophets, that we and keepers of your souls, false prophets cannot, in the least, move your impeni 132 FAITH. tent, hardened hearts, neither by the threat- I Beloved sirs, repent. The statute book of ening law of the Lord, nor by his fierce Christ is entirely lost to you. Christ and wrath, and terrible judgement; neither by his truth, sacraments, Spirit and life, you the devouring flames of hell and eternal have never known nor possessed in the least death, nor by the peaceful gospel of grace; degree. You serve strange gods, you hear, neither by the precious blood of Christ, nor follow and use the doctrine, sacraments, orby the pious, unblamable life of all the dinances and commands of anti-christ; you saints, who with their simple yea and nay, lead an unclean, ungodly and carnal life. are daily murdered, before your eyes as in- 0 sirs, take warning! your sins have arisen nocent sheep, on account of their faith and to heaven. piety. It is time that you awake, and take Although it is so little regarded by you, notice how you and we, with our forefathers, God grant it may be otherwise, yet this have so abundantly merited the righteous book of Christ, by the grace of God, has punishment and wrath of God. May the been found again by some. The pure, unmerciful Lord grant you eyes that you may adulterated truth has come to light, through see. I the pure, unmingled gospel, and is daily Josiah turned to the Lord with his whole read in your ears, and explained before heart, soul and might, but you dare proudly your eyes with a godly, virtuous life, with disregard the God who has created you, de- an open confession, and above all, with ny the Lord who has purchased you, and much of the property and blood of the turn yourselves to dumb idols, to wood, saints; yet your hearts continue so stony stone, gold and silver images, to water, and hard that they cannot be converted or bread and wine, to the unprofitable doc- moved, neither by grace nor wrath; neither trines and commandments of men, yea, to by adversity nor prosperity, as we have open abominations and idolatry, not ob- said. Behold thus has the blindness of Sodserving that it stands written, "Idolaters om, the darkness of Egypt, the hardening shall have their part in the lake which burn- of Pharaoh, through the righteous judgment eth with fire and brimstone," Rev. 21: 8. of God, come upon our kings, princes, lords Behold, dear sirs, the above is true; it is and rulers. manifest by your pride, whoredom, carnal Dear sirs, awake! and make haste, the life, and by the ruins of burnt countries and trumpet is sounded, prepare yourselves! cities, the great number of churches, clois- Your mortal sickness and cankering, filthy ters, priests and monks, matins, vespers, and wounds are shown to you. I counsel you to every other false worship. suffer yourselves to be helped. You possess Besides, when we, on account of the mul- neither Christ nor his word. Your controtitude of our sins, are visited with pestilence, versy is against the Lamb and his chosen. famine, war, and other dangerous evils and Your way is in darkness, and leads to the plagues, ycwr only remedies, to appease the abyss of hell. The wrath of the Lord has wrath of God, and quench the burning fire gone forth over you and your land, for you of his anger, are idolatrous masses, proces- live more carnally and evil than can be imsions, as they are called, dead bones, im- agined or described. ages, crosses, banners. They, the papists I 0 my dear sirs! reform, repent, so that mean, bear these strange abominations, and you may stand before God; cleanse your follow after them with uncovered heads, hands and hearts before the Lord; change folded hands, and burning waxcandles, &c. your pride, into humility, and your mirth, Therefore, you turn not aside the fierce and joy into sorrow; rend your hardened wrath, but augment it more and more, for hearts, and your garments; hear and seek the Lord will not give his divine honor to i Christ, and not anti-christ; implicitly obey works of man's choice nor to any creature, Christ's Spirit, doctrine, sacraments, comneither does he accept any such masses, mands and infallible example, and not the processions, crosses, images and abomina- vain doctrines and commandments of men, tions, nor regards them in his mind, as the for they corrupt and profit not. prophet said. [ Put away from among you, all offence, FAITH. 133 abominations and idolatry, masses, altars, a mighty, and a terrible God, which regardinfant baptism, the idolatrous bread, or eth not persons, nor taketh reward. supper (I mean such as is used by the world), Yes, beloved lords, Can you thus convert images, confessions, the wanton sodomy, yourselves with all your hearts? Can you unchastity of the papistic priests and change your hearts and humble yourselves monks; destroy and root up all accursed before God? Deny yourselves, seek and folheathen disgrace; such as brothels, every low Christ and his righteousness? Renounce species of gambling, open houses of drunk- the world and flesh with all its lusts, as you enness, together with idolatrous temples, have heard? Then you will become, true, high places, groves, churches and cloisters, spiritual kings, and priests; then you will which were so numerously built contrary to possess your souls in peace, gain the victory the Scriptures by our forefathers, through and conquest over all the deadly enemies of blindness and ignorance. your souls; you will live and die in grace; We call on all, poor, deceiving teachers then you may in truth, without any hypocand false sects, great and small, who are risy, be called christian kings and believagainst the Spirit, ordinances, word and ing princes. The testimony of Peter to all life of Christ, sincerely to repent, and help christians, I say to all christians, is true, us to resist, not by violence, tyranny or "Ye are a chosen generation, a holy nation, sword; as, alas! it is the custom with you, a peculiar people," 1 Pet. 2: 9. but by the Spirit of Christ, with doctrine, But if you refuse this and remain what exhortation and the like virtuous services you are now, preferring perishing, temporal and mild means, so that they may turn pleasures, joys and glory, to the imperishfrom evil, and hear and follow Christ. able, eternal joy and glory; I desire then Permit all faithful messengers and serv- that you would reflect upon what Sirach ants of God to preach Christ, to use his sac- says, " Why are earth and ashes proud raments and ordinances according to the He that is to-day a king, to-morrow shall Scriptures, lead a penitent and unblamable die," Sir. 10: 9. Yea, what are they all, who life, and gather unto Christ a glorious are of Adam, but dust and ashes, a passing church, that they may, through the Spirit wind, a vapor, poor, miserable, mortal flesh, and grace of God, according to the Script- food for worms, yea men, and not God. 0, ures, win and bring unto Christ an un- Sirs, take warning, awake and reform yourspotted, pure virgin. selves! God is Lord, who will judge you. Once more, take warning. Again I say, reform; you have erred and Behold, my kind reader, here you have mocked God too long, and worshipped anti- before you a few examples of true faith, as christ instead of Christ too long; walked Noah and Abraham, before the giving of too long in the perverse and broad way of the law, and Moses, Joshua, Caleb and Jodeath. Awaken! it is yet to-day; behold, siah, under the law, cited from Scripture, the true book of the law; the saving, pure i wherefrom you may learn how simple and gospel of Christ which was hid for so many plain, unfeigned, open and obedient, yea, centuries by the abominations of anti-christ, how full of all kind of virtues and fruits a is found. true faith has been from the beginning, as Hear and read attentively, believe and may be seen in Abel, Enoch, Isaac, Jacob, observe it faithfully; it is the word of the Joseph, Jephthah, Baruch, Gideon, SampLord God, which Jesus Christ, the first and son, Rahab, Samuel, David, Ezekiel, Elias, only begotten Son of the Almighty Father, Helias and others. Now I will, by the grace brought from heaven and taught us. Bow of God, present you with a few examples to his righteous sceptre, fear, love, serve, from the New Testament, whereby you may oo hi i our ear, very clearly learn what an indescribably honor and follow him with al~l your hegart, g eat power, fruit, spirit, life and energy, a with all your soul and with all your pow- i true, evangelical, Christian faith in its tru ers, as did the pious Josiah. For the Lord nature always includes. So that you will our God, is Lord of lords, and God of gods, I not, through a false notion, conform to this 134 FAITH. ignorant, unbelieving world, who boast and and historical knowledge of Christ, is a sinpretend that their fruitless, dead opinion cere, evangelical faith. THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION OF CAPERNAUM. At the time when the Lord Jesus entered may learn how a true christian faith humCapernaum, the servant of a centurion lay bles itself before God, and doubts not his sick, whom he loved much. When he heard power, and how kindly and graciously he that Jesus was there, he had the consent of deals with his poor servants, be they male some of the elders of the Jews, and sent or female. The centurion was moved with them with a request to Jesus, that he would compassion towards his poor servant, and come to him and restore his sick servant, had great concern for him, that he spared and Jesus went with them. And not being no pains to trouble the elders of the Jews to far from the house of the centurion, he sent send to Christ and entreat him to come and some of his friends to him, who said, Lord heal his sick servant. This is to the distrouble not thyself; for I am not worthy grace and shame of all false Christians, and that thou shouldst enter under my roof especially to many rich, some of whom are (here notice his humility), and I did not more severe on the poor servants and hirethink myself worthy personally to call and lings, and have less feeling for them, than see thee: but speak the word, and my child they (with your leave) have for their domesshall be healed. He acknowledged that all tic animals; for as soon as the servants must bow to Christ and his word, and said, sicken, so that they cannot perform all manI also am a man under authority, having ner of drudgery, they are unmercifully turned soldiers under me, and I say unto one, Go, out of doors, and sent to this or that asylum, and he goeth; and to another come, and he or to their parents and friends, who somecometh; and to my servant do this, and he times, scarcely have a mouthful of bread or doeth it. As if he would say to Christ, Be- a bed in their houses. Others again have hold, Lord, I am but a man, and have to to get a substitute in their place, while sick, serve the councils at Rome, nevertheless, I and pay him out of their own earned pithave so much power over my servants, that tance; and if they in health even do fulfil they must obey what I command them; but their engagements with hard and severe lathou, Lord, art such a Lord that all the bor, still, some of these unmerciful, blood mighty have to bow to thee, all that is in thirsty, treat these innocent ones, who have heaven above and on earth beneath, must to watch when they sleep, labor when they yield to thee. If thou but command sick- rest, run when they command, stand when ness and death, they will have to obey thee, they sit, in such a manner, as to take the and leave my child. And again, if thou greater portion of their earnings, or scancommand health and life, they will have to dalize them; now, say they, a spoon is lost; return again. Therefore, it is not necessary anon a dish is broken; in short, they althat then shouldst come into the house of ways speak evil of them and can never be thy unworthy servant; Lord, only speak the pleased. Yea, some of them would feed word, and my child will again be restored. them upon water or straw, and pay them When Jesus heard these words, he was quite with the whip and chaff, even as they do astonished, and said to the people that fol- their laboring oxen and horses, if they were lowed, Verily, I say unto you, I have not not afraid and ashamed of men, for they found so great faith, no, not in Israel, would not be ashanmed before God, alas, Matt. 8. whom they know not. 0 woe, unto such Behold, faithful reader, here you have the heathenish tyranny and unmerciful cruelty! centurion as a living example, by which you The centurion calls his servant his child, FAITH. 135 by which he manifests his paternal love and proud, and unmerciful unbelief is unknown humility towards his poor servant. Though among the heathen, and is not to be found he was lord, and held in high honor, never- with them, who never heard of the word of theless, he did not exalt himself above his Christ. Behold, thus does the righteous poor servant, for he well knew that one God Lord let those err and fall into blindness of created both of them, that they were born of heart, who so little regard his most holy one seed, and had one origin. But what word, hate and thrust his fatherly grace, conduct such heathen christians manifest goodness, Spirit, knowledge and faith from towards their oppressed servants, their ac- them. tions, alas, openly show! But it is not so with you, my most beHow lamentably some of the poor chil- loved. Take this sincere, pious centurion dren are despised by some of them. How as an example; imitate him in his faith, many disgraceful words have some of them love, humility and virtues, and be as solicto hear, and how many sore stripes to en- itous for your servants, as he was for his dure. Their scolding and rash words, con- servants; teach, admonish and reprove them tinue from morning till night; some of them with a paternal spirit, as often as they err; make their girls prostitutes; yea, what shall set them an unblamable example, in all I say more. These poor children are regard- righteousness and piety; have compassion ed by them, and especially by the rich, as with their severe labor; comfort them in the poor, despised donkey, by the magnifi- their poverty; comfort them and grieve them cent, fat horse, and the filthy pebbles by not; supplythem with their necessarywants, the beautiful pearls. Ah! reader, it is all food and their earned hire, and do not curmuch worse than I can describe; it is in- tail them; protect them in all honorable deed time that they would look into these things; rebuke them not without cause, lest things, and reflect more deeply upon love. they become timid; do not drive them away The centurion humbled himself before the from you, but let them unmolestedly serve Lord with all his heart, esteeming himself out their time as agreed, lest the name of not worthy thatChrist should come under his the Lord be blasphemed; be at all times roof. But our haughty, proud heathens strut friendly towards them, and if they are weak about with puffed up hearts and extended and sick, assist and minister unto them; get necks, high-minded, idle, and daring; one others to serve in their place, without detriboasts of his family, another of his wealth, ment td them, till the Lord take them hence, a third of his wisdom, a fourth of his skill or restore them to health; sympathize with and beauty, &c. But the innocent and meek them, and be merciful; assist them in all Christ says, Learn of me; for I am meek their need; lift not your hearts above them, and lowly in heart, and falsely boast that nor despise them, for they are your brethren they have his name, word, death and blood, according to the flesh. In short, be you so yet know it not. minded in love towards them as Christ Jesus The centurion believed, that Christ was is towards us. At all times remember that mighty and able, by his word, to do all we also have a Lord in heaven, before whose that he desired; but this miserably be- judgment-seat we must all appear and rennighted people esteem it not more than der on account of all our works. they do Lucian and JEsopian fables. Hence But if they are wanton and obstinate, and it is, that they lead such an impenitent, car- will not hear your word and command, nor nal life, and use such idolatrous sacraments follow your admonition and counsel; would and false worship, and have departed so far rule and not serve; waste their time and not from the true King's highway, still they labor industriously; are unfaithful, rebellwould be the true, apostolic, and believing ious and troublesome; roguishly ruin your church of Christ; but even as Christ testi- family and children, &c.; then agree with fled to the centurion, that he had not found them and bring the matter, touching their such faith in Israel; so we might, on the wages, before two or three witnesses, so that other hand, testify and say of this peo- the blame may not rest upon you, and the pie, that such a heedless, cruel, haughty, word of the Lord be not blasphemed. In 136 FAITH. such case then, let them be dismissed, that should do to your poor hirelings, even as your good conscience be not disturbed on you desire that it should be done to you, their account, and your house and children being called with them. This the law and be not depraved. Yea, my brethren, you the prophets teach. THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS, TIHE PUBLICAN. Luke says that "Jesus entered and passed ity which avails with God; and that they through Jericho; and behold, there was a have nothing but a fruitless, vain boasting man, named Zaccheus, which was the chief of Christ and of faith. among the publicans, and he was rich; and Zaccheus was chief of the publicans, and he sought to see Jesus, who he was, and he received Christ joyfully in his house and could not for the press, because he was little heart. He believed and was renewed; he of stature; and he ran before, and climbed reformed his life, and departed from his forup into a sycamore tree (or as some say, mer evil ways. That our open transgressinto a wild fig tree), to see him; for he was ors do not yet reform their old, ungodly to pass that way; and when Jesus came to lives, and that they do not desire Christ the place, he looked up, and saw him, and I and his faith, however much they may boast, said to him, Zaccheus, make haste, and is as clear as the light of day. come down; for to-day I must abide at thy Zaccheus was rich, and one half of his house, and he made haste, and came down, wealth he gave to the poor. But our rich and received him joyfully, and said unto people seek more and more, how they may the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my increase their money and possessions, build goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken their houses splendidly, and add farm to any thing from any man by false accusa- farm. They do not defend the cause of the tion, I restore him four fold; and Jesus said poor and needy; are unmerciful, proud, unto him, This day is salvation come to this avaricious and wanton; do not remember house, forasmuch as he is also a son of what is written concerning them, "Go to Abraham," Luke 19: 1-9. now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your Paul says, For whatsoever things were miseries that shall come upon you; your written aforetime were written for our in- riches are corrupted, and your garments are struction; and though we know Zaccheus' moth-eaten; your gold and silver is canfaith, fruit, mercy, love and true conversion, kered, and the rust of them shall be a witit avails us nothing, if we do not practice ness against you, and shall eat your flesh and come up to his faith, with its contrite, as it were fire," James 5: 1-3. Neither do pious fruits. I therefore entreat all my read- you reflect on what David says, "I have ers, who live openly in sin; all the wealthy, seen the wicked in great power, and spreadavaricious, unrighteous merchants and gro- ing himself like the green bay-tree; yet he cers, all financiers and bankers, all who love passed away, and lo, he was not: Yea, I money; judges, lawyers, advocates, preach- sought him, but he could not be found," Ps. ers, priests and monks, all drunken land- 37: 35, 36. Ah! what a hard saying which lords, together with all those who deal in the Lord uttered, "Woe unto you that are unlawful gain; I entreat all by the love rich, for ye have received your consolation," of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that Luke 6: 24, and "It is easier for a camel to they would well consider, with an under- go through the eye of a needle, than for a standing heart, this history and narrative rich man to enter into the kingdom of God," touching Zaccheus, in order that they may Matt. 19: 24. learn therefrom, that they do not yet pos- Zaccheus said to the Lord, "If I have sess the right, true faith and that christian- taken any thing from any man by false ac FAITH. 137 cusation, I restore him four fold," but our dation of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ, miserably avaricious, never cease from de- with his holy apostles, to be open, false witfrauding their neighbor. For the whole, nesses, heretics, and deceivers; for Christ broad world, both man and woman, are so says, "He that believeth and is baptized, greedy after unlawful, shameful gain, that I shall be saved," Mark 16: 16. But they say, it cannot be imagined nor related. He that believeth and is baptized, is a herLords and princes daily invent new de- etic, and shall be damned. Christ says, vices and practices, that they may increase "But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the their dominions, interests, tolls and rents. commandments," Matt. 19: 17. But they They tax, shave, grasp and rob without any say, None can keep God's commandments. mercy or bounds; they draw the very mar- Paul says, If ye live according to the row from the bones of the poor, and show flesh ye shall die; again, The unrighteous, by their actions, that they are companions drunkards, the avaricious, the haughty, the of those of whom it is written, " Thy princes unchaste and the like, shall not inherit the are rebellious, and companions of thieves," kingdom of God. But they say, We are Isa. 1: 23. 0 that he knew Christ, would poor sinners; who can always live as the repent, cease to do evil, and would reflect Scriptures teach? Christ died for sinners, more on love. and the like consolations, whereby they Judges, lawyers and advocates also seek deny Christ and his word, and thus enall artifice to get unlawful gain; with few courage the whole world, rich and poor, exceptions they all serve for gifts and mon- small and great, in their hardened and ey, for if they did not expect profit or gain, wicked life, that there are, alas, few who I am persuaded that burgomasters and truly repent, or seek after God. They preach judges would be few in the whole empire. what the ignorant blind world desires, that For the sake of gain, they sit and judge, they may quietly enjoy the reward of Baand they often encourage causes for the laam (their cloisters and stipends, I mean), sake of a fee. Some of them pervert law that they may lead an epicurian life withand right for the sake of a gift, and do not out care; for they, poor creatures, know not reflect on what Jehoshaphat said to the that they are those of whom it is written, judges, "Take heed what ye do; for ye "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is way of Cain, and ran greedily after the erwith you in the judgment; wherefore now ror of Balaam for reward, and perished in let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take the gainsaying of Core," Jude 1: 11, acheed and do it; for there is no iniquity with cursed people, 2 Pet. 2. 0 God, that they the LOPuD our God, nor respect of persons, would beware! nor taking of gifts," 2 Chron. 19: 6, 7. The unrighteous merchants and grocers (I Captains, knights, servants and such like say the unrighteous, for I do not mean those bloody men, are ready to serve for the sake who are righteous and pious), together with of gain, and swear with uplifted fingers that all those who deal avariciously and penurithey will destroy cities and countries, take ously, are so bent upon accursed gain, that citizens and inhabitants, kill them and take they exclude God from their hearts. They centheir possessions from them, although they sure what they should properly praise, and never harmed them, nor gave them any prov- praise what they should censure; they lie ocation. O God! what execrated, ungodly and swear; use many vain words; adulterabominations and traffic. And still it must ate their merchandise to cheat the people, be said, that they protect the country and and to take what is not their own; they sell, people, and that they assist in administer- lend and trust the needy at exorbitant gain ing justice! and usury, never seriously reflecting nor Priests, monks and preachers are equally taking to heart, that it stands written, " That bent upon unlawful gain. They are not no man go beyond and defraud his brother shocked to make God's only and first be- in any matter," 1 Thess. 4: 6. gotten Son, his eternal, Almighty Word and I would that they might more seriously Wisdom, the one and only everlasting foun- lay to heart the doctrine of Sirach, "A mer18 138 FAITH. chant shall hardly keep himself from doing monks would continue in their incomes, stiwrong; and a huckster shall not be freed pends and cloisters. There would soon be from sin; many have sinned for a small a different state of things; because it cannot matter, and he that seeketh for abundance be, but that the righteous live byfaith. Yea, will turn his eyes away; as a nail sticketh they would, with joyful heart, say with fast between the joinings of the stones, so Zaccheus, The poor we willingly serve with doth sin stick close between buying and our goods, and if we have defrauded any selling. Unless a man hold himself dili- one, we will gladly satisfy him.' gently in the fear of the Lord, his house All who, like Zaccheus, rightly receive shall soon be overthrown," Eccl. 26: 29; 27: Jesus Christ in the house of their conscien1-3. i ces; rightly receive the word of Christ as he This I write as a warning to the god-fear- did, and be also truly born through the ing merchants and grocers, so that they will word; are rightly influenced by the Spirit not imitate the ungodly, lest they be over- of Christ; and are of the same mind with come by avarice, but be circumspect in deal- him, it is impossible that they could deing and beware of dangers. fraud any one even of a farthing; for we see Some are made thieves, some murderers, that the disposition and usage of all true others jugglers, necromancers, some are believers is to injure none on earth; but, as whoremongers, others gamblers, others are much as in them is, assist all; to defraud betrayers, others become executioners and none, but to do justice to all. As Paul says, tormentors, and also some persecutors and "Let him that stole, steal no more; but slayers of the pious, &c., and all this for rather let him labor, working with his hands the sake of accursed gain, whereby they the thing which is good; that he may have openly testify (because they walk in such a to give to him that needeth," Eph. 4: 28. way and are so bent upon unlawful gain), But why say much? For my part I do not that they are of the devil and not of God, know where to find the mighty and the rich; that they have not the faith and word of in what courts we can find judges, lawyers Christ, but in every respect are inimical and advocates; and in what cities and counand opposed thereto. tries, merchants and grocers; or what cloisYes, kind reader, the whole world is so ters and churches we can look for preachcontaminated and involved in this accursed ers, priests and monks, who rightly believe avarice, fraud, false practices and unbecom- and follow Christ; who, being regenerated, ing gain, in this false traffic and merchan- penitent and pious, desist from all impropdise, with this finance, usury, and self-inter- er practices, fraud, craftiness, robbery, and est, that I scarcely know how it could be unlawful gain, and say with Zaccheus, Those worse; yet they are still the priest's and whom we have defrauded we will repay fourpreacher's christians, and are said to earn fold. The prophet complains that every one their bread honestly, and to do justice from the least even unto the greatest, is given to all. to covetousness, Jer. 8: 10. Ah! my reader, how different all this is Since then they are determined upon acfrom the faith, disposition and converted cursed, abominable avarice, and unlawful life of Zaccheus. For if they had the mind, gain, and deal so rudely and plainly confaith and power of Zaccheus, which we must trary to love, and none any where repent, have, if we would ever be saved, it is my hence, it is evident that they are not in the opinion that few lords and princes would church of Christ, for the church of Christ is continue in their violence and wanton lives; called his body and bride in the Scripture. few riders (knights) and servants in their If the church be his body, she must then be ungodly service and deeds of blood; few flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone; and judges, lawyers and advocates in their if she be his bride, she must be of his gencourts and offices; few rich persons in the eration, be righteous, holy, meek, chaste, unlawful use of their riches; few merchants true, lovely, merciful; yea, hear and be obeand grocers in their usurious and danger- dient to his voice; therefore, Christ cannot ous trade; and few preachers, priests and j admit of any other members in his church FAITH. 139 but those who are of one heart, spirit and ciples, if ye have love one to another." They soul with him, partakers of his Spirit; who are the living stones of the Lord's temple, are dead to all unrighteousness, bury the and the true citizens of Jerusalem; in which old evil life of sin, walk by faith, unblam- neither sorcerers, nor whoremongers, nor ably in love, receive the truth joyfully, wil- murderers, nor idolaters, nor whosoever lingly serve their neighbor, as did this be- loveth and maketh a lie, have part. Yea, lieving, regenerated and renewed Zaccheus. as long as Zaccheus was such a one, he was He desired to see Christ, and received him without; for such, says Paul, have neither with joy; he believed his word, and aban- lot nor part in the kingdom of God and doned his ungodly life; he ministered to the of Christ. poor, and reconciled those whom he had But as soon as he believed the word of the defrauded. In short, he proved himself to Lord, through faith he repented and turned be a pious, sincere, regenerated child of God himself to love; from that hour he was enin all his actions; therefore he heard the titled to citizenship, with Christ himself; the peaceable, joyful word of divine grace, path of life was opened to him, peace de"This day is salvation come to this house, cdared, salvation bestowed, and he was acforasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham," knowledged and received as a joint-heir of Luke 19: 9. grace, and a child of God, as the Lord says, Behold, worthy reader, those who believe, This day is salvation come to this house, are penitent and renewed as Zaccheus was, &c. For as Christ is holy, so must also his and walk in love, belong to the church and children, brethren, members, church and body of the Lord, as Christ himself says, "By bride be holy; for it is written, Be ye holy, this shall all men know that ye are my dis- for I am holy. THE MURDERER'S FAITH. The evangelists teach that there were two ungodly reprobate, who neither knew nor malefactors crucified with Christ; the one feared God, but maliciously committed all on the right hand, and the other on the left. manner of sins, robbed his neighbor of his "One of the malefactors which were hanged, goods and shed his blood. Matthew and railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, Mark call him a murderer, and Luke calls save thyself and us? but the other answer- him a malefactor. This appears to be the ing rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear case as he testifies himself, that he had to God, seeing thou art in the same condemna- die for crimes which he had committed. tion? And we, indeed justly; for we receive Notwithstanding all this, as soon as this the due reward of our deeds; but this man malefactor, extended on the cross between hath done nothing amiss; and he said unto Jerusalem and Mount Calvary, heard in his Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou com- last distress, the word of God from the est into thy lkingdom. And Jesus said unto mouth of the Lord, it wrought in him so him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt powerfully, that his heart within him was thou be with me in Paradise," Luke 23: touched and changed, which led him to seek, 39-43. from that moment, the salvation of his felGood reader, observe particularly what I low-men and rebuked his reviling companwrite. When we critically view the confes- ion, saying, Fearest thou not God? HIe consion of this evil doer, we are astonished at fessed his own sins and his maliciousness, the great power, the good nature, the abun- saying, We are receiving according to our dance of fruit, spiritual vision, energetic merits and works; and he acknowledged love and the free confession of his faith. It the condemned Jesus (who was cursed to is evident that he had been an abandoned, I die on the cross as one of the most aban 140 FAITH. doned malefactors, by the chief priests, are they obedient thereto. Ah reader! do pharisees and scribes, and denied of the not thus mock God; I fear many will fail people and condemned to death), to be in- in their hopes in this matter. nocent, righteous, pure and without sin, Again, I say that all wilful despisers, who saying, This one has done no evil. Besides thus say and think in their hearts, must be this, he also sought grace and mercy of eternally convicted by this thief, and shall God, although it appeared to human un- stand confounded, for as soon as he heard derstanding that he was denied all mercy, the gospel of grace, he received it in a pure and every favor both by God and man. For conscience, through faith, and became penihe was at this time the most rejected and tent, regenerated and pious. And these hear despised of all men, as the prophet laments, it from year to year, see daily so many fair Isa. 53: 6, and the thief applied to none oth- fruits, and that it is so gloriously testified er, in heaven or upon earth, than to this by possessions and blood; nevertheless, poor, innocent, calumniated, banished and they remain unbelievers and are hardened crucified Jesus; in full confidence drawing in sin; for they reject the inviting grace, near to him, as the throne of divine grace, they resist the operating Spirit, they conthat he might obtain the remission of his temn the preached word, they trample unsins, saying, "Lord remember me when thou der foot the proffered gift, and say, where comest into thy kingdorm." are the Scriptures, whereby we may comfort I think, this may justly be called, a true, such unreasonable, shameful scorners, or christian faith, and a truly worthy fruit of promise and proclaim to them the grace penitence and repentance; and it was noth- and peace of the Lord? ing else to the Lord, but a refreshing of his I fear they are the sterile, unfruitful earth, thirsty soul, as a molifying of his deep of which Paul speaks, which drinketh in wounds, as a consolation of his sore dis- the rain of the holy, divine word, that tress, and as a comfort in his painful suffer- cometh oft upon it, and nevertheless, bears ings and cruel death, so that he in the same only thorns and thistles; are rejected and hour, heard the consoling, joyful word of nigh unto cursing, which are to be burned. divine grace and eternal peace, from Jesus, They are those of whom Solomon laments namely, Fear not, all thy sins which thou and says, "How long, ye simple ones, will didst commit in thy ignorance are cover- ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight ed, they shall never more be remembered, in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? either by me or my Father. I pledge my Because I have called, and ye refused; I innocent blood as security; therefore, be of have stretched out my hand and no man regood cheer, what thou didst desire, thou garded; but ye have set at naught all my hast already obtained, "To-day shalt thou counsel, and would none of my reproof, I, be with me in Paradise." also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock Behold my reader, here you have, in the when your fear cometh and when distress malefactor mentioned, a fair example of a and anguish cometh upon you, then shall sincere, christian faith, with its properties, they call upon me, but I will not answer," disposition, nature, power and fruits. With Prov. 1: 22-28. But because they do not this same murderer, many vain despisers look for light, he will turn it into the shadcomfort and flatter themselves in their sin- ow of death, and make it gross darkness. ful and impenitent lives, think and say to The murderer believed as soon as he themselves, God is merciful; he knows that heard. 0! that they would do so; and we are the children of Adam, if we do not think upon what David said, "To-day, if live as the Scriptures teach, and as they ye will hear his voice, harden not your would have us live, yet we hope, by the hearts as in the provocation," -Ieb. 3: 15 grace of God to be saved, as was the mur- The murderer heard but once and believed, derer. These poor creatures know not that and these hear it so often, and yet they bethe thief will be a sore condemnation to lieve not. Hle heard and was changed; but them; because they hear the word of the these hear and continue the same, and Lord so often, and believe it not, neither I harden their hearts yet more and more. FAITH. 141 He reproved his reviling companion, and ing so often heard the sweet melody of the admonished him, that he should fear God; divine word, and never were grateful, nor but these blaspheme and revile all the faith- ever learned or believed it with open and ful who do so; and love those who hate the renewed hearts; but the murderer heard it truth. He unreservedly confessed his sins but once, and immediately believed. Ah! and wickedness, without fear; but these, no dear children, beware and seek Christ while matter however avaricious, drunken, proud, he may be found, and call on him while he unchaste, unclean, envious and idolatrous is yet near, lest his anger go forth, and the they are, do not confess their transgressions fire of his fierce wrath consume you. and sins, and when called to repent and re- Think you, 0 perverted scorners! that form, they say, Yea, what have we done? you can receive or reject faith, repentance, He acknowledged that Christ's kingdom sorrow for sin, and the grace of God, at was not earthly, for he said, When thou pleasure? 0 no! Holy Paul says, "Even comest into thy kingdom; but these have all as they did not like to retain God in their their pleasures in gold and silver, in eating knowledge, God gave them over to a reproand drinking, in splendor and wantonness, bate mind," Rom. 1: 28. That sentence shall and in the perishable, visible riches of the be passed upon all proud scorners. Chilworld; they do not regard the invisible, eter- dren beware! nal riches, which Christ out of grace, has be- Notice this parable, There is a very rich stowed upon all his believers, and merited potentate, emperor or king, whom I, through them by the shedding of his precious blood. great ignorance, hated all my days; he had He confessed the poor, condemned, cruci- compassion upon me, and because I am fled Jesus before all the rulers, priests, Phar- such a poor man, he, through his faithful isees and before the people, and acknowl- servants, tendered me not only his favor edge him as his Savior and Lord; but these, and friendship, but also a great sum of alas! deny his Almighty Majesty, his heav- gold, many precious stones and gems, and enly origin and glory, and do not regard all this out of love and compassion; and I his judgment, Spirit, word, ordinances, com- am so ungrateful, that I will not only not mands, sacraments and promises, although give meat and drink to the faithful servants he has seated himself as a triumphant and of this kind prince, who loves me dearly, conquering prince, at the right hand of the for these great favors; but I turn them with Father, and has received all power, both in I ignominy and disgrace, out of doors, throw heaven and upon earth, in eternal glory of mud and stones at them, put them into pristhe Father. on and bonds, deprive them of property He sought mercy, favor and the forgive- and life, take the proffered gifts, place them ness of his sins, of Christ; but these seek in a closet, and trample them under foot, it of their preachers, priests and monks, &c., and inform the prince, That I do not through masses, confessions, absolution, now desire his presents, but if he will, in bread and wine, holy water and the like the course of one or ten years offer them superstitions and abominations, again, then I will perhaps, make up my He heard, because he believed on Christ, mind and receive them and tender my the pleasing words, To-day thou shalt be thanks for the favors. Now, I will allow with me in Paradise; but these shall hear, you all to judge, whether it would be right because they believe not on Christ, the dread- that such a prince should again offer his ful, intolerable and awful sentence, Depart favor, since I treated him and his servants from me ye cursed into everlastingfire. Their so perfidiously? Or whether he should not faith was unlike, as will also be their re- much more turn his favor into displeasure, ward. Let all mockers take this to heart. and his love into wrath toward me, for my And thus, take notice, finally this peni- presumptuous tyranny, haughty rejection tent sinner will rise up against those who of his favors, and severely punish me? I have comforted themselves with him in their think, you would award me his punishment sins, and criminate and condemn them be- \ and not his grace. fore the face of his Majesty. For they hav- \ Thus it is with you, 0 you scorners! The 142 FAITH. merciful Lord, whose riches and grace are verted scorners, Depart from us, for we deimmense, has graciously pitied us in these sire not the knowledge of thy ways. What abominable, last days, and had compassion is the Almighty, that we should serve him? on our great blindness and deadly poverty, And what profit should we have, if we pray although we hated his holy will from our to him Job 21: 14, 15. infancy, and through his faithful servants Since then, you are so ungrateful to your freely offered us his beloved Son with his God, yea, are altogether vain and insulting holy word, Spirit, merits, ordinances and towards him, who has shown to us, from example, tendered us his grace, peace and the beginning, such great mercy, that you eternal life, kingdom, inheritance, joy and entirely reject and disregard his paternal glory, together with the remission of our admonitions, chastisings, doctrines, cornsins; he dug about us and fostered us, bar- mands, obedience to his holy word, and the ren trees, for many years. He calls and innocent blood of his saints, together with teaches daily, through his chosen, who wil- all his great powers and miracles; yea, you lingly sacrifice possession and life as a tes- consider them as mere deception and heretimony; he puts at variance the father sy; that you do not regard the day of grace; against the son, and the son against the that you inconsiderately trample under foot father; the mother against the daughter, Christ and his holy Spirit, gospel, regeneraand the daughter against the mother; the tions, faith, sacraments, death and blood, members of the family against one another, together with all his other spiritual riches and friend against friend, &c. Some he suf- and heavenly gifts; and that you do not fers to be driven about in strange countries, fear, seek, love, honor thank nor serve the in tribulation, in sorrow, in misery, in fear, Almighty, immortal, only and eternal God; in want, in vexation, in deserts, in moun- and still hope that you will be saved with tains, in dens and in caves of the earth. He the murderer, then I tell and warn you in gives signs in the sun, moon, and the stars sincere love, while it is yet to-day, that your in heaven; in earthquakes, war, pestilence, hopes will not be realized, for when you new diseases, famine, and unheard of won- think to find him, he will then hide himself ders upon the earth. As a hen gathers her from you; he will turn his fierce countenance chickens, he would gather us under the upon you, as the Scriptures say, "Then wings of his love; and as a faithful shep- shall they call upon me, but I will not anherd of his sheep, he would bring us to the swer; they shall seek me early, but they right fold of his grace; bring us into the shall not find me," Prov. 1: 28. chamber of his covenant, and kiss us with I therefore entreat and exhort my readers the lips of his peace; wash us from all our in general; to hear while you have ears, and uncleanness, and make us his bride; re- see while you have eyes; understand while deem us from the dominion of hell and you have hearts; awaken and watch while death, and lead us into the kingdom of I you have time and space, lest your ears, heaven, and of eternal life. In short, he eyes, hearts, and opportunities be taken would release us from the power of dark- from you, and you become deaf, blind, imness and the devil, and receive us and make penitent, hardened and perverted. us holy as his chosen children and heirs. Friends, beware! now it is to-day, yesterBut, alas, in relation to you, it is alto- day is past; to-morrow is not promised us. gether vain; as already said, his proffered Short is the time; behold, the judge is at grace and word you reject; you persecute the door, therefore delay not, to turn unto and kill his faithful servants and ministers; the Lord, and defer it not from day to day; you defame and blaspheme the unblamable, for his wrath will soon overtake you. Late pious life, together with the confession of repentance, says Augustine, is seldom true; the saints; you scoff at his great signs, won- but if true, it never is too late. Repent while ders and reproofs, and your faces are like you enjoy health, says h1e, thtat you maybe those of the lecherous, and your hearts as certain. diamonds; you are neither ashamed, nor Therefore, do as did the thief or murderwill you be converted; you say with per- A er, for, as soon as he heard, he believed. FAITH. 143 Do you also thus hear, and thus believe,! that he will be their accuser in the day of for the eyes of the Lord are upon the faith- the Lord, as the Lord says of the Ninevites, ful. The Savior says, those who hunger and of the Queen of the South. and thirst after righteousness, shall be filled; All who hear and believe the word of those who seek, shall find; those who ask, Christ, and are turned by the power of faith shall receive; those who knock, to them it with all their hearts to Christ, acknowledge shall be opened. But if you refuse, when Christ openly, by an unblamable, pious he seeks to bestow his grace upon you, he life, before all the world, confidently seek will also refuse when you seek him, and his grace and mercy, &c.; to them he is a would fain obtain his grace. "They that glorious comforter, a precious balm and despise me," saith the Lord, "shall be light- liniment in their troubled and wounded ly esteemed," 1 Sam. 2: SO. consciences, by which they may see and Therefore, seek while it is day, that you know God's unbounded favor, mercy and may find; ask, that you may receive; hear, love, towards all truly penitent sinners, if that you may believe; believe, that you they have sinned ever so long and heinousmay do; and do, that you may live; for, ly, that they by faith may satisfy their souls from hearing, cometh faith; out of faith, with him, and not doubt the grace of God doctrine; on obedience, the fulfilment of the on account of their sinful lives in which they promise depends. formerly walked; for the Lord did not withFor this reason all things are imputed to hold his grace, nor did he say, No, thief, faith in the Scriptures; such as true re- your sins are too great and numerous, and pentance, regeneration, sanctification of the you also have sinned too long. But as soon heart; the righteousness which avails be- as he saw his new heart, and heard him fore God; the blessing of salvation and confessing, he bestowed his grace upon the everlasting life; for faith is the source and poor, distressed sinner, and forgave him all cause of all good, as is fully related. his sins, and said, To-day thou shalt be with Seeing, then, that this is the true and me in Paradise; for he that believeth on me proper ground of the Scriptures, as we have has eternal life. The prophet also says, If briefly explained, you will then have to the righteous turn from his unrighteousness confess that all wilful scorners are put to and does righteously, I will not remember shame in their doings, by the thief, and his unrighteousness which he did. FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. Luke says, "One of the Pharisees desired tian faith produces. She was possessed of Jesus that he would eat with him, and he seven devils (if she was the woman called went into the Pharisee's house, and sat Mary Magdalene, whom the evangelists down to meat; and behold, a woman of the mention), and as it appears, lived accordcity, which was a sinner, when she knew ing to the inclinations of her flesh, for she that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's is called a sinner in the Scriptures, so long house, brought an alabaster box of oint- as the Lord had not called her out of darkment, and stood at his feet, behind him, ness into light, from lies unto truth. As weeping, and began to wash his feet with soon as she heard his word, she with eagertears, and did wipe them with the hairs of ness received it in a sincere and renewed her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed heart, by which she, who was a great sinthem with the ointment," Luke 7: 36 —38. ner, became a penitent and pious woman. Here we again learn to know, in the case H Ierunrighteous, carnal heartwas so warmed of this sinner, what kind of a heart, dispo- and touched, that her eyes streamed with sition, fruit and life, a sincere, true Chris- tears, that she wet the feet of the Savior 144 FAITH. therewith. Her hair she used as a towel to yea, sometimes goes beyond his ability to wipe his feet; her avarice was quelled; she pay. One is desirous to excel another in anointed his head and feet with precious foppery, or at least to be equal with him. ointment, which might have been sold for And does not reflect that it is written, "Love three hundred pence; her proud heart was not the world, neither the things that are in humbled; she did not seek the highest seat the world. If any man love the world, the at the table, but she sat mournfully at the love of the Father is not in him; for all that feet of the Lord, and heard his blessed is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the word. lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not When the Pharisee saw this, he murmur- I of the Father, but is of the world; and the ed; Christ said to him, "Simon, seest thou I world passeth away, and the lust thereof; this woman? I entered into thine house, but he that doeth the will of God abideth thou gavest me no water for my feet; but for ever," 1 John 2: 15 —17. she hath washed my feet with tears, and Again, I say, this sinful woman believed, wiped them with the hairs of her head. I and from that moment she was freed from Thou gavest me no kiss, but this woman, disgraceful sins, for the unclean devil was since the time I came in, hath not ceased to I cast out, as you have heard. But what abomkiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst inable, disgraceful unchastity, adultery and not anoint; but this woman hath anointed fornication is practiced among many men my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say and women (who boast that they believe), unto thee, her sins, which are many, are in many cities and countries, is best known forgiven; for she loved much, but to whom to him before whose eyes all things are little is forgiven the same loveth little. And open; and, alas, not wholly concealed behe said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven; ^ i fore men. It is manifest that the world is thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace," full of lasciviousness, adulterers, fornicaLuke 7: 44-48, 50. tors, sodomites, buggerers, bastards and ilBeloved reader, take notice that all the i legitimate children, and, alas, it has come proud, haughty, avaricious, carnal and so far, that they live at peace and liberadulterous, who call themselves Christians, ty, notwithstanding that God commanded but who are by no means such, testify by through Moses, that both the adulterer and their disposition, heart, mind and walk that adulteress should die, Deut. 22: 22; that they hate and are inimical to Christ, are there should be neither whores nor whoreshamed and reproved by this regenerated, mongers in Israel, and the illegitimate chilpenitent sinner, in all their actions; for dren even to the tenth generation were not through her faith she changed her proud, to be admitted into the congregation of the haughty and obdurate heart into an humble, Lord. And further, It was the express comcontrite and broken one. mand and ordinance of God, that if any They say that they believe, and yet there one in Israel had intercourse with a virgin, are no limits nor bounds to their accursed i who was not betrothed or engaged, he was wantonness, foolish pomp, show of silks, vel- compelled to marry her, if her father convet, costly clothes, gold-rings, chains, silver sented, and was not to put her away all his belts, pins, buttons, curiously adorned shirts, days, because he humbled her, Exod. 22: 16. handkerchiefs, collars, veils, aprons, velvet I Ah! reader, reflect upon what the last shoes, slippers and such like foolish finery; command contains. They all boast, hownever regarding that the enlightened apos- ever lascivious they are, that they are spirties, Peter and Paul have, in plain and ex- itual Israelites, that they have the truth, press words forbidden this to all christian and are baptized in the name of Christ, and women. If this is forbidden to women how yet they are not ashamed to reduce their much more then should men abstain from poor, weak sisters, who are comprised with it, who are the leaders and heads of their them in the same faith, baptism, holy Supwomen. Notwithstanding all this they still per and worship, to poor, deluded and dewant to be called the christian church. graded strumpets, against all Scripture and Every one makes an ostentatious display; christian love; although God's own word, FAITH. 145 and the quoted command tell them, that if to Israel? If you say no you have denied they have lain with them, they should mar- the whole New Testament, which teaches ry them and never forsake them. If they and earnestly insists upon the love of our would more seriously reflect upon these neighbor. But if you say yes, then I say things, many a disgraced one would be for the third time, that she must be your lesaved of her shame, whereas now, many a gitimate wife. Because you did, contrary child is so unmercifully disgraced and many to the command of love, so abominably disa girl and virgin bereaved of her honor and grace and humble her, therefore, the Scriptvirtue. ures teach that you are to restore her to I write you the truth in Christ, you may honor, and that you shall take her to be believe it if you will, that if you are a chris- your wife. Let every one see to it, the comtian or would be one, and have seduced but mands of love will ever remain. Blessed one poor child with your subtle attempts are they who take heed to them and observe and pretences, and if you would not lose them in fear. your soul, you will have to marry her and In the fourth place I ask, Whether there not forsake her, nor cast her from you; for is any one who, with a good conscience, can you have humbled her, as heard. Behold, transgress and break the command of God? this is the Lord's own word and law. All, If you say yes, then you deny the Scripttherefore, who knowingly despise this law ures, which teach, that we shall walk in the of God, and reject the disgraced and marry ways of the Lord and keep his commandanother, will have to confess before God that ments. But if you say no, then I tell you the first one is his wife, and not the last one. the fourth time, that she is, and must be 0, you violators of female chastity, reflect your wife; for it is the command of God, upon these things and learn wisdom. firmly based upon love, that if you have Would you say that this command has lain with a virgin, you should marry her reference only to Israel and not to the chris- and never forsake her, as heard. tian, I would then ask you in the first place, Behold, my reader, here you are more Whether you consider yourself to be a chris- than plainly taught what the word of the tian or not? If you say no, do then all you Lord teaches in regard to this matter. And can, and look for the judgment threatened if you continue so ungodly as to transgress to all out of Christ. But if you say yes, then the command of the Lord by disgracing one, the matter is already decided, that she must and marrying another, you may read the be your wife. For a christian must not live consequences in 1 Cor. 6: 9, 10, unless you with a sister, in such a manner as to make sincerely repent. her a prostitue. O no! the Scriptures teach, This I write by no means, to encourage that christians are members of Christ, and him who has, in days gone by, ignorantly not whores and profligates. I hope this done so, to leave the wife whom he afterblunt language will be understood. ward married, and take in her stead the In the second place I ask, Which of the disgraced one; not at all, for I doubt not two people should be the more holy and but that the merciful Father will graciously virtuous, the literal or the spiritual? If you overlook the errors of those who have ignosay the literal, then you have exalted Moses rantly done so, and who will henceforth with his people and service above Christ, fear, and willingly obey his commands. which thing is evidently opposed to all But I write this, that every one should Scripture. But if you say the spiritual, guard himself against such disgrace, and then the matter is again decided that she reflect more profoundly upon the command must be your wife; then the literal must of the Lord and of love, and observe how not make his sister to be a prostitute, much Christ is so wholly neglected by the world; less the spiritual, which is the Lord's own for, alas, they are generally influenced by body, brother, sister, generation and bride. their accursed lusts, whether they are lords, In the third place, I ask, Whether the com- princes, priests, monks, noble or ignoble, mand, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy- citizens or peasants; with few exceptions, self, is not given to the christians as well as! they are so much inflamed, that they follow 19 146 FAITH. this unbecoming, devilish disgrace of ac- seek a pious wife in the fear of God; and cursed lechery, like the dog pursues the he that has transgressed, and has not taken hare. They are, says Jeremiah 5: 8, as another, that he honor the disgraced one, fed horses in the morning, every one neigh- and according to christian love and the word ed after his neighbor's wife. There is noth- of God, extricate her from her degraded ing that can deter or prevent them from state; thus teaching their children, and chilthis accursed abomination, neither natural dren's children, from generation to generahonor, nor Moses, with all his threatenings, tion, even as Tobias did his Son, saying, neither the prophets, nor Christ Jesus him- Beware of all whoredom, my son, and take self, nor the apostles, neither heaven nor not a strange woman, but keep to your own the angels; yea, neither hell nor devil; nei- wife. ther life nor death; if they canionly satisfy "Know ye not," says Paul, "that your their unchaste, disgraceful lust, then all is bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I well with them. then take the members of Christ and make They are wholly bent upon this; some them the members of a harlot? God forbid," they seduce with fair words, others by false 1 Cor. 6: 15. Again, he says, "For this is promises and gifts, some by giving them the will of God, even your sanctification, wine to drink; by dancing, and songs of that ye should abstain from fornication; levity, some by courteous flattery, by amo- that every one of you should know how to rous tenderness, and the like artifice; yea, possess his vessel (body) in sanctification some deceive by their affected sighings and and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, weepings, so that they can only accomplish even as the gentiles which know not God, their ungodly designs, and gratify their for God has not called us unto uncleanness, lusts, then all is right, and they rejoice. but unto holiness," 1 Thes. 4: 3-7. Yes, But they do thereby incense Almighty God, good reader, true believers have to lead an transgress his holy word, disgrace their honorable and chaste life; that not as much neighbor, do violence to the law of love, de- as adultery, lechery, and unchastity be prifile the marriage bed, violate virgins, have vately or openly mentioned among them; illegitimate children and destroy their poor if any one among them, only mention it, it souls eternally; about all this they care is an abomination, for thus it becomes the nothing. They say, this is our portion and saints to live. our lot and nothing else. As we find many wicked men who shameI, therefore, say with Moses, Cursed be fully seduce poor, simple hearts; so on the they of God, who do works of iniquity; and other hand we find impudent women and all the people shall say, Amen. And with girls, who are often the first cause that such Job, That hell will consume them, as drought disgrace is sought and sometimes practiced and heat consume the snow-waters; with upon them. Although many are not guilty Paul, That God will judge them; and with of the deed, nevertheless they are not guiltJohn, Their part is in the lake which burn- less, that they make so free with other men eth with fire and brimstone, which is the and associates in open triflings, singing, eternal (second) death. Ah! that these poor dancing, drinking, kissing, courting, flirtpeople would take heed, believe and observe ing, and the like vanity and abominations, the words of the Lord. whereby they kindle the fire of base pasIn the second place, I write this; that sions, which continue till consumed, as may every one might awaken, sincerely repent, be seen. and weep over his past disgraceful conduct 0 how properly Sirach admonishes us, before God, lest he cast him off eternally; when he says, "Meet not with an harlot, but be gracious to him for the sake of the lest thou fall into her snares; use not much blood of his Son; and no more defile the the company of a woman that is a singer, bed of his neighbor, nor disgrace virgins, lest thou be taken with her attempts; gaze but live in all honor, each with his own wife; not on a maid, that thou fall not by those that the unmarried keep free from lechery, things that are precious in her; give not thy and if he cannot restrain himself, let him soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine FAITH. 147 inheritance; look not round about thee in the righteous; but these seek the company the streets of the city, neither wander thou of the unrighteous. They visit each other in the solitary places thereof; turn away to talk all manner of foolishness; to injure thine eye from a beautiful woman, and their neighbor's reputation; to defame and look not upon another's beauty; for many backbite; to speak disgracefully of one anhave been deceived by the beauty of a wom- other, speak of costly furniture, houses, an; for herewith love is kindled as a fire. goods and handsome companions, men and Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor fine clothing. In short, their works openly sit down with her in thine arms, and spend show that they have not the faith of the sinnot thy money with her at the wine; lest ful woman, and belong not to the congregathine heart incline unto her, and so through tion of the righteous. thy desire, thou fall into destruction," Sir. The sinful woman sat at the feet of Jesus 9: 3-9. and heard his holy word; but these hear Were it now so, that the aforementioned teachers, who can tickle their ears, and married and unmarried women were true preach to please them. In short, why need believers, even as was the sinful woman, I say much? it is, O God! so corrupted, they would then also fear the Lord, they that we find the whole world filled with foolwould abandon all vanity and ungodly ac- ish men and women, I mean spiritually, tions, and lay snares for none, nor give any deaf ears, unenlightened hearts; the blind occasion for evil; yea, would walk honora- are leading the blind, and they will all fall bly and modestly; avoid all manner of into the pit of eternal death, unless they are pride and superfluity, and make, or desire again enlightened, if we believe it to be true no other clothes than those necessary and what the mouth of the Lord has taught us; comfortable for their daily labor. They for their doctrine, sacraments, and worship would not frequent the idolatrous temple are altogether false; their unbelief, and carand idle banquets, for which occasions this nality prevail every where. pompous show is generally gotten up. Behold, reader, here take notice, how vastThe sinful woman adorned her soul and ly this sinful woman differs after conversion not her outward appearance, for she be- i in her faith and conduct, from the faith and lieved; but these adorn their bodies, and conduct of the world. They are like the sinnot their souls, for they believe not. ful woman before her conversion, but not The sinful woman sighed and wept, was after conversion. Whether such are believafraid of the wrath and judgment of the ers, I will let the sensible reader to reflect Lord, for she saw that she had done wrong, upon with the Spirit and word of the Lord. and sinned; but these laugh and sing, dance I know of a certainty, that a proud, haughand prance about, and do not see their enor- ty, avaricious, selfish, unchaste, lecherous, mous misdeeds, and great sins, and there- wrangling, envious, disobedient, idolatrous, fore, they do not fear the wrath and judg- false, lying, unfaithful, thievish, defaming, ment of the Lord. backbiting, blood-thirsty, unmerciful and She was compassionate and merciful; an- revengeful man, whosoever he may be, is ointed the head and the feet of the Lord, no christian, even if he was baptized one and found the true worship; but these are l hundred times, and attended the Lord's Supunmerciful and cruel, and know of no other per daily; for it is not the sacraments, or worship than to go to the chapel to receive the signs, such as baptism and the Lord's holy water; to offer tapers and wax-candles Supper, but a sincere, christian faith, with to blind blocks and images; to offer masses its unblamable, pious fruits, represented by and vespers; to call upon the departed saints the sacraments, that makes a true christian for help; to confess once or twice a year to and has the promise of life. their idolatrous, drunken, lascivious priests; Here, neither masses, holy water, holy to receive their bread of abomination and days, rosaries, auricular confession nor ababsolution, and the like superstitions and solution, avail; only a believing, contrite, delusions. i broken heart, spirit and mind, a penitent The sinful woman sought the company of changed, new heart, a pious life, dead unto 148 FAITH. sin, according to the truth will avail. Such sinful, sorrowingwoman as a pattern and folwas the confession and repentance of the low her faith, humble yourselves before the sinful woman, and she also heard immedi- Lord, and reprove your avarice, pride, obately, Thy sins areforgiven, thyfaith hath scenity and all manner of evil. Let all your saved thee, go in peace. thoughts be pure, and let your words be But the abominable, auricular confession circumspect and seasoned. And whatsoever which is so highly esteemed by the world, you do, that do in the name and fear of the is nothing but hypocrisy, human righteous- Lord Jesus, and do not adorn yourselves ness and superstition, open delusion of un- with gold, silver, costly pearls, and embroidbelievers, a false hope of the impenitent sin- ered hair; but dress yourselves in such apner, and a subtle invention of gain by the parel, as becomes women professing godavaricious priests, whereby they set aside liness, and which is serviceable. Be obetrue confession and repentance, and com- dient to your husbands in all reasonable fort and encourage the world in their reck- things, so that those who do not believe less, ungodly life. may be gained by your upright, pious conBut if you would rightly confess and re- versation without the word, as Peter says. pent, and receive true absolution of God, then Remain within your houses and gates, approach him with a believing, penitent and except you have something of importance regenerated heart, with a sorrowing, broken, to do, such as attending to your temporal distressed mind, leave off sinning, do justice concerns, to administer to the needy, to hear to your neighbor, love, aid, serve, reprove the word of the Lord, or to attend upon his and comfort him, and if you have sinned holy sacraments, &c. Attend faithfully to against him, or deceived him, acknowledge your charge, to your children, house and it to him and reconcile him. Behold, this domestics, and to all that is commanded is the only true confession and penance, you, and walk in all things like the sinful which is taught in the word of God. The woman did after her conversion; that you Lord grant that you may rightly under- may be true daughters of Sarah, believing stand, and perform this confession and re- women, sisters of Christ, and joint heirs of pentance. a future life, 1 Pet. 3: 6; then you shall I, therefore, entreat and desire all women, hear the gracious words, T7iy sins are Jorthrough the mercy of the Lord, to take this given, thyfaith hath saved thee, go in peace. FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. Matthew writes that Jesus was in the land take the children's bread and to cast it to of Gennesaret, and says, "Then Jesus went the dogs; and she said, Truth, Lord; yet thence and departed into the coasts of Tyre the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from and Sidon, and behold, a woman of Canaan their masters' table. Then Jesus answered came out of the same coasts, and cried unto and said to her, O woman, great is thy faith; him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her thou son of David; my daughter is griev- daughter was made whole from that very ously vexed with a devil; but he answered hour," Matt. 15: 21-28. her not a word. And his disciples came and Here you again have a fine example and besought him, saying, Send her away, for pattern of a sincere, christian faith; for she crieth after us; but he answered and when this woman perceived how powerfully said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep Jesus preached grace, and hearing besides of the house of Israel. Then she came and that he could do what he desired, that he worshipped him, saying, Lord help me. manifested love and mercy, and that he sent But he answered and said, It is not meet to none away comfortless, she unhesitatingly FAITH. 149 approached him, not doubting his grace, The movement and doctrine of the holy mercy, love and power, although she was divine word, we have had in Germany a not heard at the first or second request. She number of years, and have it yet daily more was importunate both in her faith and pray- abundantly, in such power and clearness, er, with such a desire that she might par- that they may plainly see that it is the fintake of the spiritual crumb of his mercy, ger and work of the Lord. For the haughty and obtain relief for her poor daughter. are humbled, the avaricious are made kind, Yea, she manifested such a faith, constan- the drunkards become sober, the unchaste cy, humility and piety, that the Lord said made pure, &c., and dare not indulge in a to her, "0 woman, great is thy foith; be it single thought, or word, or act contrary to unto thee even as thou wilt." the will, word and Spirit of the Lord, and Faithful reader, observe; were we with they receive it with such an affection, that spiritual eyes rightly to look upon this they do not fear to forsake father, mother, woman's faith and fruits, we would be aptly husband, wife, children and possessions, taught of her, especially in two particulars. nay willingly suffer death on account of it. For, as soon as she heard that the Lord For many of them are burned, drowned, taught pure mercy, grace, repentance and killed with the sword, apprehended, exiled, reformation, preached the kingdom of God, and their property confiscated; yet all this raised the dead, made the blind see, the avails nothing with these obdurate people. deaf hear, the cripples walk, the leprous If it is but reported (when an innocent sheep clean, healed the sick, and cast out unclean has been slaughtered), that he was an anaspirits; that he reproved the scribes, phari- baptist, it is sufficient; they never inquire sees and the common people, for their un- what he professed and what scriptural belief, perverseness, blind hypocrisy and grounds he had; what his conduct and life carnal lives, and testified that he was the were, whether he injured any one, or not. prophet and Messiah, promised in the law Neither do they reflect, that it must be a and the prophets, whereby his fame spread special power and work which restrains one abroad through all Judea and the adjacent I wholly from drunkenness, lasciviousness, countries; hearing all this, her tender heart I pomp and pride, from all vanity, abominaand mind were so turned to him, through ble lying, carnal life and from all idolatry; such testimonies, miracles, doctrines and 1 and constrains him to all sobriety, chastity, deeds of love, that she did not doubt his meekness, piety, truth, and the true wormercy, power, goodness and grace; she I ship, on account of which, we have to hear therefore, went to him with a sincere desire, all manner of disgrace, and to endure perin sure and true faith, trusting with all her secution and misery, and so often endure heart, that he would not deny her humble the loss of life, as you may see. prayer, but that he would graciously hear If a thief is led to the gallows or a murand grant it; and she also obtained what derer is broken upon the wheel, or if a maleshe desired. factor is punished with death every one inShe heard and believed; she saw and con- quires what he has done. He is not senfessed. But these insane people imagine fenced by the judges as long as they do not that they are christians, but are, according understand fully the ground and truth of to my understanding, greater disbelievers, his evil deed; but if an innocent, contrite blinder, more hardened and worse than christian, whom the gracious Lord has resTurks, Tartars, or any of the heathens. cued fronm the evil, ungodly ways of sin, Their works testify that I write the truth; and placed in the way of his peace, is acand they cannot be moved to hear, or obey' cused by the priests aud preachers, and the truth by godly means and services; nei- placed before the judges they deem him unther by doctrine nor exhortation, neither by worthy of an impartial examination, in rethe unblamable lives nor the innocent blood lation to what reasons or Scriptures move of saints, which is daily shed before their him that he will not hear his priests and eyes, as has been mentioned before, when preachers, nor have his children baptized, treating of thefaith of the murderer. nor attend their service, nor longer eat and 150 FAITH. drink with them, and serve the devil. Nor small, citizens and peasants; defensive armdo they desire to know why he reformed or is provided; they watch and make ready his life and received the baptism of Christ, for defense as much as possible. Or if they or what urges him that he willingly suffers hear of famine or pestilence, then all tremor even would die for his faith. They only ble, who have come to years of understandask, Is he baptized? If he answers in the af- ing. And, if on the contrary, there is a time firmative, the sentence is fixed, that he must of tranquillity, peace, prosperity and weal, die. then all who hear it, rejoice. But now, the All who see or hear such miracles of Al- trumpets of the Lord Jesus Christ are blowmighty God that such poor, unlearned men, ing, and the drums are beating; warning yea, sometimes, poor, feeble women, or us to tender love, through all his apostles girls, are so fortified in God that they fear and prophets, to shun the crafty wiles and neither judge nor executioner; that neither subtle assaults of satan, and that all who fire nor water, neither halter nor sword, nei- follow and are obedient to him, must die. ther life nor death can deter them from their However, but few are to be found who put faith. These persecutors do not inquire what on the armor of God; but few who are guardthey did, whether they are traitors to their ing against the secret encroachments of sacountry or city, whether they have taken tan, and preparing to resist him. Both the property of others, or disgraced some men and women, voluntarily run into his one's daughter or wife; or whether they hands and eagerly do the things which dedid any thing, not in accordance with the I light him; and those who do not, have to word of God, with common honesty and await great tribulation and much misery. natural probity? O no! So much discretion Besides, it is manifest that the abominand love are not to be found. If they only able pestilence of false doctrine will dehave the word of the Lord, and believe it stroy the whole world. The bread of life, and fully obey his commands and ordinan- i which is provided for all the spiritual hunces, and gladly regulate their poor, weak gry, is very scarce, in consequence of the lives by the truth; then they are called reb- envious cry and false writings of the serels by the lords; heretics by the learned; pent-like preachers; and alas, there are few and are adjudged by the common people who weep and sigh on this account. as well deserving such cruel punishments The eternal grace, mercy, favor, glory, and disgraceful death. Behold, thus has kingdom and joy of Christ are offered unto the murderous, blood-thirsty devil deceived us. But our ears have waxed dull, our the whole world, through his priests and hearts become hardened, and our perverted preachers; yea, that I fear, scarcely one is wickedness, desire them not. But this pito be found among a hundred thousand, ous woman did not so; she heard, believed, who will lay to heart such a strong faith, i saw his miracles and confessed his power: obedience, frankness, power, great suffering and therefore, prayed with confidence and and ignominious death, so that he would obtained what she desired, for she believed once reflect upon his abominable unbelief, Christ with all her heart and doubted not disgraceful wickedness and presumptuous, i his grace. carnal life, or doubt the doctrine of his In the second place, she admonishes all teachers, sacraments, their lives and wor- pious parents, that they should be solicitship. How truly did the prophet say, "The ous for the salvation of their children, berighteous perisheth and no man layeth it to cause she so faithfully entreated for her deheart," Isa. 57: 1. There cannot be found moniac daughter, not desisting till she was beneath the wide canopy of heaven, a more heard. For it cannot be otherwise, that if hardened unbelief, more perverse, scornful, I am a true christian, all my work before obdurate wickedness, more accursed mad- God and my neighbor, are works of love, ness, more execrated ungodliness, or a worse for God (by whose word a christian is born), state of things than that which is related. says John, is love. That the Father and If there is a report of war and warriors, those who are born of him, are alike, of one the whole land is in dismay, great and mind and heart, is as clear as day-light. FAITH. 15i If I seek the praise of the Lord with all all my heart and soul, then I will not escape my heart, and desire the salvation of my my punishment, for in the day of the Lord, neighbors, many of whom I have never their souls, blood, damnation and death seen; how much more should I desire the will be required at my hands, as a dumb salvation of my children, whom God gave and blind watchman. me, who are out of ny loins, and are natural- Christianity plainly teaches us that all ly my flesh and blood? So that the mighty Christian parents should be as sharp, satuLord may be praised and be eternally hon- rating salt, a shining light, and as unblamored by them. able, faithful teachers in their houses. The WThat I write, I consider unquestionably high priest, Eli, was punished because he true; I write it from a true testimony of my did not zealously reprove his children. own conscience, as before Almighty God, If I see my neighbor's ox or ass go astray, before whom I am, that all true, believing I must bring him to the owner, or keep him parents are thus minded towards their chil- safe, as Moses teaches. If it becomes me dren, that they would far sooner see them thus to do with another's animal, how much set in a dungeon for the sake of the word of more solicitous should I be for the souls of the Lord and his testimony, than be with I my children, who are so readily misled by the deceiving priests, in their idolatrous the youthful flesh, in which no good dwells. churches, or with drunken, erroneous inter-! If I see my neighbor's ox or ass, fallen in prefers in taverns, or in company with scorn- a pit, or meet him on the way lying under ers, who despise the name of the Lord, and i the weight of a burden, I must not leave hate his holy word. him. till he is extricated, how much more Sooner far would they see them, for the should I be solicitous for my children, whom sake of the truth of the Lord, bound hands I have before me, that they lie not under the and feet, and dragged before lords and prin- burden of their sins; and if they are not ces, than to see them marry rich persons, earnestly reproved and instructed in grace, who fear not God, neither walk in the ways they will fall into the infernal abyss of eterof the Lord, but pass away time in splendor, nal death. with music, in excessive drinking, dancing Again, if I see my neighbor's house on and singing; sooner far would they see them fire, and his goods perishing, it is reasonscourged from head to feet, for the sake of able that I should exert myself to put out the glory and holy name of the Lord, than the fire, and if possible, to save the goods; to see them adorn themselves with silks, but it is much more reasonable, that I exvelvets, gold, silver, costly, striped and tinguish the fire of base desires in my child, fashionable clothes, and the like vanity, with the water oft he divine word, and prepomp and haughtiness. Yea, far sooner serve, as much as is in my power, the heavwould they see them exiled, burned at the enly goods. stake, drowned, or placed on the wheel, for The Holy Scriptures teach, that God puririghteousness' sake, than see them live out fies the heart by faith; that faith comes by of God, in all earthly and carnal lusts, hearing; and by faith we are justified. than to be emperors and kings, and then be Therefore, let every one take heed, who damned. truly loves his children, that he rightly and Woe to all, yea woe to all those who are purely instruct them, as soon as they can not solicitous for the salvation of their chil- hear and understand the word of the Lord; dren. If I so love their bodies that I over- that he lead them in the ways of truth, and look their sins; if I do not punish the trans- that he zealously watch over all their dogressions of the young with the rod, and ings, that they may from youth, learn to reprove the aged with words; if I do not I know the Lord, their God, fear, love, honor, teach them the ways of the Lord; if I do thank and serve him; so that the inborn not set them an unblamable example; if I nature of sin may not rule in them nor condo not direct them at all times to Christ and quer them, to the everlasting shame of their his word, ordinances, commands and ex- poor souls. ample, and do not seek their salvation with Moses taught Israel saying, "These words, 1i2 FAITH. which I command thee this day, shall be j lay it well to heart, that we teach our chilin thine heart, and thou shalt teach them dren rightly in the word, and instruct them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk in relation to his righteous judgments, so of them when thou sittest in thine house, that they will learn to fear the Lord with and when thou walkest by the way, and all their heart, and turn from evil. when thou liest down, and when thou risest Let us also keep before them God's unup, and thou shalt bind them for a sign up- bounded mercy, love, and services of his on thine hand, and they shall be as front- grace, so that they may love him and walk lets between thine eyes, and thou shalt write in his statutes. Let us imprint on their them upon the posts of thy house and on I hearts, Jesus Christ, our only and eternal thy gates;" "that your days may be multi- Savior, with his Holy Spirit, word and explied, and the days of your children, in the ample, so that they may rightly know him land which the Lord sware unto your fa-1 and follow in his footsteps; and let us set thers to give them, as the days of heaven them an example in all wisdom, righteousupon the earth," Dent. 6: 6-9; 11: 21. ness and truth; with a pious and virtuous In another place he says, "And it shall life, so that they may, through such disbe when thy son asketh thee in time to come, creet admonition and unblamable example saying, what is this? That thou shalt say of their pious parents, be instructed in the unto him, By strength of hand, the LolRD kingdom of G-od and trained to all manner brought us out from Egypt, from the house of good. of bondage," Exod. 13: 14. For all who have such a faith as this Joshua commanded Israel, according to woman had, and see that the end of sin is the command of the Lord, and said unto death, will not cease to sigh and lament to the twelve men, "Pass over before the ark God, that he would, in mercy, assist their of the LORD your God into the midst of poor children to so resist the impure spirit Jordan, and take you up every man of you of the devil that he may not lead them capa stone upon his shoulder, according unto tive at his evil will, to the eternal shame the number of the tribes of the children of and disgrace of their poor souls. Israel, that this may be a sign among you, But that they may, from their youth, that when your children ask their fathers rightly learn to know the immortal, eternal in time to come, saying, What mean ye by God and Father, through Jesus Christ his these stones? Then, ye shall answer them, beloved Son, and in truth serve and submit That the waters of Jordan were cut off be- to his cross; and recount all the mighty fore the ark of the covenant of the LORD; works and miracles of the Lord our God, when it passed over Jordan, the waters of the great mercy, grace, favor and love of Jordan were cut off; and these stones shall the Almighty Father, his blessed word, will, be for a memorial unto the children of Israel ordinance and life, with all the merits, powforever," Joshua 4: 5- 7. er and fruit of the death and blood of Christ Behold, dear reader, thus the Israelites his blessed Son; also the munificence, wiswere obliged to teach their children from dom, truth and the gifts of his eternal and youth, and to acquaint them with all the Holy Spirit, this to their children, and chilblessings and miracles of the Lord, which dren's children, and all their descendants, had been bestowed on them and their fa- till the Lord Jesus Christ appear in the glothers, so that they might fear, love and rious majesty of his heavenly Father in the serve the Lord all their days, and thus re- clouds of heaven, to the final judging, and ceive the blessing, and escape the curse where every one will be rewarded according which was included in the law. to his works, be they good or evil, 2 Cor. In like manner with us, if we rightly con- 5: 10. fess Christ, we believe his word, and we Behold, worthy reader, thus it behooves and our children desire to obtain the hap- true christians to teach, admonish, reprove, py fields and pleasant land, and eternally and correct their children, to set them an exinherit the grace which lie has promised his ample in all righteousness, raise them in children; therefore, let us not neglect it, but the fear of the Lord, be solicitous for their FAITH. 153 poor souls, lest they through their negli- idolatry and false worship, and in the iggence, depart from the true path, die in their norant, unrestrained life of the world. sins and finally perish in their unbelief. In and out of their houses they hear and The Lord spoke of Abraham and said, see nothing but unrighteousness, malice, ly"Shall I hide from Abraham that thing ing, defrauding, cursing, swearing, infidelwhich I do; seeing that Abraham shall sure- ity, avarice, quarreling, fighting, intoxicaly become a great and mighty nation, and tion, whoring, and all manner of disgrace. all the nations of the earth shall be blessed They never learn to know Christ and his in him? For I know him, that he will com- word, but they hate the truth and persecute mand his children and his household after righteousness. In short, they show by their him, and they shall keep the way of the actions that they are full of the evil, unLord to do justice and judgment," Gen. 18: clean spirit, and are led by his will, as may 17 —19. be seen. Pious Tobit taught his son and said, My For as your spirit is, so must also your son, obey thy father, serve the Lord in truth fruits be. Is the Spirit of Christ in you, and be just, and this teach to thy children, which is holy and pure, then are also your that they give alms, always fear God, love whole life and fruit pure and holy. Again, him, and confide in him with all their heart. if the spirit of the evil one is in you, then And when they attain the age of matu- all your ways and fruits will be evil and rity, and have not the power to refrain (but impure. This is incontrovertible. he that has, him I would advise with Paul, Therefore, says Paul, "As many as are that he use it to the Lord), let them not mar- led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons ry to those out of Christ and his church, be of God." Again, those who are led by the they noble, rich, or handsome, as do the spirit of the evil one, are the sons of the proud, avaricious andunchaste of this world: devil. Dear reader, reflect well upon this. but let them marry those who fear, love, Yea, if these poor people had but a spark seek, honor, follow and serve the Lord with of the Spirit of the Lord, they would a thouthe whole heart; be they noble or ignoble, sand times sooner be seethed in boiling oil, rich or poor, comely or uncomely, for they and burned with fire, then hear and see such are holy and children of saints, and there- foolishness, ungodliness and wantonness in fore, it is of the Lord, and must be done in their children, much less would they teach his name. them or set them an example in such things. Let every one beware and do right, lest For it is incontrovertible, according to the the wrath and fearful judgments of God be power of the Scriptures, if they do not be inflicted upon him on account of his lewd- partakers of Christ, that their end will be ness and evil desires, even as the judgments, eternal death. in the days of Noah and Lot, were inflicted, Therefore, all you who fear the Lord, love Gen. 6. your children with divine love, seek their But, alas! how few there are who take salvation with all your hearts, even as Abrathis to heart, and sincerely seek the salva- ham, Tobit, and the Maccabean mother did. tion of their children. If they can but pro- If they transgress, reprove them sharply; if vide for them temporally, then their desires they err, exhort them parentally; if they are gratified. The priests' ordinances, and are child-like, bear them patiently; if they church services alone are their faith, hope, are of good understanding, instruct them and the foundation of their salvation; they christian-like; dedicate them to the Lord neither know nor seek any other. from youth; watch over their souls as long Their whole life from beginning to end is as they are under your care; so that you contrary to the word of Christ. For as soon will not lose your salvation on their account; as they are born they are carried to the pray without ceasing, like this pious woman idolatrous, false bath (baptism); the holy did, that the Lord may grant them his grace, name of the Lord is mispronounced over that they may resist the devil, subdue their them; they are raised in all vanity and natural depravity by the Spirit and help of blindness, in pomp and splendor, in open the Lord, and walk from their youth up be-.20 154 FAITH. fore God and his church, in all righteous- the heart man believeth unto righteousness, truth and wisdom, in a firm and sure ness," Rom. 10: 10. faith, in unfeigned love and living hope, in All who believe with their whole hearts, an honorable and holy life, unblamable and that Christ Jesus is the righteous Branch of without offence, abound in the fruits of faith, David, the righteous, wise King; the true, unto eternal life, Amen. promised Prophet; the right Way and In addition to all the aforementioned ex- Truth, and our only Propitiator, Intercesamples, the diligent reader may also, with sor, Mediator and High Priest, Jer. 22: 5, a pious and good conscience (mind) serious- also believe that all his words are immuly reflect upon the faith of the immaculate, able and true; and his offering sufficient glorious mother Mary, of Matthew, of the and perfect; they, therefore, obey his word, aged Simeon and Hannah; also of the blind Ialk in his commands, bow to his sceptre man (Luke 1; Matt. 9; Luke 2: 15, 18; Mark and pacify their consciences by his grace, 10), and such like more; and I trust that reconciliation, merits, offering, promises, he will, by the help and grace of God, fully death and blood. They believe and acunderstand how simple, plain, unfeigned, knowledge, if they neglect his word and pious, righteous, forbearing, ardent, peace- will, and presumptuously transgress his able, joyous, merciful, amiable, ameliorat- commands, and live according to the flesh, ing, modest, moral, humble, zealous, un- that God will require it at their hands and blamable and pious a true, regenerating, punish them eternally, ith the fire of his christian faith is inwardly in power, before wrath through his righteous judgment. For God, and outwardly in fruits, before one's if those who ilfully transgressed the Moneighbor. saic law, were to die without mercy, upon Y the testimony of two or three witnesses, how Yea, even as a good, fruitful tree, of its er t with s b puished, own accord, without any compulsion, al- m s b who trample under foot the Son of God; ways brings forth its own good fruits, so who esteem the pure blood of the New Testaalso a true christian faith must bring forth a p t its own good fruits. For it is infallible, the ofrace? Heb. 10:. righteous must live by faith. Yes, kind reader, if we truly believed, and If Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua acknowledged it from the inmost of our and Samuel, with all the patriarchs and souls, it would so move our hearts, and enprophets believed the word of the Lord, kindle them with the fear and love of the which was declared to them by angels, or Lord, that although all the tyrants that were found so faithful therein, how much ever were, would rise in all their dread tormore should we believe and be faithful toi ture, and blood shedding, and stand before that word which the Prince of angels, God's us, they would not in the least deter or hinonly begotten Son, the true witness and der us from the word and way of the Lord. Teacher of righteousness, Christ Jesus, who Besides, all our impure, carnal thoughts, came from the high heavens, from his Fa- unseasoned words, and useless, ungodly ther's bosom, brought down and taught on works would soon die, as Sirach says, " The earth. fear of the Lord driveth away sins," Eccl. 1: It will not suffice to say, That Jesus Christ 21; and it is impossible, without the fear of is the Son of God, that he fulfilled the law the Lord, to become right. for us, that he paid for our sins with his I Seeing then, it is very evident, that a sinblood, and made reconciliation with the cere, christian faith acknowledges God in Father, by his offering and death; neither Ihis righteousness, and therefore fears his will it suffice to only believe that his gospel judgment, and thus through fear buries sin is true, his word is right, the wages of sin and dies to it, as more than once related, is death, and that grace is eternal life; but and that nevertheless, you live in all avathe heart must rightly comprehend it, and rice, unchastity, drunkenness, wrath, lewdthe mind must be resolved upon it, other- ness, blindness, idolatry, and all manner wise it will not justify. Paul says, "With | of wickedness, tell us, beloved, where is then FAITH. 155 your faith and word of God of which you' then can turn me away or separate me from boast so much? Do you not know that it is him. For it is my own desire and highest written, "If ye live after the flesh ye shall joy, that I hear and speak of his word, and die?" Or do you think that you can trifle in my weakness, walk as he commanded with God as with a man? Be not deceived, and taught through his Son, should it even says Paul, God will not be mocked. cost money and possessions, flesh or blood, Ah! reader, take heed, I tell you the truth his will be done. in Christ, Beware! if you do not repent with Behold, dear reader, since then it is maniall your heart and seek God, through Christ, fest in the Holy Scriptures, that the true do not hear, believe and fear him, but re- Christian faith through the fear of God, dies main earthly and carnal, and walk after the to sin, and through love does the things of lusts of your flesh, your sentence already righteousness, though in weakness, I therepronounced, will be death. As Christ him- fore let you judge whether those believe from self says, I judge no man, but the word that the heart, who with the mouth say, that the I have spoken, the same shall judge him in blood of Christ is the propitiatory sacrifice the last day. of their sin, and nevertheless seek and folI, therefore, faithfully admonish you, as low up all kinds of idolatry, such as infant before God, even as I do mine own soul, di- baptism, holy water, absolution, auricular vest yourselves immediately of false doc- confession, masses, gold, silver, and wooden trine, of all unbelief, idolatry and earthly, images, wafers, stone churches, and the disgraceful lives, in which, alas! you have drunken adultery of the priests. Ah! how hitherto walked, lest the wrath of God over- well it would be for them to reflect. take you in the sleep of your sins. I say, As true as the Lord lives, there will Awaken! He is still merciful, seek and eternally be found no other remedy for our receive the true doctrine, true faith, true sac- sins, whether in heaven or upon earth; neiraments, the true service, and lead a godly I ther works, merits nor sacraments, even life, as the Scriptures teach, "Then shall thy though they are used according to the Script light break forth as the morning, and thine ures; neither cross, tribulation, angels, men, health shall spring forth speedily, and thy nor any other means will avail, but alone righteousness shall go before thee; the glory the immaculate, crimson blood of the Lamb of the LorD shall be thy reward," Isa. 58: 8. (Christ), which was, out of pure grace, mercy Further, I say, If you truly believed and and love, shed for the remission of our sins, rightlyunderstood that you became, through M'ark 14: 24. Adam's disobedience, children of the devil, Hence, it is incontrovertible, that all those of wrath, and of eternal death, subjected to who use such strange, idolatrous means for the righteous curse and judgment of God, sin, belong not to the believing, grateful and that now all obstacles and all your sins church of Christ. Therefore, I will present are taken away and reconciled through the you with a few passages from the gospel precious blood of Christ; so that you are and writings of the apostles, and set them called from wrath into grace, from cursings before your eyes as a clear mirror, in which to blessings, and out of death to life (not to you may view yourselves, and see whether mention the favors which are daily shown i you are believing Christians. you), then your hearts would sprout forth Thus teaches the word of the Lord, "Verias the sweet-scented, blooming violet, full ly, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be of pure love; yea, flow as the living foun- born again, he cannot see the kingdom of tain, from which flow forth the refreshing God." And again, "Verily I say unto you, sweet waters of righteousness, and you Except ye be converted, and become as little would, with holy Paul, say, from the bot- children, ye shall not enter into the kingtor of your soul, Who shall separate us dom of heaven." from the love of Christ? Since it can never Prove yourselves with this; if you are be, if I am in the bonds of perfection with born'of the pure seed of the holy word, then him, and love him with a pure heart, a good the nature of the seed must be in you; and conscience andunfeignedfaith, that anything if you have become like little children, then 156 FAITH. there are no more pride, unchastity, ava- row is the way, which leadeth unto life; and rice, hatred and envy in you; for the inno- few there be that find it," Matt. 7: 13. At cent children know nothing of such sins. another place it is written, "If any man will But if you continue to live in old Adam, come after me, let him deny himself, and and not in Christ, and walk after the base, take up his cross and follow me." He that impure desires of your flesh, then you prac- loves father and mother, man or wife, son tically prove that you are not born of God, or daughter, more than me, is not worthy and have not his faith. of me. The word of the Lord teaches again, "Go Here prove yourselves again, Have you into all the world and preach the gospel to such a spirit, such frankness and faith, that every creature; he that believeth and is bap- you, in time of need, are ready to forsake tized shall be saved." Here, prove your- father, mother and your all, for the sake of selves again, He that believes and is right- God's word and his testimony; to take upon ly baptized, truly repents, circumcises his yourself the cross of Christ; to deny yourheart, dies to sin, rises in Christ to a new self in all things; to enter, with Christ, upon life, &c. But if you remain impenitent, your the way of suffering, and thus enter, with the hearts uncircumcised, not dead to sin, but poor small flock, at the narrow, strait gate; live out of Christ and his word, then is the then may the Lord strengthen you. But if deed your witness, that you are disbelievers you live unto yourselves, reject the cross of and have not the baptism of Christ. Again Christ, and love father, mother, wife, childoes the word of the Lord teach, "If thou dren, property or life more than Christ; wilt enter life keep the commandments." walk on the broad way with the multitude For in Christ, says Paul, neither circumci- and enter the wide gate, then the mouth of sion nor uncircumcision availeth, but the the Lord gives testimony that you are diskeeping of the commands of God. And this believers and that your end is damnation. is his command, "Thou shalt love the Lord Again, says the word of the Lord, "And thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh soul, and with all thy mind, and with all with the affections and lusts," Gal. 5: 24. thy strength, and thou shalt love thy neigh- For those who live after the flesh, such as bor as thyself," Mark 12: 30. adulterers, whoremongers, incontinent, avaHereby, prove yourselves again, If you ricious, drunkards, gamblers, thieves, hatelove God, you will keep his commandments, ful, haughty, defamers, blood-thirsty, idolayou will do to your neighbor as you would ters, shall die. have him do to you; but if you despise his Prove yourselves again, If your lusts do word, do not follow his ordinances in doc- not reign in you, if you do not walk in any trine, baptism, Holy Supper, and separa- of these and such like carnal ways, which tion, and if you do not walk according to have been mentioned, but if you can smother his holy, godly commands; also belie, cheat them and trample them under foot, through and betray your neighbor; if you take your faith, then thank God, fight piously, watch neighbor's life, disgrace his wife, daughters and pray. But if you satiate your lusts, or servants, and treat him perfidiously; if and walk in the impure ways of your flesh, you mislead the poor, blind souls from the then reform yourselves; for then it is evident true way and obedience of the Lord, be it that you are not, penitent, believing christhrough persecution or false doctrine, and tians, but impenitent, carnal heathens. thus bereave them of the eternal kingdom, Again, The word of the Lord teaches, and lead them to hell, then it is more than "Therefore, take no thought, saying, What clear, that you hate the command of the shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or, Lord and have not his faith. wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after Again, the word of the Lord teaches, "En- all these things do the gentiles seek; but ter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to righteousness; and all these things shall be destruction, and many there be which go in added unto you," Matt. 6: 31. thereat; because strait is the gate, and nar- Hereproveyourselves again, If youbelieve FAITH. 157 that the strong and mighty God, who nour- sincere, Christian faith cannot be idle; but ished Israel forty years with bread from it changes, renews, purifies, sanctifies and heaven and with water from the rock, and justifies more and more; it makes joyous kept their clothes from being worn out, and and glad, for by faith it knows that hell, fed Elias by a raven, will not forsake you devil, sin and death, are conquered through in your distress, but will provide for you Christ, and that grace, mercy, and redempby his grace; this is a true evidence that tion from sin, and eternal life, are acquired you have the word of the Lord. But if, through him. In full confidence, the posthrough your cares, you are induced or con- sessor of true christian faith approaches strained, that you neglect the kingdom of the Father, in the name of Christ, receives God and his righteousness, seek temporal, the Holy Ghost, becomes partaker of the more than eternal things, and are so much divine nature, and is renewed after the imconcerned as if God had more concern for age of him, who created him, lives by the the flowers and fowls than for you and your virtue of Christ, which is in him; all his children, boast not that you believe the pro- ways are righteousness, godliness, honesty, mise and word of the Lord. chastity, truth, wisdom, goodness, benevoAgain, the word of the Lord teaches, "For lence, light, love and joy. God so loved the world, that he gave his He sanctifies his body and heart as a habonly begotten Son, that whosoever believeth itation and temple of Christ and the Holy in him should not perish, but have everlast- Ghost; hates all that is against God and ing life. For God sent not his Son into the his word; honors, praises and thanks God world to condemn the world, but that the with a sincere heart; and there is nothing world through him might be saved. He that to deter him, neither judgment, wrath, hell, believeth on him is not condemned; but he devil, sin nor eternal death. For he knows that believeth not is condemned already, that Christ is his Intercessor, Mediator and because he hath not believed in the name Propitiator. He acknowledges with holy of the only begotten Son of God," John 3: Paul, that "There is, therefore, now no con16-18. demnation to them which are in Christ Here prove yourselves the seventh time. Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but If you sincerely believe these words of Christ after the Spirit," Rom. 8: 1. The Spirit of with the whole heart, that the Almighty, the Lord assures him that he is a child of Eternal Father so loved you and the whole God, and a joint heir of Christ; he, therehuman family, that he sent his incompre- fore, wholly dedicates himself to his Lord hensible, Almighty, eternal Word, Wisdom, and Savior, Jesus Christ, who called him Truth and Son, by whom he created the through grace, drew him by his Spirit, enheavens, earth, the sea and the fulness there- lightened him by his word, and purchased of, and his eternal glory, into this vale of him with his blood. misery; that he let him become a poor, Behold, this is the nature of living faith, grieved, miserable man; that he let him, for which has such an urgent, cogent power, the sake of all our sins, suffer hunger and spirit, fear, energy and life; which avails thirst; permitted him to be slandered, ap- with God and has the promise in the Scriptprehended, crowned with thorns, scourged, ures. Happy he who has such a faith and crucified and killed; then it cannot fail that j will salutarily retain it to the end. I repeat your old carnal mind must become a regen- it, prove yourselves, whether you are in the erated, spiritual mind; your thoughts must faith; in Christ or out of Christ; penitent or become chaste and pure; your words must impenitent. For in the mirror presented, become discreet and well seasoned and your 1 you may view the whole face of your conwhole life pious and unblamable. I science and life, if you but believe that the Instantly you should awaken, walk in the word of the Lord is true and right. Here right way, keep aloof from all abomination notice how the true, christian faith, through and idolatry, forsake false prophets, preach- grace, is the only living fountain, whence ers and priests; and seek the true teachers, flows, not only the penitent, new life, but sacraments and divine service; for a true,; also obedience to the evangelical ceremo 158 FAITH. nies, such as baptism and the Lord's Sup- I Alas! how many did I know before, and per will have to come and follow, not as know the greater part of them now, both those compelled through the law, for the rod men and women, men and maid-servants of the oppressor is broken, but voluntarily, (would to God that they be increased to through the free will and submissive spirit many hundred thousands), who, from the of love, which is of a christian nature, and inmost of their souls, seek Christ and his is ready to all good works and obedience of word, and lead, in all meekness, a pious, the holy divine word. unblamable life before God and man; sinFor all the truly regenerated and spirit- cere and holy in doctrine, full of the fear ual conform in all things to the word and and love of God, ready to help one another, ordinances of the Lord; not because they merciful, compassionate,meek, sober, chaste, think to merit the propitiation of their sins neither refractory nor seditious; but quiet and eternal life; by no means; in this mat- and peaceable, obedient to the magistracy ter they depend upon nothing except the in all things not contrary to God; and who true promise of the merciful Father, graci- have, nevertheless, for a number of years, ously given to all believers, through the not slept in their beds, and even do not now; blood and merits of Christ, which blood is, for they are so much hated by the world, and ever will be the only eternal medium of' that they have been persecuted, betrayed, our reconciliation, and not works, baptism taken, exiled and slain like highwaymen, or Lord's supper, as said above. thieves and murderers, and that without For if our reconciliation depended upon mercy; and for no other reason, than that works and ceremonies, then it would not be they, out of true fear of God, dare not take grace, and the merits and fruits of the blood part in the abominable, carnal life, and with of Christ would be void. O no! it is grace, the accursed, disgraceful idolatry of this and will be grace to all eternity; all that the blind world; neither dare they hear nor acmerciful father is doing or has done for us knowledge the unchaste, drunken, lecherous grievous sinners, through his beloved Son priests and deceiving blind preachers, as the and Holy Spirit, is grace. Hence it is that true apostles and teachers of God; they dare they hear the voice of the Lord, believe his not receive the bread with the avaricious. word, and therefore they should willingly envious, proud, drunkards, whores and roobserve and perform (although in weak- gues, from their hands, nor carry their chilness), the representation of both signs, un- dren to the anti-christian washing and bapder water, and bread and wine, set forth in tism, but seek such preachers and teachers, obedience. For a truly believing christian and also such a baptism, supper, church and is thus minded, that he will not do other- life, which are in accordance with the Scriptwise than that which the word of the Lord ures, and may stand according to the word enjoins and teaches; for he knows, that all of the Lord. presumption and disobedience, are like sins Behold, before God, I write the truth, inof witchcraft, and the end thereof is death. deed they are such a people, if I otherwise Yes, good reader, the true christian belief, i know them rightly, hypocrites excepted, as the Scriptures require, is so lively, ac- who, in the flesh, weep more than they tive and powerful with all those, who have laugh, mourn more than they are joyful, rightly received it through the grace of the rather give than receive; who are ready not Lord, that they do not fear to forsake fa- only to sacrifice possessions, and their all, ther, mother, wife, children, money and pos- but also body and life for the praise of the sessions for the word and testimony of the Lord, and to the necessary service of their Lord; to suffer all manner of scorn, disgrace, neighbor, according to the command of the fatigue, hardship and prison, and finally to Scripture, as much as in them is. No matter have their poor, weak bodies, which are so how much the poor children are harassecd, fearful of suffering, burned at the stake, as they are still so muchl strengthened in God, may be frequently seen in the pious chil- that they can neither be moved nor deterred. dren and witnesses of Christ Jesus, especi- They possess their souls with patience, waitally in these our Netherlands. I ing for the joy which is promised. Truly FAITH. 159 said Christ, "Ye will be hated of all men the spirit, through faith, that God will not for my name's sake," Matt. 24: 9. withdraw his promise, but will fulfill it in Since then it is evident from all this, that due time; for they believe on Christ in the true evangelical faith is of such a nature, whom the promises are sealed, and through as said, and is the only means and tree, him also acknowledge his grace, word and which, through the grace of God, bears and will; notwithstanding that they, in former propagates all manner of good fruit; there- times, lived so ungodly, and walked acfore, it is considered, in Scripture, the most cording to the flesh. precious, and greatest work, and all things They hope with faithful Abraham, where are ascribed to faith, such as miracles, and nothing is to be hoped, and wait for things the power to become the children of God, invisible, as though they saw them, and and be justified; be blessed and saved; pu- with full confidence adhere to the assurance, rifled and sanctified; and have eternal life, truth, faithfliness and power of the heavenas we have related when treating of the Ma- ly promise, which is made to us by the in]efactor's faith. fallible, true mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Not, dear reader, that we believe that faith the Son of God, without any previous work merits this on account of its worth; by no or merit, through the gracious choice and means; but because the pleasure of God, will of his merciful Father in his true word. through his word, has given his promise And this regenerating, justifying, convertthrough true faith; then it must also by vir- ing, penitent, active and confident faith, tue of that word follow faith. For the Script- which comes from the Father of light, by ures plainly teach, that all things, visible hearing his holy word, is the only faith that and invisible, must hear, yield, serve and avails with God, and which has the assurfollow the powerful word of God, as when ance of the promise of grace in the word, he said, Let there be heaven and earth. through the Holy Ghost; besides this, the Heaven and earth sprang into existence at Holy Scriptures know of no other faith. these words. For God's word, says Esdras, Before now, I have read in some books, is his perfect work. God also says to Israel, i which they have written, that there is but If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the one good work which saves us, namely, voice of the LORD thy God, all these bless- FAITH, and but one sin which will damn us, ings shallcome upon thee; but if thouwiltnot namely, UINBELIEF. This I will leave as it hearken, the curse shall be upon thee; and is, and not find fault with it; for where there it also happened, as it was told Israel, "For is a sincere, truefaith, there are also all manGod," says Balaam, "is not a man that he ner of sincere, good fruits. On the other should lie; neither the son of man, that he hand, where there is unbelief, there are also should repent." For these reasons the prom- all manner of evil fruits; therefore, is salvaise must follow true faith, or else it cannot be tion properly ascribed to faith, and damnadenied that God, who is a God of truth, must tion to unbelief. be untrue and faithless. 0 no! all that he Faithful reader, pay attention. Since we wills must be done; what he promises must plainly perceive that the whole world, Pabe fulfilled, and not otherwise than he has pists, Lutherans, Zuinglians, Davidists, lipromised, for he alone is true, and we are bertines, &c., walk the broad road of sin, all liars," Rom. 3. Paul says, "If we be- and lead a carnal, vain life, and do not lieve not, yet he abideth faithful; he cannot abide by the pure, salutary, perfect, docdeny himself." trine, sacrament and unblamable, pure exSince then faith so firmly acknowledges ample of Christ; therefore they are themthat God cannot break his promise, but selves witnesses, that they reject the cornel must keep it, because he is the truth and stone, Jesus Christ, and believe not his word cannot lie, therefore, does he make his chil- and truth, though a few of them write much dren free, joyful, and glad in spirit; though of faith and speak of the Scriptures. Say, they are confined in prisons and bonds, beloved, did you ever read in the Scriptures, have to suffer by water and fire, in chains or did you ever hear, that a truly believing, and at the stake; for they are assured in | regenerated christian, after repentance and 160 FAITH. conversion, remained proud, avaricious, un- must be built up in glory. Of this all rechaste, greedy, hateful, tyrannical and idol- joice, who are called to the marriage of the atrous, and continued to live after the base Lamb, and whose names are written in the desires of the flesh? You must say, no! If BOOK of LIFE with God. Here is the underyou speak of Peter and David, you must standing, wisdom, faith and patience of the observe how short or how long a time their saints; let him that has understanding, obfalllasted, andwhat penancethey did. Turn serve, that the word of the Lord is true. yourselves to the east or west, south or north, Blessed are they who are ready to meet the and you will find ungodly, vain, pompous, coming of the Lamb. foolish actions and conduct, with all those Behold, such a faithless, impenitent, tyrwho boast of faith, so that we shall have annical, idolatrous, refractory, disobedient, to say with Christ and John, They are, blind, carnal people they are, who imagine with few exceptions, of the devil and not of that they are the believing church, and the God. For the devil, from the beginning, lawful bride of Christ. These poor children was proud and haughty, so are they; he do not observe that all under heaven is was a. liar, so are they; he was a falsifier of spoiled, even as the prophet complains that the word of the Lord, so are they; he was "there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowldisputatious against God, so are they; in edge of God in the land; by swearing, and short, he is a revengeful murderer, an abon- lying, and killing, and stealing, and comninable, blood-thirsty tyrant, so are many mitting adultery, they break out, and blood of them. The way in which they use those toucheth blood," Hos. 4: 1, 2. The world, who seek Christ sincerely and believe, fear, says John, lieth in wickedness. If we come follow, serve and call on him, has been more to the lords and princes, there we find such than once fully related. pride, arrogance, pomp and wantonness, Yea, alas, they are so wrathful and en- such banqueting, eating and drinking to raged at them, that they will scarcely call excess, with some, such adultery and whorethem by their right names, but they call dom, and such unreasonable, blind idolathem anabaptists, fanatics, rioters, faction- try, and with many, such unmerciful, raging ists, hedge preachers, deceivers, heretics, tyranny that they are in truth more like new monks, knaves and miscreants, al- proud Nebuchadnezzar, drunken Belshazthough they seek the kingdom of God and zar, and Nabal, and blood thirsty, vain Anhis righteousness with all their hearts, which tioch, Nero, and Maximinus, than chrisGod knows, who tries the reins and hearts tian, believing lords and kind princes. If of men, and wish no evil to any one upon we come to the judges and rulers, to each in earth. his station, with some we find only violence This they all do through the ignorant, de- and injustice, with some nothing but avafaming of the envious, inhuman, lying, cry- rice, astonishing practices; they steal honing and writing of their learned priests and estly and rob honorably; pass sentence for preachers, who ever since the blasphemous gain and gifts; honor the high and despise beast of anti-christ ascended his kingdom the poor, do not justice to the poor widow, and glory, have always been the true cause orphan and the oppressed stranger, execute of the tyrannical shedding of innocent blood their office and power with rigor, and not in the past and present; for they are those fraternally; serve princes and not God, as who instigate the magistracy to murder, and the prophet Micah laments, What the prince the thoughtless, reckless people to defame desires, the judge does, so that he will again and blaspheme, and, I fear, that they will reward him. Alas! where shall we find one, continue to be the cause till the end. who loves God with all the heart, hates avaNevertheless, the chosen are to awaken, rice, seeks the truth, who will defend the repent and obey the voice of the Lord; for godfearing, and do him justice? idolatrous, blood-thirsty, confused Babel If we come to the priests or monks, there shall sink, and be desolated; and fair Je- we find such insatiable avarice, that they rusalem, the city of peace, shall increase, offer and sell prayers, psalms, matins, vesand through the power of Almighty God pers, masses, sermons, baptism, Lord's Sup FAITH. 161 per, absolution, and all their church serv- of wives they have, this I will commit to the ices, together with their own souls; take Lord and to themselves. They teach secretrents and gold from the deceased, will go ly that there are two sons in Christ, the Son six or ten miles, from one place to another of God, and the son of Mary, and that he for a guilder; where they find the most milk, who died for our sins, was not the Son of wool and meat, there they prefer to be among God; they also teach and practice a bapthe sheep; like to be flattered and honored tism which is not commanded in the Scriptby the world; suffer themselves to be called ures, and a supper, in which they consider doctors, lords, masters, abbots, provosts, the bread the body, and the wine the blood priors, fathers, guardians, commanders and of Christ; they have, and hold no other presidents; like to wear long garments; seek BAN, than the gallows, and the wheel: to be greeted at the market, and take the lead an unconcerned, easy life; they live of first seats at the table and in the church, as mere flattery, deceit and the booty of antiChrist said of the scribes and pharisees, christ, and preach just as much as the worldMark 12: 39. Besides, the greater part of ly, carnal magistracy desire to hear; promthem live in such whoredom and sodomy ise peace to the poor impenitent, although that the angels are astonished and blush; there is no peace. they defile one woman after another, also If we come to the common people, we find one virgin after another; they defraud and such an unbecoming, carnal, blind, uncircorrupt the whole world, both temporally cumcised horde, that we are astonished; and spiritually; they have all their joy in they know neither God nor his word. If a temporal, carnal life; study by day and nature teaches anything reasonable, that by night, how they may pamper their proud, is all their piety; but of the Spirit, word, idle, lazy flesh; eat and drink, saying, as ordinances, will and life they indeed know it is written, "Come ye, say they, I will but very little. In short, it has come so fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with far in the world, that we may lament and strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as say with the holy prophet, "Run ye to and this day, and much more abundant," Isa. fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and 56: 12. They betray the faithful, pious i see now, and know, and seek in the broad hearts, who with all their powers seek Christ places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there and eternal life; they warn every one of the be any that executeth judgment, that seektruth and its followers, and cry, Hear us, eth the truth," Jer. 5: 1. we are your teachers and pastors, we will 1 ot one stone has remained upon anothpledge our souls for you in the judgment of er; all is desolated which Christ and his God; and thus encourage the malicious, lest faithful messengers taught us of faith, love, they be converted from their wickedness. baptism, Supper, reconciliation, sin, repentPromising liberty to others, and are them- ance,regeneration, separation, teachers, deaselves servants of corruption. I do not know cons and of true, divine service, nevertheless, how they could make it worse; nevertheless, they are called the church of Christ by their those unblushing, abominable men, who ac- blind priests and preachers, even as if Christ cording to the law of Moses, would have been I and the Father were to be satisfied with stoned, and who according to the Scriptures names, bread, wine and water. O no! the must be eternally cursed and condemned, chosen of God are the church of Christ, his unless they repent, alas, are called the pas- saints and beloved, who washed their clothes tors and teachers of this poor, rude people. in the blood of the Lamb, who are born of Behold, thus the world is corrupted. God, influenced by the Spirit of Christ; who If we come to the preachers, who boast of I are in Christ and he in them, who hear and the word, we will find, that some are open believe his word, who follow him in their liars, others drunken sots, some usurers, weakness, in his commandments, walk in some wanton and gay, some defamers and his footsteps with all patience and humilslanderers, others persecutors and betrayers ity, hate the evil, and love the good, earnof the innocent; how some of them live, how I estly desiring to apprehend Christ as they they came to get their wives, and what kind i are apprehended of him, for all who are in 21 162 FAITH. Christ, are new creatures, flesh of his flesh, to Christ and his doctrine, sacraments and bone of his bone, and members of his body. example, that many might be saved; and How you and the rest of mankind conform as we plainly see there are many profligates to this, I will leave you and all reasonable who have reformed their sinful, carnal lives, readers to reflect upon, in the fear of God, and commenced an upright, penitent, pious both according to your understanding, and life in the fear of the Lord; then it is gross according to the Scriptures. ingratitude, yea, hardened, ungodly tyranSince, then, all things are desolated through ny, to hate me and my faithful co-workers the righteous wrath and judgment of God, so enviously, and recompense us so shamebecause (as Paul says) they delighted in fully, who manifest such great fidelity and unrighteousness and lies, by the false proph- love towards them in our manifold sufferets and ravening wolves, so that nothing ings and trials. salutary has remained according to the true But thus they treated all the prophets sense and ground of Christ and his holy and faithful servants of God from the beapostles, and since we find nothing in the ginning, who preached to them the word whole world, among all the great sects, only and will of the Lord with great fidelity, revain boastings, mere names, false doctrine, proved their sins, sought their salvation till false sacraments, vain unbelief and an im- death, with all their powers, with many penitent, carnal life, and this under the tears, watchings, prayers, labors, cares and name and semblance of Christ and his holy sorrows; therefore, it is not strange, and no church, therefore, I am constrained, by true, wonder, that they will treat us so; for Christ christian love, to make known the power says, "For so persecuted they the prophets, and ground of the holy Scriptures, accord- which were before you," Matt. 5: 12. ing to my small gift, given me of God, and I hereby entreat and desire, through the through this to show which is the true, chris- mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, all my readtianfaith, having the promise; namely, the ers and hearers in general, of whatever name, faith which changes man from evil into good, office, station and condition, that you be to a divine nature, both inwardly and out- pleased neither to defame nor to reject my wardly, and makes him, as said, holy, labor, as long as you have not read it imrighteous, obedient, new, pious, peaceable partially, heard it rightly and understood and joyful; in order that all good, pious it. Therefore, separate the doctrine, sacrahearts, who desire to walk in the right way, ments and life of Christ, from the doctrine, but who are hindered therefrom by their sacraments and life of the priests and preachblind priests and preachers, may read or ers; separate faith and unbelief, spirit and hear this my faithful EXPOSITION and IN- flesh, righteousness and unrighteousness. STRUCTION, and that they may thereby be Seek after the truth, strive zealously for instructed in the truth; that the indifferent your salvation, believe that God is true, and drowsy may be awakened, and that all that he will reward the good and punish hypocrites may be ashamed, and reform; the evil, that his word is, and will for ever and that all those who love God sincerely, remain truth. Fear his judgment, love his may be more instructed and taught in the bounties; then you shall know, by the grace faith, if they do by any means acknowl- of the Lord, that the aforementioned is the edge this as the sure FOUNDATION of God, true Christian faith, which avails before as it is, and will be, for ever. Lord, grant God, and has the promise in the Scriptures, that many may read and understand it, and as we have so abundantly testified and thus receive and obey it, that they may sin- shown to you by the word of God, and with cerely repent and be saved, Amen. such strong and incontrovertible reasons, And since I do it out of a sincere heart, Scriptures and examples, without deceit and labor not with any other view, of which and fraud, as it were before, in Christ the great God, the Searcher of the hearts Jesus. and reins of men is my witness, than that I May the Almighty, eternal, merciful God may teach repentance to the ignorant, rude and Father, through his beloved Son, Jesus world, which knows not Christ, lead them Christ, lead you all, one with another, into FAITH. 163 his holy, divine knowledge and evangelical joyful in spirit, as the unblamable, pious truth, and make your faith so fruitful and children of God, before the Lord and his active, that you may, with sincere, new church all the days of your lives, and ultihearts, patiently submit to his cross in mately obtain the promise of grace, the end every trial and affliction, and that you may of your faith, and the salvation of your walk, with unfeigned love, be peaceable and souls, Amen. TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. CONCLUSION. Beloved reader, here you have my FOUNDA- account of which I have to endure not a little TION AND DOCTRINE OF FAITH, with its prop- tribulation. I refuse not to become as a fool erties,power, operation and fruits. I there- before all the world, so that I may make fore entreat you all, if you appreciate Christ many wise in Christ, and with the Holy and your own salvation, suppress your per- Spirit and powerful word of the Lord, lead verted minds,be not enraged and embittered, them to wisdom and to the saints; and I should you find any thing contrary to the well know that Christ and his apostles, and usages of our forefathers, standing usages, the prophets, were guilty of the same foolor philosophic writings and the cry of the ishness, and were of the same mind with me learned; but first prove it rightly, and scru- in this matter. tinize it well with Christ and the word, spirit, If I reprove, they reprove more; If I threatlife and example, of his holy apostles, wheth- en with the wrath of the Lord, they do so er it is not the true content, meaning, doctrine much more. Were they on that account carand sense of the whole Scriptures; if so, you nal and proud? Far from it, Yes, my readwill have to give up the unscriptural usage, er, had not the dark smoke of men-pleasingand the deceptive cry of the learned, and preachers, the accursed, false doctrine of hold only to the word of the Lord, if you the dreadful, abominable locusts out of the would be saved. Let, therefore, your heart abyss, risen up; but had sincere reproving, be impartial, and your judgment sincere the true, pure doctrine, the scriptural usage after truth; for the Almighty God and Lord, of the holy sacraments, and the separating before whom every knee shall bow and every of the impenitent, without respect to person, tongue confess, will not and cannot yield to continued in the world, never would the any of the learned, or to long-standing pleasing sun have lost his splendor, nor usages or customs; for he is Lord, and we would the church have lapsed into such a are his servants. We must follow him, and grieved and deadly condition; therefore, I not he follow us. Reader, lay it to heart. esteem it with Paul, to be unimportant, to Likewise, if you find that we preach our be judged of men in this matter. For I know doctrine rightly, respect not the dignity of that I mean it well, do right and reprove any man, fear no man's tyranny, nor yield only with the truth, so that they may be to the learned, but that we in true, sincere converted. love, faithfully teach, admonish and reprove May the true heavenly Light, Jesus Christ, all who do amiss, without respect of persons, be eternally blessed, and enlighten all dark, with the Holy Spirit, word, example and or- benighted hearts with the clear and lucid dinance of the Lord, in all things not right; ray of his Holy Ghost and eternal truth, then, I entreat you again, that you would then, I entreat you again, that you would that they may view, in unfeigned, pure faith, be pleased not to attribute this to spiritual that they may view, unfei pur e pride, but to well-meant frankness and chris- the eternal brightness of Christ, to the praise tian simplicity. I desire that you would all and honor of his great name, and to the salwalk rightly, so that you may be saved, on vation of many souls, Amen. A Fundamental Doctrine FROM THE WORD OF THE LORD, EXHORTING ALL, WHO ARE CALLED AFTER THE NAME OF CHRIST, TO THE HEAVENLY BIRTH AND THE NEW CREATURE, WITHOUT WHICH, NONE WHO HAVE COME TO THE YEARS OF UNDERSTANDING, ARE OR CAN BE A TRUE CHRISTIAN. DILIGENTLY REVISED AND ENLARGED BY MENNO SIMON. A. D., 1556. "In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature," Gal. 6: 15. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTIER. 18 7 L A FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE FROM THE WORD OF THE LORD, OF THE NEW BIRTH. HEAR my words, all people, and under- through the merciful grace of the Lord, as stand them, all you who imagine that you much as is in my power, to inform you, are Christians, and presumptuously boast briefly, by the infallible, powerful, saving of the grace, merits, flesh, blood, cross, king- word of the holy gospel of Christ, and out dom and death of the Lord, notwithstand- of the pure doctrine of his holy apostles, in ing we find among you neither Christian this my epistle, who they are, or who they faith, brotherly love, repentance, the right are not, that are endowed through the grace use of the sacraments of Christ, the pure of God, and to whom pertain the aforemendoctrine, nor the unblamable, godly life, tioned gifts, merits and promises of Christ. which is out of God, to which the Scriptures Tell me, most beloved, where or when did admonish us; neither the true, divine serv- you read in the Scriptures, which is thle true ice, evangelical disposition, nor obedience; witness of the Holy Ghost and the plummet but throughout, nothing else than abomin- of our consciences, that the unbelieving, disable, dark unbelief, a lewd, carnal life, false obedient, carnal adulterer, whoremonger, doctrine, false, self-devised sacraments, a drunkard, avaricious, idolatrous or pompdevilish heart and mind, an accursed, heath- ous had a single promise of the kingdom of enish idolatry under the name of Christ, Christ and his church, yea, part or comblind, blood-thirsty tyranny, envious and munion in his merits, death and blood? I furious revengefulness against all the chil- tell you the truth, nowhere do we read it in dren of God; yea, open obstinacy, disobe- the Scriptures, nor ever will we; but thus it dience and rejection of the words of Christ is written by Paul, "For if ye live after the and of his Holy Ghost, as may be very flesh ye shall die." Adulterers, whoremonplainly perceived and seen throughout the gers, buggerers, effeminate, unclean, idolaworld. tors, drunkards, proud, avaricious, betrayIn order that you may comfort yourselves ers of the innocent, and bloodshedders, no longer with lying and vain hopes, con- thieves, murderers, backbiter, perjurers, trary to all Scriptures, to your eternal darn- sorcerers, liars, unmerciful, the disobedient nation, and not glory in vain, in the afore- to God and Christ (if they repent not) will mentioned riches and glory of the children not inherit the kingdom of God, yea, their of God, namely of the kingdom, grace, mer- portion will be in the fiery lake which burns its, flesh, blood, cross, death and promises with fire and brimstone, which is the second of Christ, &c., which do not yet pertain to death, Rom. 8: 13; 1 Cor. 6: 10; Eph. 5: 5. you, because you are yet altogether earth- Behold, worthy reader, this is God's irly, carnally and devilishly minded, reject revocable sentence and judgment upon all Christ, and do not keep to his Spirit, word who live after the flesh, whoever they be, and example, without which no one can be emperor or king, duke or earl, knight or a christian; therefore I have undertaken squire, noble or ignoble, priest or monk, 168 THE NEW BIRTH. learned or unlearned, rich or poor, male or per, with his unclean purifications and promfemale, bond or free. All, who live after the Iises, with his churches, convents, priests, flesh, must forever remain under the just monks, masses, matins, vespers, holy wasentence and eternal wrath of God, other- ter, images, pilgrimages, purgatory, vigils, wise the whole Scriptures are untrue. confessions, absolutions, &c.; all of which in Therefore, are the poor, ignorant people short, are nothing but the doctrines and comforted in vain with masses, matins, ves- commands of men, raised up contrary to pers, confessions, pilgrimages and holy wa- the Scriptures, an accursed idolatry and ter, and what is more, with Christ's grace, abomination, an open denial of the Lord's death and blood. The word stands firm, "For death and offering, a despising of the New if ye live after the flesh ye shall die; for to be Testament, or of the covenant which was carnally minded is death." Therefore, I ad- sealed by the innocent blood of the Lamb, vise and entreat you all in general, to hear a destroying and desolation of the saving Christ Jesus, who is sent to us as a witness ordinances of Christ, of doctrine, baptism, of the truth from heaven; for thus says he, Supper, life and separation, abundantly "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be con- testified in the Scriptures, which ordinance verted and become as little children, ye shall he taught in this world with incontrovertible not enter into the kingdom of heaven." At clearness and power according to the conmanother place, "Verily, verily, I say unto mand of his Father, and left it to his chilthee, Except a man be born again, he can- dren in his word, and none other can be not see the kingdom of God." Again, "Veri- established eternally that will stand before ly, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be him. born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot In short, writers and the learned have corenter into the kingdom of God." rupted every thing so much through their Faithful reader, take heed; these words councils, decrees and statutes, with all the are not invented or instituted of man, nor tyranny and violence of the great, that there are they the resolution of any council; but is scarcely an article entire, of all that Christ they are the infallible, precious words, which and his holy apostles taught. All the aforethe Son of God, Christ Jesus, brought to us mentioned abominations, together with the from the mouth of his Father, and declared ungodly, carnal life of the whole world, I unto pious Nicodemus, the scribe, with a call on as witnesses, nevertheless they would double affirmation. That word is powerful be called the holy christian church; and he and clear, and has not only reference to Nic- that admonishes them in sincere, pure love, odemus, but to all the children of Adam, with the Spirit and word of the Lord, must who have come to the years of maturity, be an accursed anabaptist and heretic. I But alas, it is so obscured by the offensive, tell you again, They want to be the chrisleavenous mire of human commands, stat- tian church, and it is evident from all their utes and glossaries, that scarcely one or actions, that they are not christians; but two is found in a thousand, who have the carnal, proud, avaricious, lascivious, lewd, true sense and understanding of the heaven- drunken, idolatrous, blind heathens; and ly birth, much less have they the active nat- what is worse, some of them are unmerciful, ure, power, properties and fruits of it. Yea, murderous, ferocious, revengeful and bloodthey have brought it so far, through their thirsty fiends; many of their works are done philosophy, wisdom and self-chosen holi- according to the will of the devil. We may ness, that the eternal Wisdom of God, Christ with propriety complain of this matter; for Jesus, eternally blessed, is banished as a the righteous judgment is come upon them, poor, senseless fool, out of the house of his that they are unconvertible and that little of honor, which is his church, with his Holy a salutary kind remains with them. Ghost, word, baptism, Supper, divine wor- 0! how miserably is the fair vineyard deship, separation and unblamable example; solated, andhow lamentably are its branches and the man of sin, the son of perdition, is withered, its walls are broken down, the deplaced in his stead, with his abominable stroying foxes have destroyed the grapes, doctrine, idolatrous infant baptism and sup- the clouds are dry and give no rain; there THE NEW BIRTH. 169 is neither pruner nor knife at hand; and if er with all the popes and their adherents there is one he must be devoured by the from the beginning; for I warn you, they dragon, or slain by the apocalyptical worn- are abominations and not reconciliations. an, drunk with blood. O merciful, gracious Christ says, "In vain do they honor me," beFather, how long will this great misery en- cause they teach commandments of men. dure? Our rulers are like voracious lions But if you, by any means, wish to be saved, and bears. Our fathers are our betrayers. your earthly, carnal, ungodly life, must be Our leaders, our deceivers. And those who reformed; for the Scriptures teach nothing feign to be our pastors, are thieves and mur- but true repentance and reformation, and derers of our souls. Well may we sigh and 1 present to us admonitions, tlreatenings, lament from the inmost of our hearts; for reprovings, miracles, examples, ceremonies our house is left unto us desolate. For that and sacraments; and if you do not repent, whichwasheretoforethe church andkingdom there is nothing in heaven or on earth that of Christ, is now, alas! the church and king- can save you; for without true repentance, dom of anti-christ, and for no other reason we are comforted in vain. The prophet says, than because they ungratefully rejected the "O my people, they which lead thee cause word of grace, and will not have the ruling thee to err, and destroy the way of thy Lord Jesus Christ, to rule over them with paths," Isa. 3: 12. WVe must be born from the righteous sceptre of his holy word and above, must be changed and renewed in our Spirit; nevertheless, this poor, blind people hearts, transplanted from the unrighteous hope to obtain the grace and promises of and evil nature of Adam, into the true and God through their infant baptism, masses, good nature of Christ, or we can never be confession and the like superstitious cere- saved by any means, whether human or dimonies and idolatries, which they call the vine. Wherever true repentance and the true, divine service, and use it as a remedy new creature are not (I speak of adults), for their sins. Ah! no, most beloved, no; man must be eternally lost; this is inconfor, says Solomon, "The hope of the ungod- j trovertibly clear. Upon this every one may ly is like dust, that is blown away with the confidently rely, who does not wish to dewind." I have said it once, and repeat it, ceive his soul. and that from the mouth of the Lord, who That regeneration of which we write, from can neither lie nor deceive, "Except ye be which comes the penitent, pious life having converted, and become as little children, ye the promise, comes alone from the word of shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." the Lord, if it be rightly taught, and if And " Except a man be born again, he can- rightly understood and received in the heart not see the kingdom of God," M3att. 18: 3; by faith through the Holy Ghost. The first John 3: 3. birth of man, is out of the first, earthly My beloved reader, take heed to the word Adam, and therefore its nature is earthly of the Lord, and once learn to know the and Adamic, that is, carnal-minded, unbetrue God. I warn you faithfully to take lieving, disobedient and blind in divine heed; he will not save you, nor pardon your things, deaf and foolish, whose end, if not sins, nor show you his mercy and grace, j renewed by the word, will be damnation except according to his word, namely, If and eternal death. Would you, therefore, you repent, if you believe, if you are born have your inbred, evil nature reformed, and of him, if you do what he has commanded, be free from eternal death and damnation, and walk even as he walked. For if he so that you may obtain, with all true chriscould save unjustified, carnal man, without tians, what is promised them, you must be regeneration, faith and repentance, he did born again. For the regenerated are in not teach us the truth; but he is the truth, grace, and have the promise, as you have and there is no lie in him. Therefore, I tell heard. They, therefore, lead a penitent and you again, that you cannot be reconciled new life, for they are renewed in Christ, and with all your masses, matins, vespers, cere- i have received a new heart and spirit. Bemonies, sacraments, councils, statutes and fore, they were earthly, carnally minded, commands under the whole heavens, togeth- I but now, heavenly, spiritually; before, un^' 170 THE NEW BIRTH. righteous, now righteous; before, evil, now so assured in their faith through the Spirit good. And live no longer after the old, de- and word of God, that they will valiantly praved nature of the first, earthly Adam, overcome, by virtue of their faith, all bloodbut after the new, sincere nature of the new thirsty, cruel tyrants, with all their tortures, and heavenly Adam, Christ Jesus; as Paul punishment, exiling, plunder, stocks, stakes, says, "Nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but executioners, tormentors and counsel; and Christ liveth in me." Their poor, weak life out of a pure zeal, with an innocent, pure, they renew daily, more and more, and that simple yea and nay are willing to die. The after the image of him who created them; glory of Christ, the sweetness of the word, their minds are after the mind of Christ, and the salvation of souls are dearer to they gladly walk as he walked; crucify and them than any thing under heaven. mortify their flesh with its evil lusts; bury Behold, worthy reader, all those who are their sin with baptism in the Lord's death, born of God with Christ, who thus conform and rise with him to a new life; circumcise their weak life to the gospel, are thus contheir hearts with the word of the Lord, and verted, and follow the example of Christ, are baptized with the Holy Ghost in the hear and believe his holy word, follow his spotless, holy body of Christ, as obedient commands, which he, in plain words commembers and fellow-heirs of his church, ac- manded us in the holy Scriptures, form the cording to the true ordinance and word of holy, christian church which has the promthe Lord. They put on Christ and mani- i ise; the true children of God, brothers and fest his Spirit, nature and power in all their sisters of Christ; for they are born with him fruits; fear God with all the heart, and seek, of one Father, and of the new Eve, the pure, in all their thoughts, words and works, noth- chaste bride. They are flesh of Christ's ing but the praise of God and the salvation flesh, and bone of his bone, the spiritual of their beloved brethren. They know not house of Israel, the spiritual city, Jerusahatred and vengeance, for they love those lem, temple and Mount Zion, the spiritual who hate them; do good to those who de- ark of the Lord, in which are hidden the spitefully use them, and pray for those who true bread of heaven, Christ Jesus and his persecute them; hate and resist avarice, blessed word, the green, blossoming rod of pride, unchastity, pomp, drunkenness, for- faith, and the spiritual tables of stone, with nication, adultery, hatred, envy, backbit- i the commands of the Lord written thereon; ing, lying, defrauding, quarreling, blood- they are the spiritual seed of Abraham, chilshedding and idolatry, all impure, carnal dren of the promise, confederates of the covworks, and forsake the world with all its enant of God, and partakers of the heavlusts; meditate upon the law of the Lord by enly blessings. day and by night; rejoice at the good, and These regenerated have a spiritual king are grieved at the evil; evil they do not re- over them, who rules them by the unbroken pay with evil, but with good; they seek not sceptre of his mouth, namely, with his Holy self, nor their own good, but what is good Spirit and Word, he clothes them with the for their neighbors, both as to body and garment of righteousness, of pure white soul; feed the hungry, and give drink to the silk; he refreshes them with the living wathirsty; entertain the needy, release prison- i ter of his Holy Spirit, and feeds them with ers, visit the sick, comfort the faint-hearted, the bread of life. His name is Christ Jesus. admonish the erring, and are ready after They are the children of peace, who have their master's example, to give their lives beaten their swords into plough-shares, and for their brethren. Again, their thoughts their spears into pruning hooks, and know are pure and chaste, their words are true of no war; and give to Caesar the things and seasoned with salt; with them yea is that are Caesar's, and to God the things yea, and nay is nay, and their works are that are God's, Isa. 2: 4; Matt. 22: 21. done in the fear of the Lord; their hearts Their sword is the sword of the Spirit, which are heavenly and new; their minds, peace- they hold in a good conscience through the ful and joyful; they seek righteousness Holy Ghost. Their marriage is that of one with all their powers. In short, they are { man and one women, according to the ordi THE NEW BIRTH. 171 nance of God. Their kingdom is the king- from God. But what kind of doctrine, faith, dom of grace, here in hope, and after this life, regeneration, baptism, supper, ban and in eternal life, Eph. 6: 17; Maatt. 19: 5; 25: 1. divine service, sectarian churches have, of Their citizenship is in heaven; and they whatever name; and what kind of reward use the creatures below, such as eating, is promised them in the Scriptures, I will drinking, clothing and dwelling with thanks- let the reasonable, meditate upon, with the giving, and that to the necessary wants of aid of the Spirit and word of the Lord. their own lives, and to the free service of Here I would call on all the high and their neighbor, according to the word of the mighty lords, princes and rulers, all under Lord, Isa. 58: 7. Their doctrine is the un- the canopy of heaven, also on all the popes, adulterated word of God, testified through cardinals, bishops, the wise and learned, Moses and the prophets, through Christ and who from the beginning perverted and darkthe apostles, upon which they build their 1 ened the Scriptures, to show us one single faith, and save their souls; and every thing word in the whole Bible, I say in the Bible that is contrary thereto, they consider ac- (for we do not regard human fables and cursed. They use and administer their bap- lies), that an unbelieving, refractory, carnal tism on the confession of their faith, accord- man, without true repentance and regeneraing to the command of the Lord, and the 1 tion, ever was or ever will be saved, simply doctrines and usages of the apostles, Mark \ because he boasts of faith and the death of 16: 16. Christ, or heard the masses and service of The Lord's Supper they celebrate in re- the priests, as the whole world does; if so, membrance of the favors and death of their they shall have gained the point. But this Lord, and in reminding one another of true j never has been from the beginning, and and brotherly love. never will be to the end of time; if such vile The baen extends to all the proud scorn- men could be saved without repentance and ers, great and small, rich and poor, without regeneration, by hearing masses, and conanyrespect to person, who heard and obeyed fessing, as they, poor children, without the the word for a season, but have fallen off warrant of the Scripture, hope, then we again, and in the house of the Lord, teach might of a truth say, that the aforemenor live offensively, till they again sincerely tioned means were stronger (though they repent. are idolatrous), than the word of the Lord; They sigh and lament daily over their for the word knows no mass, but says "Expoor, displeasing, evil flesh, over the mani- cept ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," fold errors and faults of their weak lives Luke 13: 3. Then would also Mioses and They war inwardly and outwardly without the prophets, Christ and his apostles, have ceasing. They seek and call the Most High; been false witnesses, and have miserably fight and struggle against the devil, world deceived us poor sheep, because they directand flesh during their lives, press on to- ed us upon such a narrow path. wards the prize of the high calling that they Ah no! friends, no! Beware, I tell you, may obtain it. And they prove by their God will not deceive you. For he says actions that they believe the word of the through the prophet Malachi 3: 6, "I am Lord; that they knowT and have Christ in the LORD, I change not." All that he has power; that they are born of God and have testified to us in his holy word through his him as their Father. prophets, through Christ and his apostles, Behold, worthy reader, as I said before, is his eternal, immutable will; on this we so I say again. These are the christians may all rely if we wish not to deceive our who have the promise, and are assured by ] souls. In short, all is in vain to counsel the Spirit of God, to whom- are given and and advise. True repentance and the birth fbestowerd Christ Jesu s, with all 1hs merits, S fom above, must tahe place; we rust bergniteousnie,, -intercssions, word, crcss,:leve Christ and his word, and we must.-irering, L t) bloo,y -deaths, resurrection, abide by his Spirit, orcdina-ne a.nd example l.kingdc-m, -and all his possessions, and this ji wilingly, or eternal miser~y must be our all without mxerit: given out of pure grace portion. This is incontrovertible. 172 THE NEW BIRTH. Therefore, I admonish and entreat you,I Lord is foolishness and derision to you. as those whom my soul loves, repent! re- Since you will not do as he commands, or pent!! delay not; " The axe is laid unto the would have you do, but act as you choose, root of the trees; therefore, every tree which it proves sufficiently that you do not believe bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, although and cast into the fire," Matt. 3: 10. Watch you say so. Nor do you believe that his over your poor souls, that have been bought word is truth: for faith and its fruits are with a precious price, and be no longer corn- inseparable, this you will all have to conforted with open lies, nor be fed upon chaff; fess by the grace of God. 0, you poor, for behold, I tell you, there is nothing under blind men! be silent and blush, let Christ heaven that can, or will stand before God, Jesus with his Spirit and word be your but the new creature, "and faith which teacher and example, your way and your works by love," "and the keeping of the mirror. Do you think it will do only to accommandments. " knowledge Christ according to the flesh? Or My faithful reader, do not only believe if you but say that you believe on him and me, but believe the word, to which, by the are baptized; that you are christians, and grace of God, I directed you with my small that you are purchased with the blood and talents; for as true as the Lord liveth, all death of Christ? Ah no! I have told you who teach otherwise than we have shown often, and tell you again, you must be born from the word of the Lord, whosoever they of God; in your life you must be so convertbe, are prophets who deceive you, who place ed and changed that you become new creatpillows under your arms, and cushions un- ures in Christ, that Christ be in you, and der your heads; who whitewash the wall you in Christ, or you can never be chriswith delusions, and speak peace to the tians, for, "If any man be in Christ he is a wicked, but not out of the mouth of the new creature," 2 Cor. 5: 17. Lord. For as certain as it is that the peni- If you believe rightly in Christ, as you tent and regenerated are the true christians, boast, then manifest it by your lives that who have obtained God's truth, the true you believe; for "The just shall live by light, pardon of their sins, and the sure faith," as the Scriptures say. That this is promise of eternal life, so certain also it is, all true has been fully testified and shown that the sensual and impenitent are false by the works of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abrachristians, and have serpentine lies, dark- ham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, ness, propensity for sin, and the certain Caleb, Samuel, David, Matthias, Zaccheus, promise of eternal death. That this is the Magdalene, Paul, and all the pious children truth, will be found so in eternity before of God, who were from the beginning and Almighty God; of this his word is to me a to this day. But how you conduct yourtrue witness; and I am confidently assured selves in your faith, and how you are mindof it through his grace. ed, may be plainly seen by your excessive Now, perhaps, sonie may answer: Outr lies, fraud, avarice, hoarding, cursing, swearbelief is, that Christ is the Son of God, that ing, pride and wantonness; for your hearts his word is truth, and that he purchased us burn in unrighteousness; you fear neither with his death and blood, and that we were God nor his word; nevertheless, you boast regenerated in baptism, and received the that you believe on Christ, have his word, -Holy Ghost, therefore, wet are the true and that you are christians, &c. I repeat church and congregation of Christ. it;?eformn, or hold your peace and be We reply: If your faith is as you say, ashamed. why do you not do the things which he has Further, you imagine that you were recommandced yo-u in his word? His command generated in your baptism and received the is. RHEFOI I. BE YE CON-VtRTED. KLP, THE Holy -Ghost. Faithful reader, remember, coMtAr nlMETA 1 s. S' ow.v it is eviident that you lthat if it even had been so unto you as vou are becomi... worse baily; that Lttnri2 g- say, you will have to acknowledge that eotusness is your father,, and zcicledness, your your regeneration then took place withiout mother, and the express command of the hearing the word, without the faith and THE NEW BIRTH. 173 knowledge of Christ, and without all knowl- the Lord, then you are members and joint edge and understanding; and besides, that heirs of the body of Christ, and have the the aforementioned birth and the received evidence of a good conscience before God. Spirit are altogether without operation, wis- Inasmuch as a body is never divided in itdom, power and fruit; yea, arevain and dead self, nor hates its members, or does them in you. That you live neither after the harm, but one member serves and assists Spirit nor in the power of the new birth, is another; and since it is evident, and is inevident from your gross avarice, drunken- deed found to be so with you, that you unness, pride, and idolatrous, carnal lives; mercifully persecute, murder and exterminof which all those baptized among you are ate the chosen members of Christ, who are my witnesses. Yea, my friends, if you were of your own flesh and blood, whom he purborn of God in your baptism, and had re- chased by his death, regenerated by his ceived the Holy Ghost, as your comforters word, endued with his Spirit, and has persuade and assure you, then it could not chosen as his own peculiar people; and bebe otherwise than that the new, spiritual sides a regenerated, new and good conlife and its fruits would also be manifest, science, seek no help nor comfort of human as it was the case with the saints from the institutions, but solely adhere with a pure beginning, and is yet; for it is clear, that faith to tile grace, righteousness, prayer, the regenerated do not presumptuously live merits, death and blood of the Lord; and in sin, but through faith, in true repentance, you depend upon, and comfort yourselves by baptism, are buried into the death of with, the masses, confession, absolution, Christ, and also arise with him to a new holy water, bread, wine, oil and vigils of life, and those who have the Spirit of the the priests and monks; so the works themLord, bring forth also the fruits of the Spir- selves testify that you are not serviceable it. That you do not bury your sins, but members of the beforementioned body, but serve them in full power, and also bring not are much more destroyers and defilers; that forth the fruits of the Spirit, is daily testi- you have not a firm, joyful, peaceable and fled by your vain, carnal and abominable good conscience, but a wavering, damning, lives. MIy friends, out of true love I warn, restless and evil conscience before God. For admonish and entreat you, to awaken and we see that all these above-named superstiobserve what the word of the Lord teaches; tions and false worship, which all regenerfor the Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in a ated, pious and good consciences esteem as wicked soul, nor in a body subjected to sin. ere abominations, are your chief support In the second place, L say, If you are and comfort, because you neither have Christ rightly baptized according to the word of nor know him. lMy friends, beware, you the Lord, as you imagine, then you have are miserably deceived by your comforters. put on Christ, and live no longer after The spirit of prophesy says, "And unto the Adam's inbred, evil nature, but after the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These regenerated, good nature of Christ. But things, saith the first and the last, which since this is not the case with you, and you was dead and is alive; I know the blasare yet altogether carnal and earthly, as is phemy of them which say they are Jews, evident from all your fruits, therefore it is and are not; but are the synagogue of saclear that you are not regenerated, baptized tan," Rev. 2: 8, 9. Well may it be said at christians, but impenitent, carnal pagans, the present time to all the great and spefor your works are chiefly done after a cious sects; I know the great defamations, heathen will, as we may see and hear. Once and see the wicked lives of those who say more, I say, awaken and hear what the they are regenerated, baptized christians, word of the Lord says, "If Christ be in you, and are not, but are satan's synagogue; for the body is dead because of sin; ibuit the I see not how they could do worse. Spirit is life because of righteousness,'" But if we come to thle rulers and potentRomn. 8: 10. aLtes, tLhere we find nothing but haughtiness In the third place, I tell you, if you are andpride, splendor, dancing,whoring, pleasrightly baptized according to the word of ure riding, sporting, stabbing, killing, war 174 THE NEW BIRTH. ring, destroying cities and countries, and Be ashamed, O you heedless, perverted living according to the lusts of the flesh. men, be ashamed, I say, before God and If we come to the subordinate officers, and his angels that you are so rebellious and judges, there we find insatiable avarice, refractory; that you live so rudely, and treachery androguery, cunning devices to de- yet dare say that you are the rightly regenfraud the helpless and God-fearing (the good erated congregation and baptized church of and pious I do not mean); they seek gifts Christ. Oft have I told you, and tell you and presents; the right of the righteous they again, that all who are born of God, rightly pervert, and willingly accept of gifts to shed baptized with the Spirit, fire and water, as innocent blood; they persecute the truth; the Scriptures teach, are of a heavenly and they reject what is right and good; the fear divine mind; their sins they bury, lead a of God is not before their eyes. penitent, pious, virtuous life according to If we come to the divines whether preach- \ the word of the Lord. They show the naters, priests or monks, there we find such an ure and power of Christ which dwells in idle, lazy, wanton and carnal life, such a them by word and work; they bring forth corrupted, anti-christian doctrine and un- the fruits of the Spirit, and subdue the derstanding of the Scriptures; such hatred, works of the flesh; they are useful memenvy, defaming, betraying, lying and up- bers of the body of Christ, and labor acroar against all the pious, that I would be cording to the gift received. In short, they ashamed to mention it before the virtuous are fruitful branches of the true vine, and and honest. The common people run, as a their fruits abide to eternal life, John 15. frantic heifer, as the prophet laments, Hos. But since it is manifest in you, that you 4. They lie, cheat, curse and swear by the show the reverse in all your fruits, and we wounds and sacraments of the Lord, by his I do see in your whole lives, that it is but judgment, hand, power, suffering, death and world and flesh with you, therefore, it is blood. I am ashamed that I have to think clear, that your boasting of the new birth, of these scandalous abominations. They spirit, baptism, congregation and church is gamble, drink and quarrel. In short, nei- not the truth; but vanity, lies and falsether their superfluous, wicked lives, nor hood. their great folly can be prevented; yet it The holy Scriptures and our common bemust be said, that the mentioned lords, lief, teach us that the holy, christian church judges, learned and common people, are is an assembly of the righteous, and a conthe truly regenerated church and baptized gregation of saints; and he that can see but congregation of Christ. May the merciful partially into the Scriptures, must confess Lord graciously preserve all his chosen that your church and assembly are a church children from such a regeneration, baptism and assembly of the unrighteous, lascivious, and church, in all eternity. impenitent, sensual and sodomites; yea, of I testify to you the truth in Christ Jesus, the blood-thirsty wolves, lions, bears, basatake heed, if you will; Jesus Christ did not lisks, serpents, and fiery, flying dragons. endure from the beginning such openly im- Ah, friends, lift your heads, and open penitent, carnal sinners in his holy city, your eyes! O ye bewitched! look over the kingdom and church, and he will never en- whole world, what life they lead who have dure them, this you may believe. received the same baptism with you; Twho 0 Almighty God and Lord, how misera- practice the same sacraments and worship, bly thy holy and paternal will, and thy who indulge in the same boasting of the adorably great name are derided, and how death and blood of the Lord, and say that little is thy saving, precious word esteemed; they are the church and people of Christ. yea, what an abominable, idolatrous, car- For it is clearer than mid-day, that many nal, revengeful and blood-thirsty devil is of you are so insane, so inilucince& by the made of thy beloved Son; for they cover all spirit of the devil, that you hlate, envy, bjite their abominations, sins and disgraces with and devour one another; so that you w iollyy his blessed, holy name, word, death and destroy principalities, cities, castles and citblood. I adels with your accursed fightings and up THE NEW BIRTH. 175 roar; human blood you shed like water; de- trust to long standing usages, nor upon paprive the poor citizen and peasant (those of pistic decretals, nor imperial mandates, nor your own faith) of body and possessions upon the wisdom and glossaries of the by burning, robbing, plundering, catching, learned, nor upon the good opinion of any imposition, torturing, nay even those who man, council, institution or wisdom. God have never harmed you, or given you a rash says through the prophet, "My counsel shall word. In truth, I know not, how the infer- stand, and I will do all my pleasure." The nal Behemoth could be more devilish and word of God is eternal. Neither princes, nor cruel than you or your members, who im- power, nor the commands of men with all agine that they are the church of Christ. their imperial edicts are to constitute faith, God preserve us! You disgrace families, neither can a soul be saved by them. Only you persecute the pious and god-fearing; the heavenly counsel we must hear and folyou encourage open brothels, tippling low, that which Jesus Christ, God's first and houses, boxing schools, gaming boards, only begotten Son himself brought from and the like disgraces, idolatrous houses heaven, and taught from the mouth of his and images, with all false service and the Father, and confirmed by signs and wonlike, without measure and bounds. I will ders, and finally sealed it with his crimson not touch upon your intolerable, blasphe- blood. This counsel stands, and can never mous cursing and swearing, lying, defraud- be changed or prevailed against by the gates ing, drunkenness, whoring, pomp, splendor, of hell. By this counsel we are, in common, &c. What more shall I say, I will forbear; taught that we must hear Christ, believe in for it strikes me that none can be found un- him, follow his footsteps, repent, be born der the broad canopy of heaven, vwho can from above, become as little children, not minutely relate the gross abominations, in understanding, but in malice, be of the wicked acts, abuses and scandals of your same mind with Christ, walk as he did, defellow-believers in infant baptism; a right- ny ourselves, take up his cross and follow eous person must be astounded at those him; and that if we love father, mother, great sins. 0 dear Lord, strengthen us! children or life more than him, we are not Yea, whosoever does not rightly understand worthy of him, nor are we his disciples. that you are not born from above, but are Again, that adulterers, whoremongers, murbaptized contrary to all Scripture, and that derers, drunkards, idolaters and the like all your boasting of the forgiveness of sins, sinners shall not inherit the kingdom of of the mercy, grace, merits, flesh, blood, God. That we love not the world and the cross, death, church, kingdom and eternal things therein, nor conform to the world; promise of God is vain, and without the that we, through faith, are to die unto our Scriptures, and must be, we may say, an ir- evil flesh, and conquer the devil; that we rational man. are to lead an upright, unblamable, pious Ah, readers! How little you think upon life through faith in all things, act accordthe word of the Lord, which is so highly rec- ing to the will of the Lord. Again, that we ommended to you; and how little you re- are to baptize upon faith and not without gard your poor souls, which are bought it, celebrate the Lord's Holy Supper in a with such a precious price, and are eternal- sincerely, penitent communion, I mean so ly to live with God in heaven, or to be dy- far as man can judge. That we practice exing forever with the devil in hell. Think clusion or the ban according to the Scriptyou, my friends, that the Lord is a dreamer, ures. That we are to fear, serve and love or his word a fable? Ah, no! not a letter will the Lord with all the heart, and walk in his fall to the ground of all that he spoke. It is commands, and that we are to assist, cornhigh time that you would reflect that God's fort and serve our neighbor as much as in promise of grace is not given to the unre- us is, and the like doctrine and instruction. generated and impenitent, but to the regen- i Behold, worthy reader, here you have in erated and penitent. Let every one take part the immutable, eternal counsel of God, warning and trust no longer in lies, believ- I which was sealed in the councils of his Majing that he is baptized and regenerated, nor i esty, and besides this, he recognizes no 176 AN EXHORTATION TO THE DISPERSED other. Blessed are they who receive this ly, according to my few talents, in sincere, with a firm faith, and conform thereto ac- faithful love, shown you in this epistle, who, cording to their abilities, in all weakness; according to the unadulterated word, are that is, live according to the Spirit, word, the truly regenerated and baptized chrisordinance, command, prohibition and un- tians that have the promise, or who are not blamable example of Christ. On the con- such; so that all who truly hunger and thirst, trary, cursed are they who despise, reject, and who are zealous for God, may be curse, hate, defame, mock, persecute, de- rightly satisfied with the truth unto eternal stroy, and cast it from them, and comfort salvation; and no longer follow deceit to themselves with human power, institutions their eternal condemnation. Yea, that all and fables. For they deny the Lord who who stand before the eyes of the Lord, with bought them, and reject the gospel of peace; their poor, miserable souls, may be benefitbelieve not that Jesus Christ is their Mes- ed, become whole and be saved. The Lord sial, Savior, High Priest and Prophet. All strengtthen you, believe God's infallible how well for them if they had never been Word, refor-m your sinful lives, pray with born. May the Lord mercifully grant them confidence and be obedient to the gospel of converted and renewed hearts, that they Christ, that you may receive the eternal may repent and be eternally saved, if it be promise to your eternal joy and salvation possible. with all the saints, vwhicih God the merciful I will now close the matter and direct the Father has promised to all his beloved chilwell-meaning reader to the Scriptures; since dren through Christ Jesus. Grace be with the whole word, with few exceptions, is built all wvho seek (Christ and eternal life with all upon human doctrine, lies, invented fables, perverted glossaries, vain idolatry and false the ea, If ou ill suffer Jesus service, by which the people of the world Christ, with his eternal Spirit and word to comfort themselves and boast of what they be judge, then you will learn that the sure neither have nor are; therefore have I brief- Foundation of truth has been shown. AN EXHORJTTION TO Ti-, DISPERSED AND UNKNOWN CHILDREN OF GOD. To all the chosen children of God, dispersed here and there, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, unknown to me in the flesh7, my beloved brethren and fellow belierers in the fait7h, to you be the 7ingldom and portion of the grace and peace of Christ. Sincerely beloved brethren and sisters in that your peace is pleasant, and that the Christ Jesus, I inform you with great joy, church of the Lord is increased and exthat some praiseworthy brethren have w-rit- tended daily in great power and glory, ten and informed me that the merciful, faith- through the grace of God. For which I ful Father has endued you with the heavenly thank his paternal kindness with joyful gift of his divine knowledge, and enlighten- i heart, and I pray his grace inasmuch as he ed you with his Holy Spirit, that your faith has called you to the fellowship of his beworks by love, your hope is lively, and your loved Son, and to the imperishable, eternal union among each other, is christian-like, i kingdom of his glory through his holy gos AND UNKNOWN CHILDREN OF GOD. 177 pel that he may now and henceforth pre- i praises of him who hath called you out of serve you with the great power of his divine darkness into his marvelous light," 1 Peter arm, in your faith, love, doctrine, truth and 1: 16; 2: 9. You are guests called to the life, without any offence till the end. Faith- table of the Lord, and have come to the ful is he who has called you, and he will 1 marriage of the Lamb; ye are his chosen undoubtedly do it, if you only continue to friends and bride, therefore, hear his voicc be ardent in prayer, and unwavering in willingly, and whatever is pleasing to him, your uLndertaking, never become sleepy nor docheerfully.Adornyourselveswiththeshinslothful, nor at last return again, as did re- ing garment of white linen; be faithful unto fractory, disobedient Israel to the flesh pots death, and beware of all strange gods; dedof Eg-lypt. 1May the Lord eternally and gra- icate yourselves wholly unto the Lord, that (iousiy preserve us. Since, then you are he may be your Lord and bridegroom, and called to such a high and glorious grace, as teach, reprove, govern and lead you with related, and we undoubtedly know our his Holy Spirit and word, and have his perweak, vile flesh, and the sinful nature which feet work in you; for you are in his grace, we possess from Adam which makes our and through his grace you are accepted of whole heart and life unclean, and besides I him; espoused unto him, bought with his we learn from the Scriptures, that our op- precious blood, reconciled to the Father, ponent, the devil, goes about like a roaring sanctified as priests and kings, and made lion, having rest neither day nor night, but heirs of his eternal kingdom. Therefore it always seeking that he might devour us; is proper and right that we should be gratetlherefore I exhort you as my fellow-combat- ful to such a kind Lord, for such gifts; hear tats, against the evil flesh, and the tents of him, lay his word to heart and do what is death, that you may strictly watch inward- well pleasing to him. 1y and outwardly over yourselves, that you Beloved children; fear not, but be com — circumcise, teach, purify and sanctify your forted in the Lord; for he is such a faithful, hearts with the Spirit of God; exhort and pious King, to whom you have sworn and reprove one another; curb your thoughts; bowed your knees, that not the least of his subdue and extinguish your impure evil promises shall fail you; he will be our lnsts in the -fear of the Lord; for blessed shield and great reward, therefore, doubt tlr the pure in heart; walk worthy of the nor stagger not; for it is but a small thing Lord and his gospel to which you have that we endure the heat of the sun, tribulacome. Whtatever God has commanded, do tion, fear, sorrow, temptation, robbing, perit without murmuring; act so that none may secution, prison and death for a short time. truthfully complain of you; be sincere chil- The messenger is now at the door, who shall dren of God, unblamable in this crooked say to us, "Come ye blessed of my Father, and perverse generation, and shine as beau- inherit the kingdom prepared for you;' tiful, clear, torch-lights in the midst of a thus will our mourning and teporary pain dark night in this evil world. be changed into ceaseless joy; these tyrants, Take the Lord Jesus Christ as an exam- with their bloody mandates, will come to an ple, and follow his footsteps; walk as he end, and all our persecutors, avengers, exewalked, for therefore did Moses and all the cutioners and torturers will cease; we will prophets preach; to that end did the Son of follow the Lamb, adorned in white garGod come down from heaven; he sent out the ments, with palms in our hands and crowns holy apostles, and instituted baptism and upon our heads; neither torment nor pain, the Lord's Supper as the mouth of the Lord nor pangs of death will harm us; but we commanded, that we may thereby be ad- will forever exalt, praise and thank, in inmonished to awaken, to repent and lead an expressible joy and glory, the Lamb who unblamable, pious life in all righteousness. sits upon the throne. "Be ye holy; for I am holy," says the Lord; Behold, my children, all the truly believPeter says, "But ye are a chosen generation, ing,, pious hearts comfort themselves with a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a pecul- this approaching change, whereby they posiar people; that ye should show forth the sess their souls with patience; well know23 178 AN EXHORTATION TO THE DISPERSED, &c. ing that great is their reward in heaven, and nature, and does right before God and man, that on the other hand, all the ungodly 1 is long-suffering, compassionate, peaceable, shall have their portion in the eternal, un- and gives offence to none. In short, it is quenchable fire, under the intolerable, dread- unblamable and brings forth christian fruit; ful sentence of God, in the abyss of hell, if it is the spiritual girdle of Aaron and his they do not be converted and repent with sons; the girdle of perfection and the fair all their hearts. Woe! woe! to these wretch- bond of peace. O how completely happy ed people, for it was an evil day in which is he, who is girded with this bond, for he they were born! — My children be cheerful is born of God, he is in God and God is in in Christ, and despair not, for so long as him; yea, where this love is, there we find we desire God sincerely, seek, fear, love, the true, sincere and pious christian. Therehonor and serve him, and with an upright, fore, take care of this bond, for if you lose pure zeal walk in the truth, neither world, it, you will lose Christ Jesus and eternal flesh, tyranny, devil, sin, hell, nor death life. shall hinder us; but the victory, which is Beware of false doctrine, of all discord, gained by a firm faith in the blood of Christ, strife and dissention, and without wavering, will, through the grace of God, be on our adhere to the Spirit, word and example of side, and this through the Spirit of Christ Christ if you would not be deceived; for which abides in us. David says, "By my every spirit which is not satisfied with the God I have leaped over a wall," Ps. 18: 29. Spirit, word and example of Christ, and will Paul says, "I can do all things through not conform thereto, in his weakness, he Christ, which strengtheneth me." Christ is not of God, but is the spirit of antisays, "Be of good cheer I have overcome christ, which would rob you again and all the world;" and thus will they overcome, the pious of the precious light of revealed who will abide in Christ, as we may not truth, which graciously appeared to us, poor only see in the prophets and apostles, but children, in these abominable days, and also in many pious hearts at the present would again lead you on the crooked paths day, in great power and clearness. of death, under the semblance of the ScriptI have nothing particular any more to ures. write; therefore, beware that you walk wise- My children in Christ, be you warned. ly and circumspectly; preserve your wed- Out of true brotherly love, I write to you. ding garment; have oil at all times in your The merciful, gracious God grant that you lamps, lest the Lord meet you in an undue may read, hear, and understand it, with time, find you unprepared and in nudity, such hearts, that it may bring much fruit and close the door on you, or cast you into among you, and that your fruits may abide outer darkness. in eternal life. Pray for your poor, unWith unfeigned, true, brotherly love, and known brother, who loves you, in truth. He out of a pure heart, love each other sincere- that continues to be perfect to the end, shall ly, as those who are regenerated not of cor- be saved. The saving power and fruits of rupt but of incorruptible seed, out of the the crimson blood of Christ, be with you, word of the living God, which will abide and with all my chosen brothers and sisters forever; for love is of God and of a divine to eternity, Amen. A Consoling Admonition CONCERNING THE SUFFERINGS, OPPRESSIONS AND Persecutions of the Saints, FOR TIlE WORD OF GOD AND HIS TESTIMONY. BY MENNO SIMON. "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you," Matt. 5: 15. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. A-*-.ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER. 1 871. PREFACE. I MzENNO SIMON, sincerely desire that all tIhe whole city is above measure frightened the true children of God may obtain grace and enraged, because he has heard of the and peace, a perfect understanding of thlle - wise m'en, who are taught of God, that Lord, a firm mind in all temptations, from the King of tle Jews is born. The great C-od our heavenly Father, through his Son, dragon, the old, crooked serpent, who was Jesus Christ our Lord, in the power of his cast from heaven, whose head and power Holy Spirit, to our eidi-icv-i:i on and salvation, has been bruised and broken by the proimAmen. ised seed of the woman, is overcome by the Beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, blood of the Lamb, and, on account of the since the all-merciful God and Father word of his testimony, burns with anger. through his boundless grace and goodness,: He knows well that his time is short, and has again, in these last times of unbelief, therefore he crries on his works and tyrabominations and idolatry, in this terrible, anny, through his children and servants. wanton, ruthless, perverted and blood- the unbelievers, with great wrath and fiercethirsty woxld, revealed before the eyes of Less, against those who have been sprinkled the consciences of some, his blessed, only, Nwith the blood of tlhe Lamb. Annas and and eternal Son, Jesus Christ, who was un- Caiaphas, with all the scribes, counsel to known for so many centuries; since he has slay Christ. Judas and all false apostles again opened the book of the divine decla- I and teachers betray and deliver him up. rations and eternal truth, vwhiclh had been Herod, with all his lords and princes, scorn closed for many centuries; since some of I and mock hinm. The people cry out, crucify those who lay dead, not for four days only, him! crucify him!! Pilate, and all those who as Lazarus did, according to the flesh, but bear the sword, sentence him to stocks, fire,:for twenty or thirty years, yea, who al sword and water. The servants seize, spit their lives slumbered in the spiritual death upon, scourge, crown and crucify him. TIle of sin and all ungodliness, have awakened centurion pierces his side, the others mock, from the foul grave of unbelief and unright- blaspheme and upbraid him. Who is there eousnless, anld hIave been called to a new, ~that does not persec te, crutify and disinlDI smabinb life a-nd since throunl tlie hloor with hert, wo rd or deed, the poor. preaching of Iis word, in the power of his innocent, peacetful, efenceless Lam'b WYea, Holy Spirit, ire c,-ntines to call the poor, in the ungodl y Cain, has the bloody, murimiserabl,. starving shee-p oat of tlhe hands derous tyranny taken its origin, and has of' +a f.ithless shepherds, and out of the fully shown its a'rt'finess, properties, fruit iuntches of tlhe ravening wolves; since he and nature to tie pious, godly Abel. lea ds thenl out of the ldry, unPfruitful past — Inasmuich, then, as tlie Lamb and its -ires of man's doctrine and commands, to c.osen menbers, -from thle beginning, have the green, fat pastures upon the mount of been persecuted and slain by the malice of Israel, and places themn under the po-wer the creatures of the conquered serpent, and:anai. p'oreejeion of tei.eJr ony ana eceralQ i lnasuch (according to Scrinptures) as thiA shneplierd, Jsu-...r Christ;, who, t. rougi his i persecution will not cease so long as there re...-ti';p~, c-rimson b lood ihs puriied an d I are i t,.:eoil an d Inrighhteous peopie on L-_L e.a ffnl>r0' - ee ci t Ile rae sl thiem fo. ais own; therefore,od the earths; and as in our days, especially, thei gates of hell foanm and o.ge. Herod with i cross of Christ., on every ]ancd (as it tas in 182 PREFACE. the days of our ancestors), is laid upon all days; that they may, according to the exGod-fearing children, who are inwardly born ample of our fathers, fearlessly and valiantagain from the powerful seed of the holy ly continue the undertaken contest, in all word; therefore I cannot neglect to admon- constancy, patience, strength, courage and ish my beloved brethren and sisters, fellow- t t t t valor, through the power of their faith in believers and fellow-sufferers with the word the h Christ Jesus; and that they may thus reof the Lord, concerning the suffering, cross and persecution of the saints, which is abun- ceive the promised crown. For this purpose dantly related in the Scriptures, and was may the Father of every good and perfect abundantly visited upon our fathers, both gift, through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, of the Old and New Testaments, and also our Lord, grant us the riches of his grace, upon many pious witnesses of our own in the power of his Holy Spirit, Amen. THE CROSS OF CHRIST. "BLESSED are they (said Christ) which are j been pointed out and testified in great clearpersecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs ness; "Behold,' he says, "I send yon forth is the kingdom of heaven." as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye thereI know well, worthy brethren and sisters fore, wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. in the Lord, that the true laborers and serv- But beware of men; for they will deliver ants of the Lord, have each one planted and you up to the councils, and they will scourge watered according to the gifts which they you in their synagogues, and ye shall be have received; they have caused you to be brought before governors and kings for my born again of the living word of the holy sake, for a testimony against them and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that they have gentiles," Matt. 10: 16-18. lbuilt in a godly manner upon Christ, the Again, "The brother shall deliver up the firm and immoveable corner stone; have brother to death, and the father the child; taught you the word, will and ordinances and the children shall rise up against their of God according to his good pleasure; have parents, and shall cause them to be put to united you in love as a willing, obedient, death, and ye shall be hated of all men for pure bride to your bridegroom, Christ Jesus. my name's sake," Matt. 10: 21, 22. That they have in full earnestness, shown Again, "The disciple is not above his you the narrow, scornful way; have preach- master, nor the servant above his lord. It ed the cross, and have pointed out and ad- is enough for the disciple that he be as his monished you in regard to the pains and master and the servant as his lord. If they costs of this godly building, for it can never have called the master of the house, Beelzebe otherwise, as you well know, than that bub, how much more shall they call then all who would hear, follow and enter through of his household," Matt. 10: 24, 25. the right door, Christ Jesus, and would walk Again, "He that loveth father or mother upon the highway to eternal life in the light more than me, is not worthy of me, and he of Christ, must first deny themselves, and that loveth son or daughter more than me, all they are, with the whole heart. They is not worthy of me. And he that taketh must, in all misery, ignominy and trouble, not his cross and followeth after me, is not take upon themselves the pressing cross, worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall and must follow the rejected, outcast, bleed- lose it, and he that loseth his life for my ing and crucified Christ, as he himself said, sake shall find it," Matt. 10: 37-39. "If any man will come after me, let him Again, "Then shall they deliver you up deny himself, and take up his cross and to be afflicted, and shall kill you; and ye follow me." Yes all who do not stand pre- shall be hated of all nations for my namle's pared to take up this grievous life of the sake," Matt. 24: 9. cross and trouble, and hate not father and Again, "They shall put you out of the mother, son, daughter, husband and wife, I synagogues; yea, the time cometh that whohouses, land, money, goods and life, cannot soever killeth you, will think that he doeth be Christ's disciples. God service," John 16: 2. My faithful brethren this is a true and Again, "WVe must through much tribulasure word; for the eternal truth, Cnhrist Je- tion enter into the kingdom of God." "All sus, has in many places of the Scriptures, that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall 184 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. suffer persecution." "If we be dead with seek for encouragement in their crosses Iand him, we shall also live with him; if we suf- sufferings, which they endure for the sakL e fer, we shall also reign with himh, Acts 1-4: of the testimony of Gocd and th, Lei- (o'022; 2 Tim. 3: 12; 2: 11, 12. sciences, to consider ca.refully ai-ld earn:-estYea, the whole Scriptures abound witlh l y, who and whatl they are t.hatf so; nma. dyiexhortations, examples and histories of the persecute, oppress and aflilct tlhem-; ofL what troubles sorrows, miseries, proscriptions, disposition a.nd nature they are; upon wha)rt upbraidings, reproachings, deceivings, im-; way they walk, and of what fathlr1, a,co:' - prisonmlents,plunderingsignominios death ing to the Spirit, they are born. A^1i;i:( and crosses of the saints. carefully observe theml, and try tlei by the Since then, from the beginning of the Scriptures, will fiLd, according to my, opir-t world, true righteousness, devotion and pi- ion, that they are not Christians,,ut are a-) ety, are thus miserably hated, persecuted, unbelieving, fleshly, earthly, wanton, blind. and ca( t o(ut, La it iats bieTn tabutlatI' hardened,-'' -in'.'lrou, perverted, -' - shown in the case of the pious fathers ad icios, i s re(ve1ng eful, unllerc]iful andli murde'as may l)e seen and found in these last ous people. A pepoplei, who by their actions; times, as we have said, I deem it necessary and fruits, show th.at they lneither kjlnon to show from the word of the Lord, to our Christ nor is F ather, although they- so youthful, weak, and untried brethren and highly praise his hioly name with -he mouth, sisters, who such persons are, that perse- and extol it with their lips; w1ho tread in cute us, and inflict upon us this trouble and slippery, crooked and perverted paths; w-ho sorrow; lwherefore they do so, wherewith display not Christian love:and peace; w:li.o they- maintain their tyranny and bloody bathe their lenarts and hands in blood; their deeds for right; wrhat profit we receive from disposition is to seize and kill. They are the cross, and what is promised to those, children and co-partners of him, whio firom) who, through the power of faith, overcome the beg'ning was a -murderer and a liar, all temptations and extremities, and main- 0of whlom the whole Scripture5s testify, that t.ain the conflict through Christ Jesus, in or- they shall forever bear, tle intolerable curse der that they, through such counsels, may and malediction of the righteous judagme-nt be ready and prepared for all trials. That of God, and the devouring flames oF ]he'i, they may put on the breast-plate of right- unless thley awake from the deep, deadly eousness, the helmet of salvation, with the sleep of their sins, sincerely repent, believe, shield of faith, and be girded with the sharp, the joyous Gospel of Jesus Christ, and put piercing sword of the Spirit in all humility, on Christ, and thus sihow by their wh-ole meekness and patience, with ardent prayers'lives and actions, that ihey seek their G-od and sighs to the Lord, in order that when with all their might, fear and love himn, be any swift, unseen uproar, shall arise against they emperors, kings, doctors, licentizates, us, it shall not fall upon us unawares, that citizens, peasants, nan or woman, For with an unexpected storm shall not cast down God, says Paul, there is no respect of;.erour house, the heat of the sun shall not sons, but whosoever commlitteth sin, ihea sal I scorch the growing plant, the heati and pow- bear it. er of the fire shall not consume the erected W orthy and faithful brethren in the Lord, works, and that we be not drawn off and observe what a blind, naked, poor, misera,frightened to a deadly apostasy by their ble and unwise people, in divine things they threats, uproar and tyranny. Therefore, are, who so bitterly persecute and destroy my beloved, read and understand in all you without mercy, on account of youtr faith. love, for the Lord knows that out of pure Therefore, it becomes all the true and cholove, I have written this for the benefit of sen children of God, however severely they my dear brethren, according to my received may be dealt with, and belied by these peogifts, Eph. C; 1 Thess. 5. ple, not to be angry with them, but sincerein the first place, dear brethren, I esteem ly to pity them, and sigh sorely over their it to be very necessary that all the godly, poor souls, with all meekness and ardency, and strivers under the cross of Christ, who after the example of Christ and Stephlen, to THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 186 pray for their raging, cursed folly and blind- preached Gospel, and have ceased from our ness, for they know not what they do. Who blind, ruthless life and deadly works; beknows but God may give them eyes and cause we desire, in our weakness, to follow in hearts, that they may see and know their the fear and love of God, after the righteousblindness and unbelief; see what an impure ness of faith which is required of God, and life they lead, what kind of people they per- in obedience to the holy word; because we secute, and whom they have pierced. acknowledge the ever blessed Jesus alone 0 my beloved brethren! observe and con- for our Redeemer,Mediator,Intercessor, spirsider well upon your own former life; we itual King, Example, Shepherd, infallible have all, in former times, served one Lord, Teacher and Master; because we judge and were attired in the same habit, as has been prove all spirits, doctrines, councils, ordisaid. But what we now are, we are not of nances, statutes and ceremonies as far as ourselves, but of God, by grace through regards spirit and faith, with the Spirit, docChrist Jesus. The mighty God, who lives trine, ordinances, commands and ceremoforever, according to his great mercy, has nies of Christ, and thus esteem the comcalled us out of our accursed darkness into mands and ceremonies of men, which are his marvellous light, his ears are not stop- contrary to the commands and ceremonies ped, nor his hand shortened; he can un- of God, not only as vain and useless, but doubtedly hear and help them as he helped also as accursed and idolatrous, according us. If they never repent, but continue with to the Scriptures; because we regard and impenitent, perverted-hearts, in all ungodli- honor God more than man, we hold in exness, blood, wantonness and tyranny, till altation his high, holy, true and precious they die, we know what the Scriptures tes- word; because we, according to the Scripttify concerning them; that they shall not ures, listen not to the unclean, unsound, inherit the kingdom of heaven; but their idolatrous, deceiving and blood-thirsty part shall be in the fiery lake which burns preachers; because we admonish and set with fire and brimstone, and the fire will be an example in all love, as far as we are everlasting, Rev. 21: 8. able, to the whole world, with the word and Every one, then, who reflects that his per- sacraments of God, and with humble, meek secutors are so wholly blind and destitute lives, though in weakness, according to our of understanding, concerning what the Spirit abilities; and we rebuke and shame (though directs, as above said, and that their lot always for their good), their deceiving docshall be like that of the angels of the bot- trine, idolatrous sacrament and their wantomless pit, the intolerable wrath of God, ton, earthly, fleshly life. In short, because death and hell, which shall last forever, and we, in good faith, point them to the sure the sufferings which we have to endure from and infallible truth of God, to the true light them for the testimony of Jesus, are but and to the high-way of eternal life, and thus temporary and momentary, will through warn and alarm them, as much as we can, grace, by this means, preserve his heart with doctrine and life, against eternal death, pure from all wrath, malice and retaliation in hell and the wrath of God. towards them, and will ardently pray for Behold, my faithful brethren, it is for the them; he will commend his affairs to God reasons here enumerated, that the world lies, in all humility, long-suffering, and peace, Iwites, calls, preaches, and is so malicious will preserve his spirit unbroken, amid pris- towards all the pious; they burn with such ons, fire and water. inhuman rage, as may be seen, that the ravAgain, I deem it a soft and mild salve, I ening, fierce wolves and roaring lions, when and a cooling to our miseries and grief, if compared with them, cease to be wolves and we but reflect upon the reason why our per- lions, but seem to be like tame deer, or innosecutors so malevolently hate us, and so re- cent lambs. They are so moved by the inlentlessly destroy our name, property, rep- l flamed, blood-thirsty spirit of their father, utation, welfare and lives, which is, because that they regard neither the law of God and the grace of God, through Christ, has en- Christ, which is love, nor reason and discrelightened us; because we have believed the } tion, nor the inwardly written law of nature, 24 186 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. bywhich onehonestman shouldcreasonably, and the striving woman, the new Eve and according to the good pleasure of God, meet, her children must endure, to the end, in all bear, admonish and serve another in all love. patience and long-suffering, its daily bites Yea, oft times the natural father delivers and stings in the heel. the son up to death, and the son his father; Since I have here pointed out to you, in a the mother the daughter, and the daughter few words, the spirit and nature of those her mother; and one brother delivers an- who destroy you and seek your property, other on account of his faith, as said. life, and the principal, urging reasons which Behold, thus haughtily and maliciously, impel them to do so; I will now present to they assume, without any awe or fear, the my brethren, some histories and examples umpire of God and the office of the Holy from the holy Scriptures, for the comfort Ghost. They banish Christ Jesus, the head and encouragement of all miserable, afflictof all princes and powers, who has all might ed, and troubled hearts who suffer oppresin heaven and upon earth, from the throne sion, and misery in the flesh for righteousof his divine majesty; and judge also with ness' sake, in which histories and examples their iron sword, after their own, blind opin- these things may be clearly found and ions, and carnal desires, the chosen, god- traced. fearing, pious hearts, enlightened in God, In the first place, Eve, the mother of us through Jesus Christ, over whom no literal all, brought forth her two sons, Cain and sword may ever judge, for they are spirit- Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain ual, and from their inmost soul are zealous was a tiller of the ground. In process of for God and his holy word, even till death. time it came to pass, says Moses, That Cain Behold, so malicious and haughty is hu- brought an offering to the Lord from the man reason, and so revengeful and envious fruits of the field, and Abel brought one is satanic hatred, that they do not fear to from the first of his flock. The Lord regardstrive against the Most High, and pierce ed Abel and his sacrifice but he looked not Christ Jesus with their murderous, deadly upon Cain and his gift, therefore, Cain was sword, and persecute with all their power, very wroth, and his countenance fell throughl the Holy Spirit, gifts, word and truth of great wrath, even as the ungodly always are God, and all that he commands and will envious of the pious, because the Lord rehave us to do. gards the pious and loves their sacrifices. O that God would grant that the blind Cain spoke deceitfully to his pious, hunmble watchmen of this world, I mean the preach- brother Abel, who knew not the malicious, ers and theologians, may sound their horns j bloody heart of his brother, saying, Let us to a right tone and at a proper time, or that go out, and when they were in the field, they would let them hang on the walls, in Cain's hot, envious spirit could no longer order that they Tmay not therewith, tyran- be restrained, and his blood-thirsty, renically call out the deadly, murder cry, nor i vengeful spirit could not be hid. That which longer deceive the carnal, blind world, nor 1 lays concealed in the heart must break out instigate the rulers and magistracy to the in the actions; he arose against his innocent destruction and murdering of the saints, like brother and in his fierce wrath slew him. hounds pursuing the roe; that God would I WThy did he do this? Because Cain was of grant that the poor, common people woul I the evil one and his works were evil, and sicken of their leaven and husks; yea, of his brother's works were righteousn their spiritual stealing and murdering; also It seems to me, dear brethren, that this is that all rulers and magistrates would tear a fair example and a good reference; for the the bridle from their mouths, and cast their righteous always have been offscourings and instigators from their backs, and not suffer a prey to the unrighteous, and so will they themselves to be thus driven like dumb continue to be as the Scriptures sufficiently beasts, and then, according to my opinion, testify, and as daily experience plainly it will be well for their poor souls before i teaches. God. Still, I fear that the lying, murderous Again, God blessed the patriarch Isaac, serpent, will continue its envious bitings;j and gave him two sons. The elder was THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 187 Esau, and the younger, Jacob. Esau was a things, to eternal glory. They are malihusband-man and hunter, and had great ciously hated and persecuted to death by pleasure in the chase. Once as he came their carnal and licentious brethren; must home much fatigued, he sold his birthright flee from one land to another, from one city to Jacob, his brother, for some food, Gen. to another, with great misery, hunger and 25: 33. distress; in prison, in bonds, with hunger, After this it came to pass, that Jacob, stripes, water, fire and sword, all the days through the artifice and craft of his mother, of their lives, as may be seen. obtained the blessing of his father Isaac, by Thus tyrannizes the fleshly Esau over the assuming the name and appearance of Esau. spiritual Jacob, on account of the spiritual This was the intention and will of God, to birthright and blessing, although they are remember the literal synagogue and the both born of the same father, Adam, from church of Christ, according to his word to one mother Eve, and are created after the Rebecca, while she was yet pregnant; name- image of God. ly, "Two nations are in thy womb, and two Thirdly, Saul, the first king of Israel, on manner of people shall be separated from I account of his thoughts and disobedience, thy bowels; and the one people shall be was rejected of the Lord; and David, the stronger than the other people; and the son of Jesse, the Bethlelemite, according to elder shall serve the younger," Gen. 25: 23. the command of God, was taken from the When Esau was now aware of this, he sheep, and anointed by Samuel in his stead, wept bitterly and said, Rightly is he called yet he did not assume the government durJacob, for he has supplanted me twice. Esau ing the life of Saul. The Lord was with sought the blessing, but did not obtain it, David, and strengthened his hands. He did for God willed it otherwise, as said above. great works in the name of the Lord; he reEsau became very angry with his brother leased the stolen sheep out of the mouth of Jacob, on account of the blessing with which the lion and bear; he slew the terrible, great his father had blessed him. His malicious, Goliath; he subdued two hundred of the bitter fierceness broke forth, and he said, uncircumcised Philistines. He acted in "The days of mourning for my father are at all things prudently, right and valiantly; hand; then will I slay my brother." Then for the Lord was with him. When Saul rehad the blessed Jacob to flee from his dear turned from the slaughter of the Philistines, father and mother before his wrathful broth- Ithe women of all the cities of Israel came to er. He fled to a distant country, and be- meet the king, singing and rejoicing with came a servant for twenty years in the all manner of stringed instruments, and house of Laban, who did not deal with him I tambours, speaking joyfully one to another, according to equity and love. He dared not Saul hath slain his thousands, but David again enter the land of his birth, till the his tens of thousands. This enraged Saul Lord said unto him, "Return unto the land sorely, and he said, They have given David of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I ten thousand and me but a thousand! what will be with thee," Gen. 31: 3. else does he want but the kingdom. From iMy dear brethren, observe; as the patri- that day forth David had no favor with arch Jacob, on account of his external birth- Saul, for Saul sought his life secretly and right and blessing, was hated and persecu- |Penly, with great assiduity and craft; alted by his carnal, fierce brother, Esau, thus though Saul well knew the piety of David also it is at the present day, with all those and that the Lord was with him; yet his who, after the Spirit, are called after the heart burned with such ill-will, envy, rename of Jacob, namely, true Christians, venge and blood-thirstiness, thatwhlen David that in the power of the Holy Ghost, through escaped, the good Abimelech and the priests the medium of faith, tre art uponl tie devil, of the Lord were put to death and the whole world, liesh, and blood; they obta.in tie city, N>ob, was laid in ruins for David's birthrights which are written in heaven, and sake, 2 Sam. 22. are blessed through our tre- Isaac, Christ - lie regarded neither the piety, kindness, Jesus, with spiritual blessings in heavenly fidelity nor well-doing of David towards 188 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. him and all Israel, nor the grace, works according to my opinion, will remain so to and will of God, but became unmindful and the end. drunken in his wrath and envy, so that the Still my brethren, fear ye not, for all your enemies and betrayers of David, as Doeg, persecutors and enemies become old like a the Edomite and the Ziphites were highly garment, how mighty, glorious and great regarded and honored by him,but the peace- they may be esteemed. "All flesh is grass, makers, and those who advised for good, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower as his son Jonathan, were hated by him, of the field." But ye shall flourish and inand held in suspicion. In short, David must i crease in God, and your fruit shall never take to flight, and for some years fly from more decay, for the kingdom of Jerusalem one land to another, from one wilderness to is given to you, and the glorious Lord will another, and from one mountain to another, have honor in you, though Saul rages, and till Saul was overcome by the Philistines will give to you the eternal kingdom, which upon Mount Gilboa, when, through vain des- he has prepared and set apart everlastingly pair and impatience he thrust the sword, for you, and all the chosen, Isa. 40: 6. which he had borne against the righteous Fourthly, Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, and innocent, into his heart, and thus took a priest of the priests of Anathoth, was his own life. sanctified from his mother's womb, and was chosen of God to be a prophet and a seer Thus the Almighty Lord and Potentate from his youth. He rebuked Judah and of all things, punishes the haughty, blood- Benjamin on account of their disobedience, thirsty tyrants, each one in his time, who stubbornness transgressions, falseworship, bear the sword of their office against Go idor and bodsed, it te and his chosen, as ay e seen of Sul, of idolatry and bloodshed, with the mouth and and his chosen, as may be seen of Saul, of law of God. He taught repentance and reflaw of God. He taught repentance and refPharaoh, Antiochus, Ahab, Jezebel, Herod ormation, prophesied of the promised Mesand others. On the other hand he can guard o he ed the Branch ad Root siah, whomn he called the Branch and Root his chosen, and help them out of all diffi- of avid. He preached te coming punishculties, howhard soever they maybe pressed. ment and wrath of God, namely, the capThis he has shown in the deliverance of Is- ty and destruction of the kings, the derael when he led them through the Red Sea, stction of the city and temple, and the andin preservingDavid, Helias, Elisha, Dan- captivity of the people for seventy years. iel in the Lion's den, and the three young these his rophecies, faithful warnmen in the fiery furnace, and in many other visions an rekes ro the moth of instances. the Lord, became to him as sharp, piercing Here again we have a clear example in thorns; they cast his word and admonitions the case of Saul and David, how the proud, aside, and would not hear them. The pious reckless, self-willed and carnal princes every prophet and true servant of God must be where, although they wish to be called chris- regarded as their betrayer, a factionist and tian princes, and gracious lords, act and heretic. The word of the Lord was to him behave towards the true David, Christ Jesus, ias a daily mockery.. He was oft-times imand all his saints, whom he has anoint- prisoned and scourged, and thrown into a ed with the oil of the Holy Spirit; who foul pit. They counselled concerning his have power from above, with him, in all death. He was so pressed with the cross, through him to overcome the fearful, infer- that he once resolved in his heart, to preach nal bear, lion and Goliath, hell, sin, death, i no more in the name of the Lord, yea, he devil, malediction and wrath of God. They cursed the day of his birth, and the man can have peace nowhere, with this evil dis- who brought the message to his father, that posed Saul, howsoever innocent, godfearing, a man child was born. Thus the worthy and pious they may be. Neither innocence mNan of God, had[ to bear the heavy cross nor piety, praying nor tears, word nor for many years, for the sake of the word Christ, avail. As in the case of David, every and truth of the Lord, Jer. 20. He had to yield thing must be perverted and construed for his ear to all reproaches, and his back to the worst. This has ever been the case, and I scourging, till the floods of trouble burst THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 189 upon the hardened, rebellious, unbelieving ings will stand, through the grace of God, people, but alas! they saw too late, that and abide unwavering to the end. Jeremiah was a right messenger, and a true Since I have now presented some histoprophet of God. Besides all this he had to ries out of the holy Scriptures, by which it close his life in Egypt, being stoned to death, is plainly seen that true righteousness every as a reward for his ardent love and difficult, where, has suffered, and has been destroyed, bitter work. under the law as before the law; therefore, I My dear brethren in the Lord, here I will will now, through the grace of God, present end the narratives from the Old Testament, some examples out of the New Testament, for time will not suffice to relate all. The by which all may learn, and acknowledge pious Joseph was grievously hated by his with Paul, that, "All that live godly in brethren, and by them was cast into a pit Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," 2 and again drawn out, and sold to the Ish- Tim. 3: 12. maelites, and was complained against as a First, John the Baptist, a man sent of perfidious adulterer, by the unchaste wife God, as the Evangelist testifies; a burning of his lord. Though he was innocent, yet and shining light, as Christ says, and of he must suffer his lord's wrath, impris- whom Isaiah had prophesied a long time onment and bonds. Also the high-re- before, saying, "The voice of one crying in nowned, evangelical prophet, Isaiah, under the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the the bloody and idolatrous tyrant, Manas- Lord, make his paths straight," Matt. 3: 3, seh, was sawn asunder, as the historian men- whom Malachi called the messenger of the tions. The spiritual prophet, Ezekiel, was Lord, whose birth, greatness, holiness, ofstoned by those who remained of Dan and fice, doctrines and works were announced, Gad. Urijah of Kirjath-jearim, was slain by Gabriel, the heavenly messenger, to with the sword by Jehoiakim the king of Zacharias, his father. John was filled with Judah. Zacharias the son of Barachias, the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. was stoned between the temple and the altar. I He preached repentance to all Judea, pointThe great, wonder-doing prophet Elijah, ed out CHRIST, the Savior of the world, and must retreat before the blood-thirsty, idol- said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which atrous Jezebel; the three youths, Shadrach, taketh away the sin of the world! " Of him Meshach and Abed-nego, were cast into thp the Son of God himself gave testimony, that glowing furnace, and Daniel into the lion's he was no wavering reed, that he was not den. The venerable, pious, old Eleazar, clothed in soft raiment, that he was greater and his worthy, pious wife, with their seven than a prophet, that he was the promised sons, were so inhumanly and barbarously Elias, that he came in the way of righteoustreated by the terrible Antiochus, were mur- ness, and among all that were born of womdered, martyred and destroyed. en, there had not arisen a greater than Behold brethren, every christian should he; he was also held by the people as a beware that this is the only reward and prophet, yet did they say, "He hath a crown of this world, with which they reward devil," yea, Herod, the king, cast him forth and honor all true servants of God, who as a profligate vagrant, and after some days, present to them in pure love, the kingdom, this holy man of God was beheaded by the word, and will of God; who call to repent- executioner, as a shameful transgressor, on ance and reformation; who have rendered account of his rebuking Herod's incest, and many kindnesses, services and favors; direct besides, it was given to a vain, haughty, to salvation, righteousness, truth, piety and dancing maid, and an unchaste, adulterous love; who are the golden candlesticks in the woman, to be shown and presented to the tabernacle of the Lord, and flourish and drunken, useless and ungodly guests of blossom as the fruitful olive tree in the Herod, in a charger, as a present and banhouse of God. All who reflect on these and quet dessert. similar histories and narratives of the pious 0 Lord! how lamentably and grievously men of God, will undoubtedly not despond, the righteous are destroyed on account of but in all their miseries, crosses and suffer- their piety, by this abominable, bloody, 190 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. murderous world, and no one takes it to his proffered race. O ye stiff-necked! he heart. Yea, they are so dealt with, that it said, and you uncircumcised in heart and appears before the eyes of the unwise, as if ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; the godly were an offence and an abomina- as your fathers did, so also do ye. Which tion, and were banished and cursed of God, of the prophets have not your fathers perand that they might neither hope for, nor secuted? They have slain them which shewfind, to all eternity, comfort or grace from ed before of the coming of the just One, of God. O no! the Lord be blessed; although whom you have been now the betrayers their lives may appear to the foolish world and murderers; who have received the law to be but idle phrensy, and their end to be through the dispositions of angels, and without honor, yet do we know that they have not kept it; and when they heard are the people and children of the Lord, these reproving and sharp words, they could and the apple of his eye, that their blood no longer endure it, for they were cut to the and death are dear to him; that after a little heart, and gnashed their teeth at him. But suffering and trouble they shall be recom- Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, lookpensed with good; that theirs is the king- ed up steadfastly into heaven and saw the dom of heaven; that they will not be touched glory of God, and Jesus standing on the with the pains of eternal death, Wis. 3, right hand of God, and said, "I see the but their precious souls shall be in eternal heavens opened and the Son of man standrest and peace. Yes, my brethren, every ing on the right hand of God," Acts 7: 51-56. christian may trust and rejoice in the Lord Then they called aloud and stopped their in all his trials and in all his need. ears, and as if they could not longer endure Again, Stephen, the crowned of God, a the blasphemous words with which the wickman full of faith, power and the Holy Ghost, ed heretic (as they considered him), boastwho did great signs and wonders among the ed and with which he gave such honor to people, as Luke writes, was endued of God Christ; they rushed upon him with one acwith such wisdom and spirit, according to cord and with great vehemence and wrath, the promises of Christ, that also his ene- cast him out of the city, and stoned him, mies, namely, the Libertines, Cyrenians, but Saul kept the witnesses' clothing. SteAlexandrians, &c., were silent, and stood phen called out, Lord Jesus receive my spirabashed before him. As they saw this, the it. He kneeled down and cried with a loud spirit of their fathers displayed itself as it voice, after the example of his master on had done from the beginning; consuming the cross, "Lord lay not this sin to their envy must use its artifices; Stephen must charge,for theyknownotwlhattheydo,"Acts lead the way; they have rejected justice and 7. Thus the pious martyr fell asleep in the equity; the men of Belial they employed to Lord, and received the crown of life which belie the pious Stephen, and say, Wee hyave God has promised to all those who fear, heardhim speakblasphenous words against love and seek him from the heart, with all Moses and against God; and that Jesus of sincerity. Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall O! god-fearing reader, observe and learn change the customs which Moses delivered to know by such examples, that all those unto us; thus have the lies of the serpent who believe the word of the Lord with true overcome justice. They counsel to extermi- hearts, who become partakers of the Holy nate the saints. His own enemies saw his Ghost, who are clothed with power from on countenance, as the countenance of an angel high, out of whose mouth flow grace and of God. He spake the word of the Lord wisdom, who shame the world, rebuke sin, without fear, rebuked the false trust in the and with Stephen, must be cast out of the law and the temple, and testified of Jesus city and stoned. Christ in great power, of whom Moses and Dear brethren, pray ardently and prepare all the prophets prophesied. At length he yourselves. Througllhmuchmisery andtroubgrew very warm and ardent in his speech to le you must enter into the kingdom of hearthe multitude, because they had ungrateful- en. Here is the patience and faith of the ly rejected the merciful visitation of God in j saints. O my brethren, watch. THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 191 Again, Paul, a servant of God, and an oneld and scourged in Jerusalem; the church apostle of Jesus Christ, a chosen vessel, a was dispersed and persecuted, and James champion of the holy word, an apostle and was put to death with the sword under Herteacher of the Gentiles, who was not called od. All who desire to become acquainted by men, but of God himself, from heaven i with other narratives besides those here noto the service of the gospel, was powerful ticed, from the Holy Scriptures, can read and zealous in his teaching, and unblam- the church history by Eusebius, there will able in his life. I-e labored more than all they find similar inhuman abominations, the other apostles, cast out devils in the tyranny, unmercifulness and envious falsename of the Lord, awakened the dead Euty- hoods against the innocent. Besides they chus again to life, restored health to the will find such extraordinarily strange insick, shook off the serpent without receiving ventions to torture, martyr, kill, root o.t injury; as a true prophet, lhe foretold many and murder christians, tlhat a naturlal maln, things which were to come to pass in the to say nothing of a spiritual one, must in last times, was taken up into the third.his heart, be awe-stricken and sickened.n: heaven and to the paradise of God, and My most beloved brethren in Christ Jesus, saw such vision, of which no man might be of good cheer and trust ye in the Lord, with propriety speak. He was an infallible you who willingly submit to the cross of leader in all righteousness, holiness, piety Christ. You may see and observe from the and virtue, who sought and loved not him- Scriptures, in the above examples from the self, but God and his neighbor from the Old and New Testaments, how all pious whole heart; lie had nothing by which to men and children of God, the righteous and justify himself; he regarded all gain as loss, prophets, apostles and true witnesses of that he might win Christ alone; yes, lie dare Christ, yea, Christ himself, as we shall yet not speak of any tiling, but what Christ had hear, have gone through this lonesome wilwrought through him. It availed not how derness, through this narrow, ignominious holy, unblamable, zealous, high called, pow- and bloody way of misery, crosses and suferful or how devout he was; yet he must, ferings, to the true, promised land, and to with Simon, the Cyrenian, help to bear the eternal glory. cross of Christ; for as soon as he was called Yea, this is, and remains the only narrow from heaven, taught and baptized by Ana- and straight way, and door through whichl nias, and had left off his tyranny, and 1 we must all enter, neither can we ever desire preached Christ in Damascus, he was let in any other way to enter with the saints down over the wall in a basket to escape d w ove t e wa il n a ask tt e A s a further illustration of this subject the followini the snares of the blood-thirsty. c. u >the snares of *th~e b~lood.-thirstr. Iextracts from Eusebius and others, concerning tie huHe was often imprisoned; thrice scourged mility and meekness of the believing Martyrs of that with rods, stoned once, in Ephesus lie was day (Eus. B. V. C. 3), is given. cast to wild beasts, and at last, after incon- "They followed Christ Jesus in all humility, althouglh ceivable and innumerable pains and jour- ey ere oft made martyrs neys from one land to another, after endur- "However they did not call thelmselves vIRTls n1o^ consented that others should call them such; but when ing much from nakedness, cold, heat, thirst, even one of us called them IMARTYRS they reproved us hunger, labor, watchings, dangers and an- severely, saying, That this name properly belonged to guish, he was seized by the Jews at Jerusa- Christ, who alone was the true and fiithful Martyr and leml, and scourged; they accused him before witness of the truth, the first born of the dead and the the judges, swore to take his life, secured RE R f eternal life Or that this name conld only n appropriately be given to those, who after laviuig off a himt iii Cesarea and after his appeal to I llt1 in1 esaiea, anic aaithcr HIS appeal to testimony had departed this life and gone to God. But Cesar, he arrived with much danger and we (say they), as humble, poor people, wish alone to'adshipwreck at Rome, he was brought before here undeviatingly to the confession, and therefore, they the emperor, alnd at last, under Nero, the entreated the other brethren with: tears, that they would most blood-thirsty of tyrants, was put to RL most blood-thirsty of tyrants, was put to pray to God tlhat they might obtain thle witnesls of t death by the sword. He offred his sol ARTYR (full confeission), and they were so hlullble, death by the sword. HIe offered up his soul I S though in truth they were MARTYRS, still they avoided and surrendered his life. the honor of the name. But among the heathens they In like manner were the apostles impris- acted with all constancy, showed great magnanimity, by 192 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. into eternal life, rest and peace, as Christ time, not only how the servants, of whom himself said, Whosoever will follow after we have spoken, suffered but also how the me must deny himself, take up his cross, Lord and Prince himself had to endure and follow me; therefore, dear brethren, much, to again enter into his glory. you who have sought, feared and loved the The apostles abundantly testify that tile Lord, must suffer and bear much from this Lamb of God, the ever blessed Christ Jesus, wicked and idolatrous race. Fear not those the true Head of all true believers, had not who take your earthly goods from you; for only suffered from the beginning, as above Christ and heaven they cannot take from said, but that he must suffer in the flesh in you, or those who kill the body, for they these last times, although he was the concannot kill your soul, but fear him who has queror of the serpent, was promised to Adam power to cast both soul and body eternally and Eve; a blessing and benediction to all into hell. Yes, my brethren, would you be people, the true Shiloh, Messiah and Emthe people and disciples of the Lord, you manuel, the true plant of David, the Lord must also bear the cross of Christ; this is, who justifies us, the Prince of Peace, and without doubt, the truth. the true Son of the Almighty and living Again, we have set forth to the kind read- God, whom all the righteous and true propher, several excellent histories out of the ets desired. Scriptures, in which are represented the ty- When he had now become man, according rannical mind, the envious heart, the wolfish to the promise of the fathers, he preached rage, the murdering deeds of this miserable, repentance and regeneration in the full powbrutal, murderous and blood-thirsty world, er of the Spirit, in all love, righteousness, against the righteous. We shall now, peace, humility and obedience; the rigid, through the grace of God, notice for a short terrible judgment of God over the impeniscorning the offered insults, and through patience, suffer- blades did wrong, because he would not rightly use the ed. For among the brethren they were meek, among creatures of God, lest he might cause others to take ofpersecutors brave, a terror to the refractory, subject to fence thereat. But when Alcibiades was informed of Christ, opposing the devil; they humble themselves un- the matter, he then enjoyed all things with thanksgivder the mighty hand of God, by which they are now ex- ing, for there was a spirit which taught him and peralted; they favored all, they accused none, relieved all, suaded him to obey. bound none; prayed for those who persecuted them, as "Afterwards, Montanus, Alcibiades and Theodotius did Stephen, saying, "Lord, lay not this sin to their were regarded by many in the land of Phrygia as prophcharge." The devil opposed them powerfully, because ets, for in those days many favors were granted to some they, out of great love in Christ Jesns, restored the fal- of the churches through the gift of the Holy Ghost, so len, whom the devil would fain have devoured. They that they believed that the gift of prophecy was impartentreated God to give them grace and constancy, lest ed. And when great contention arose among the breththey might depart from the church and become a prey ren, the churches in France again issued their sentence, to the devil. with all discipline, reverence and the true exposition of "They preferred peace before every thing else, and the faith, and brought forward the epistles of the marcommanded us to maintain peace. They were martyred tyrs, who among them ended their lives, which they without cause and were conscious that they made no dis- wrote in their prisons to the brethren in Asia and cord among the brethren and no grief to the church; Phrygia. but they admonished assiduously, that we should, by all The whole Bible, especially the 11th chapter of the means, maintain and preserve peace, and cherish love, epistle to the Hebrews, speaks of the great crosses, tribwhich is the bond of union. Iulation, the martyrdom and deaths of the believers. "These things we mentioned for the benefit of the i Here we read of inhuman, cruel torturings, such as was reader, because they have been recommended by worthy neither heard before nor since. Boiling water and oil were and beloved men. And on account of those who deal so poured upon their naked bodies; they were placed uphaughtily with the brethren, and when the pious err on red hot gridirons and roasted there; their members through weakness, they have no compassion upon them, Iwere pierced through with slarp pointed instruments, as if Christ should have no mercy on them. We will they were scourged, and red hot irons were applied to further relate what we found in the beforementioned their limbs; sharp thorns were thrust into their postebook. There was one among the number apprehended rior and privates; other indignities were offered not to for Christ's sake, called Alcibiades, who led a strict, zeal- b be mentioned; hot pitch was thrown into their faces, ous life, he would use no sustenance except bread and 1 their eyes were bored out with pointed irons; they water; and as lie was determined to live thus abstemi- j were beaten from head to foot with clubs; they were ous in prison, it was made known to Allalas, that Alci-' dragged through the streets by their feet; they were THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 193 tent; and also the eternal kingdom, grace, Although in the time of his ministry he mercy, the sincere favor and love of his made the blind see, the deaf hear, the dumb heavenly father over the penitent. He was speak, the leprous clean, the palsied and himself that Word, fulfilling all righteous- feeble, sound, cast out devils, restored the ness, blessed of God forever, the infallible dead, twice he fed thousands with a few Example, the eternal Wisdom, Love and loaves and fishes, and showed to them the Truth, the brightness of the divine glory, works and service of pure love, and although the express image of his Father, after whom none could rebuke him in his word or his the first man was created, understand ac- life, yet, their blood-thirsty, envious hearts cording to the inner man, the eternal power were so enraged at him, that they desired of God, the Almighty Word of God, through that the wicked murderer, Barabbas, who whom all things were created, are governed, was sentenced to death by the law, should and in whom all things stand. He knew no live, and that the eternal Life himself, the sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; Creator and Upholder of all creatures, should he is the true light of eternal life, and by die. His pure, heavenly body, the seat of the darkness, which is in the world, he is all virtue, is scourged and abused, the glohated, blasphemed, rejected, despised, and rious countenance and head of all honor is trampled upon as the most degraded of disfigured with blood, spit and thorns. They men. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, also mocked him with a ludicrous garment, became poorer than the foxes or the birds; so that even the heathen judge, Pilate, pityfor he had not where to rest his blessed ing, said, "Behold the man!" Yea, worthy head. On the day of his birth, there was brethren, it avails nothing, no "pain, torture, no room in the inn; the manger was his nor misery was enough; they would not be couch. Even shortly after his birth, his satisfied, till he was taken away and conparents had to fly with him to the land of demned to the most shameful death, extendEgypt. ed upon the cross, his han(s and feet nailed suspended and their flesh torn from them with pincers, They were smeared over with honey and lard, and susthat their bodies were all raw; then vinegar, salt and pended in baskets in the air for the flies, wasps and lime were mixed and poured upon them; they were then bees to eat; women and virgins were stripped stark rolled about upon thorns, potsherds, broken glass and naked, and while thus exposed, suspended by one leg, other sharp instruments, then the tortured body was forcing the head down and leaving them in this posiplaced upon a gridiron, and roasted lingeringly to tion for one day; they cut off their breasts, horrible! protract the pain, rolling the mangled body backward horrible to relate!! melted lead they poured into their and forward upon the gridiron till the ghost was secrets; forced red hot spears in! applied red hot iron; given up. sturdy trees they bent down and tied each leg fast to a "They were cast before beasts of prey, such as lions, tree, and then let them spring up again, and thus tore l)ears, and leopards; and before infuriated bulls; and the women; took sharp splinters of pine wood, forced after repeated torments, were again cast into prison, them under the nails of their hands, and then set them and after a short time tortured anew, which was re- on fire; melted lead they poured down their backs. peated often, as we read of Maturo, Sanato, Allalo and Twenty sharp pointed pieces were forced under the others; and above all the amiable Blandina, whom they nails of one Benjamin, of Persia; this was not enough; tortured six different ways; she may properly be called they forced a sharp rugged tube into his urethra-and the pattern of martyrs. Others died in prison on ac- this was repeatedly done; after this a rod full of thorns count of their excruciating pains; some were starved to was taken and forced into his posterior, till the valiant death; some women they hung up by the feet and suf- man gave up the ghost. It is impossible, nay, incredible, focated with offensive smoke; flayed them, led them with a few words to describe the unheard of cruelties about on camels, and tore them to pieces with tongs; and tortures which were practiced; besides these, other cast them into privies; their bones were broken, and modes of torturing were invented, and he that succeeded they were cast into clefts of rocks; their heads were in inventing the most cruel mode was highly honored. bruised so much till the brain ran down upon the earth; The number that were slain like beasts, was so great cut off their sinews and veins, then thrust them down that even the executioners became fatigued and their precipices; they were first severely tortured, butchered swords became dull. like swine and then cast into the sea; their abdomen "One king in Persia, as history relates, had sixteen cut open and barley strewn in, and in this condition left thousand slain. But the more the christians were opto be devoured by hogs; yea, some of the tyrants, for fierce posed the more their numbers increased, so powerfully anger ate pieces of their livers; they watched day and did Christ reign in them, that the heathen themselves night, lest their remains would be taken and buried! said, The christian blood is a true seed,,c." 25 194 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. tothewood, andhis sidepiercedwith a spear. and murdered them; and, according to my He was crucified as a prince and leader of understanding of the word of the Lord, this the vicious, and reckoned among murderers. tyranny shall not cease till the rejected, Thus they requited him for his incompre- murdered and crucified Christ Jesus, and all hensibly great love and beneficence, and in his saints shall appear in the clouds as an his great, bitter thirst, in the last hour of his almighty Potentate, Conqueror and glorious sufferings, he could not obtain a drop of King, before all the tribes and people, at water, but they gave him vinegar and gall. the last judgment. In short, they treated him so that he cried, Inasmuch as the fearful tyranny of this while extended upon the cross, with a loud blind world, always has been and is yet voice to his Father, "My God, my God, practiced upon the children of God, and as why hast thou forsaken me?" He also la- said, will probably always be practiced; ments through the prophet, "I a a worm and since, no other way leads, nor can lead and no man, a reproach of men and des- through the narrow door to life, than this pised of the people." He might well sigh only, stony and thorny way of the cross (I and lament with Jeremiah or Jerusalem, mean according to the flesh; for according and say, "All ye who pass, behold and see to the spirit it is broad and easy), as the if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow." Scriptures testify; therefore, have your feet Thus he, who was eternally rich, for our shod with the gospel of peace, with the presakes became poor; the eternal Glory was cious promises of God, witth e pure knowldishonored, eternal Righteousness, persecu- edge of Christ, with the denial of yourselves, ted, eternal Truth, blasphemed, eternal Hap- with the patience and faith of the saints piness, rejected, eternal Blessing, cursed, and with the sure hope of the kingdom of and the eternal Life was made to suffer a God; that the hard stones and the sharp, shameful death. stinging thorns of persecution, through Most beloved brethren in the Lord, ob- which all the pious are tempted, do not terserve well, if the laborers have not spared rify you and lod you upon the broad, easy their Lord's Son, but have cast him out of way of the flesh. Lay aside all obstacles the vineyard and have slain him, how much and besetting sins, the cursed works of more shall they destroy the servants. "If darkness, avarice, unnecessary cares, love of they have called the Master of the house home, goods, gold, silver, pomp and splenBeelzebub, how much more shall they call dor; all things which are perishable, drunkthem of his household?' Miatt. 10: 25. Christ enness, superfluity, idolatry, vanity, carnal said, "If they have persecuted me, they will and improper words, and all manner of also persecute you." And further, "If the wickedness, that you may not be overcome world hate you, ye know that it hated me and thus led off the only, narrow high-way, before it hated you," for the disciple is not upon crooked and dark by-ways. As, alas, greater than his master, nor the servant may be frequently seen in our days. than his lord; but it is enough for the dis- Therefore, my dear brethren and sisters ciple to be like his master, and the servant in the Lord, take the crucified Jesus as your to be like his lord; and other like passages example, and also all the righteous apostles may be found in Scripture. and prophets of God, and learn through I hope, worthy brethren, that from these them, how they all entered at this strait examples, the pious may have learned and gate and forsook their all. They prepared fully understood, what kind of a people it their hearts and were endued and drawn always has been, from what father they are of God, that they knew, sought, loved and born, and by what spirit they are moved, desired nothing else than eternal, heavenly who from the beginning till the present day, blessings, the unchangeable things, God have rejected and persecuted Christ, the love- and eternal life. Thus they were grounded ly, peaceful, innocent and obedient Lamb in ardent love, and became firm and imnmovand his saints; who have plundered, belied, able, so that they could not be affrighted imprisoned, tortured, crucified, stoned, be- from the love of Christ, neither by life nor headed, drowned, roasted, strangled, slain death, angel, prince, potentate, hunger, THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 195 sword, martyrdom, pain nor ease. Their lies, into the face of the pious, and has, thoughts, words, acts, sufferings, life and from the seat of its pestilences, defamed death, were Christ's. They sought not their and depicted them in such horrible colors kingdom and rest upon earth, for they were and shape, through their blind disciples, spiritually, heavenly-minded. All their fruit that they have become the curse and offense was righteousness, light and truth. Their of the whole world; that all the people close whole lives were pure love, chastity, humil- their mouths and noses, and flee from them ity, obedience and peace. The perishable, in horror; yes, every one, who can slander wicked world with all its evil works, was to and defame the poor, god-fearing christians, them an offence and abomination. They is the favorite preacher and esteemed teachloved their God with all their soul, and er of the world. therefore, they rebuked all that was against No lie is so gross and disgraceful, that his holy will, honor and word. They loved they dare not bring it against the godly. their neighbors as themselves, and there- At one time they accuse and upbraid us, as fore, they admonished and rebuked them in though we wished to invade cities and counlove, served them, pointed out and taught tries; they say, That we will injure the them God's pure will, word and truth, and whole world; now we are adulterers, again, sought their salvation with all their power, thieves and murderers; now, we say there with great loss of life, goods and reputa- is no repentance left to the sinner; again, tion, therefore has the foolish, envious, un- we have rejected Christ and the Testament. thankful world, which swims in blood, so In short, whosoever does not defame and grievously hated, persecuted and rewarded upbraid the godly, is not considered by the them with death. world as a christian! O Lord, how pure My dear brethren, it was not only the and free are all the saints in heart and conprophets, apostles and those of former science before God, from all these and such times, to whom those things happened, like lies and slanders. which the Scriptures relate, but we have in I All these unchristian, infernal lies are not these times witnessed the like with our own I enough for the world, but they who know eyes. How many pious children of God Christ, and would gladly live after his word, have we known in the space of a few years, 1 must endure something harder; they must and we yet know some, the Lord be praised, meet with severer persecution, as we may who sought Jesus Christ and the -eternal, witness with our own eyes, for how many unchangeable life, and continue so to seek, pious children of God, have they within a who fear God from their inmost soul, whose few years deprived of their homes and poshearts burn with the word and love of the sessions, for the testimony of God and their Lord, out of their mouths flowed power, I conscience sake; how many have they bespirit and wisdom. Their whole life was trayed, driven out of city and country, and repentance and piety, they hated, shunned put them to the stocks and torture; the poor and rebuked all ungodliness. None could orphans and children are left naked in the reprove their conduct with the word of God; streets; some they have hanged, some they they were opposed to the idle, fleshly, un- punished with inhuman tyranny, afterwards godly life of this world, as they yet are, and choked them with cords on stocks and pilby the grace of God will continue to be. lars; some they roasted and burned alive; They listen not to the deceiving prophets, some with their own reeking bowels in their confide not their precious souls to the care hands, powerfully confessed the word of ofthespiritualthievesandmurderers, neither God; some they slew with the sword and serve nor honor wooden, stone and silver gave them as food to the fowls of the air; gods, and do not use the unscriptural, earth- some they cast to the wild beasts, some have ly sacraments, &c. In short, because they their houses torn down, some have been cast heard, believed, feared, served and loved into the muddy bogs, some have had their the true and living God, therefore, did the feet cut off, one of whom I have seen and lying serpent open its mouth and spew out conversed with; others wander about here so many false, slanderous, yea, inhuman A and there, in hunger, affliction, mountains, 196 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. deserts, holes and caves of the earth, as community and holy church); and never Paul says. They must fly with their wives take notice of their ungodly, impure and and little children, from one country to an- impenitent lives, that they are altogether other, from one city to another. They are earthly, carnal, and contrary to the word of hated, abused, slandered and belied by all God. There are some, whose hands are men, and spoken against in the pulpit and stained and reeking with the blood of christhe councils; they have deprived them of tians, and all their doings are diametrically food, driven them forth in the cold winter, opposed to the Spirit, word, and example and point at them with the finger of scorn, of Christ. 0! that these poor, blind, hardyea, whoever can wrong a poor, oppressed ened ones would lay this well to heart, and christian, supposes he has done God some examine well the nature and spirit of true service, as Christ says in John 16: 2. christianity. They would be ashamed beObserve, dear brethren, how far the whole fore God, and sincerely lament that they so world is from God and his word, how swift miserably abuse his glorious name, blessed their feet are to shed blood, how maliciously word, divine grace, and his crimson, prethey hate the light, and how bitterly they cious blood, of which they vainly boast, persecute, defame and destroy the eternal, and thus make the name of Christ as a covsaving truth, the immaculate gospel of Jesus er to all their wickedness and disgrace. Christ, the pious, godly life of the saints. For a truly believing christian is one that This is not only done by the papists and is born of God according to the Spirit, has Turks, but also by those who boast of the become a new creature in Christ, crucified holy word; who at first preached much con- his flesh with its lusts, and hates all ungodcerning faith, that it was the gift of God, liness and sin. All his fruits are righteousand that it must not be forced with the iron ness, patience, truth, obedience, humility, sword, but with the word, into the hearts of chastity, love, and peace; he is influenced men, for it is a willing assent of the heart. by the Spirit of the Lord, and his delight is But the learned, within the last few years, in his law; he meditates thereon by day have suppressed this doctrine, and as it ap- and by night, all his words are seasoned by pears to me, have effaced it from their grace, he sincerely strives for the life which looks, for lately they draw unto their car- is from God, and fears him with all his soul. nal doctrine, lords, princes, cities and coun- In short, according to the grace received, he tries; they preach the contrary from that is of one mind with Christ. which they did formerly, as is evident from Could these miserable people only see their writings. By their seditious writings that a Christian is thus minded, as related, and preachings they deliver into the hands that he is such an amiable and peaceable of executioners, many pious hearts, who creature and child of God; and if they had gainsay, reprove and admonish them, by the grace, they also would be thus minded. the clear word of God, and point out to them If they were christians as they boast, they the true ground of the gospel, which is would then hate none, but would be hated, powerful, active faith, which works by love, would belie none, but would be belied, a penitent, new life, obedience to God and would prejudge none, but be prejudged, Christ, and the true, evangelical ordinances would betray none, but be betrayed, would of baptism, Lord's Supper and Separation, rob none, but be robbed, would not murder, as Christ himself instituted and command- but be murdered, would not devour the ed, and his holy apostles practiced and lamb, but be torn of wolves, not ensnare the taught. dove, but be taken by the falconer and deYea, all who do this out of pure love, voured. must be accursed as anabaptists, factionists, If our persecutors are christians, as they deceivers and heretics, all the pious may imagine, Why are they then not of God expect this, nevertheless all of them, lords, and born of his word? Why are they yet princes, preachers, scribes and common the old, accursed creature, and live accordpeople, be they Papists, Lutherans, or Zu- ing to the lusts of the flesh? Why are they inglians, wish to be called the christian | influenced by the spirit of the devil? Why THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 197 have they fixed their thoughts and affections all sinners seek some excuse, and no matter upon perishable and temporal things, and how disgracefully soever any one conducts are concerned therewith day and night? himself, he wishes not to be considered as Why are they guilty of talking of all man- wicked, but as a righteous, pious and true ner of unchastity, vanity, lying, cursing christian! and swearing? Why do they not fear God In the first place, our persecutors accuse and his word? Why are they like the old, us as seditious, even as those of Munster deceitful serpent, and obedient to him? are, and that we are not obedient to the Why are they still like terrible, ravenous magistracy. beasts and birds of prey, instead of inno- To which we reply, in the first place: That cent lambs and doves, as the Scriptures the Munsterites were seditious, and in many teach? things acted contrary to the word of God. Ah! dear brethren, let them boast as they But we do not agree with them. We are will, Christ Jesus does not know such wick- wholly opposed to these seditious abomied and blood-thirsty christians. He only nations, such as resisting the king, seeking knows those having his Spirit, who sincere- l earthly power, taking up the sword, polygly believe and are obedient to him; are flesh amy, acting the hypocrite with the world of his flesh, and bone of his bone; are meek, and the like guilt and disapprove of them; humble, pious, holy and pure of heart; con- we neither eat, drink, nor have any communfess Christ Jesus in word and deed before ion with those who do such things, accordthis wicked world; deny themselves and ing to the doctrine of Christ and Paul, unless take up the cross and follow him, and say they renounce their errors and become sound with holy Paul, "Who shall separate us in the saving doctrine of Christ. from the love of God?" They glory in noth- As the Papists and Lutherans are not a ing but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, little divided, so we are more divided in our by which they are dead to the world and views, from the Munsterites and other sects the world unto them. All who are thus which sprang from them. That this is the minded, are the anointed of God, saints and truth, we have shown by our writings, life, christians, and not the impenitent, carnal, and oral testimony, before lords, princes blood-thirsty boasters. Every one may be and the whole world; and it has been testimindful that this is true, else the whole fled by the blood of many pious christians, Scriptures are false. which flowed like water, in many countries, It appears to me, dear brethren, that the for many years, to the present time. pious reader may fully understand from IBut we cannot help that the world will what has been said, what kind of people not believe this. Nevertheless, we testify these are, who so shamefully tread you with that our hearts and consciences are pure and their feet; strike, belie, and deprive you of free before God, of all sedition, hatred, venlife and property, and also the reason why geance and thirst for blood; and we strive they do so, namely, on account of your in- earnestly to live as much as possible, in fallible testimony of God and your con- peace with all men, according to the docsciences. Even as all from the beginning, trine of Paul, and if it be not possible for who sought, feared and loved God, walked us to keep peace with them, still we do not according to his divine word and will, re- desire to avenge ourselves, but we will comproved and admonished the confused and mit it to him, who says, "To me belongeth erring world, for their good, and were ever vengeance and recompense," Dent. 32: 35. considered as off-scourings and heretics. And we commit to him alone all our conWe will now proceed in the name of the cerns, as Jeremiah and all the pious did Lord, and show with few words, what a from the beginning. feeble and unbecoming excuse our persecu-! In the second place, we reply: Why do tors advance, which before God is as stub- they so indiscreetly accuse us of such sedible and sulphur before fire, whereby they tion, since we are wholly innocent and clear, think to excuse themselves, that they are and since they pay no attention to their own doing right to slander and molest the pious; bloody, murdering uproar, which they, alas! 198 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. commit without bounds? 0 Lord! how en our "swords into plough shares, and our many principalities, cities and countries, spears into pruning hooks;" and we shall sit have they destroyed, how many houses have under the true Vine, Christ, under the Prince they fired, how many hundred thousand of eternal peace, and will never take part have they murdered, how many poor peas- in bloody wars. ants, who were peaceable, and innocent of In the third place, we reply: That we sedition, have they robbed of their posses- know and use no other sword than that sions and destroyed their goods? How many which Christ himself brought down from women and virgins have they disgraced? heaven, and which the apostles used with What brutal and inhuman tyranny did they power and Spirit; which proceeds from the commit and continue daily to practice? all mouth of the Lord, the sword of the Spirit, this they do not notice, yea, it must be said, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword, all is right and well done. Al! how well does piercing even to the dividing assunder of this accord with the doctrine, nature and soul and spirit, and of the joints and marSpirit of Christ, or with the disposition of row, and is a discerner of the thoughts and innocent children, whom christians must re- intents of the heart." With this sword and semble, in malice, or with defenceless lambs no other, we desire to destroy the kingdom and innocent doves, to which the Scriptures of the devil, reprove all wickedness, preach direct us. If the temporal magistracy have righteousness, raise the father against the not the disposition and Spirit of Christ, son, the son against the father, the mother then all must acknowledge that they are against the daughter, and the daughter not Christians. against the mother, &c. In such a way, I am well aware, that these tyrants, who even as Jesus Christ, the holy apostles and boast themselves christians, justify their the prophets did in this world. I do not abominable warring, uproar and shedding here mean the prophets, Elias and Samuel, of blood, by referring us to Moses, Joshua, understand me rightly, who also used the &c., but do not reflect that Moses and his sword; but I mean the prophets Isaiah, Jersuccessors, with their iron sword, have served emiah, Zecharias, Amos, &c., who only retheir day, and that Christ has now given us proved with doctrine, and not otherwise. a new command and another sword. I do That is the sword we bear; and we will not speak of the sword of the judge, for that lay it down for none, neither for emperor, is quite different; but I speak respecting king, nor other authorities. Peter says, war and sedition. They do not reflect, that "We ought to obey God rather than men." they bear the sword of war, contrary to the We must serve, to his praise, him who comgospel, against their own brethren, namely, mitted us, whether we chance to live or die, their brethren in the faith, who have receiv-! as it may please God. ed the same baptism, and have broken the That the world is now ascribing to us this same bread with them, and are thus mem- uproar as a reward for the pure love which bers of the same body. Again, what a we have manifested toward them, we must strange, bloody uproar the Lutherans have endure, as did our forefathers.'"Art thou made for several years, to introduce their I not he," said Ahab to Elijah, "that troubdoctrine, I will leave to them to reflect upon; leth Israel " The prophet answered, I yet have we, although innocently, to be have not troubled Israel; but thou and thy called the seditious heretics and they, the father's house." Jeremiah, on account of pious, peaceable hristians! Behold, thus his faithful warning and salutary admonilamentably is their understanding of this tion, was regarded by them as a mutineer, world darkened. Well then, let them deal rebel and heretic; Christ Jesus was crucified; with us as they think proper, the merciful, Paul and the apostles were cast into prison gracious Father will preserve us from such as deceivers and rebellious, and finally had abominable disturbances as the Munsterites to suffer martyrdom. If the world could have caused, and which, alas! are yet in pass a true sentence, they would well pervogue among the supposed christians; for ceive, that Christ and his followers were not we have, by the manifest grace of God, beat- tumultuous towards the world, but the world THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 199 towards them; and also, that we do not rise hear and follow the word and commandagainst any one, but that the whole world i ment of Christ Why do they root up the are in uproar, tyranny and raving against tares before the time? Why are they not us, as may be seen. afraid, lest they root up the good wheat, Again, that we are opposed to the magis- and not the tares? Why do they arrogate tracyin the things to which they are ordain- to themselves the duty of the angels, who, ed of God, is not true; understand me, in at the proper time, shall bind the tares in lawful things, such as giving toll, tribute, bundles, and cast them into the furnace of paying taxes, &c. But that they are to rule everlasting fire and lord over our consciences, contrary to Since, by our belief or unbelief, unbelief the Spirit of Christ, as they please, to this it must ever be, if their assertions are true, we do not consent, but we will sacrifice pos- we injure no man upon earth; therefore, jussessions and life, rather than knowingly sin tice demands that they should commit us against Jesus Christ and his holy word, for with our belief or unbelief to the Lord alone, any man's sake, whether he be emperor or and his judgment, who, in the fullness of king. time, will judge all things in righteousness, That we are right in this respect, the and that they should not, like savage paScriptures abundantly testify; and there- gans, pursue us with the sword of destrucfore, with pious Susanna, we wish rather to tion. The true disposition of a pious and obey God than man, and thus fall into the sincere Christian, is to lead poor, wandering hands of men, rather than into the hands of sinners to repentance, and not to destroy God. May the gracious Father, through them, as these men do. In regard to all his blessed Son, Jesus Christ, grant to this those who envince a contrary spirit, it is an deaf, blind world, ears to hear, and eyes to easy matter for any intelligent Christian, to see, that they may be converted and be eter- show from the Scriptures of what father they nally saved. are children. In the second place we are, without cause, Again, we reply: That we are prepared, maliciously accused that we are stubborn, in every way, even unto death, for the reselfish and unconverted persons, who will ception of all sound doctrine, admonition, by no means suffer ourselves to be taught instruction, and chastening, in righteousor instructed. ness; we spare no labor, pains, nor expense, To which we reply, first: If this accusa- if we can only obtain faithful stewards to tion even were true, it is still very unbe- dispense bread to us in proper season; for coming foor our persecutors to exterminate our souls hunger after the living bread, and or harm us, because they would be, or boast our spirits thirst for the living water. All themselves christians, for the punishment of who are rightly qualified to break the forthe wicked will be eternal, as the Scriptures mer, and pour out the latter, we desire to testify. hear with devotedness of heart, and to live All men, says Paul, have not faith, but it in obedience to their doctrine. is a gift of God. Now if it is a gift, it may But we will have nothing to do with the not be enforced by worldly power, nor leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the sword, but it must by means of the pure lies and deceivings of false prophets, the doctrine of the holy word, in conjunction stealing and outrages of thieves and murwith the ardent prayer of humility, be ap- derers, let what may happen by divine perprehended, by the grace of God, through mission. Thank God, we have tasted the the influence of the Holy Ghost. Moreover, heavenly bread, hence, we have become it is not the will of the Householder, that heartily tired of the leaven and husks of the the tares be rooted up, until the time of learned; we have drank the pure water, the harvest; as is clearly evinced in the Script- impure we leave for them; we have received ural parable. the truth and rejected lies; the light hath Now, if our persecutors were Christians, shined upon us, there is no more place for as they suppose, and if they considered the darkness. In short, we have found Christ, the word of the Lord as true, WhVly do they not { true Messiah, his saving word, his pure or 200 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. dinance, and his holy, and unblamable life, make use of, in order to instruct and conaccording to the gift of grace within us, and vert us; for their end is death, according to as a consequence, have turned away from the testimony of the whole Scriptures; the anti-christ, with the confident hope, that we reason is, that their doctrine is false and will never more observe, or make use of his deceptive, their sacraments are idolatrous, ordinance of infant baptism, and idolatrous and contrary to the word of God; their worsupper, nor ever be reconciled to his odious, ship is sheer idolatry, and their whole life carnal, ungodly life. is earthly, carnal, and contrary to the word If in this matter we do wrong, and trans- of God; as may be seen, James 3: 15, yea, gress in the presence of God and his church, they are a people of whom we may justly as they imagine, then the fathers and the testify as they do of us, namely, This is a Scriptures must have miserably betrayed us. stiff-necked, seditious, unconverted people, But no; the word of God is truth, and the whose hearts are harder than diamond, a truth shall abide forever, even though the people who know not their God, as the whole world be offended. prophet speaks of Israel, saying, "The ox And because we dare not again take part knoweth his owner, and the ass his masin their false doctrine, pretended sacraments, ter's crib; but Israel doth not know, my idolatry, false worship, and in their shame- people doth not consider," Isa. 1: 3. ful, wicked, and ungodly life; because by Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with the Spirit of God, the evidence of the Script- iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children that ures, and by the witness of our own con- are corrupters! They have forsaken the sciences we have turned away from such; Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of therefore, must we be called stubborn, self- Israel unto anger, they are gone away backish, obstinate, and, alas! must be to all men ward, "They hold fast deceit, they refuse to heretics, spoils and derision. return. I hearkened and heard, but they I hope, beloved brethren, that such absurd spake not aright; no man repented him of accusations may never dismay the hearts of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? the pious, nor render them faint, inasmuch Every one turned to his course, as the horse as they are entirely destitute of foundation; rusheth into the battle; yea, the stork in the whilst we, on the contrary, have the whole heaven knoweth her appointed times; and Scripture, together with prophets, apostles, the turtle, and the crane, and the swallow, saints, nay, Christ Jesus himself; all of observe the time of their coming; but my whom in truth and righteousness, remained people know not the judgment of the Lord," steadfast and immovable, even unto death, Jer. 8: 5-7. And more passages of a simiin their opposition to all false doctrine, tort- lar nature. ure and tyranny, and did not, in a single Like John the Baptist, one might well repoint, agree with their ungodly deeds or buke them, and sag, Bring forth fruits meet consent to them, neither in heart, speech, for repentance, and say not that you are nor behavior. christians, as the Pharisees said they had Ought we then to reject the heavenly light, Abraham for their father; for such perverse, and embrace the darkness of condemnation? carnal christians, God knoweth not. The Forsake eternal truth, and everlasting life? axe is laid unto the root of the tree, thereFollow after lies, and pursue death, for the fore, every tree that bringeth not forth good sake of a little perishable wealth, and the fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. enjoyment of temporal life for half an hour? Paul says, Neither drunkards, covetous, enIf so, it would be better for us that we had vious, proud, idolaters, adulterers nor fornever been born. From a contingency so nicators shall inherit the kingdom of God; dreadful, it is our firm hope, that God, by hence, in the spirit of commiseration, we his boundless love, will ever preserve and may aptly say to our persecutors, who are protect us. still such, Reform, for alas! lords, princes, In the third place we answer: That we rulers, learned, unlearned, citizens, countrysincerely detest and abhor such teaching men, man and woman, all, on every hand, and conversion, as our persecutors would have become degenerate, walking in the ac THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 201 cursed fruits of profanity and ungodiiness; affliction, distress, anxiety, nakedness, sorthey reject God and his word; they grieve row, buffeting, bonds and imprisonment, the Holy Spirit; they persecute the right- must be their portion and recompense here eous and pious; the fear and love of God upon earth; no man may administer unto, are an abomination to them; yet to such as or befriend them, but at the risk of person walk in the way of truth, die unto flesh and property; the father may not receive and blood, are heavenly and spiritually and assist the son, nor the son the father. minded, with sincerity of heart seek Christ In short, they are looked upon by the world Jesus and the imperishable everlasting life; as unworthy of heaven, or earth; moreover, they say, Reform, be instructed, and use they show all pomp, splendor, gluttony, insimilar expressions, just as if we had the toxication, carnal life, &c., which the world lies, and they the truth; although according delight in, and make use of, as much as to the gift imparted to us, we love and seek their means will allow; besides they teach the Lord sincerely; but what they do, I humility, soberness, and anhumble,despised leave to any intelligent christian to decide. life, in the fear of the Lord, which the world Moreover, even they themselves demon- hates and rejects. It is, therefore, no wonstrate, that the fruits and ardent charity of dcer, in my opinion, that the erring, blind our members far exceed that of theirs, I world who neither have the Holy Spirit nor nevertheless, we have to be looked upon, know it, as Christ says, who seek, underas deceived, selfish, obstinate, and uncon- stand, and judge earthly things alone, verted heretics, while they consider them- should regard, consider, and detest such a selves the real, spiritually anointed chris- life, as the result of imposture and deceptians, the truly legitimate children of God. tion. Now, dear brethren, judge by this how But those, who are taught of God, who puerile and nonsensical is the excuse of the have risen with Christ to newness of life, world, with regard to their tyrannical pro- are made partakers of the Holy Spirit, are ceedings, and how indiscreetly and child- spiritually-minded, look upon, and judge ishly, we are accused by them. 0! it is our all things by the Spirit, they do not consider heart's desire, that all our persecutors may it as imposture and deception, but esteem receive grace unto repentance from the Lord; it above all gold, silver, knowledge, wisdom, for it is high time that they awake, and turn riches, honor, parade, ostentation; nay, unto him. above all that is named under heaven; for Again, bur persecutors bring in an ex- they know from their hearts, that this is the cuse, saying it is right that we should be only doctrine that leadeth to immortality persecuted, for by us many men are deplor- and eternal life; they look not at the things ably misled, and brought to destruction. which are transitory, but at things which To this we reply: That if the case is ex- are imperishable. They provide and preamined, and sentence passed upon it, ac- pare a treasure and inheritance that abideth cording to the flesh, it does appear that in heaven, but earthly treasure they esteem many are miserably deceived by us, for all not; seek the wisdom which is eternal, bethose who follow our doctrine, faith, life, ing therefore regarded by the whole world and confession, in obedience and power, as fools; adorn themselves with the inner must bring into jeopardy all which they garment of righteousness, despising the have received from God; character, reputa- outer moth-eaten garment of pride; strive tion, land, house, gold, silver, father, moth- for that kingdom and crown of glory which er, sister, brother, husband, wife, son, will abide forever, and the earthly kingdom daughter, yea, life itself. The finger of I with its glory, they leave to such as take scorn will generally be pointed at them;; delight in them. they shall be trampled under foot, hated of Hence, dearly beloved, it is absolutely all men, slandered and calumniated, be- necessary to judge all things spiritually; trayed, and delivered up unto death; gal- for the world is come to such a state that lows, racks, offensive pools, stocks and the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ and his swords, as also hunger, thirst, want, toil, I Holy apostles, is esteemed heresy; to preach 26 202 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. Christ Jesus, his Spirit and life, his unadul- I For, says Paul, " What fellowship hath terated word, will and ordinance, and to righteousness with unrighteousness? What turn the people from ungodliness to piety, is communion hath light with darkness? And considered as imposition and deception. what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or Behold, how blind and ignorant, in divine what part hath he that believeth with an things, are our persecutors who so misera- infidel? And what agreement hath the tembly oppress, persecute and destroy us for pie of God with idols? For ye are the ternthe sake of the truth. Yea, my brethren, pie of the living God; as God hath said, I here is the patience, and faith of the saints; will dwell in them, and walk in them; and all, who in their hearts experience this (as I will be their God, and they shall be my here related), will possess their souls in people. Wherefore come out from among patience, let the opposition be ever so great, them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and will pray for their enemies with all the and touch not the unclean thing; and I will ardor of the power that is in them. receive you, and will be a Father unto you, Inthe fourth place, our persecutors accuse and ye shall be my sons and daughters, us with great bitterness, because we sepa- saith the Lord Almighty," 2 Cor. 6: 14-18. rate ourselves from their doctrine, sacra- These words of Paul are plain and intelments, church service, and from a carnal ligible, and it is, therefore, utterly imposlife, and in such things we dare have noth- sible, that those who have, through the ing to do with them; they say that, in this beneficence of God, received from on high, thing, we condemn them, and banish them the true Light, Christ Jesus, unfeigned rightto hell. eousness, pure, effective faith, have become To this we reply, in the first place: The i a fit and worthy temple of the Lord, are unreason why we can never, by word or deed, der the influence of the Holy Spirit, are c:hoconsent to their preachers, sacraments, sen and adopted as the children of God, church service, and impure, carnal life nor that such should again have fellowship with allow them, is that they are openly op- darkness, Belial, unrighteousness, infidels posed to God and his word; the preachers and idolaters; for while you, through the serve when they are not sent; their doctrine grace of God, are convinced that their docis false, deceptive and contrary to the sav- trine, sacraments, church-service and life, ing doctrine of truth; their life is in every are fundamentally false, if you have a true respect, blamable; they preach for filthy zeal for God; count all things but dross, lucre's sake; they act the hypocrite for the that with Paul, you may win Christ, acworld, to flatter the desires thereof; the cording to Scripture; abhor that which is foundation of their faith and religion, is evil, and cleave to that which is good; have emperor, king, prince and potentate; what washed your robes in the blood of the Lamb, they command, they teach; and what they and have conformed in all your thoughts, forbid, that they leave untouched. Their words and actions, to the touchstone of the infant baptism is unfounded in Scripture; holy word, and example of Christ, how their supper is idolatrous and impure, and then can you again have communion with by the impure, administered and received; them, and say amen to their abominations? their church-service is contrary to the doc- We cannot serve two masters at once; we trine of the apostles; and for the most part cannot at the same time hold communion so carnal and ungodly is the ordinary tenor with Christ, and the devil; we cannot be the of their life, that every child of God must be children and servants of God, and also of exceedingly amazed and astonished at it. satan; if we love that which is good, we Seeing then that their doctrine, sacrament, must abhor that which is evil; if we emchurch service and life, are in fact, so pal- brace the truth, we must forsake lies; and pably opposed to the word of God, how such passages and Scriptures there are could we again intermingle and enter into many. familiarity with them in such heinous abom- Now, forasmuch as we thus separate ourinations? That we separate ourselves from selves from them, and testify by word and them, is the express word and will of God. deed, even unto death, that their works are THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 203 evil; therefore they are filled with the most l separation from them is the result of pure inhuman rancor and indignation, and say obstinacy and caprice, yet their declaration from the heart, as all the ungodly have done is false and unjust, in the presence of God from the beginning, "Let us lie in wait for who knoweth the hearts of all men; because the righteous; because he is not for our our separation has no other foundation nor turn, and he is clean contraryto our doings; design than this, that we desired, in our lie upbraideth us with our offending the law, weakness, to observe with all our heart the and objecteth to our infamy, the transgres- word of God, and keep his commandments; sions of our education," &c. He exposeth and that we might, in real charity, and in our secret designs and cunning devices. "He fact, show to the whole world that they lie is grievous unto us even to behold; for his in wickedness, and are strangers to God life is not like other men's, his ways are of and his word, to the end that they may, in another fashion. We are esteemed of him due time, awake and turn from iniquity. as counterfeits; he abstaineth from our For how can they in truth, teach others genways as from filthiness; he pronounceth erosity, chastity, humility, and every virtue, the end of the just to be blessed." "Let us if they themselves are abandoned to avarice, condemn him with a shameful death," Wis. lewdness and pride, and addicted to every 2: 12, 15, 16, 20. vice? It would be the height of folly for a Here, my dearly beloved brethren, the person to point out the right way to others, Holy Spirit has given a faithful delineation warning them of robbers and murderers, of our persecutors; for our actual confes- while he would take a winding, unfrequentsion, that is to say, our separation from ed road and voluntarily offer himself an them is the sole reason why the blind, easy prey to thieves and robbers. My blood-thirsty world, frantic with rage, tyr- j brethren may reflect upon what I mean. annizes over us with so much cruelty; and It is not sufficent for a sincere christian why we must bear and suffer so much; as I merely to speak the truth; but he must also Peter also says. Theythink it more strange demonstrate in power and in deed, that that you run not with them to the same ex- which he speaks, conforming himself therecess of riot, speaking evil of you. Nay, for j unto, or he shall hear, with the Pharisees, this reason, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, You say, and do not; and also as Paul, in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Daniel, writing to the Romans, says of the Jews, Eleazar, the mother with the seven sons, "Thou thatpreachest aman shouldnotsteal, Christ Jesus and all the pious had to die dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man and bear the cross; because they earnestly should not commit adultery, dost thou comreproved the world in its doctrine, ceremo- mit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, nies and conduct, and opposed them unto dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that death. makest thy boast of the law, through breakThis is, even unto this day, the only and ing the law, dishonorest thou God?" Rom. principal reason, and in reality there is no 2: 21-23. other, notwithstanding our persecutors al- In short, a christian teaches and acts; lege many, as we have shown, why we must professes and practices; believes and obeys; be considered by the world as anabaptists, directs and advances; his heart, word and heretics, knaves, deceivers and movers of deed are in unison; if not he is a hypocrite, sedition, and be regarded as fit subjects for and no christian; as, alas! there are nunipersecution. But, thank God, we know the bers in our day, who boast highly of knowlreason of our suffering; we know also that edge and wisdom, though in power they are he who called us to this grace, and in whom vain and unfruitful. wve put our trust, will successfully plead our Again, we reply: That our persecutors do cause, and will faithfully stanid by and de- violently and unjustly accuse us of condemliver his poor, oppressed children, in every ning them to hell. Aih no! far be it from us time of need, to the advancement of his eter- to condemn any man under heaven before nal praise and everlasting glory. his time, let him be ever so wicked. For we Although our persecutors assert that our j are well aware that the Scriptures say, 204 TIE CROSS OF CHRIST. "Condemn not, and ye shall be not con- ny and shedding of blood with a thin figdemned." There is one who, in the fullness Ileaf, and say, We judge you not, but the of time, will judge every man according to emperor's mandate judges you. his works, namely, he to whom the Father To this we reply: If our persecutors are has committed all judgment; whosoever christians, and have the knowledge of Christ, usurps his judgment shall not go unpun- I as they suppose, we earnestly desire in the ished. Moreover, we know not the measure spirit of humanity, for God's sake, that they of grace the sinner may be made partaker would draw a comparison between the emof before death; therefore we are clear and peror and Christ, and observe with atteninnocent before God, of condemning others. t ion, whether the emperor and Christ are of Nevertheless, we are permitted to judge and one spirit; whether he walks as Christ speak by the word of God, as follows: If a taught his disciples; also, that they would miser does not abandon his avaricious prin- compare the mandate of the emperor, with ciples; a whoremonger, his lewdness; a the gospel of Christ. If they discover that drunkard, his intoxication; an idolater, his the emperor does not agree with Christ in worshipping of strange gods, and by a pi- spirit and life; and that his mandate, after ous, penitent life, turn to the true and living which they frame their conduct, is contrary God with sorrow and anguish of heart, in to the gospel, then they must acknowledge the operative faith of Jesus Christ, he is no that the emperor is no christian, and that christian, nor shall he inherit the kingdom his mandate is proscribed and accursed in of God; if sentence is thus passed, it is not the presence of God. we that judge, but the Scriptures; as Christ It is the most lamentable blindness that says, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth they fear and honor the poor, earthly empernot my words, hath one that judgeth him; or more than Christ Jesus, and his bloodthe word that I have spoken, the same shall thirsty, malicious mandate, than the gospel judge him in the last day," John 12: 48. TWe of love. Yet they desire to be considered are well assured that God neither does, nor christians. 0! that the emperor and his can save any man contrary to his word; subjects were christians! This is our most for he is truth, and cannot lie. WVhere there earnest desire. Then would be spared a is no faith, no newness of mind, there is no great deal of innocent blood, which is now repentance, nor sorrow of heart, &c.; upon spilled like water, contrary to all Scripture such, alas! Christ Jesus has already passed and charity. sentence, saying, "If ye believe not that I Say now, all who are guilty of innocent am he, ye shall die in your sins;" "Except blood, and who palliate your conduct with ye repent ye shall all likewise perish," and the mandate of the emperor, Where have more similar expressions. you read a single passage in the whole life Brethren, we therefore judge no man with of Christ, which authorizes men to shed our word before the time, as you well know; blood and punish with the sword for the but we commit that unto Jesus Christ and sake of faith? Where have the apostles once his word, who will judge them in due season; taught or countenanced such a practice we do not condemn them by our separation, Should not the cause of the Spirit (underas they complain; but we teach and ad- stand faith) be reserved unto the judgment monish them by word and work, with all Iof the Spirit? Why do you and the emperor dilligence and fidelity, that they might place yourselves in God's stead, judging cease from evil, follow that which is good, things which you understand not, neither do righteousness, seek and fear God in a are they commanded you? Do you not con(ood conscience, lest they die in sin and sider what befell Pharaoh, Antiochus, Herunbelief, and abide forever the wrath and od, and many others, because they feared judgemnent of God. Nevertheless, the pure not the Most High, and vented their wrath charity and faithful service of the pious are against his people? Consider, 0 you tyrants ascribed to bad motives, and construed to and blood-thirsty! that the emperor is not their disgrace.;the head of Christ, but that Christ is the In the fifth place, many cover their tyran- j head of the emperor; that the emperor shall THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 205 not judge and govern Christ, but Christ, the of Christ, console themselves, in the firm emperor. Dear men, how can you be so ar- hope of a future life, and commit all tyrants rogant and so rebellious against him who with their heathenish mandates unto God created you? Do you consider the Script- and his judgments; they remain firmly atures as mockery and as destitute of truth? tached unto Christ Jesus and his holy word, Or do you hope that your life will remain and conform thereunto, their whole doctrine, forever, and that it will never run out? Stand faith, sacraments and life, never paying rein awe of Him who locks up the heavens spect to any other doctrine or mandate; and the earth in the palm of his hand, who even as the Father commanded from heaven, sends forth the lightning, gives wings to and as Christ Jesus with his holy apostles the tempest, and shakes the foundations of taught in all clearness, leaving it as a legthe mountains, who rules all things with the i acy unto all pious, god-fearing children. power of his word, at whose name every I suppose, beloved brethren, it is suffiknee shall bow, of things in heaven and ciently evident that the apology of [tyrants, things in earth, and things under the earth, in which they aver the justice and right of and to whom every toungue shall confess the outrageous murders, is perfectly futile that he is the Lord. As soon as he calls, and barbarous; and that their accusation you must appear at his tribunal (his sum- against us has no foundation or truth; is mons is peremptory), no matter who you diametrically opposed to Christ and his are, where you be, or what your pretentious; word, nay, contrary to the principles of love there will be no equivocation, no counsel, and equity. May the Father of mercies no excuse; when he calls, you must be there I grant unto all, who suffer for his truth's to give an account; you may be no longer a sake, a sound understanding of his word steward; yet a little while, and the wicked and truth, and a freedom of mind in all shall not be; though his throne is exalted i temptations, Amen. unto heaven, and his dominion extends to We will now, by the grace of God, show, the ends of the earth, yet in a short time, he in a few words, how greatly it serves for our shall be sought, and shall not be found. good, that our flesh is afflicted and tempted Therefore, beloved brethren and children with many crosses and tribulations here in the Lord, be of good cheer, and full of upon earth. consolation in Christ Jesus; for all who Beloved brethren, when we consider the persecute you shall be as grass; and all weakness of our sinful nature, and how their power and glory as the flower of the prone we all are to evil from our youth; field; therefore, be not afraid of perishable, that in our flesh dwelleth no good thing, and mortal man, but fear the Lord who has that we have drank iniquity and ungodlichosen you; for all the children of men shall ness like water, as Eliphas, the Temanite, wither as the grass, vanish as the mist, and said to Job. And have, at all times, alwax old as a garment; but you shall abide though we seek and fear God, an affection forever, as the Scripture testifies, and your for the things of time and sense. The grasouls shall enjoy everlasting life.'cious God and Father, who, through his Yes, beloved brothers, the longed-for day eternal love, is always greatly concerned for of your visitation is at hand, in which you his children, has prepared, and left in his shall stand with great power against those house, an excellent remedy therefor, namewho have afflicted you, and exacted your ly, the oppressive cross of Christ; so that sweat and toil, nay, your blood and life; we, who in unbounded mercy are received, then shall all our persecutors be as ashes through Christ Jesus, to the glory of the under the soles of our feet; and know, but Father, believing in pureness of heart on too late, that emperor, king, duke, prince, Christ Jesus, and love him in our weakness, crown, sceptre, majesty, power, sword and may, through the aforesaid cross, that is, mandate, are but earth, duist, wind and throughmuch affliction, oppression, anxiety, smoke. apprehension, bonds, robbery &c., forsake With this day, all afflicted and oppressed all the transitory delights and enjoyments Christians, who now labor under the cross of earth, die unto the world and the flesl, 206 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. love God alone, set our affection on things not. But if ye be without chastisement, above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand whereof all are partakers, then ye are basof God, as Peter also says, "Forasmuch, tards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have then as Christ hath suffered for us in theflesh, had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, arm yourselveslikewise with the same mind; and we gave them reverence; Shall we not for he that hath suffered in the flesh, hath much rather be in subjection unto the Fathceased from sin; that he no longer should er of spirits, and live? For they verily for live the rest of his time in the flesh, to the a few days chastened us after their own lusts of men, but to the will of God," 1 Pet. pleasure; but he, for our profit, that we 4: 1, 2. might be partakers of his holiness," Heb. It appears to me utterly impossible, be- 12: 7, 10. loved brethren, that they, who voluntarily Behold, brethren, these words of the apossubmit to the word and will of God; who tie are, beyond measure, gracious, and reare willing and prepared to support the plete with consolation unto all those who word in all things, on which account they have to bear the cross of Christ; for as a are constantly persecuted, afflicted, slander- well-disposed and faithful earthly father ed, imprisoned, robbed and put to death, who loves his children, desiring to teach should turn again and set their affection and instruct them that which is best, does upon carnal pleasures, and the vain and sometimes, out of pure paternal love, sharpsinful desires of the world. For, of what ly admonish, chasten and punish them with value are money and possessions to us, if stripes, for the good of his dear children, we but believe, that we have in heaven a not regarding the pain inflicted in the flesh, better treasure; that temporal riches can in order that they may not disregard their neither render us happy, nor afford us re- father's will, command and voice, but that lief, and that we know not how soon they they may gladly obey it and learn and may be taken from us by robbers? Or, why practice modesty, piety and obedience; so should we gratify the lusts of the flesh, when does our heavenly Father ofttimes chasten we look for, and expect nothing else every his elect children with his paternal rod, that instant, than to be apprehended by the offi- they may hear and obey him in his holy cers, and be treated by the executioners aft- word, will and commandment; practice piety er this manner; be racked, tortured, drown- and every moral virtue; fear God with sined, burned and assassinated? Moreover, how cerity of heart; unite not, nor familiarize can the world afford us any enjoyment, themselves with the world; live no longer seeing we are looked upon by the whole unto flesh and blood; and hereby, as obediworld as deceivers, heretics, scorners and ent and chastened children of God, be finalfools? ly made partakers of the promised kingdom Forasmuch as eternal Wisdom recognizes and inheritance. an extreme weakness, and since earthly But if they refuse the rod of chastisement, ease, peace, and prosperity have so great a reject the cross of Christ, and become, in tendency to ruin and undo us before our consequence of their Father's kind chastenGod, and to render us careless, refractory, ing, the longer, the more abandoned and relukewarm and drowsy, he has appointed fractory; despise their Father's will and his cross as an awakening rod for the use of word; deal and act according to their own all his followers, by which, as a faithful inclination, then they must at last be cast Father, he restrains, awakes and excites off and be considered as infamous bastards. the children of his love; as Solomon says, and not as legitimate children. "My son, despise not the chastening of the Therefore, holy brethren, refuse not the Lord; neither be weary of his correction; rod and correction of your kind Father, for for whom the Lord loveth hle correcteth even its tendency is extremely beneficial, naumely, as a father the son in whom he delighteth," that you lay aside every weight and the sins Prov. 3: 11, 12. "If ye endure chastening, which so easily beset you, and in all things, God dealeth with you as with sons; For without exception, fear, love, and obey what son is he whom the father chasteneth your Father. Thus, is this rod of the cross THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 207 of Christ pure love and benevolence, and not I Spirit, that through the salutary influence indignation and wrath; as may be perceiv- of the cross of Christ, you may restore to ed and evinced by the Spirit of God, and health your poor, weak, mortal flesh, which not by the dictates of the flesh. is subject to so many loathsome, infectious For a similar reason did God ofttimes diseases of concupiscence, and wean it enpermit his people, Israel, to be chastised by tirely from the pleasures and enjoyments of the Philistines, Assyrians, Chaldeans, &c., the world; that you may be made partakers when they forgot and rebelled against their of the cross of Christ, and rendered conGod, in order that by such scourges and formable unto his death, and, by this means, punishments, they might again seek their, attain unto the resurrection of the dead; as God, hear his law, cease from evil, and act Paul, in a cetain place instructs, saying, uprightly in all things. Notwithstanding, "We are troubled on every side, yet not the paternal punishment was for the most distressed; we are perplexed, but not iln part lost upon Israel, as the Prophet says. despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast He hath often reproved, but what did it down, but not destroyed; always bearing avail? The rod amendeth not the wicked about in the body the dying of the Lord children, saith the Lord God. Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be "Behold, famine and plague, tribulation made manifest in our body," 2 Cor. 4: 8, 10. and anguish, are sent as scourges for amend- But we who live, surrender ourselves daily ment. But for all these things they shall unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also not turn from their wickedness, nor be al- of Jesus might be made manifest in our ways mindful of thy scourges," 2 Esdras 16: mortal flesh. 19, 20. Behold, for this reason, he teaches, adAgain, "Thou hast stricken them, but monishes, rebukes, threatens and chastises they have not grieved; thou hast consumed that we should deny ungodliness and worldthem, but they have refused to receive cor- ly lusts; die entirely unto the world, flesh rection; they have made their faces harder and the devil; seek our treasure, portion than a rock; they have refused to return," and inheritance in heaven, alone Love and Jer. 5: 3. believe the true, living and eternal God, The above citedwords of theprophet show looking in patience for that blessed hope, plainly why the Israelites were so often pun- and the glorious appearing of our Lord and ished and stricken of the Lord, namely, that Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for they might turn themselves from iniquity. us, that he might redeem us from all iniquiYet all in vain, as the prophets lament and ty, and purify unto himselfoa peculiar peodeclare in the above words. pie, serving him in righteousness and godBeloved brethren, let this serve you as an liness all the days of our life. admonition, that you be not like circum- And for the same reason James says, stanced with disobedient and hard-hearted "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall Israel, but that you willingly submit your- into divers temptations; knowing this, that selvestothe chasteningofyourmercifulFath- the trying of your faith worketh patience. er, reflecting upon that which is written, But let patience have her perfect work, that "When we are judged, we are chastened of ye may be perfect and entire, wanting noththe Lord, that we should not be condemned ing," James 1: 2, 4, for as gold, in passing with the world," 1 Cor. 11: 32. through the fire, is severed from the dross Therefore, dearly beloved brethren and. and becomes more and more refined, so the sisters in the Lord, reject not the chastening susceptible man of God is subdued, purified, and instruction of your affectionate Father, and refined, in the fiery furnace of affliction, but receive, with abundant joy, the exhorta- that he may enhance the everlasting praise tion of his sincere affection, giving thanks, and glory of Christ and the Father, and may that through his paternal favor he has chosen out of a pure heart, without hinderance, fear, you in Christ Jesus, as the children of his love, honor, thank, and serve the same eterlove, taught and called you by the word of nal God. his power, enlightened you with the Holy And this is the word that is written in the 208 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. book of Wisdom, namely, "Having been I accursed and hated of God with a peculiar a little chastised, they shall be greatly re- hatred; for they are like a slender shrub in warded; for God proved them, and found a barren soil; like a poor affrighted owl them worthy for himself. As gold in the that is persecuted by all other birds; like a furnace hath he tried them, and received pelican of the wilderness; and as a sparrow them as burnt offering. And in the time of alone under the housetop, Ps. 102. All who their visitation, they shall shine, and run look upon them, mock them; all who know to and fro like sparks among the stubble. them, despise them. There is no kingdom, They shall judge the nations, and have do- principality, city, nor country, large enough minion over the people, and their Lord shall to endure and tolerate a poor, rejected Chrisreign forever," WVis. 3: 5, 8. tian. All who abuse, slander, and injure Beloved brethren, be you, therefore, full them, think they do God service. of consolation in the Lord, and bear wil- Brethren, were we to speak, or judge after lingly your tribulation as pious soldiers of the manner of men, we would doubtless cornChrist, that you may please him who hath plain with holy Jeremiah, Jer. 12: 1, and called and chosen you as soldiers. Paul say, "Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I says, "If a man also strives for masteries, plead with thee; yet, let me talk with thee yet is he not crowned, except he strive law- of thy judgments. Wherefore doth the way fully." Conduct yourselves, therefore, val- of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all iantly in the strife, and you shall gain favor they happy that deal very treacherously? in the eyes of your King; but if you become Again, " Wherefore lookest thou upon them intimidated, throw down your arms, and that deal treacherously, and boldest thy forsake the combat, you shall receive no tongue when the wicked devoureth the man crown; for Christ says, "He that endureth that is more righteous than he?" Hab.1 113, to the end, shall be saved." and Esdras, Are they of Babylon better I fear that some may be found among our than they of Sion? Asaph's feet were alyoung and inexperienced brethren, who suf- most gone, his steps had well nigh slipped, fer themselves to be perplexed by the fleet- when he saw the prosperity of the wicked, ing thought. Wherefore doth the way of and observed the opposition and tribulation the wicked prosper? And why do the right- of the righteous, Ps. 73. eous suffer much tribulation? Yea, it ap- I counsel and admonish all who have to pears in the eyes of the imprudent as if the contend with such thoughts, that they direct ungodly were born to prosper; for they their hearts and eyes unto the word of the grow and increase like a blossoming branch. Lord, and observe with attention that whichl They marry and are given in marriage; they I is written concerning the end and issue of sow, plant, and gather the grain into barns; both, and first of the ungodly. Job says they hoard money in their chests; their 21: 13, "They spend their days in wealth, dwellings are magnificent and filled with and in a moment go down to the grave." costly things; they deck themselves with Again, "Fret not thyself," says David, Ps. gold and silver, with silk and velvet; they 37: 1, 2, "because of evil doers, neither be nourish their hearts as in a day of slaughter; thou envious against theworkers of iniquity; their fields and meadows flourish luxuriant- for they shall soon be cut cown like the ly; their cattle are healthy and prolific; grass, and wither as the green herb." Again, their children are merry, gay and vigorous "If ye live after the flesh," says Paul, "ye in their sight; they play upon the organ, shall die;" "To be carnally minded is the tambour, thQ viol and the lute; they death," and many similar passages. sing and leap for joy, and say to their souls, But respecting the end of the righteous, it Rejoice, and be gay while life endures. is written, "The souls of the righteous are Their preachers confirm and console them, in the hand of God, and there shall no torand their worship is a pleasure exceeding ment touch them. In the sight of the unwise all pleasures. In short, it would appear as they seemed to die, and their departure is if they were loved and blessed of God with taken for misery, and their going from us a peculiar love, and that the righteous are to be utter destruction; but they are in THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 209 peace," Wis. 3: 1-3. "Many are the afflic- cross is a sting and vexation to our poor, tions of the righteous, but the Lord deliver- weak flesh, as we may also find in the case eth him out of them all," Ps. 34: 19. Again, of Job, Jeremiah, Elijah, and others; yea Je"Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, sus Christ himself, earnestly desired, that if and persecute you, and shall say all man- it were possible, the cup might be removed ner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. from him, nay, in excess of agony he tremRejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is bled, quaked, and sweat as it were great your reward in heaven," Matt. 5: 11, 12. drops of blood, so that an angel appeared Again, " Seeing it is a righteous thing with unto him from heaven strengthening him, God, to recompense tribulation to them that therefore our best counsel is, that in faith trouble you; and to you who are troubled, and humility of heart, we fly for refuge to rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be our God, as all sincere bearers of the cross revealed from heaven with his mighty an- have done from the beginning, and seek, in gels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on full confidence, his grace, aid, assistance them that know not God, and that obey not and consolation; For whom does he forsake, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who that trusts in him? And who hath called shall be punished with everlasting destruc- upon him, that he did not hear? He is our tion from the presence of the Lord, and from God and Father, our Lord and King, our the glory of his power, when he shall come helper and protector, our strength and forto be glorified in his saints, and to be ad- tress, our consolation and refuge in the mired in all them that believe," 2 Thes. 1: time of need; he is the horn of our salva6-10; yea, all who truly read, believe, and tion and our shadow at noonday. By my understand the Scriptures, and have a cor- God, says David, have I leaped over a wall. rect perception of the vast dissimilarity in If God is for us who can be against us? We end and issue of both, will not envy them can do all things through Christ, who their short-lived prosperity,joy, and felicity, strengthens us. To him commit thy cause; but will, by the grace of God, be prepared he worketh in his saints that which is pleasfor, and find consolation in their own cross, ing in his sight. Some he has rescued from tribulation and affliction. the hands of tyrants, some he has preserved Moreover, brethren, we are well aware in the midst of fire; for others he has stopthat the cross appears to the flesh as griev- ped the mouths of fierce and ravening lions; ous, harsh, and severe, and is not, in this he has released some from prison and conlife, looked upon as productive of joy, but finement, others have trampled the fear of much rather of sorrow; yet, since it con- death under their feet, and through the tains within itself, a source of profit and strength of their faith, have triumphantly delight, in that it adds to the piety of the and victoriously conquered hunger, thirst, pious, separates them from the world and shame, derision, nakedness, stripes, impristhe flesh, makes them revere God and his onment, anguish, and, in addition, the galword, as mentioned above; and that it is lows, rack, massacre, torture, water, fire, also the Father's holy will that by it the life, death, &c.; for they were actuated by sincere be approved, and the pretender ex- the constraining, effective influence of divine posed in his hypocrisy; therefore, all the love, which converts the bitter into sweet, true children of God are prepared through and the horrible into that which is greatly love, to do the will of the Father, rejoicing to be desired. "Love," says Solomon, "is in it; as Paul says, Gal. 6: 14, "God forbid strong as death;" many waters cannot that I should glory, save in the cross of our quench love, neither can the floods drown Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is it; all who possess it, ought to say with crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Paul, " Who shall separate us from the love Again, The apostles "departed from the of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or presence of the council, rejoicing that they persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or were counted worthy to suffer shame for his peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy name," Acts 5: 41. sake we are killed all the day long; we are For, inasmuch as we well know that the accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, 27 210 THE CROSS OF CHRIST. in all these things we are more than con- fore us; the pure, unspotted love, humility, querors through him that loved us; for I peace, righteousness, and voluntary offering am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, of Jesus Christ, that according to the prom&c., shall be able to separate us from the ise of God, he was sent from heaven, in love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our everlasting love, by God our heavenly FathLord," Rom. 8: 35-39. er, and descended upon earth as an infalliTherefore, beloved brethren, bearers of ble teacher, and as an eternal example of the cross of the Lord, acknowledge your all good. God; fear, love, believe, confide, and serve My dearly beloved brethren and sisters in him, and that in the fullness of pureness of Christ Jesus, dispersed abroad in every heart, according to the example of all saints, land, for whom, out of pure, christian love and of Christ Jesus, and the Father of mer- and duty, I have composed and written this cies and of truth, in the excellency of his exhortation; I will now draw to a conclulove, will not forsake you, but will care for sion, and I entreat you, in all humility, you as the apple of his eye, will faithfully that you consider well, in the first place, the support you, in every misfortune and ex- nature of the people who so malevolently tremity, will extend his hand, and guard persecute you, spoiling your property, and and preserve you, in life or in death, as is destroying your lives. pleasing in his sight, to the enhancement of Secondly, why they persecute and injure his glory, and to the salvation of your own you. Thirdly, that all saints, as also Christ souls, for he is so kind and faithful, that he Jesus himself, have suffered and all the will not suffer you to be tempted above that pious must suffer persecution; as may be you are able to endure, but will in his seen. Fourthly, how futile all their arguboundless mercy graciously make a way ments are, with which they try to excuse for you to escape, if you only remain stead- themselves of their bloody deeds, accusing fast in the belief of his word, and consider us, as though they did right, and we justly him as your faithful Father. merited every kind of punishment and disDear brethren, if in your trials and temp- grace. tations, you exhibit such evidence as here Fifthly, how profitable and advantageous related; drinking with patience the cup of to us the cross of Christ is, which, for the the Lord; bearing witness of Christ Jesus sake of the word of the Lord, we must take and his holy, inestimable word, in action, up and bear daily; how we should desire and conversation; suffering yourselves, in to hear, believe and obey Christ Jesus. Now, perfect constancy, to be led as meek lambs if you consider with discretion, according to the slaughter, for his testimony's sake; to the Scriptures, and reflect, in purity of then will the name of the Lord be sanctified, heart, upon these five points, I have not the and exalted with praise and abundant least doubt that this exercise will afford you glory; the hope of the righteous shall be invincible strength, and an invulnerable arrevealed; the kingdom of heaven, spread mor and shield against all tribulation, perabroad; the word of God acknowledged; secution and distress. and your poor, weak brethren and compan- Finally, I beseech and exhort you to conions in the Lord, edified and confirmed by sider with earnest diligence that which is this your plain dealing. promised to all the conquering soldiers of Yea, my brethren, in the manner here re- Christ Jesus in the world to come, namely, lated, we are informed and instructed, even the eternal, incorruptible kingdom, the crown unto this day, by the offering and blood of of glory, and the life that will remain forAbel; by the faith and obedience of Abra- ever. Therefore, O thou people of God! ham, Isaac, and Jacob; the chastity of Jo- equip thyself and make ready for battle, seph; the patience of Job and Tobit; the not with external weapons and armor, as excellent and manly confession of Eleazer; the blood-thirsty barbarous world, but with the mother and her seven sons; the candor, the firmness of confidence, the tranquillity of constancy, and piety of all the pious be- patience, and the vehement ardor of prayer. THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 211 There is no alternative, the combat of the for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the cross must be maintained, and the wine- kingdom of heaven." press of afliction must be trodden. O thou Be not grieved that thou art black; thou bride and sister of Christ, prepare thyself; art still comely and pleasing to the King. the thorny crown must pierce thy head; and As a rose, thou must grow among thorns the nails transfix thy hands and feet; thy and be stung with the prickles. Rejoicefor person must be scourged, and thy face spit the King delighteth in thy comeliness. upon. Gird thyself round about, and be Th prepared; for thou must go forth with thy Though in his first appearance he was Lord and Bridegroom wi thout the city, offered as an innocent Lamb, and opened bearing his reproach. O Golgotha thou not his mouth, yet the time shall come when must offer up thy sacrifice. Awake and e will appear in judgment a s a triumphpray, for thine enemies are more numerous ant Prce and a victorious King. Then than the hairs of thy head, or the sand of will our persecutors look upon him whom the sea. Though their hearts, hands, feet, thepierced then will t hey cry aloud and and swords are exceedingly red, and stain- exclaim, Ye mountains fall upon us, hide us ed with blood, be not dismayed; for God is ye hills. But you shall leap and dance in thy leader Thy life on earth is an inces- excessive joy like calves of the stall, Matt. 4. sant warfare. Strive valiantly, and thou Joy and exultation will never forsake you; shalt receive the promised crown. for your King, Bridegroom and Redeemer, Christ Jesus, will remain with you forever. "To him that overcometh will I give to " God shall wipe away all tears from their eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst eyes; and there shall be no more death of the paradise of God," and of the hidden neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall and heavenly manna. there be any more pain," Rev. 21: 4. Him that overcometh will God make a Praise, thanksgiving, and glory to God, pillar in his temple, and will write upon shall flow from your mouth in an eternal him his name and the name of the new Je-stream. I repeat it, Strive, the crown of rusalem. glory is prepared, shrink not, neither draw He that overcometh shall not be hurt by back; "For yet a little while, and he that the second death. He that overcometh, the shall come, will come, and will not tarry. same shall be clothed in white raiment; and The just shall live by faith: but if any man his name shall not be blotted out of the draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure book of life, but Christ Jesus will confess in him," Heb. 10: 37, 38. his name before his heavenly Father, and Take heed and watch, lest the fire of the before his angels. cross consume you as wood, hay and stubHe that overcometh shall sit with Christ ble, and the rains and storms of persecution in his throne, even as Christ overcame, and overthrow the house. Let not the heat of has sat down with his Father on his throne, the sun wither the cross, lest like the dog Rev. 3. you turn again to that which you have O thou soldier of God, prepare thyself ejected. Let not your garments and your and fear not! The wine-press thou must feet, which you have washed, become untread; thou must go the narrow way, and clean, lest seven worse spirits enter you, and enter in through the strait gate unto eternal so the last error be worse than the first. life. Therefore, beloved brethren and sisters in The Lord is thy strength, thy refuge and the Lord, fear God with all your heart, and consolation; he is with thee in prisons and with all your souls, and seek him with all bonds; he flies with thee to foreign lands; your powers. Watch night and day; knock he is with thee in fire and in water; he will before the throne of his mercy, that with never leave thee, nor forsake thee; yea, he his paternal hand he may support you unwill come quickly, and his great reward der every affliction, succor you in trouble shall be with him. and distress, and graciously preserve you "Blessed are they which are persecuted in his way, word and truth; that you may 1 TIlHE CROSS OF CHRIST. not dash your feet against a stone, and so land, inheritance, kingdom, life and crown. failing in your profession and your life, be May the Father of mercies and of love, grant overcome and disgraced; but that you may this unto you and us through his blessed preserve the treasure, intrusted to your care, Son, Jesus Christ, in the power of his eterpure and untarnished against that day, and nal Holy Spirit, to his praise, and everlastthus obtain, with all saints, the promised ing glory, Amen. A PLEASING MEDITATION AND Devout Conte'mplation, TOGETHER WITH CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES FOR A TROUBLED AND ANXIOUS CONSCIENCE, WHICH IS OPPOSED BY THE WORLD, FLESH, HELL, DEATH AND THE DEVIL. ON THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM, CALLED IN LATIN g4 te levati aumimam meam, EXPLAINED BY WAY OF SUPPLICATION. BY MENNO SIMON. "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you," Matt. 5: 11, 12. "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue," Psalm 120: 1, 2. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER. 1871. PREFACE. It is evident, dear reader, that I am clan- to suffer who did not agree with the Pope in destinely, slandered and belied by the en- his abominations. It is yet the case, which vious; therefore have I, briefly and pray- alas! may be plainly seen in many places. ingly sought to express the feelings of Many who have neither seen nor heard my heart, grounds, spirit, faith, doctrine, me, call me a deceiving heretic. This must object, &c., after the tenor of the twenty be all endured. I am no better than the fourth psalm according to the Latin, and pious fathers, who had to hear and suffer; the twenty fifth, according to the Hebrew; nevertheless, I feel disposed to give my life, not in words of human wisdom, nor in great if it would induce the world rightly to unlogic and rhetoric, but in a plain narration derstand my seeking, faith and doctrine; for as dictated by my heart, to show the differ- I assuredly know that I have the word of ent dispositions of a true and of a false God. My reader, pervert not what I write. christian, together with all the grounds and I desire nothing else, before God, who crehope of my faith; what I maintain concern- ated me, than to deal plainly, with a living ing Christ Jesus, his doctrine, baptism, Holy voice, before every one, as one willing to Supper, ordinances, commands and prohi- be overcome by the Spirit of Christ, or to bitions; my disposition towards lords, prin- overcome; for my desire is that I and many ces and all who are, as yet in the darkness, with me be saved; hence, it is unnecessary of unbelief and know not the light of truth; to use the sword against me; If I have not to show that I seek, and by the grace of the truth, I desire with all my heart to be God shall seek nothing upon earth but the instructed in it; but if I have, you then do unadulterated word of our Lord Jesus not persecute me, but him, who is the truth, Christ; and this according to Scripture. Christ Jesus. If I do err in some things, which I hope, Again, I say, with the Spirit and word of by the grace of God, is not the case, I pray Christ, I desire to overcome, or to be overevery one, for the Lord's sake, that I may come; in this I appeal to all the world. But not be put to shame; if any one has more it is in vain, the truth they will reject, and powerful writings and convincing truth, that maintain and defend lies with the sword; he through brotherly exhortation and in- for it is the true disposition and manner of struction would assist me, I desire with my anti-christ to defame, slander, apprehend, heart to accept of it, if he is right. Deal torture, burn and murder, contrary to the with me as the Spirit and word of Christ Spirit and word of God. But the Lord will teach; if any one can convince me of an er- see and judge it. ror by the Scriptures, and if I will not re- I would, therefore, faithfully admonish nounce it, but continue obstinate to the word the reader, to zealously and earnestly strive of God and brotherly admonition, then prac- after the kingdom of God, and examine this tice upon me the tyranny of Nero, Diocle- Psalm with assiduity; every word of it, with tian, or Maxeritius, as an obdurate and un- a submissive, humble heart; I hope he will godly heretic; for this I stand prepared, al- find, through the grace of God, that it is rethough this would be contrary to the usages plete with consolation in persecution, and and doctrines of the first church; for it is that it clearly points out the difference beevident, that they persecuted not on account tween a believer and an unbeliever. of faith, much less did they kill them, but May God, the Father of our Lord Jesus the erring and heretical they faithfully ad- Christ, grant the reader a zealous, ardent monished, and those who would not return heart, a sincere, active faith, unfeigned, were then excommunicated. christian love, and obedience to his holy Afterwards, in the time of Arius, they ex- word, through Christ Jesus, his beloved Son iled them. Ultimately the bloody tyranny our Lord, to him be everlasting praise, of anti-christ generally prevailed. All had Amen. THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM EXPLAINED BY WAY OF SUPPLICATION. Verse 1. UNTO THE, O LoRD, do I lift up deny thy adorable and revered name, and my soul, 0 amy God, I trust in thee; let me depart from thy truth, and that they rejoice not be ashamed. 0 Lord, thou that bearest over my weakness and the transgression of rule, Lord of heaven and earth, I call thee thy will, and mock me and say, Where is Lord, though I am not worthy to be called thy God now Where is thy Christ? And thy servant; for from my youth I did not that thy divine honor be thus reproached serve thee, but thine enemy, the devil; him through me. O Lord, preserve me; keep I served diligently; nevertheless, I do not me, 0 Lord! for my enemies are strong and doubt thy grace; for I find in the word of many; yea, more numerous than the hairs thy truth that thou art a bountiful, rich of my head, and the spears of grass in the Lord to all those who call upon thee. There- fields; my unclean flesh is never at rest; fore, I call unto thee, O Lord hear me, hear satan encompasseth me as a roaring lion, me, O Lord! With full confidence and as- that he may devour me; the blood-thirsty, surance, I lift up, not my head or my hands revengeful world is determined upon my as the hypocrites do in the synagogues, but life; they also hate, persecute, burn and my soul. I lifted up my heart, not to Abra- murder those who seek thy praise. Wretchham, for he never knew us, nor to Israel, ed man, I know not whither to go, misery, for he never had knowledge of us, but alone tribulation, fear and dread are on every to thee, for thou art our Lord and Father, side; strife within, and persecution without. thou art our Redeemer, this is thy name, from I say with king Jehoshaphat, If I know not days of yore. Hence it is, dear Lord, that whither to go, I lift my eyes unto thee, and I trust in thee, for I truly know that thou depend only on thy grace and mercy, as art a faithful God over all who trust in thee. Abraham in Gerar, Jacob in Mesopotamia, If I am in darkness, thou art my light; am Joseph in Egypt, Moses in Media, Israel in I in prison, thou art with me; am I for- the wilderness, David in the mountains, saken, thou art my comfort; am I in death, Hezekiah in Jerusalem, the young men in thou art my life; if they curse me, thou dost the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lion's den; bless; if they grieve me, thou dost comfort; yea, all the pious fathers trusted in thee, if they will slay me, thou wilt raise me up; and were not made ashamed. and if I walk in the dark valley, thou wilt 3. Let them be ashamed which transgress ever be with me. It is right, O Lord, that without cause. 0 Lord, thou that bearest I lift up my grieved and miserable soul to rule, even as thy merciful grace is over all thee, trust in thy promise, and am not who fear thee, so also is thy fierce wrath ashamed. over all who despise thee; who walk after 2. Let not mine enemies triumph over me; their lusts, and dare to say with all fools, yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed. "There is no God;" we have made a coveO Lord of hosts, Lord of lords, my flesh is nant with death, and with hell an agreeweak; my misery and necessities are great; ment; God knoweth not what we do; thick nevertheless, I fear not the sensual scoffing clouds are a covering to him that he seeth of my enemies; but I fear greatly, lest I not the works of men; we will eat and drink, 216 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. for to-morrow we die; for our life is short ciful to me a poor sinner; show me thy and fall of trouble, and there is no consola- path, and teach me thy way; for thy way tion when we have gone hence; we will live is the right way, godly, pleasant, humble, in affluence, while we yet can and use the chaste, full of peace and of all good, and creatures as we desire; we will oppress the will lead my soul to eternal life. poor, defraud the righteous; we will con- 5. Lead me in thy truth and teach me; demn him with the most disgraceful death. for thou art the God of my salvation; on O, dear Lord, thus does the world err, and thee do Iwait all the day. O Lord! Lord! live every where in the lusts of the flesh, "My tears," says David, "have been my lust of the eyes, and in the pride of life; it meat day and night." My heart within me is mere deceit, unrighteousness and tyran- quakes, my strength forsakes me, and the ny, wherever we turn. Few are they who light of my eyes is dim, and this on account fear thy name. Paul says, "To be carnal- of the innumerable dangers and snares ly minded is death;" sentence is already which beset my soul. I am in constant fear passed; if we live according to the flesh we lest I be led from the way of truth by mismust die, so teach the Scriptures; if we do apprehension or through the deceit of satan. not repent there is nothing more certain 0 Lord, the subtlety of the learned is great; than fierce anger. Therefore, dear Lord, satan uses his wiles artfully; some teach threaten thou, reprove, admonish and teach, but the doctrine and commandments of men perhaps they may yet repent, know the which are fruitless and corrupt trees. Some truth and be saved; they are the works of cry only grace, spirit and Christ, and daily thy hands, created after thine image, and trample on thy grace, grieve thy Holy Spirit, dearly bought; let them not be confounded and crucify thy Son with their vain, carnal like Cain, Sodom, Pharaoh and Antiochus life, as is evident. Some who had before with all those who have transgressed with- escaped Babylon, Egypt and Sodom, and out t cause. taken upon them the yoke and cross of 4. Shew me thy ways, 0 LORD; teach me Christ, are again devoured by satan, and thy paths. 0 Lord of hosts, I know through so deceived by the false prophets, as if they the word of thy grace that there is but one had never known thy word and will. Yea, way which leadeth to life, which is strait seven spirits, alas! worse than the former, and narrow for the flesh, beset with thorns entered them, although they cloak themand dangers all around, and is found by selves under thy word and ordinances, and few, and still fewer walk therein; it is like pretend that it was thy pleasure, word and a treasure hid in a field which none can find will; although thou never didst think of it, but he to whom it is shown by the Spirit. much less didst thou desire it; on account Dear Lord, there is no way but thou alone; of which I am much grieved and full of sorall who walk through thee will find the gates row of heart, well knowing that thy true of life. There is another way which seems word is no deceiving lie, as they teach, but very pleasant to the flesh, which appears it is the truth which thy infallible mouth soft, smooth and broad, strown with roses, taught here upon earth and in this grievous pleasant and agreeable to the eye, but its world. All who are of the truth hear thy end leads to death. On this way the whole voice, as the voice of their only Shepherd, world walks, unconcerned and without fear, and the true Bridegroom; but from the voice and piefers things perishable to imperish- of a stranger they flee, always fearing lest able, evil to good, and darkness to the light Ithey might be deceived. O Lord, remember of the world. They all walk on the perverse, thy afflicted and poor servant; thou art a broad and crooked way; they become faint Searcher of all hearts, thou knowest me that in the way of unrighteousness, and know I seek nothing but thy will. Therefore, dear not the way of the Lord. It is true, the way Lord, direct me to thy truth, and teach me; of error seems right in the eyes of fools, but for thou art the God of my salvation; beI know through thy Spirit and word that it sides thee I acknowledge none other; thou is the certain road to the abyss of hell. only art my hope, my comfort, shield, deTherefore, I entreat thee, dear Lord, be mer- fense and fortress upon which I depend with THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 217 confidence, and wait upon it in fear, misery, all the valiant of God and the disciples of tribulation and need. Christ. Again, I say, Thy mercies are great6. Remember, 0 LORD, thy tender mercies, er than all thy works; therefore, dear Lord and thy loving kindnesses, for they have assist me, stand by me, comfort me, a poor been ever of old. 0 Lord of hosts, when I sinner; my soul is in great distress, and the am buoyed up in the waters of thy grace, I dangers of hell surround me; help Lord, find that I cannot fathom or measure them, and preserve me, and be not angry; rememfor thy mercies are greater than all thy ber, 0 Lord, thy great mercies, of which all works. Who is it, dear Lord, that ever are made partakers who have graciously came to thee with a pious heart that thou waited upon thy holy name, and remember, didst reject? Who ever sought thee and 0 Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy loving found thee not? Who did ever desire help kindness, for they have been of old. of thee and did not obtain it? Who ever 7. I7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor prayed for thy grace and did not receive it? m y transyressions; according to thy mercy And who ever called upon thee that thou remnember thou me, for thy goodness' sake, 0 didst not hear? Yea, dear Lord, how many LORD. 0 Lord, thou that bearest rule, "I didst thou accept in grace, who, according was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my to thy strictjustice, meritedotherwise. Adam j mother conceive me," I am of sinful flesh; departed from thee and believed the counsel Adam's corrupt seed has been sown in my of the serpent; he broke thy covenant and heart, from whence so much misery has was found a child of death before thee; thy grown up. I, a miserable sinner, did not paternal kindness did not reject him, but know my infirmities, so long as they were thou didst seek him graciously, thou didst not manifested to me by the Spirit. I call and reprove him, and his nudity thou thought I was a christian; but when I saw didst cover with coats of skin, and so gra- rightly, I found myself, without thy word, ciously comfort him with the promised altogether earthly, and carnal; my light seed. Paul, thy chosen vessel, raved like was darkness, my truth was lies, my righta roaring lion and a devouring wolf in thy eousness sin, my worship open idolatry, holy mountain, nevertheless, thy grace shone and my life, certain death. 0 dear Lord, I around him in his blindness and illumina- knew myself not till I viewed myself in thy ted him; thou calledst him from heaven, and word; then I learned to know, with Paul, didst choose him as an holy apostle and as my blindness, nakedness, uncleanness, dea servant of thy house. I also, dear Lord, the praved nature, and that nothing good dwelt greatest of all sinners, and the least among in my flesh. I was full of wounds, and bruises all the saints, am called thy child or serv- and putrifying sores from the sole of the ant, for I have sinned against heaven and foot even to the head. Ali, alas! my gold before thee; although I did resist thy pre- was dross; my wheat, chaff; all my services cious word and thy holy will, with all my were deceit and lies. I walked before thee powers, before this with open eyes; and in the flesh; my thoughts were carnal, my with full understanding I disputed, taught words and works without the fear of God; and lived after the ease of the flesh, and my watching and sleeping were unclean; sought my own praise more than thy right- my prayer hypocrisy. In short, I did notheousness, honor, word and truth; neverthe- ing without sin. 0 Lord, remember not the less, thy paternal grace did not forsake me, sins of my youth, so often committed knowa wretched sinner; but received me in love, ingly and unknowingly, nor my daily transconverted me to another mind, led me with gressions, of which I am guilty in my great thy right hand and taught me by thy Holy weakness, but remember me according to Spirit, till I voluntarily fought against the thy great goodness I am blind enlighten ^> T ^ ^^ 1 ^^ ^^ ^thy great goodness, I am blind, enlighten world, flesh and the devil; renounced all my pleasure, peace, glory, lust and the ease t me; nake I am, clothe thou me; I am of the flesh, and willingly submitted to the wounded, heal thou me; dead I am, raise pressing cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, that me up. I know of no light, medicine, or life I may inherit the promised kingdom with j except thee; accept of me graciously, grant 28 218 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. me thy mercy, favor and faith, fullness, and I protect me, for I am greatly tormented; I thy good will, O Lord. am poor, wretched, and grieved unto death. 8. Good and upright is the Lord; there- 9. T7he meekl will 7he guide in judgment, fore, will he teach sinners in the way. 0 and the mee woill he teach his way. 0 Lord, Lord of hosts, although I have walked so I thou that bearest rule, thy divine grace has unrighteously before thee from my youth, shone around me, thy word has taught me, that I am ashamed to lift my eyes to thee thy Holy Spirit has influenced me till I forin heaven, nevertheless, I appear at thy j sook the course of the ungodly, the way of throne of grace; for I know that thou art sinners, the seat of scorners. I was ungodmerciful and kind, and desirest not the death ly, and carried the banner of unrighteousof the sinner, but that he repent and live. ness for many years; I was a chief one in Thou didst send forth thy faithful servant, I all manner of folly; idle words, vanity, Moses, who gave Israel the law by the dis- gambling, drinking, eating to excess were position of angels, also thy servants and i my daily pastime; the fear of God was not prophets who preached the way of repent- before my eyes; besides, I was a lord and ance, and broke the bread of life for the a prince in Babel; every one sought me; the people; sin they reproved earnestly; pro-1 world loved me and had my affections. I claimed thy grace far abroad, and taught had the first place at feasts and in synathe truth; thy sharp piercing word was in gogues; I had the preference among all men; their mouth, their light shone as the golden I was respected of the aged, and every one lights; they were as flowering olive trees, revered me; when I spoke, they were silent; as a sweet smell of costly perfumery, yea, as when I nodded, they came; when I bid them the fair mountain strown with' roses and depart, they went; what I desired, they did; lilies; nevertheless, they did not desire them, my words prevailed in all things; the desire but thrust them out furiously, derided, per- of my heart was granted; but as soon as I, secuted, and delivered them unto death; still with Solomon, saw that all was vanity, and the wells of thy mercy flowed; thou didst with Paul, esteemed all as nothing, I resend thy beloved Son, the dear pledge of nounced the ungodliness of this world, thy grace, who preached thy word, fulfilled sought thee and thy kingdom nwhich will thy righteousness, accomplished thy will, abide in eternity. I have found everywhere bore our sins, blotted them out with his the counterpart and reverse; before, I was blood, and brought about reconciliation; honored, now I am dishonored; before, all conquered the devil, hell, sin and death, [was love, now hatred; before, I had friends, and obtained grace, mercy, favor and peace i now they are my enemies; before, I was confor all who truly believe on him; his com- sidered wise, now a fool; before, pious, now mand is eternal life; he sent out his mes- wicked; before, a christian, now a heretic; sengers, ministers and apostles of peace, I yea, I have become an abomination and who spread this grace abroad through the evil-doer to all. 0 Lord, comfort me, prewhole world; who shone as bright, burning serve thy troubled servant; for I am exceedtorches before all, that they might lead me ingly poor and wretched, my sins rise up and all erring sinners into the true way. 0 against me, the whlole world hates and Lord, not unto me, but unto thee be praise I mocks me; lords and princes persecute me, and honor; their words I love, their usages the learned curse and slander me, my dearI observe; thy Son, Christ Jesus, whom they est friends forsake me, and those who were preached to me, I believe; I seek his will near to me, stand aloof; who will have mercy and way; thy abundant, great love I ac- on me and receive me? Miserable am I, dear knowledge, not through me, but through Lord; have mercy on me and receive me with thee, for thou art good, and I am evil; thou honor; for there is none that can preserve art true, and I am deceitful; thou art right- me, but thou; therefore, I entreat thee, Lord, eons, and I am unrighteous; instruct me, vouchsafe thine ear to supplication; lead me dear Lord, teach me in the right way; foster I by the right hand, lead me in the right way me for I am of thy pasture; take me into lest I stumble upon the dark mountains. I thy care, under the shadow of thy wings; \ see that the children of men do neither teach THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 219 nor do right; deceit and hypocrisy are in excluded themselves from the merits of thy all flesh; the deceiving sects are great and Son? What does it profit Pilate, Herod, Anmany; every one avers his as if it were built nas, and Caiaphas to have seen thy founupon a rock, yet they have not thy truth. tain of grace, Jesus Christ; nay, touched Therefore, dear Lord, teach me thy truth him, and yet condemned to the accursed and cast me not off from thy presence, for death of the cross, the immaculate Lamb, I am miserable; I am in the midst of lions the King of glory! But they who keep thy and bears, which seek to destroy my soul, covenant and preserve thy testimony like and thrust me from the way of truth. 0 Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Lord, strengthen me, keep me in thy way Jacob did, to them thy ways are peace and for I assuredly know that it is the infallible joy; yea, altogether mercy, kindness and truth and the sure way of peace. truth. 10. ALL tlie paths of the LonD are mercy 11. For thy name's sa7^e, 0 LORD, pardon and truth unto such as keep 7is covenant mine iniquity; for it is great. 0 Lord, and his testimonies. O Lord of hosts, they Lord! I pray thee with holy David, rebuke all boast of thy grace and favor, although me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in they, in all their works, prove themselves thy hot displeasure; for my loins are filled children of wrath; they lie, cheat, eat, drink, with a loathsome disease, and there is no are guilty of adultery and fornication, they soundness in my flesh; my sins have borne covet and hoard, curse and swear without me down; there is no peace in my bones. bounds, and all this they cloak with thy From the bottom of my heart I humble mygrace and the blood of Christ; every one self with beloved Daniel. O dear Lord! O sings lustily; the mercy of the Lord is thou great and terrible God! I have sinned, great; Christ died for our sins; our doings and done unjustly, before thee I have been are unjust, sinful and fruitless. It is true, ungodly, I wandered from thee, and walked dear Lord, in the true sense of the word, not in thy commands and statutes; thy prethat they have no lot in thee, their hope is ferred grace I rejected; thy holy word I vain, their labor is without fruit, and their thrust from me; thy beloved Son I crucified, works, useless; yea, their hope is like this- I grieved thy Holy Spirit, I acted unjustly tie-down before the winds; they will have in all my doings. 0 Lord, the multitude of no part in thy kingdom, for they are still my sins frighten me; there is no evil but impenitent, and believe not thy truth. Alas! what I am guilty of. I was as envious as they know not that thy mercy is forever Cain; proud and unchaste as Sodom; unover those who fear thee and keep thy cove- i merciful as Pharaoh; refractory as Korah; nant. Thy goodness, says David, is extend- lascivious as Simri; disobedient as Saul; ed to the saints; thine eyes are upon the idolatrous as Jeroboam; hypocritical as righteous, and thine ears are open to their I Joab; haughty as Nebuchadnezzar; covetcries; but thy face is against them that do ous as Balaam; drunken as Nabal; insoevil, to cut off the remembrance of them lent as Sennacherib; blasphemous as Rabsafrom the earth. I am thy friend if I do ces; blood-thirsty as Herod; lying as Anawhat thou hast commanded. It is true, dear nias. Yea, I say with king Manasseh, Lord, that Christ was given to us, and That nmy sins are more numerous than the died for us, yet not for such a purpose that sands of the sea shore and the stars in the we are to live according to our wicked lusts, heavens; they trouble by day and by night; and sinfil will, but according to thy good I nothing good dwells in my flesh. All that will, word and command. Lord, I know I seek is unrighteousness and sin; that that thou art no less righteous than good, which I would not that I seek and do; I, that tlhou hatest the evi, nd1 loveCst the miserable.ma, know not wh7iter to go; if orood; to the oCrood tli u I lnd, bt ft to Ilie \ I go into uyself, I afd gvreat ifults impure Wicked tlu, lt ih i n due tiime t per ts a desires, ia vessel of sins; if I go ly neighrigilteouts Juclre.'Vhat did thie're blo o bor, bOe has T. noti.g to give me, so that of the eternal covenant demand of Cain and I here nothing else avails, but thy word. The Judah, because they despised thy grace and j wages of sin, says Paul, is death; but thy 220 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. grace is eternal life. This grace I seek and hundred thousand valiant men left Egypt, desire; for this is the only ointment which of whom but two entered the promised land; can heal my soul; the sinful woman avail- not, dear Lord, that all were damned who ed herself of this, Luke 7, as soon as she died on the way, but they did not, on acwas sensible of her wants; David availed count of their unbelief, inherit the promised himself ofthis whenhedisgracedBathsheba, Canaan. Thus also, dear Lord, is the eterthe wife of Uriah, and slew him; great was nal land promised us, if we walk the way his distress, he saw his wickedness and said, which thou hast chosen for us. But now "I have sinned against the Lord." He de- they walk the crooked way of death; and sired balm; "O God!" said he, "according even as those did not inherit the temporal, unto the multitude of thy tender mercies so will also these not inherit the eternal Cablot out my transgressions, wash me thor- naan. O Lord, well may I sigh and say, oughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me Where is he who fears the Lord? Where is from my sin," Ps. 51: 1, 2. In the same he, who has understanding? VWhere is he, hour he heard the gracious word of the who seeks God? "They are all gone out of prophet, "The Lord also hath put away the way, they are together become unprofitthy sin." His troubled heart was quieted; able; there is none that doeth good, no, not he praised his name, proclaimed his mercy, one. Their throat is an open sepulcher; and exalted his grace above all his works. with their tongues they have used deceit; O Lord! O dear Lord! I a grieved sinner, the poison of asps is under their lips; their have the same disease, I desire the same feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and balm, and I desire help from thee; I seek misery are in their ways, and the way of only comfort with thee, 0 Lord, for thy holy peace they have not known; there is no fear name's sake. Help me, that I may eternal- of God before their eyes," Rom. 3: 12-18; ly praise thee. Wash me from all my sins, all that is among them is infidelity and lies; and be merciful to me in all my transgres- they despise and blaspheme thy righteoussions, for they are great. ness, yet they sing and speak rmuch of thy 12. What man is7et7iatcfearetth tle LORD? truth, and glory in thy great name, alHim shall he teach in the way that he shall though there is not one ripe grape on their choose. 0 Lord, thou that bearest rule, thy vine, nor any good fruit to be found with path is the path of peace; blessed is he that them. But those who fear thee, 0 Lord, dewalketh therein; for we find mercy, love, part from all iniquity; For thy fear, says righteousness, humility, obedience and pa- Sirach, dispels sin, and is the beginning of tience in her ways. She clothes the na- wisdom. Thine eyes are upon those who ked, feeds the hungry, gives drink to the fear thee, thy Holy Spirit leads them, thy thirsty, entertains the needy, reproves, gracious hand preserves them; they will threatens, comforts and admonishes; is not fear nor tremble; for thou art their prosober, honest, chaste and upright in all her tector and shelter against intense heat; thou ways; none takes offense at her; her goings didst pardon their sins; rescue them; thou forth are to eternal life, but few there are dost enlighten them, makest glad their that find her. Yea, I fear dear Lord, that souls, givest them grace, blessing and peace. there are scarcely ten of a thousand that He that fears thee, walks uprightly in all find her, scarcely five who cherish her; it his ways, for thou teachest him in the way continues as it was from the beginning, that thou hast chosen. when there were but four upon earth; of 13. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his whom the Scriptures testify that two were seed shall inherit the earth. 0 Lord, thou disobedient, and a third one slew his broth- Lord of hosts! those who acknowledge thee er. Theree were ei;ght riigteous when the shall be blessed in the paradise of their world was drowned, and one of them mock- God, upon Mount Zion, in the heavenly Jeed his father. In Sodom and Gomorrah, rusalem, in the church of the living God, in with the adjacent country, there were four i the assembly of the righteous whose names righteous persons, one looked back and wvas I are written in heaven. They are released changed into a pillar of salt. About six } from hell, sin, the devil and death, and THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 221 they serve before thee in peace and joy of within me; because, with Ezra, I perceive heart through life. They repose without that so many are born in vain. What shall fear, for thou art their strength and shield. I say, dear Lord? Shall I say that thou hast They rest under the shadow of thy wings, ordained the wicked to wickedness, as some for they are thine. They fear not, for thou have said? Be that far from me; I know, O warmest them with the beams of thy love; Lord, that thou art eternally good, and that they hunger not, for thou feedest them with nothing wicked can be found in thee. We the bread of life; they thirst not, for thou are the works of thy hand, created in Christ givest them to drink of the waters of thy Jesus to good works, that we should walk Holy Spirit; they want not, for thou art therein. Water, fire, life and death, hast their treasure and their kingdom. They thou left to our choice. Thou wiliest not dwell in the house of thy peace, in the tab- the death of the sinner, but that he should ernacles of righteousness, and in sure peace. repent and live. Thou art the eternal light, They have pleasure in thy law, and speak therefore hatest thou all darkness; thou deof thy word day and night, amongst all the sirest not that any should perish, but that people. They wash their souls in the clear all repent, come to the knowledge of thy waters of thy truth. They view their con- truth, and be happy. O dear Lord, so sciences in the clear mirror of thy wisdom; grievously have they blasphemed thine untheir thoughts are upright, their words are speakably great goodness, eternal mercy, words of grace, seasoned with salt. Their and almighty Majesty, that they, O graworks are faithful and true. The light of cious God, Creator of all things, have made their piety shines around them; what they thee to be as a cruel devil, by saying that seek they find; what they desire they ob- thou art the source of all evil, thou who art tain; their souls dwell in the fullness of thy the Father of days and of lights. It is plain goodness; the dew of thy grace has be- that evil cannot flow from good, light from sprinkled them; the soil of their consciences darkness, nor life from death; yet must their bears wine and oil without measure, and al- stubborn hearts and carnal minds be attribthough they must endure, in their flesh for uted to thy will, in order that they may a time, much misery, suffering and trouble, continue upon the broad way, and have a yet they know well that the way of the cross cover for their sins; and this, because they is the way of life. They are not ashamed do not acknowledge thy divine goodness, of the way of the cross and the weapons of nor their own inbred wickedness. O Lord the Lord. They patiently go with Christ to God, thou hast loved us with an eternal the conflict, and contend valiantly, till they love, thou hast chosen us before the foundahave reached the boundary of life, and have tion of the world, that we should be unreceived the crown. Nothing can hinder blamable, and holy before thee in love, not them, since they have become partakers of | regarding what we find written by the faiththy Spirit, and have tasted of thy sweetness. ful Paul concerning Esau, Pharaoh and IsThey neither waver nor turn aside; their rael; he hath done all for us, for the best, in house stands firmly upon a rock; they are order that we should give the honor to thy as the pillars of the holy temple; they have I name, and not to ourselves. What have we eaten of thy hidden manna. O Lord, to thee miserable sinners, of which we may boast? be praise! Thy fear abides continually be- What have we that we have not received fore their eyes. They walk in thy way, there- from thee? All that we have is of thy fullfore, shall their souls be blessed, and their ness. For this, all who know thy word seed, if born of the Holy Spirit and word, thank thee. O dear Lord, the mystery of will enjoy the land of everlasting life, where- thy holy word is not revealed to the rich, in thou, and thy chosen shall reign in end- the honorable, or the wise, but to the poor, less glory. simple children. Yea, Father, said Christ, 14. T7,e secret of t7e Lord is with tJeien such vwas thy good pleasure. Isaiah says, that fear himze, alcmd ile will show: t~e Mlzs i Thou wilt look upon the miserable, and covenarnt. O Lord, Lord, the tlhoughits of those who are of a broken spirit, and who my heart terrify me, and my heart trembles I fear thy word. Therefore, dear Lord, we 222 THE TVWENTY-FIFTII PSALM. miserable sinners pray thee to lead us in because I left thee, the living Well, so long, thy truth; to teach us thy mysteries; to en- and comforted myself with useless pools, able us rightly to know the power of thy that can give no water; that I gave thy covenant, that thou art ours, and we are honor to images and other creatures; and thine; that covenant which thou hlast made worshipped the creature more than the Crewith us in Christ, without any merit on our ator, who is blessed forever. This happened, part. For thy mystery will be found with in part, through the deceitfulness of my those who fear thee and those to whom thou eyes, because I was bewitched in my heart, hast made known thy covenant. by the goodly appearance of the woman. 15. Mine eyes are ever toward thie Lord, But now, dear Lord, my eyes are constantly for he shall plucc wzy feet out of the net. 0 directed unto thee, till thou hearest me; they Lord! thou who bearest rule! I say with the are directed to thy mercy seat, till I obtain prophet, If thou shouldst mark iniquity, grace and mercy from thee, for thou alone who could stand? I, a miserable, great sin- art he, who can help me in the time of my ner, have, with the full lust of my heart, temptation, and pluck my feet out of the turned to all folly, to gold, silver, pride, net of sin. haughtiness, to strange and forbidden flesh. 16. Turn t7ee zunto me, and 7iave mercy I have turned mine eyes to open idolatry, t upon me; for I am desolate and tafficted. 0 to wood and stone, and have served them Lord of hosts, my sins and transgressions I many years, upon high mountains and un- do not hide from thee, but unreservedly acder green trees, as the prophet said, My knowledge that I spent my former days aftidolatry was according to the number of my er the will of the heathen, and valked with days. I have bowed my knee before the them in all manner of ungodly lusts, pride, graven and molten images, and said, Save wantonness, in eating and drinking, and in me, for thou art my God. I sought sight abominable, blind idolatry. I did all that from the blind, life from the death, and help pleased my wicked flesh, I was a child of from those who could not preserve themn- wrath, even as others; thy holy name I held selves from dust, corruption, thieves and in derision; thy word was as a fable to me; worms. Yes, I have said to a weak, perish- in reliance upon thy grace, I did all manner able creature, that grew out of the earth, of evil; I was as a white-washed sepulcher; was broken in a mill, baked by the fire, outwardly in behavior, I was moral, chaste chewed with my teeth, and consumed by and mild, there was none that reproved my my stomach, to a mouthful of bread: Thou conduct, but inwardly I was full of dead hast released me; as Israel said to the gold- men's bones, stench and worms; my platter en calf, "These be thy gods, O Israel, which was clean on the outside, but within, was brought thee up out of the land of Egypt," full of rapine and lust. What I did privateEx. 22: 4. 0 God! thus have I, a miserable ly is a scandal to mention, all my thoughts sinner, courted the whore of Babylon for were unclean, vain, proud, ambitious and many years, for I supposed that she was ungodly; my heart was full of disaffection, modest, honest and chaste; a queen of right- hatred, envy, vengeance and dislike; my eousness, who was glorious, holy and ac- thoughts were bent upon all manner of wickceptable before thine eyes, for I saw her edness; I sinned without bounds; I neither adorned with purple and scarlet, with gold i feared God, devil, law, gospel, heaven nor and precious stones, and pearls, a golden hell; there was nothing that could deter me; cup in her hand, powerful over all kings I neither regarded thee nor thy word; my upon earth. Therefore, I knew not that she course was onward to all wickedness; I was so very loathsome and polluted; that sought nothing but the friendship and love there was in such a splendid cup so nmuc of this world. I did not comlit adultery, abomination; that she was such an unmubl -u- ornclation, and sucIh 1ie otherI a;1bolni;-.able ing, iampudet whore e and> mnrd.eress; th-1a sins before'n, iy be mei o.v feared to deceived the world, persecuted the chosen, lose the r: ano d mn iepuntti'n- and not and drank the blood of the aints. But'now beccse I feared, thee; y'emy vanity, merI have seen her abominations, and I quake, riment, drunkenness, sinful lusts, open sins, THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 223 weakness, pride and idolatry were called er things do not go beyond their instinct, the true worship; yea, all my transactions, and do not transgress the laws of nature; private and public, were not concealed be- but I have lived more uselessly, sinfully, fore thine eyes. Thus did I, a grieved sinner, intemperately and unrighteously against spend my days, and did not, O God of the laws of nature, than my ungodly flesh grace, acknowledge thee as my God, Crea- | naturally desired; I was conscious that the tor and Redeemer, till thy Holy Spirit desires of my flesh were death; thy Spirit taught me, through thy word, made known warned me of my evil doing; yet, my flesh to me thy will, and gave me a partial knowl- suppressed all warning. I was in all things edge of thy mysteries; now I know how dis- a servant of sin, and sworn unto unrighthonorably I have walked before thee, not I eousness. I drank down sin as water; my otherwise than if I had spit in thy face, treat- I delight was in all manner of folly; the outed thee with indignity and derided thee as stretched arm of thy grace, I saw not; thy foolish. O Lord, have mercy upon me; for calling voice, I heard not; thy inviting love, I am desolate and afflicted; my sins are I regarded not. In short, I hated thy knowlgreat and many; my conscience troubles edge, and thy fear I cast behind me; and me; my thoughts cause me to quake; my this is not all, dear Lord, that I acted so heart laments and sighs, because I sin so i lamentably in my ignorance, but I daily heinously before thee; my sins have sepa- find, that my righteousness is as filthy rags; rated me from thee, hid thy countenance when I think that I am going, I am falling; from me, and excited thy wrath. I have be- when I stand, I am down, and that when I come a prey and brand of the burning pool, am something, I am nothing. Therefore, O although the longer, the more I was grieved, Lord, preserve me, for the fear of my heart the more I was consoled by thy word, for it is very great; yea, greater than I can exteaches me concerning thy mercy, grace and press it; I often am as a woman in travail, favor, and the remission of my sins, through my countenance is changed pale; my hands Christ, thy beloved Son, our Lord, not re- I are upon my loins on account of the trouble garding that I neither knew nor feared thee. of my heart; the dangers of hell surround This promise pacifies and gladdens me; it me, the fatness and marrow of my bones are leads me, with the sinful woman, to thy dried up; for here neither money nor posblessed feet, with full confidence and clearI sessions, neither flesh nor blood avail, but conscience, well knowing that thou wilt not my soul is at stake, eternal life or eternal cast off from thee thy returning son, although t death is the issue; I, therefore, pray, ForI have spent thy paternal inheritance and I sake me not, dear Lord, but open the eyes possessions dishonorably, with harlots and of thy mercy and behold my great burden, rogues, in a strange country, devoured it in stand by me and deliver me from all my my unrighteousness. MAy God, turn the distress. pleasing countenance of thy peace unto me, 18. Loo7k upon, mine acliction and my I have sinned before heaven and in thy pain; and forgive all my sins. 0 Lord, sight; lay thy hand of grace upon me; have thou that bearest rule, if the righteous call mercy upon me, a poor sinner; for I am des- upon thee, thou receivest them; thou art olate and afflicted. I nigh to those who are of a broken heart; 17. The troubles of mzy heart are enlarg)ed; i thou dost comfort those who are of a con0 bring thou me outt of 2my' distresses. 0 Itrite spirit; the offering that is acceptable Lord, Lord, my heart weeps and sighs, my to thee is a contrite spirit; a broken heart conscience quakes and trembles, my soul is thou dost not despise. Thou didst send as a grieved mother deprived of her only forth thy beloved Son, anointed with thy child, and cannot be comforted, since I, an X Holy Spirit, to preach the gospel to the poor, ungodly sinner, neither sincerely sought, to heal the broken hearted, to preach delivacknowledged nor appreciated thy godly erance to the captives, and recovery of sight love and paternal kindness. I have lived I to the blind; to set at liberty them that are more disgracefully than the irrational crea-i bruised, to proclaim the acceptable year of tures, for they, in eating, drinking and oth- the Lord, Luke 4: 18; to comfort all that 224 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in strong crying and tears, unto him that was Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes; able to save him from death, and was heard the oil of joy for mourning; the garment of in that he feared; for his sake hear me, for praise for the spirit of heaviness. He preach- his sake accept me, for his sake be merciful ed ransom to all who are heavy laden, and to me, console thy afflicted servant. I have with faithful hearts come to him; he invites no comfort neither in heaven above nor upall the thirsty to the waters of life; he bore on earth, but in thee alone, have mercy upall our sins upon the cross in his own body; on me in my great distress; my unclean, and our debt he blotted out by his blood, sinful flesh afflicts me; my wicked nature even as Moses did before, through types and wages war against me, and besides, for thy shadows, when he sprinkled unclean Israel word's sake, I have become an abomination, with the blood of oxen and rams, and with an outcast and a fable to all men. All who the ashes of the heifer; under the law near- hear of me shake their heads at me; withly all things were purified by the shedding out and within I have no peace. I say again, of blood, Num. 19; Heb. 9. If the figurative my sins combat me, my soul is in tribulablood had such virtue, that it could purify tion and pain; therefore, dear Lord, I pray the flesh to sanctification, how much more thee not for gold and silver, for they can profit shall the blood of the beloved Son, who of- me nothing in the day of vengeance, neither fered himself unspotted through the eternal for long life, for they are always perverse, but Spirit, purify our consciences from dead this I desire alone of thee, from my whole works. O ever living God, through the mer- heart, tlat thou wouldst look upon me, a its of thy Son, and through the riches of thy miserable sinner, with the gracious eyes of grace we receive the remission of our sins; thy mercy; in my affliction and pain, comyea, through his blood thou didst reconcile fort me with thy Holy Spirit, and forgive all all upon earth and in heaven above. I, there- my sins. fore, dear Lord, confess that I have or know 19. Consider mine enemies, for they are of no remedy for my sins, for neither works m iany and they hate me WITH CRIUEL hatred. nor merits, neither baptism nor the Lord's O Lord of hosts, when I was of the world, I Supper can avail, although all sincere chris- spake and did as the world, and the world tians use both as signs of thy word, and hated me not; but as soon as I had eaten hold them in respect; but alone the precious the book that was shown to me, although blood of thy beloved Son, which is bestowed it was in my mouth sweet as honey, yet it upon me, and who has graciously redeemed made my belly bitter, for there was written me, a poor sinner, through mere grace and therein lamentations, and mourning, and love, from my former walk; therefore, O woe, Ezek. 2: 10. While I served the world God of truth, with whom there is no lie, re- I received my reward; all men spake well member the words of thy prophet, which he of me, even as the fathers did of the false spake in thy name, namely, "If the wicked prophets. But now, that I love the world will turn from all his sins, that he hath com- with a godly love, have sought from my mitted, and keep all my statutes, and do heart their welfare and happiness, rebuked, that which is lawful and right, he shall admonished, and instructed them with thy surely live, he shall not die; all his trans- word, pointing out to them Jesus Christ and gressions that he hath committed, they shall him crucified, they have become unto me as not be mentioned unto him," Ezek. 18: 21, a grievous cross, and as the gall of bitter22. O my God, look not upon me, but upon ness; so fiendlike is their hatred, that not the eternal Melchisedec, Christ Jesus, whom only I myself, but all those who love me, thou hast appointed high priest over thy showing me favor and mercy, must, in some house, upon the blessed King of thy right- places look for imprisonment and death. O eousness, who has no beginning nor end of blessed Lord! I am more despicable in their days, and is a high priest for ever; who did 1 eyes than a notorious thief and murderer; I not honor himself, but is ordained of thee, am like a lost sheep in the wilderness of as Aaron, who in the days of his flesh, of- I the world, chased, tormented, and pursued fered up prayer and supplications, with i unto death by ravenous wolves. Am I not THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 225 like a person without hope, forsaken and shame and reproof. I have taught no other comfortless like a ship in the depth of the baptism, no other supper, no other ordiocean, destitute of mast, sail, and helm, nance than that sanctioned by the unerring tossed about by every wave and every ter- word of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the depest? My flesh had almost said, I am be- dared example and usages of his holy apostrayed because I find the unrighteous, fro- ties, to say nothing of the superabundant ward nation enjoying riches, honor and evidence of the historians and learned of prosperity, and reposing in quietude and both the primitive and the present church. peace, while the godly must endure so much Since then, I substantiate my doctrine by hunger, thirst, affliction, and violence; their the evidence of thy plain, ineffable word, habitation is insecure, they must toil and and by the ordinance of thy Son, who can labor for their bread; they are accursed, de- I reprove me, and show with the argument of famed, persecuted and hated of all men, as truth that I am an imposter? Does not the the filth of the world, and as an abomina- whole Scripture teach, that Christ is the tion. O blessed Lord! mine enemies are truth, and shall abide forever? Is not the many and great, their heart roars like the i apostolic church, the true christian church? furious lion, their words are as deadly ar- We know that all human doctrines are chaff rows, their tongues are always against me; and froth, and that anti-christ has spoiled at one time I am reviled by them as a false and corrupted the doctrine of Christ; why seducer, at another reproached as an ac- then do they hate me, because out of pure cursed heretic, although by thy grace I pos- zeal I teach and propound the doctrine of sess nought but unyielding truth. Thus am Christ and his apostles unadulterated? No I their mortal enemy, because I instruct one however, hates the opposers of antithem in the way of righteousness. O Lord! christ but such as are his members. Had I I am not ashamed of my doctrine before not the word of Christ, how cheerfully would thee and thine angels, much less before this I be taught it, for I seek it with fear and rebellious world; for I know assuredly that trembling; in this I can not be deceived. I I teach thy word; I have taught, through- have by grace, through the influence of thy out, a true repentance, a dying unto our sin- Holy Spirit, believed and accepted thy holy ful flesh, and the new life that cometh from truth as the sure word of thy pleasure; it God. I have taught a true, sincere faith in will, also, never deceive me. Let them write thee, and in thy beloved Son, that it might and vociferate, threaten, and dispute, boast, be made powerful through love. I have extirpate, persecute and destroy, as they taught Jesus Christ and him crucified, very please, still thy word will triumph and the God and very man, who, in an incompre- Lamb will gain the victory. Yea, I rest ashensible, inexpressible, and indescribable sured, that with this my doctrine, which is manner, was born of thee from all eternity, thy word, I shall, at the coming of Christ, thy eternal Word and Wisdom, the bright- judge and condemn, not only men, but also ness of thy glory, and the express image of angels. And though I and my beloved thy person, and that in fullness of time, brethren were totally extirpated, and taken through the power of thy Holy Spirit, he from the earth, yet thy word would remain became, in the womb of the unspotted vir- eternal truth. We are no better than our gin, Mary, real flesh and blood, a visible, co-workers who preceded us. Yet the time tangible, and mortal man, like unto Adam will arrive when they shall exalt thy power, and his posterity in all things, yet without and look, perhaps too late, upon him whom sin; born of the seed or lineage of Abraham they have pierced. O Lord! with that cruel and:avid, dead and buried, arose again, hatred they hate me! Whom have I slanascended into heaven, and thus became be- dered in a single expression? Whom have fore thee our only, and eternal Advocate, I curtailed a pennies worth? Whose gold, Mediator, Intercessor, and Redeemer. If all silver, or cattle, have I desired? I have loved the prophets, apostles, and evangelists have them with a pure love, even unto death; thy not taught this with the greatest clearness I word and will have I taught them, and with from the beginning, I will gladly bear my I earnest diligence have I shown them, by thy 28 226 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. grace, the way that leadeth to felicity, there- is in Thee; I have not yet resisted unto fore my enemies are many, and hate me blood, although I have drank a little of the with cruel hatred. cup of thy affliction, yet I have not tasted 20. 0 keep my soul, and deliver me; let me the dregs; for when prisons and bonds are not be ashamed, for I put my trust in thee. suffered, when life and death, fire and sword 0 Lord, Lord! the word of Paul fills me are threatened, then will the gold be sepawith terror, where he says, "Let him that rated from the wood, silver from the straw, thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall," and pearls from the stubble. Forsake me "For if a man think himself to be something not, therefore, gracious Lord, for trees of when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself," deepest root are torn up from the earth by for the flesh, destitute of thy Spirit, is per- the violence of the storm, and the lofty, firm fectly blind in divine things, ignorant, en- mountains are rent asunder by the force of tirely false and unjust, nay, sin and death, the earthquake. Had not Job and Jeremiah, as I have remarked publicly in speaking of men of thy love, well nigh lost all patience David and Peter, for though David was a in temptation, and murmured against thy great prophet, a man after thine own heart, will? Suffer me not, therefore, gracious Lord, faithful in all thy ways, yet when thy Spirit to be tempted above what I am able to bear, departed from him, where were his chastity, for thou art true and faithful, lest my soul love, humility, and the fear of his God? did be ashamed. I pray not for my flesh, being he not become an open adulterer, murderer, well aware that I must once suffer and die; and boaster of his own glory, until thy but this alone I desire, that thou strengthen Spirit again enlightened him by the word me in my warfare; assist and preserve me, of the prophet, and he acknowledged the i make a way for me to escape in temptation; deadly sin he had committed, how fool- deliver me, and let me not be ashamed; for ishly he had acted before thee? In like man- I put my trust in Thee. ner as regards Peter; he acknowledged 21. Let integrity and npri7qhtness preserve Christ, thy beloved Son, not by flesh and l me; for Iwait on thee. 0 Lord of hosts! 0 blood, but by the Spirit of thy grace, was God, when the husbandman had sown good called by Christ a stone and a rock, was seed in his field, his enemy came while he ready to go with Christ into prison and to slept and sowed tares among the wheat, so death; the trial came, thy Spirit forsook that when the sons of God came to present him for a season; he could not bear the tri- themselves before the Lord, satan came also fling expression of a maid, he denied Christ, i among them, Job 1; wherever Jesus is, there and swore that he knew him not; but as soon will the devil be found near at hand, as alas, as Christ looked upon him, and thy Spirit Ihave observed in my short time; thy saving returned, he acknowledged his fall, wept word, thy gracious gospel, which is the bitterly, and afterwards publicly preached proper food of my soul, imparting to it the the name of Jesus among all nations, pay- power of eternal life, which has been traming no regard to his having been strictly pled upon for so many years by anti-christ forbidden to do so, by imprisonment, stripes as an idle tale, and a useless fabrication, is and menacing words. lie frankly answered, again received, believed, and acknowledged, "We ought to obey God rather than men." in power, by some through the influence of I beseech Thee, therefore, blessed Lord, that thy compassionate favor; the hellish lion or thou wilt keep my soul, which is bought behemoth roars,nowin excessive rage;walks with so dear a price, lest I turn from thy about seeking to devour them, has no rest, truth; for though I may now think with \ nor repose, knowing well that his kingdom Peter, that I could give my life for Thee, and dominion must decline and be destroyand with Paul, that neither tribulation, nor ed thereby; makes use of all his cunning distress, nor persecution, nor famine, nor and subtlety, and transforms himself into nakedness, nor peril, nor sword, nor life, an angel of light; those whom he has lost nor death, nor any other creature, shall be I through thy word he has allured again by able to separate me from thy love, yet I do false doctrine into his snare and net, and not sufficiently know myself. All my trust has changed the pure, salutary sense of the THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 227 Scriptures, by means of false prophets and hope, and expect, as the consequence of thy unskilful teachers, into a meaning entirely gracious promise. carnal, and completely calculated to mis- 22. Redeem Israel, 0 God, out of all his lead; has authorized the sword and destruc- troubles. 0 LORD of hosts, now, that I have tive weapons, and excited a vindictive spirit confessed my sins before thee, prayed for against the whole world; moreover he has my transgressions, praised thy mercy, and instituted open adultery under cover of the desired thy grace, I must, with David, becustom of the Jewish fathers; also estab- seech thee, in behalf of my brethren; for I lished a literal king and kingdom, together observe Israel scattered abroad and going with many other abuses, at which a sincere astray, like sheep without a shepherd, and christian is astonished and confounded. But the pleasant vineyard of the Lord is laid all which thou hast not planted shall come waste, and trodden down of all men; the to nought. 0 Lord! preserve me pure and chosen seed of Abraham, the house of Jacob, upright in thy truth, that I may neither be- has again become a proper slave or bondlieve, nor teach anything that is not in con- servant in the grievous service of Pharaoh formity with thy holy will and word, with in Egypt; the royal line of Judah is carried true faith, sincere love, real baptism and away into Babylon, together with the holy supper, a blameless life, a scriptural sepa- vessels, which are so lamentably abused by ration from such as cause offence in doctrine Belshazzar, and his concubines. Jerusalem, and in life. Preserve me, gracious Lord, the personification of peace, which was likfrom all error and heresy; preserve me as ened to a dove, is changed into a barbarous thou hast done heretofore in thy mercy; gormandizer of innocent blood, and a rapagrant that I and my beloved brethren may cious lioness; she that was princess among seek, love, and fear thee with all our hearts, the nations, the city of the great king is berender obedience to the magistracy in all come destitute of kings, citizens and walls, things not contrary to the word of God; for waste and solitary; the temple of the Lord, this, says Paul, is good, and acceptable in the house of prayer, in which the true worthy sight; preserve us from the wiles of the ship ought to be performed, has become a devil who would fain teach us of another notorious nest of robbers, a den of lions, king after the spirit, beside the true King bears, wolves, basilisks, dragons and serof Zion, Jesus Christ, who rules over thy pents, a house of all idolaters; nay, the unholy mountain with the iron sceptre of thy chaste bed of the adulteress Jezebel. The word, is King of kings and Lord of lords, is bride of Christ, the glorious Church, who was set at thy own right hand in the heavenly clothed in variegated raiment, and decked places, far above all principality and power, with divine ornaments, in honor of the king, and might, and dominion, and every name is changed completely into a disgraceful harthat is named, not only in this world, but lot. The ark of the Lord, the glory of Isalso in that which is to come; under whose rael, is seized by the Philistines, and taken feet all things are put, who hath all power into the temple of Dagon. Why make a in heaven and on earth, before whom every long lamentation? Judea is changed to Babknee must bow, and every tongue confess ylon, Canaan to Egypt, and Palestine to that he is Lord, to the glory of thy great Sodom, and the King of glory, Christ Jesus, name. 0 gracious Lord, let integrity and blessed forever, is daily esteemed as a simuprightness preserve me under thy cross, pleton, and despised as a fool; his holy that I may not deny thee, and thy holy apostles, the beloved witnesses of thy truth, word, in the time of temptation, nor conceal must as liars, give way with their doctrine thy divine truth and will under the mask of to all men; his knit or wrought garment, hypocrisy, lies, and obscure equivocal ex- I which the Scriptures were unwilling should pressions, so that at the appearance of thy be rent or divided, is torn into four or five dear Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, I may re- pieces; anti-christ exercises authority and ceive with all saints, the promised kingdom, I dominion in all countries by the preaching inheritance, and reward which, with firm as- of lies; and with violence, is thy word prosurance and perfect confidence, we daily scribed and rejected; if I travel east, west, 228 THI TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. north or south, I find in all places, nothing hath now lost her honor; for she is deliverbut vain obstinacy, perversion, blindness, ed into the hands of them that hate us," 2 avarice, pride, wantonness, rioting, drunk- Esd. 10: 21-23. Redeem Israel, O God, out enness, pomp and splendor, strife, envying of his troubles! look with the eye of thy and ungodliness. I find (I repeat), violence, mercy, upon our great misery and distress, false doctrine and an impure, deceptive em- release us from the iron furnance of Egypt, ployment of thy sacraments, throughout the bring us out of the land of the Chaldees, let world; Ifind the influence of tyrants triumph- the holy city be builded again upon her ing in the courts of all princes; that the own heap, having walls and gates; repair learned speak like the beast, are ambitious, and rebuild thy fallen temple, the stones of avaricious, gluttonous, earthly and carnally which are trampled upon in every street. minded, and teach according to the lusts Gather together thy wandering sheep, reand desires of men; there are scarcet any ceive thy returning bride, who has behaved who seek for truth, and if there are, they so perversely with strange lovers. 0 God must bear thy cross; therefore are my cheeks of Israel, create in us a pure heart, that longwet with tears day and night; my soul find- eth for thy blessed word and will. Send eth no comfort; neither bread nor drink is forth faithful laborers into thy harvest, who sweet to my taste. Like the prophet Micah, cut and gather the grain in due season; perI may well go naked; make a wailing like feet the builders who lay for us a good the dragons, and mourning as the owls; for foundation, that in the last days thy house the wound of Israel is incurable. In sorrow, may be established, and appear above all I may well lament with Esdras, and say, the hills, that many people may go thither "Our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar and say, "Come ye, and let us go up to the broken down, our temple destroyed; our mountain of the Lord, to the house of the psaltery is laid on the ground, our song is God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his put to silence, our rejoicing is at an end; the ways, and we will walk in his paths," Isa. light of our candlestick is put out, the ark 2: 3; that we may walk before Thee, in peace of our covenant is spoiled, our holy things and liberty of conscience, all the days of are defiled, and the name that is called upon our lives, under a good government and us is almost profaned; our children are put blameless teachers, with a christian bapto shame, our priests are burnt, our Levites tism, true Supper, godly life, and a just separe gone into captivity, our virgins are de- aration; that thou mayest in power be eterfiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous nally honored and praised in us, as in thy men carried away, our little ones destroyed, beloved children, through thy dear Son, Jeour young men are brought in bondage, sus Christ, our Lord, to whom with thee, O and our strong men are become weak; and Father, and thy Holy Spirit, be praise and which is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion everlasting dominion, Amen. A Plain Instruction FIROM'THE WORI) OF GOD, CONCERNING THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, AND NEW OR HEAVENLY BIRTH. BY MENNO SIMON. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power," Rev. 20: 6. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER. 1871. THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. "AWAKE thou that sleepest, and arise my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over from the dead, and Christ shall give thee I my head; as a heavy burden they are too light," Eph. 5: 14. heavy for me. My wounds stink and are The Scriptures point out to us two resur- corrupt, because of my foolishness. I am rections: namely, a bodily resurrection from troubled, I am bowed down greatly, I go the dead at the last day, and a spiritual res- mourning all the day long. For my loins urrection from sin and death, to a new life are filled with a loathsome disease, and and a change of heart. there is no soundness in my flesh. I am That a man should die spiritually unto feeble and sore broken; I have roared by sin, be spiritually buried and rise again to reason of the disquietness of my heart. O a life of righteousness in God, is plainly Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my taught in various parts of the Scriptures. groaning is not hid from thee. My heart Paul also exhorted to the same effect, panteth; my strength faileth me; as for the "Put off, concerning the former conversa- light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me," tion, the old man, which is corrupt accord- Ps. 38: 1-10. ing to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed Endure sorrow and distress, according in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put to James 4: 9, "Be afflicted and mourn and on the new man, which, after God, is crea- weep; let your laughter be turned to mournted in righteousness and true holiness,"Eph. ing, and your joy to heaviness." Paul says, 4: 22-24. "Put off the old man with his "Ye were made sorry after a godly mandeeds, and put on the new man which is re- ner," to repentance, "For godly sorrow newed in knowledge, after the image of him worketh repentance to salvation, not to be that created him," Col. 3: 9,10. Mortify your repented of; but the sorrow of the world earthly, &c. Before a resurrection from the worketh death;" seeing that ye sorrowed dead can take place, the death of the body after a godly sort, what carefulness it is necessary, and before death, sickness, wrought in you, what clearing of yourselves, pain and tribulation must precede, which yea what indignation, what fear, vehement have a tendency to make death still more desire, and revenge. bitter to the flesh. Likewise in a spiritual Behold, thus we have to die with Christ sense, there can be no resurrection from sin unto sin, if we would be made alive with and death, unless this body of sin be first him; for none can rejoice with Christ, undestroyed and buried, and has sensibly en- less he first suffer with him; for this is a dured pain and the burden of sin, that is sure word. Paul says, "If we be dead with sorrowfulness of heart, remorse and a sin- him, we shall also live with him, if we sufcere repentance on account of sin, as is evi- fer, we shall also reign with him," 2 Cor. dently shown in the Scriptures. David says, 2: 11. "O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath; nei- This resurrection includes the new creatther chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For ure, the spiritual birth and sanctification, thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand without which none shall see the Lord, this presseth me sore. There is no soundness Paul testifies in a few words, saying, "In in my flesh, because of thine anger; neither Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth is there any rest in my bones, because of any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new 232 THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTIOIN. creature." Again, "If any man be in Christ from which it proceeds. That which is born he is a new creature; old things are passed of flesh and blood, is flesh and blood, and away; behold, all things are become new," is carnally-minded, "Because the carnal and this is the first resurrection; "For, if we mind is enmity against God, for it is not have been planted together in the likeness subject to the law of God, neither indeed of his death," that is, through mortifying can be." Therefore, those who are carnal the sinful nature of earthly Adam, with all cannot please God; for such are altogether his members or wicked lusts; we shall be deaf, blind and ignorant in divine things. also in the likeness of his resurrection," and A carnal man cannot apprehend or cornknow that our old man is crucified with prehend divine things, for by nature he has him, that the sinful body is destroyed, and not that discernment; but on the contrary keep the true sabbath in Christ, by putting his mind is depraved; God is not in his off the sinful body in the flesh, circumcised i mind. A carnal man cannot understand with the circumcision of Christ, which is spiritual things, for he is by nature a child done without hands, buried through bap- of the devil, and is not spiritually-minded, tism, in which we have also risen with him hence, he comprehends nothing spiritual; through faith, which is the operation of for by nature he is a stranger to God; has God; we cease from all works of the flesh, nothing of a divine nature dwelling in him, are led by the Spirit, bring forth the fruits of nor has communion with God, but is much the Spirit, henceforth, we do not serve sin; let rather at enmity with him; he is unmerciit suffice that we have spent our former days ful, unjust, unclean, not peaceable, impaafter the manner of the gentiles, when we tient, disobedient, without understanding walked in vanity, wantonness, drunkenness, and unhappy. So are all men by nature eating and drinking, and in abominable according to their birth and origin after the idolatry, and that we spend the remainder i flesh. This is the first or old Adam, and is of our days not after the lusts of men, but comprised in the Scriptures in a single live accordingto thewill of God, thatwemay word, ungodly, that is, without God, a say with Paul, "I am crucified with Christ; stranger and destitute of the divine nature. nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ This is the nature and property of the liveth in me; and the life which I now live earthly and devilish seed; for as the seed in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of is, so is the fruit; for "whatsoever a man God, who loved me, and gave himself for soweth, that shall he also reap; for he that me," Gal. 2: 20; therefore, "He died for all, soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap that they which live, should not henceforth corruption," and bring forth fruit unto death; live unto themselves, but unto him which he sins like his father, of and through whose died for them, and rose again," 2 Cor. 5: 15. seed he is born, for he is the father of lies To have a more correct knowledge of this and sinned from the beginning, and did not resurrection and regeneration, we must bear abide in the truth; he, therefore, that sins, in mind that all creatures, bring forth after is of the devil, for sin is not of God, but of their kind, and every creature partakes of the devil, and he that sins has not seen God, the properties, propensities and dispositions nor known him; and we know that the son of that which brought it forth, as Christ of God was made manifest to take away says, "That which is born of flesh, is flesh," sins and destroy the works of the devil, and and cannot see eternal life; and " that which through his death deprive him of power, who is born of Spirit, is spirit," life and peace, had the power of death, that is the devil, which is eternal life; that which is born of and deliver them, who through fear of death flesh, out of the earth through corruptible were all their life-time subject to bondage. seed, is carnally-minded, that is, earthly, For by the sin of one man all were made and speaks of earthly things, is desirous sinners. He that sins is the servant of sin; after earthly and perishable things; all his and does the will and works of him whose thoughts, feelings and desires are directed servant he is, and whose spirit leads him; towards earthly, temporal, or visible things, for every one is a servant to him whom he such things as those of which it is born, or serves, whether of sin unto death, or of obe THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 233 dience unto righteousness; for he that does meekness, long suffering, forbearing one unjustly shallreceive according to his works. another, and forgiving one another, if any To them Paul speaks, that they should man have a quarrel against any, even as awaken from the sleep of sin and death, so Christ forgave you, so also do ye; and that the second death shall have no power above all these things put on charity, over them; saying, "Awake thou that sleep- which is the bond of perfectness; and let est, and arise from the dead, and Christ the peace of God rule in your hearts to shall give thee light," Eph. 5: 14. the which also ye are called in one body; On the other hand, all those who are born and be ye thankful," Col. 3: 9-15. "My and renewed from above out of God, through little children, of whom I travail in birth the living word, are also of the mind and again until Christ be formed in you," "Let disposition, and have the same propensity this mind be in you, which was also in for good, as he has of whom they are born Christ Jesus," for Christ is the image of God and begotten. What the nature of God or to whom we must conform. "For whom he Christ is, we may readily learn from the did foreknow, he also did predestinate to sacred Scriptures; for Christ has expressly be conformed to the image of his Son." portrayed himself in his word; namely, his Those, therefore, who have conformed to the human nature, which he would have us un- image of Christ Jesus, are the truly regenderstand, and follow; not according to his erated children of God, and have put off the divine nature; for he is the true image of old man, and put on the new which is creathe invisible God, the brightness of his ted after God, in true righteousness and glory, and the express image of his person, holiness. who dwells in ineffable light whom none can When these have conformed to the image approach or see, but that we follow him and of God, have been born of God, and afterconform unto him in his life and walk upon wards continue in God, they will not comearth, as exemplified in words and works; mit sin, for the seed of God remains in that we, thereby, may become partakers of them; and they have overcome the world, his nature in the Spirit. In the Scriptures are crucified to the world, and the world Christ is every where represented to us as unto them; have mortified their flesh, and being humble, meek, merciful, just, holy, buried their sinful body with Christ in wise, spiritual, long suffering, patient, peace- baptism, with their lusts and desires, and able, lovely, obedient, and good, as the per- no longer serve sin unto unrighteousness, fection of all things; for in him there is sin- but much more righteousness unto salvacerity. Behold, this is the image of God, or tion; for they have put on Christ, and are Christ in the Spirit, whose example we purified through the Holy Ghost, in their should follow till we become like it in nat- consciences, from dead works to serve the ure, and evince it by our walk; all the re- living God; bringing forth through the Spirit generated children of God are thus minded, the fruits of the Spirit, whose end is eternal for they partake of the nature of him who life. For since they, as above said, have rehas begotten them; and are as the others, nounced the devil, flesh, and the world, and comprised in one word, namely, Godly, or have quitted the service of sin, they have, godly persons, having communion with him, as faithful servants, voluntarily obligated are of one mind and disposition with him, themselves to God with David, to live, henceand have the image of God in them, as the forth, according to his blessed will all their Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testa- days. On the other hand the devil and his ments, abundantly show, especially in the adherents, the world and flesh, being very epistle of Paul to the Colossians, where he envious, are waging war against them, and says, "Put off the old man with his deeds," are their deadly enemies. The regenerated and, "put on the new man, which is re- have now become enemies of sin and the newed in knowledge after the image of him devil, and have taken the field against all that created him;" "Put on, therefore, as their enemies, with their Prince of life and the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels faith, under the banner of the red cross, of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, armed with the armor of God, and sur30 2M THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. rounded with angels of the Lord, always effects of the ASed of the divine word, wherewatching with great solicitude, lest they be by we are begotten in the image of God; overcome by their enemies, who never slum- for where this seed is sown upon good ber, but go about like roaring lions seeking I round, into the heart of man, there it grows whom they may devour; and although they and produces its like in nature and properreceive occasionally a wound, and are over- ty, it changes and renews the whole man, taken by their enemies, still their souls re- from the carnal into the spiritual, the earthmain uninjured, and this wound is not unto ly into the heavenly, it transforms from death; for they have the unction of God. death unto life, from unbelief to belief, and They have the true Samaritan and the true makes man happy, for through this seed all physician with them, who binds up and nations upon the earth are blessed. Thereheals their wounds; for he has compassion fore, says James, "Lay apart all filthiness over our weakness and sickness. Through and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive his stripes and wounds we are made whole. with meekness the engrafted word which is Nor are they so thoroughly overcome that able to save your souls." It is also the they will cast aside their weapons, and sur- pure, unadulteratedmilk, whereby theyoung render themselves again, to become servants and new born children of God are nurtured, of sin, and to be ruled by it; but being en- till they attain to a perfect man, unto the couraged anew of the Lord, and in the + measure of the stature of the fullness of strength of his power, they persevere val- Christ, it is also strong food for the perfect iantly in battle, till they, through him, by and aged in Christ Jesus. In short, this whom they can do all things, have glorious- seed of the divine word is spiritual food, ly conquered their enemy, and say to him, whereby the whole inner man is ascertain"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, ed, so that he perish and faint not in this where is thy victory?" And with Paul say, wilderness and desolate world, as all have Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, to starve and faint who do not daily gather through our Lord Jesus Christ. " The Lord," the bread of the divine word to satisfy their says Jeremiah, "is with me as a mighty, Istarving souls, for "Mran shall not live by terrible one, therefore my persecutors shall bread alone, but by every word that prostumble, and they shall not prevail," and ceedeth out of the mouth of God." Theresay with David, "Blessed be the Lord, my fore, is he blessed who hungers after this strength, which teacheth my hands to war heavenly bread, and receives the ingrafted and my fingers to fight," and they are not word; for it will bring forth after its nature, moved till they have broken their enemies i in due time, an hundred fold. For, says to pieces. "Blessed be the Lord who hath the Lord, "As the rain cometh down, and not given us as a prey in their teeth; our the snow from heaven, and returneth not soul is escaped, as a bird out of the snare thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh of the fowler: the snare is broken, and we it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed are escaped" from our enemies, and out of to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall the hand of those who hate us. The Lord my word be that goeth forth out of my is a rewarder of them that diligently seek, mouth; it shall not return unto me void, love and serve him; as it is written, "Behold but it shall accomplish that which I please," the Lord cometh, and his reward is with Isa. 55: 10, 11. him;" yea, his reward and the gift of God Behold, this is the nature, property and are eternal life, through Jesus Christ our effects of the seed of the word of God, by Lord. For, if you serve the Lord Jesus which man is renewed, regenerated, sanctiChrist, you will receive the reward of your fied and saved through this incorruptible inheritance, the crown of life, which God' seed, namely, the living word of God which has promised those who love him. abides to eternity; and that he is clothed As stated above, that every creature has with the same power from above, filled with the nature and disposition of that of which the Holy Ghost, and thus united to God, it is born, therefore, we will speak a few that he may become a partaker of the divine words concerning the nature, properties and { nature, and be made conformable to the im THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 235 age of his Son, who is the first of the regen- Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then erated, and those who rose with him from shall ye also appear with him in glory," the sleep and death of sin, henceforth serve Col. 3: 1-4. Hereswe have an account how him not in the oldness of the letter, but in the regenerated children of God who have newness of the Spirit. risen with Christ from the dead, and now He that is sincere, and has this nature live with him, converse uponheavenlythings, and disposition in his heart, has put on and appear to the world as not living, for Christ Jesus, is become like unto him, their life is hid in God, as St. John says, has the image of God in his heart, and is "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth spiritually minded, is led by the Spirit in not yet appear what we shall be; but we his spirit, from whose spiritual body, spirit- know that, when he shall appear, we shall ual fruits are brought forth, as a well spring- be like him; for we shall see him as he is," ing up unto eternal life. For they are re- 1 John 3: 2. generated through the word which was sown With these and the like words the Scriptin their hearts, begotten of God, and born ures admonish the truly regenerated and anew to bring forth fruit of eternal life; they, those who have arisen, that they should therefore, as children born of God, are the take heed to their calling, and continue persame as the Father, of one mind and dispo- feet in a new, godly walk, for if they have sition; have the divine nature of their Fa- been made partakers of Christ, they should ther, who has begotten them; whose thoughts persevere to the end, lest they again depart are heavenly, whose words are truth, well from the living God through the deceitfulseasoned, whose good works are holy, ac- ness of sin and an evil heart of unbelief: ceptable to God and man; for they are and they should remain steadfast and perholy vessels of honor, useful and ready to fect, as the chosen children of God, and inevery good work. herit the kingdom of their Father, and reign Even as Paul exhorts those who are born in eternity and rule over sin, death, devil of the corruptible seed of flesh and blood, and hell, and all the enemies of the kingwho are earthly, carnal, without understand- dom, whom they overcome with Christ, as ing and blind in divine things, yea, children valiant men; therefore, will they also sit of wrath, that they should die unto sin, with Christ at the table of the Lord, and mortify and bury the lusts and desires of eat the bread and drink the wine of the the flesh, and then rise by virtue of the heav- kingdom of heaven; even as Christ overenly seed from the sleep and.death of sin, came, and sitteth with his Father in his and be regenerated, and walk in newness of kingdom which is prepared for them; as a life, which is the first resurrection, saying, city well fortified; free from all care of their "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from enemies; in full rest, full of life and joy; the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." for they eat of the tree of life which is in the So does he also admonish all regenerated! midst of Paradise; which pleasure garden children of Gpd, who have been changed in is ever close to the unregenerated, who are mind and disposition, through the eternal still earthly and carnally minded, who still saving seed of God, who have been regener- have by nature the vail and partition wall ated and are risen, that they should be god- of sin before their hearts. ly, spiritually and heavenly minded, and These are they, who died with Christ unto strive for and desire heavenly, incorruptible sin, and have truly risen; they are the new things; and that their heart should be where born, to whom the power is given to become their treasure is, and their conversation in the sons of God; were redeemed out of all heaven, as fellow saints of the house of God, nations; have on the wedding garments telling them, " If then ye be risen with Christ, against the marriage of the Lamb; have reseek those things which are above, where ceived the sign TAU in their foreheads by Christ sitteth on the right hand of God; set which the servants of God are designated; your affections on things above, not on these are the spiritual bride of Christ, his things on the earth; for ye are dead, and holy church, his spiritual body, flesh of his your life is hid with Christ in God, when j flesh, and bone of his bone. They have come 236 THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the mind, disposition, nature, life and conduct living God, which came down from heaven; he is; for here a man, by taking a little have come to an innumerable company of pains, can judge and prove himself, for a angels, to the general assembly of the church man's walk, word and actions, and the of the first born which are written in heaven, thoughts of his heart, all show what he is; and to Jesus, the Mediator of the new cove- for man knows himself best, and no one nant; they are fellow citizens in the house- knows what is in man, but the spirit which hold of God who have put off the corrupt- is in him. ible garment, and put on the incorruptible; Again: therefore, all those who find on have acknowledged the name of God, and proving themselves, that they are not rekept his commandments, and the faith of newed and regenerated after their first birth, Jesus; the true sheep of Christ, who hear according to the flesh, in mind, understandhis voice, and follow no other; the first fruits ing, spirit and disposition, but are yet altoof his creatures, who have the Spirit and gether carnally, earthly, worldly and devilmind of Christ, therefore, they know what the ishly minded; and from their depraved, will of the Lord is; yea, the chosen genera- inbred nature, are prone and willing to do tion, the spiritual and royal priesthood, a all manner of evil, should humble themholy nation, a peculiar people; who in times selves before God, with Jeremiah, saying, past were not a people, but now the people Let us examine and prove our ways, and of God, for God had compassion on them; let us turn unto the Lord, let us lift our these are the souls who were slain, under hands and hearts to God in heaven, and the altar, for the word of God. say, We have sinned before heaven and in In short, with them old things have passed thy sight, and have excited thy wrath; Let away; behold all things have become new; us weep and let our eyes run over with wabut this is all of God, who has reconciled ter, and say with David, "O come, let us us unto himself through Jesus Christ; these worship and bow down; let us kneel before are they who stand before the throne of the Lord our Maker," and entreat him that God, with palms in their hands, and clothed he would make glad the work of his hands, in white, saying, "Blessing, and glory, and and renew us whom lie created; let us humwisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and bly entreat him for his Spirit, which is the power and might be unto our God forever I great cause of all this, and say, Lord, send and ever, Amen," Rev. 7: 12. forth thy Spirit, and they will be created, This is a short instruction concerning the and thou wilt renew the face of the earth, spiritual resurrection or new birth, and the and thus they continue in prayer and in their difference between the natural and spiritual; desires to God, till they are clothed with the between the earthly and the heavenly; and power of the Spirit from on high, converted how every one is disposed, inclined, and of I and renewed in the spirit of their mind; and what mind he is, according to his birth or with astonishment say, This is the change origin, and that he is of the same disposi- wrought by the right hand of God, the most tion, of the same mind and of such a nature HIligh, Ps. 104: 30; 95: 6. as that is of which he is born, that which Also let those, who, on examining themgenerated him; for the natural man is not selves, find that they are born from above spiritual, neither is that which is born of i by the grace of God, and that they are new flesh and blood, the spiritual birth of God creatures in Christ, and have become a temfrom heaven; but like produces like. As ple of God, take heed to themselves accordthe natural man is, so are they, who are ing to the counsel of the Scriptures, in order naturally born. Such as God is, who is a that, since they are washed, purified, regenSpirit and dwells in heaven, such are also erated and sanctified, they do not again they who are spiritually born from heaven, defile themselves, and pollute the temple of who far exceed those naturally born of God; for if any man defile the temple of flesh. God, him shall God destroy. They pray in Here, as in a mirror, one may view and the spirit with assured confidence, to God, examine himself, and judge of what birth, their Father, with David, O God strengthen TIE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 237 us and confirm in us that which thou didst these things, ye shall never fall; for so an cause in us! He will then hear in his holy entrance shall be ministeredunto you abundtemple, according to his promise, For he is antly, into the everlasting kingdom of our faithful who has begun the good work in Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," 2 Pet. 1: you, he will also perform it until the day of 5-11. Jesus Christ. Peter says, "Give all dili- May the God of all grace, who will gather gence to add to your faith, virtue; and to all his chosen in the last resurrection, into virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, tem- his kingdom, grant us such hearts, minds perance; and to temperance, patience; and and dispositions, that we, through true faith, to patience, godliness; and to godliness, may die unto ourselves, deny and renounce brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kind- ourselves, that we may have part in the first ness, charity; for if these things be in you, resurrection spoken of, which resurrection and abound, they make you that ye shall does not take place in the bodily resurrecneither be barren nor unfruitful in the tion from the dead, as will be the case in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but he other resurrection, at the last day, but this that lacketh these things is blind, and can- resurrection consists alone in dying unto, not see afar off, and hath forgotten that he mortifying and burying the sinful body was purged from his old sins; wherefore, through putting off, and dying unto the old the rather, brethren, give diligence to make life, and to rise and be received into a new, your calling and election sure; for if ye do divine conduct and pious life, Amen. CONCLUSION. HERE, kind reader, you have a brief in- grace of God, that you will find nothing in struction of the first, or Spiritual Resturrec- it but the infallible truth of Jesus Christ, tionfrom death or the sleep of sin, also some for we have not directed you to men, nor to inducements to awaken and arise, and hence- the doctrine, nor commands of men, but forth to live a new, godly, pious, unblam- alone to Jesus Christ, and to his holy word able life, according to the example of Jesus which he taught and left upon earth, and Christ, as the Scriptures abundantly in- sealed it with his blood and death, and struct us, and as is partially related here; afterwards had it promulgated throughout for the Father himself, in heaven directs us the world, by his faithful witnesses and hoto Christ, and says, "This is my beloved ly apostles. Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye Besides, we say, that all doctrines, which him." He says, Ye shall hear him. -Moses do not agree with the doctrine of Jesus also testifies of him, and says, "The Lord, Christ and his apostles, if ever so fair in thy God, will raise up unto thee a prophet appearance, they are accursed. For his from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like word is the truth, and his command is eterunto me; unto him ye shall hearken;" and nal life, therefore, we kindly entreat you, "every soul which will not hear that Proph- from our inmost souls, that you be pleased et, shall be destroyed from among the peo- to accept and read with an understanding pie," Dent. 18: 15; Acts 3: 23. heart, this our Instruction concerning tie Thus we counsel and admonish all in Spiritual Resurrection and New Creature, general, of whatever name, rank, class or and compare and prove it with the doctrines condition; that they would be pleased to of the apostles; if it does not agree with take good heed to the word of the Lord, theirs, let it be accursed, "For other founwhich we have here briefly presented, ac- dation can no man lay than that is laid, cording to our limited gift; I hope, by the which is Jesus Christ." A Fundamental Doctrine, OR AN ACCOUNT OF Excommunication, Ban, Exclusion, OR SEPARATION FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST; ITS NATURE, POWERS, TO WHOM IT EXTENDS; ITS REASONS, OBJECTS AND DESIGN, &c. —WHY IT WAS TAUGHT AND PRACTICED BY THE APOSTLES, AND COMMANDED THAT WE SHOULD PRACTICE IT. FAITHFULLY COMPILED FROM SACRED SCRIPTURES, FOR THE USE OF ALL LOVERS OF THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL TRUTH, TO PROMOTE CHRISTIAN PEACE WITHOUT RESPECT TO PARTY. BY MENNO SIMON. "Be of one mind-let nothing be done through strife or vain glory," Phil. 2: 3. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER. 1 871, PREFACE. BRETHREN and sisters in Christ Jesus, it manifold assaults of his temptations. Yea is known, and evident to all the true chil- when we think the end is attained, then we dren of God, who are enlightened by his are assailed the most violently. Some are Holy Spirit, that human reason is so de- led to quarreling and wrangling under the praved in Adam, that it possesses but little semblance of truth; such are called by Paul, light which can lead to godliness; yea, it "Men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the has become so unfit, haughty, ignorant and truth," whose fruits are abominable envy, blind that it would even attempt presumpt- disgraceful defamation, slanderous words, uously to alter, bend, break, gainsay, judge unclean, perverted minds, a lamentable deand find fault with the word of the Lord struction of the holy peace of God, a grievGod; it will not yield to any spirit or gift ous denial of pure, christian love, a hinand persists that it is right, and that all it drance of the saving doctrine, the fruitful does or says is God's word; whereby the mother of faction, and an easy way to ruin, saving truth, and blessed love and peace as we have abundantly seen in the days of have often to endure and suffer much injury, the revealed truth. infamy and disgrace. 01 brethren, take warning; again I say,. In the second place, it is evident that also beware and watch; for James says that such the enchanting spirit of anti-christ has made wisdom is not from above, but it is earthly, the whole world so drunk with the cup of sensual, devilish; for the wisdom which is his abominations; has so rejected the doc- from above, is first pure, then peaceable, trine of Christ and his holy apostles, sacra- gentle and easy to be entreated, full of merments, Spirit, life, ordinances, usages, ex- cy and good fruits, without partiality and ample and the true worship, that but little without hypocrisy. Yea, my brethren, where of a salutary nature is left among men; there is no peaceable, friendly, saving and hence it is difficult to restore what has been impartial wisdom, there is nothing but destroyed to its true order and proper usage, forced appearance of good; powerless, imto which the Lord had ordained it. pure and sinful prayer; an unsteady, waverIn the third place, it is evident that the ing mind; a restless and troubled conold master, satan, the arch enemy of God science, full of strife and dissension, no and souls, is always about us, as a roaring matter how much we may boast of the lion, and seeks whom he may devour, as truth. The Lord grant that we may see Peter says. He assails us in divers ways; this. now with the unclean, wicked nature of our In the fourth place, it is evident that the depraved flesh, and anon with some en- community or church cannot continue in the chanting, false doctrine and fair words; and saving doctrine, an unblamable and pious again, by persecution, cross and fears; then life without the proper use of the Excommuwith liberty and worldly life of the flesh; nication or Ban; even as a city without a now with riches and abundance, then again good police, or laws and regulations, or a with defects, wants and poverty. In short, field without any inclosure, and a house he shoots his fiery darts constantly; they without walls and doors, so is also a church fly by day and by night, in secret and in which has not the true apostolic Exclusion public. He that does not zealously abide or Ban; for without it there would be an in the fear of God cannot withstand the opening for all deceiving spirits, for all 31 242 PREFACE. abominations, and for proud scorners, for feet; says that Christ is the Son of God. In all idolatrous and wantonly, perverted sin- short, in appearance he is an unblamable, ners; yea, for all lewd debauchees, sodom- regenerated, penitent and true christian. But ites, adulterers and knaves, as is the case in the mean time, he watches where he may with all the great sects of the world, which assail us most easily and injure us the most; call themselves, though improperly, the he pleasingly approaches the depraved and church of Christ; according to my opinion enchanted souls, some of whom, as is eviit is the distinguished usage, honor and dent, as yet know little about the nature prosperity of a sincere community, if they and disposition of the Holy Ghost; he with christian discretion teach the true apos- presses them closely, for he knows how tolic Separation, and observe it carefully in skillfully to defend his cause with the letter love, according to the ordinance of the holy, of the Scriptures; he speaks gently; whatdivine Scriptures; it is more than evident, ever he does, he does as though out of pure that if we had not with due zeal insisted upon fear of God, and love to the church, with the it, we would be esteemed and called, by word and truth of the Lord. He commences every one, the members of the sect of Muns- as though in the anxiety of a distressed conter and all other perverted sects. But, thank science, to argue and dispute, principally God, since, in consequence of the proper use concerning the separation which he can not of excommunication, itis well known, among well tolerate and endure; here and there he several thousand honorable, sincere persons, raises pernicious questions and answers, in different principalities, cities, and coun- whereby he so influences and inflames the tries, that we are guiltless of, and free from perverted and enchanted, that some of them, all ungodly abominations, and preverted when they cannot stand before the power of sects, and that we also do make this known, the truth, from mere partisan spirit, leave unreservedly, to the whole world, not only the pleasant Jerusalem of peace and return by our doctrines and walk, but with our again to unclean, blind Babel; or build up possessions and blood. a sect of their own, as I have, with much Observing that now the bright light of the sorrow, seen it to be the case two or three holy gospel of Christ shines again in reful- times. Behold, this is the pearl which the gent splendor in these vexatious times of all old deceiver seeks with his ire and wranganti-christian abominations; God's ownand ling; for whether we stay away from the first begotten Son, Christ Jesus, is glorious- idolatrous church or not, be baptized or not, ly revealed, his good will and pleasure and it is immaterial to him; if he can only inholy word concerning faith, regeneration, flame our hearts with hatred and envy one repentance, baptism, the Lord's Supper, and towards another, corrupt our minds, mar the whole saving doctrine, life and ordi- our love, destroy our peace; if he can but nance, have again come to light through sow discord, defamation,hatred,lies, enmity much seeking, prayer, reading, teaching and and backbiting, which generally arise from writing; that now all things (God be prais- such disputes; if he can but do this, then he ed for his grace) proceed according to the has accomplished what he sought. Ah! dear true, apostolic rule in the church, whereby brethren, beware, for it is more than clear, the kingdom of Christ rises in honor, and that all those who have not the meek, friendthe kingdom of anti-christ is sinking. For ly, peaceable and affectionate Spirit of this reason the arch enemy of our souls vio- Christ, but are contentious, are not of God. lently opposes and uses his old wiles and Be this known to you. arts most subtlely against it. He appears Inasmuch then, that we know, that he did under the cloak of a christian; understand from the beginning of the expounded gospel, me rightly; he proudly boasts of faith; up- to the present moment, cause us much pain braids, yea, rejects all the Babylonian and sorrow of heart, with his cunning, undeeds; is baptized; seats himself with the fruitful questions of contention, and other saints at the Lord's Supper; praises the pernicious disputations, I do most affectionlives of the pious; hears exhortations; gives ately and sincerely entreat all who would alms; receives the poor; washes the saints' desire to walk peaceably and quietly in the PREFACE. 243 fear of God with a good conscience, before in this part by many, different spirits for the Lord and his church, that they would twenty-two years, and have endured many all, before God in Christ Jesus, lay this sin- an attack, whereby others are not only cerely to heart, how faithfully the Holy taught of me, but I am also taught of othSpirit of Christ warns us concerning our ers, the Giver of all good gifts be praised unprofitable, foolish questions, answers, dis- for all this. And also that I have acquired putations, and quarrels, 1 Tim. 6; for the more knowledge in some things, through Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of love and length of time, and through many adventipeace, and therefore, teaches it to all of his tious circumstances, examination and study; children, and writes it upon the tablets of therefore, I was fraternally requested and our hearts with his gracious finger. Ah! do besought, by several, pious hearts who reflect upon what we teach; and that his would gladly see all things right, that beholy kingdom and word are a word and fore the close of my life, I would examine kingdom of peace, and not of strife; that and revise the Ground and meaning of the his messengers and servants, are messengers true apostolic Ban or Separation, arrange it and servants of peace, in order that you, formally, and present it for examination to who call yourselves after his holy name, the elders and ministers of the church, and who alone has graciously called you into to all those desiring peace, so that if any his kingdom of peace, through the word of one, after my departure, as I am now an old, his peace, may escape the snares of the devil, feeble man, might cause any trouble, strife and that you may so conduct yourselves in or dissension among the quiet and peaceall your ways after the will and pleasure of able, under pretence that he heard this or Christ, towards all men, and observe his that from me at any time, or might infer holy word and ordinance, and defend it; wrong views from some of my writings that you may promote that true righteous- which have not yet been so fully explained ness required of God, such as faith, love, re- by me concerning husband and wife, and of pentance, regeneration, piety and peace with open, offensive, carnal sinners, as it is done all other fruits of the Holy Ghost; gladden here, in order that the brethren may refer the hearts of all the sorrowful of heart, and them to my conclusive ground, after I shall the young and tender souls in Christ Jesus, have fallen asleep in God, and made my and strengthen, console and encourage them exit hence. Besides, that the pious, doubtin all their trials, need, temptations, tribula- ful conscience may thereby be relieved, so tion and fear; so that the most holy city that they may attain an assurance of confiand temple, which lay desolated for so many dence in their minds. To which request, alcenturies, may again be rebuilt, and all its though christian-like and just, I have underusages, ordinances and services restored to taken to respond with diffidence, because I primitive order. Yea, that the saving light well know that they are not all brethren and of the true gospel of Christ may be spread sisters in truth and power who will read, among all nations, kindred and tongues, in hear and see it, but also others. And where its full splendor; and that the accursed, ly- the disposition is not friendly, nor love true, ing and anti-christian darkness may be there the understanding is generally partial dispelled. and the construction unjust, as I, alas, have Then observe that the powerful word of often experienced in my days. Ah! that the Lord is more and more miraculously some of them would obtain grace. Besides, breaking forth, and that, therefore, all true I know, that the opinions, judgments, affechearts would gladly see and have unanim- tions and minds are different; and that the ity in this part of the Ban, whereby they all-prevailing truth and the fear, Spirit and are sometimes so greatly troubled and per- unction of the Lord, are not possessed by plexed, as related, that they might all or- every one in their fullness; therefore, I fear derly proceed, observing one rule, according that all will not receive and follow this docto the Scriptures as it becomes christians; trine as the True Ground of Truth. 0 that and that I, an unworthy person, the weak- we all had the eyes of understanding, those est of all the saints, have been severely tried of us who think we see, it would, according 244 PREFACE. to my opinion, soon gain a strong hold from all bitter, party spirit, vain honor, with some. hatred and envy; for with such we find the Yet I confidently expect that those, who amiable spirit of peace, sincere and pious in the true fear of God sincerely seek union disposition, an unleavened, pure heart and and peace among the pious, and are anx- conversation, and, therefore, also an upright ious for the truth, will not despise and up- and pure understanding, and an incorrupt, braid me for this my solicitous and brother- saving ground and exposition, and they ly labor for the edification of holy peace, live no more unto their selfish flesh, but unand explanation of eternal truth, accepted by to Christ and their neighbors, resist none, me in true christian faith; but that they will are humble, are opposed to all unscriptural accept it, and give the praise to God for his contention and strife, readily acknowledge grace; for it appears to me, although per- their short comings wherein they have erhaps I may be in error, almost impossible to red; reconcile their neighbors whom they hit upon a more certain way according to had grieved, regarding neither honor nor truth, in which we may stand before God and dishonor; heap fiery coals upon the heads man, than that which I have impartially, of their adversaries; walk unblamably, in and according to my limited talents, point- order that they may awaken them again ed out and explained as before God in unto truth with love, lead them from the Christ Jesus, and which is according to the way of error, bring them unto Christ, and sacred Scriptures. save them eternally. Behold these are they, I do not serve the stiff-necked, haughty I say, whom I serve with my writings; for and perverse scorners, neither immovable they have Christ in power with his Spirit, bigots and wranglers, but those, I serve, who word and love, and thus with him, and in are of an impartial, new, christian mind, him they have TRIE CHRISTIANITY, which who suffer themselves to be instructed, and will stand before God, which is a useful, are under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, cheering, peaceable and joyful thing. Ah, and live in the fear of God and in pure love, children, be admonished; learn rightly to who have received the Lord's holy word and know the subtlety of the devil, and beware truth in a pure mind; who implicity follow of discord. May the merciful Father grant it through the received unction, and are free unto us the wise Spirit of his grace, Amen. EXPLANATION OF THE TRUE APOSTOLIC SEPARATION OR EXCOMMUNICATION. 1. What is meant by Separation or Ex- All that was cursed in Israel according to communication? Sincerely faithful children the ordinances of the law, whether man or in the Lord, whom I love in truth, Since I beast, had to die, and the accursed goods have undertaken, in paternal fidelity, this had to be burnt with fire. This was a dreadvery critical task, for the benefit of you and ful and severe curse. But in the kingdom all the pious generally, I say a critical task, and government of Christ, if we rightly view for I am well aware that it has caused much it in its true character; if repentance follow grief among the humble for some time; and not, it is still more dreadful; it is not now a I fear that all is not over yet, I, therefore, bodily extermination or the death of our entreat you all in general, both the afflicted flesh, as Moses' curse or excommunication and unafflicted, by the bloody wounds of was, nor is it an exclusion from a temple or Jesus, all of you, who with me bow your synagogue, even as is the excommunication knees before the Almighty, great God, I ex- of the Jews or of the world; but it is a true hort you by the righteous judgment, which declaration of the eternal death of the soul, he will hold at his future coming in the made through the sincere servants of Christ, clouds of heaven, in flaming fire, with his against all offending, carnal sinners, and mighty angels, that you would be pleased stubborn wranglers; a delivering over to to judge this my work impartially, and satan; yea, a common renouncing, excomwith a pure heart of peace; read article municating or separating from the congreafter article, nay, every word, with sincere, gation, church, body and kingdom of Christ, christian discretion, in impartial, true love, and that in the name of Christ, with the according totherule and foundation of truth; binding efficacy of his Holy Ghost and powand, in the first place, well observe what erful word. Excommunication of the church of Christ is Since, then, this is such a dreadful and in power, which was left and taught us in severe anathema, as related, then may every the word by the Lord's holy apostles, so one see well to it, that he walk and conduct that you despise none ignorantly, nor say himself so before God and his church, as with scorners, Let them freely excommuni- not to be eternally smitten with such a curse, cate; their excommunication is not danger- either of Christ or his church that he must ous, and similar unguarded expressions. I be an excommunicant out of the holy contell the truth in Christ, and lie not, that I gregatioa, body, city, temple, church, kingwould sooner suffer myself to be cut into dom and house of Christ. For all who are pieces, till the day of judgment, if it were out of the congregation and church of Christ, possible, than to suffer myself to be excom- must be in that of anti-christ; this is inconmunicated, according to the Scriptures, by trovertible. And what the award of such the servants of the Lord, from his church. will be, if they will not repent, may be 0 brethren, beware! plainly read in Rom. 1: 32; 6: 23; Gal. 5; 246 EXCOMMUNICATION. 21; Rev. 21: 8. Ah! children, beware; be stinate disturber or sectary who causes, concareful with all your powers; watch assidu- trary to the doctrine of godliness, offence ously; pray fervently and be prepared; for and discord, and those who do not abide in God's judgments are terrible; "It is a fear- the doctrine of Christ, who lead an offensive ful thing to fall into the hands of the living life, or the over-curious, inquisitive and God," Heb. 10: 31. lazy, who live at the expense of others, shall 2. Over whom this Apostolic Excommuni- not be suffered in the holy house, camp, cation is to be used. We find in many places city, temple, church and body of Christ, of the holy Scriptures, that the truly believ- which is the church; but that we, with one ing church is the spiritual body, bride, camp, accord, should exclude and shun them, accity and temple of Jesus Christ, our only cording to Scripture, to our salvation, and spiritual Head, Bridegroom, King and High their reformation. Faithful children, be Priest, prefigured by the literal Eve, Rebec- you warned. Terrible is the word which ca, and the camp, city and temple of Israel. John utters, "Whosoever transgresseth, and In the political dominion of Israel, no leper, abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath none that had an issue, nor those who were not God," 2 John 1: 9. And in another defiled by the dead, were suffered to come place, "He that committeth sin, is of the into camp as long as they were not healed devil," 1 John 3: 8. and purified according to the law; none were 3. The reason why this Excommunication allowed to ease themselves within the camp; is commanded in the Scriptures. John teachneither an uncircumcised, nor an unclean es and says, That God is love. Since, then, person, was allowed to eat of the passover; I as God is love, so does he also manifest the all those (here observe well Israel's Ban) nature, of that which he is, namely, love. had to die without mercy, on the testimony That this is the truth, may be readily perof two or three witnesses, who despised the ceived from the creation and preservation word of the Lord and set aside his corn- of all his creatures; the restoration of Adam mandments; those who were guilty of abom- and Eve; the preservation of Noah and his ination in Israel, and served strange gods. sons from the flood with an ark; in blessing For, says Moses, they were to be a holy Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; in ransoming people to the Lord. Num. 5: 2; Ex. 12: 48; Israel from Egypt; in sending Moses and Dent. 17: 6; Ex. 19: 6. the prophets; and more especially in the And thus it is in the Christian dispensa- holy incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, tion; for his church is a congregation of the Son of God; in his gracious, efficacious saints, or an assembly of the righteous, even doctrine, miracles, prayers, weeping, cross, as the Nicean fathers some centuries ago, blood and death; also, in the effusion of did confess with us; and, as Adam had but his Holy Spirit, and sending forth his holy one Eve, who was flesh of his flesh and bone apostles. of his bone, Isaac but one Rebecca, who Since then it is evident that God is love, was of his own family, and Christ but one and will be forever, who in the beginning body, which was heavenly and from heaven, manifested the glorious fruit of love towards and was perfect and holy in all its mem- his children, he now likewise does this bers; thus has he also, spiritually, but one by his exclusion or separation, although it Eve, but one new Rebecca, who is his spirit- is terrible and severe, and notwithstanding ual body, spouse, church and bride, name- that it has such a terrible consequence with ly, the believers, the regenerated, meek, mer- the stubborn and unconverted sinner, as ciful, dead to sin, righteous, peaceable, ami- heard; and since he is the wise and omnisable and obedient children in his kingdom cient God, who with his flaming eyes sees and house of peace; pure, chaste virgins in into the inmost recesses of the hearts and the Spirit, holy souls, who are of his divine reins of men, who judges their ways and family, and holy flesh of his flesh, and bone knows us best, who are his feeble creatures of his bone. and workmanship, what weak vessels we From which, according to the doctrine of are; yea, who knows that some of us can the holy apostles, it is evident that the ob- scarcely withstand a gentle breeze of decep EXCOMMUNICATION. 247 tion, but suffer ourselves to be led away im- cording to the Scriptures, has already found mediately; or that we are soon polluted with the true ground of the holy excommunicathe pernicious, abominable life of the wicked; tion. for this reason he has, through his paternal Since we know, then, that this our excomlove and great mercy, given us, his poor, munication or separation is commanded weak children, this means of Separation, us in the Scriptures, for two such highly imapproved it by the Holy Spirit and word in portant reasons, as related, therefore, we the beginning, and commanded it to this have reason enough, if we rightly boast of end, that we should exclude the restless, the Christian name, regularly to teach the stubborn wranglers and schismatists, to- evident and direct command, doctrine and gether with the offensive, carnal and lewd, ordinance of the Lord and his holy aposfrom his holy congregation, church and ties, as a highly useful and good work of house of peace; and, according to the great love; and obedientlyto follow it; and Scriptures, avoid and shun them till they besides, it is also evident, that those sin repent, in order that they move us not, heinously against theword of the holy aposthrough fair words, in the confident hope ties, and their great love, and the fidelity we have in the truth of Christ, for their false and love of the church, and especially doctrine eats as a canker, 2 Tim. 2: 17; nor against their own souls, who call this useful, that the abominable with their impure, car- divine ordinance, in the perverseness of nal life pervert us, nor give us a bad name their sinful flesh, a contentious work of the among those without; this is thefirst reason devil, and thus trample it so shamefully why the Spirit of the Lord so earnestly com- under the unhallowed feet of their impious manded and taught Excommunication in calumny, into the mire; haughty is that his holy word. Whether this reason is not man who would rebuke his God, or gainsay a special work of the love of Christ, which and censure his word. Reflect upon that in is of great usefulness, service, power and which we have instructed you. fruit to all the pious, I will let all the faith- 4. The true Apostolic Excommunication ful consider in the fear of God. has no respect to persons. Undoubtedly, it The other reason is, that all those who is well known to us all, dear brethren, that again forsake the holy word and true way it is so strongly and earnestly commanded and go astray in the world, despise the holy in the Scriptures, nay, it is one of the chief covenant, make void their received baptism commands, that we are to honor father and and the promise of righteousness; again mother, and that all had to die according hear the false prophets, love the world, to the law of Moses, who cursed and diswalk the broad way of the flesh, or cause obeyed them. And also, that the bond of contention, schisms and sects and perverse undefiled, honorable matrimony is so unthings among the pious, may be deterred changeably bound in the kingdom and govby means of this excommunication, and ernment of Christ, that neither a man nor brought to repentance, seek union and woman can forsake one the other, and take peace, and thus be set free before the Lord another, understand rightly what Christ and his church, from the satanic snares of says, except it be for fornication, Matt. 19: their strife, or from their ungodly life. Be- 9. And Paul also holds the same doctrine, hold, this is the other reason why the Spirit that they shall be bound to each other, and of the Lord so earnestly recommended and that they are to live in union; that the man taught excommunication in his holy word. has not power over his own body, nor the And whether this is not a special work of woman over hers, 1 Cor. 7: 4. his love, and of like power, usefulness, ser- Both these rules, the first in relation to vice and fruit to the impious, if they will by parents, and the second in relation to wedany means observe it in fear, as the first is lock, stand fast and unbroken, and can to the pious; upon this I will leave the faith- never be altered or infringed by any man, ful to reflect in the fear of God. Yea, who- so long as we can, in God and with God, in ever can rightly understan d and see, in my a good conscience, observe and keep them, opinion, the aforementioned reasons, ac- as the aforementioned rules require, with 248 EXCOMMUNICATION. out transgressing the holy word; but if this wife are one flesh, I scarcely know, how cannot be done thus, the spiritual must not, they will escape the snares of death, if they in that case, yield to the carnal, but the car- do not especially observe the holy word and nal must yield to the spiritual; this is in- counsel of the Lord in this respect; for now controvertibly true. they pray and sigh, and anon they rage I, therefore, entreat all the pious, for the and quarrel. Now they slander and deLord's sake who are sanctified with us unto fame, then they weep and lament. Ah! chilChrist Jesus, through the Spirit of peace, dren, take warning. Their tears are crocoand through faith in his precious blood, dile's tears, and their tongues are set on fire that they will impartially and spiritually from hell, as James says. I forbear to menexamine these following grounds or reasons, tion that some of them run after idolatry which so urgently engage our attention, and false prophets, violently revile the holy with God-fearing and understanding hearts, word, sacraments and ordinances of Christ, and learn, that we should unreservedly pro- and highly recommend the abominations of claim this ground with christian discretion, anti-christ, besides, the conduct of some of to such of our fellow-believers, whose lot it them is nothing but sheer avarice, pride, may be, to be thus situated, from which God wantonness, eating and drinking to excess; preserve them, and that we should inculcate and how scandalously some of them live it in faithful love to the salvation of their with their poor wives, especially when they souls, without giving offence to the young are intoxicated, I will leavethe Lord tojudge. and tender minds. All who fear God, I will And that any one could live in the midst of let judge what we teach. such wanton, carnal, ungodly abominaThe first reason is, that we truly know tions, and not be hurt in his faith, love and through the Spirit and word of God, that unction, and have intercourse with such the heavenly espousal, between Christ and abominable unclean, adhesive pitch vessels, our souls, is made by faith, through his in- and not be polluted in his conscience, I will nocent death and precious blood, and must leave all who have an understanding of the be voluntarily kept unbroken, in obedience holy word, to reflect upon with the unction to the only and eternal bridegroom, and of the Spirit. that, therefore, a man shall not, for the sake The third reason is, because Paul teaches of father, mother, son, daughter, husband us that we are, in the second place, to avoid or wife, in life or death, be disobedient to the apostate, that he may be led to reflect his word, in the smallest matter, or yield in upon, and to repent of his wicked life or the least; for God, the Lord will, shall and sectarian doctrine, through the shame of must alone be the God of our consciences, such shunning. Knowing then, that this is and the only Lord of our souls; and not our the ground and object of the Holy Spirit, in father, mother, husband or wife, as we may regard to excommunication, as related; plainly see from Dent. 13: 6. therefore it is also proper, and according to The second reason is, that the faithful the Scriptures, that we, in this matter, imapostles, John and Paul, implicitly teach plicitly follow his divine counsel, love, docus, that in the first place, we are to shun the trine, good will and earnest commands, and apostates, lest they contaminate us with the obediently follow him and observe it, inl impure, deceiving doctrine, and with their true love, towards our most beloved father, ungodly, carnal lives; that we do not par- mother, husband, wife and children, rather take of their unfruitful works, and for the than towards others, because, I say, they reasons above assigned; and since we plain- are our dearest friends; yea, our own flesh ly see, that none can sooner contaminate and bone, and we cannot by any other saland pollute us, than our own fathers, moth- utary means, lead them from evil, and again ers, husbands, wives or children, if they are lead them in the way of the saints. Reflect corrupted, and especially on account of the upon what we teach you. daily intercourse with, and natural love for The.fourth reason is, because we certainly them, which of necessity is existing between know that there is but one excommunication them; and moreover, since husband and in the Scriptures, which does not only ex EXCOMMUNICATION. 249 tend to the spiritual communion, such as andapostasy, accordingto apostolicdoctrine the Lord's Supper, and the hand and kiss of and counsel; and freely, purely and fully peace; but it extends also to the bodily teach and maintain the ordinance of excomcommunion, such as eating, drinking, daily munication, as well between parents and actions and conduct, 1 Cor. 5: 10, 11, and children, man and wife, as among others; that if the father is to shun the son, or the to all our brethren, if circumstances require son the father, the husband his wife, or the it, in order that we, in the first place, clear wife the husband, only in the spiritual com- our own souls, and thus stand acquitted munion, and not in natural communion, in before God and his saints in the great day that event there would be two kinds of ex- of Christ; and secondly, So that none can communications in the Scriptures; the one excuse himself and say, It was never told would only extend to the spiritual commun- me. ion, and the other, both to the spiritual Behold, chosen brethren in the Lord, these and natural communion; this is clear as are the important articles and principal daylight. Again, reflect upon what we teach reasons which urge us most that we willingly you. teach this doctrine, and put it into practice. The fifth reason is, because pious parents, Is there now a single individual under the as well as the church, consent and approve canopy of heaven, learned or unlearned, of the excommunication of the apostate young or old, without or among us, man or children; and the pious children consent woman, who can truthfully teach us that that the apostate parents should be excom- the espousals of the spirit, made with Christ, municated; and the husband consents that through faith, should yield to human wedthe apostate wife should be excommuni- lock? Orthatahusbandcannotdeceiveorcorcated, and the pious wife, that the apostate rupt his wife, or a woman her husband? Or husband be excommunicated, and that they that a pious man is not bound according to be severally dealt with according to the the Scriptures, to promote the salvation of Scriptures; and if they would then after- his unconverted wife, or the wife, of her unwards shun them only in spiritual com- converted husband? Or that there are two munion, they would make void their own excommunications in the Scriptures; that sentence, which they in common with the the one only extends to the spiritual church. church pronounced; and thus they would and the other both to the spiritual and temnotseekthe salvation oftheir dearestfriends poral? Or that the pious husband dare with that spiritual love and zeal with which not vote with the church to exclude his imthe word and Spirit of the Lord command penitent wife, or the wife against the husthem, and they would still be in great danger band in excluding him? Or that there is an of perdition. In order, unmolestedly to es- exception in the whole Scriptures of man or cape this, their excommunication has been wife, parents or children, in this respect? commanded, taught and left on record in Or that spiritual love has to yield to conjuthe word of the Lord, to every man, woman gal love? If so, then we desire with all the and child, without exception. Again, I say, heart to abandon this our doctrine, and acreflect upon what we teach you. knowledge our error, and with great zeal The sixth reason is, because I have known teach the contrary before the whole world, no less than three hundred married persons as is christian-like and right; for we regard in my time who did not observe the ordi- neither slander, nor praise, honor, nor disnance, counsel, doctrine, will and command grace; but we have only regard for the honof the Lord and his apostles concerning or of God and Christ, and the eternal salvashunning, and thus run together into perdi- tion of your souls; on account of which, we tion. We stand dismayed O God! at the are considered by many as the off-scourings thought that such an evil may in part be and filth of the world. ascribed to our silence. We will, therefore, But if this cannot be done, as it never can, endeavor to so act, in the future, while the then in the first place, my sincere prayer, care of the church is unworthily entrusted to and fraternal admonition, is to all who us, as to prevent, in a measure, all corruption | might have erroneous views of this matter, 32 250 EXCOMMUNICATION. that they would not improperly meddle with wise and sober minds, to what end through impure and perverted minds, by they bent their shoulders under the pleasing slandering the chief stone and the builders; yoke of the living and Almighty God, so nor that they would persuade any to diso- that they may act and walk in a becoming bey the word, or keep them in the dangers manner, in the most holy covenant of grace, of apostacy and perdition, lest they make before Him and all mankind; and live and themselves guilty of other men's sins; but walk with their consorts in such piety, love, that they would give the good will and ordi- union and peace; and with such fidelity and nance of the Lord, due honor and praise in care, observe that hereafter in eternity, we this respect; pluck out the offending eye of have not to hear of excommunication or extheir misunderstanding, and pass a sound elusion; but of sincere, christian piety, dejudgment according to truth; avert sin from light and divine joy. Reflect upon these the church, and thus observe the incontro- things which we teach you. vertibly clear word, counsel and command Fourthly, I entreat all, whose lot it should of the Lord, with all the pious, and assist be at any time, to be afflicted with this sore with all deliberation to maintain it. punishment, that they would wisely examSecondly, I entreat all who might be at all ine themselves in the pure fear of God, that concerned about the slanders of the irration- they would not seek the solicitous, selfish, al, that they would view the matter impar- lazy and idle flesh above Christ, nor cover tially in a divine light, and consider that not it with fig-leaves, lest the wrath of the Lord only excommunication is hated by the world who hates all lies, hypocrisy and subtle but also all the doings of Christ, such as the roguery, punish them with blindness and true evangelical baptism, Lord's Supper, perversion, and assign them their portion life and the whole divine service; yea, they with hypocrites; but that they might, by are considered as an abomination, scandal virtue of true faith in Christ Jesus, valiantly and disgrace, and they, out of mere hatred of overcome themselves, and obediently and truth, are not ashamed to call all the pious, fully observe what the Holy Spirit' of the accursed heretics, anabaptists, ringleaders, love of Christ has commanded and taught whores and knaves; and in many places de- by his holy word in this regard. Ah! let us prive them of possessions and life, as may reflect upon this. be seen, although the pious are so much Finally, I entreat elders, teachers, minishonored of God, that he acknowledges and ters and deacons, in the love of Christ, that adopts them as his chosen children, as his they would not teach this whole matter caresons and'daughters; as the apple of his lessly andirrationally; but teach and inculeye; as his bride and spouse; and endues cate it in the full fear of God, and with christhem with the gift of eternal life. For there tian deliberation and paternal solicitude, in is nothing under the canopy of heaven, that a true, apostolic manner; not too hastily, they love more than their God, as they fully nor too slowly; not too rigidly nor too letestify and make known by their actions. niently; lest they seethe a kid in its mother's And thus it is in this matter. For how can milk; but that they take of the first green there be a greater love for God, and how ears of their land, dry them by the heavencan there be found a more praise-worthy ly fire of pure, unfeigned love, and beat confession, than where one is willing and them into pieces in the mortar of the holy ready, not only to give up his temporal word, and pour upon them the oil of the goods, ease, honor and happiness, but also Holy Ghost, which makes us willingly obeto shun his dearest friends upon earth in dient unto Christ; pour upon them the sweet full health, out of sincere regard to Christ, smelling frankincense of a sincere and firm in obedience to his eternal and holy truth? I faith from which all must result, to be a No abominable slander nor disgrace be- sweet savor to the Lord; and thus bring comes the pure knowledge of God nor the Him an acceptable meat-offering in his holy unfeigned obedience of his most holy word. temple. Lay to heart, in true love, the Thirdly, I entreat all dear brethren in ground of my admonition. general, that they would always consider 1 5. Th7at woe are to rput away from the EXCOMMUNICATION. 251 church the openly offensive, carnal sinners, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, and excommunicated of God, and thus ci- nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom rect them to true repentance with the Script- of God," 1 Cor. 6: 10, but that their portion ures. BEFORE I proceed to explain this ar- will be eternal death in the lake of fire. tide, I would earnestly admonish the read- Since then, it is clear, that the condemer, that about eighteen years ago, I pub- natin of God is already pronounced against lished an admonition, in which I made no them by his eternal Spirit and powerful distinction of sin; but through my inexpe- word, both in heaven and upon the earth; rience, directedthemwithout discrimination, that they have excluded themselves, and by to three different admonitions. I say inex- their ungodly works, forsaken the church, perience; for to the best of my knowledge, that they are not as they were before, flesh of I neither heard nor knew at that time, any Christ's flesh, and members of his holy thing of fornication, adultery, and such like, body, but have become carnal and devilish; among the brethren; it appeared to me im- yea, as dogs and swine, and again servants possible, that those who entered with us of sin; therefore we would, in fact, declare upon the paths of righteousness, should as void and unjust, the righteous judgment have any desire or will to such gross abom- of the great and Almighty God, pronounced inations, and therefore, I did not earnestly by his own Spirit and word, through his reflect upon the matter. See, before God it holy apostles, against such abominable deis the truth which I write. filers, if we would still admonish those who I likewise wrote a book in 1549, in reply are already the children of the devil, hold to those who would only extend excommu- them as brethren, and salute them with the nication to the spiritual church, and who peace of the Lord, and treat such miserable charged us on all sides with slanderous wretches as the children of God, and joint words, that we practiced a rigid, cruel, un- heirs of Christ, at the mere promise to do merciful and Pharisaic excommunication. better, without any evidence of true repentFinally, I wrote a few words against Gel- ance. I desire, that we might all imparlius Faber; and to this day I have made tially, and in the fear of God, reflect how no particular distinction thereof, in my writ- such a great despising of Christ and his ings, nor could I have made it. This I ac- righteous judgment, could stand according knowledge openly; for my information of it to the Scriptures. was too limited, so long as the matter was In the second place, it is evident that all not disputed and did not again present itself those who are envious of us, are assiduously to me for reconsideration. But now, having bent upon finding but a mote in us, because heard the ground of dispute, and having care- they so despitefully hate us for the truth's fully weighed all the circumstances connect- sake, in order that they may magnify it into ed with it, in the balance of the holy, divine a beam and defame us grossly. If we were word, the six following reasons have given to acknowledge such open, offensive disme such a powerful assurance in the matter, grace, and receive as brethren such Godthe Helper of all distressed souls be praised forsaken defilers, without evident fruits of for his grace, that we are to exclude from sincere repentance, on a mere promise, which the holy church of the Lord, all offensively is, perhaps, more the result of shame and carnal sinners, such as fornicators, adulter- hypocrisy, than the fear of God, and ers, drunkards, &c.; and that all these break with them the peaceable, blessed ought to be put to open shame and reproof, bread of the Lord's Holy Supper, and thus with their ungodly works, without previous- by actions evince that they are joint memly admonishing them, by virtue of the holy, bers of our church; then we would, undoubtdivine word; that they maybeledto repent- edly, expose the fair bride, honored in ance, I say by virtue of the word, for, in the Christ, to all the ungodly as a disgrace and first place, it is evident, as Paul teaches, scoff to all our enemies. May the gracious that "neither fornicators nor idolators, Lord preserve us from this, that we may nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers never think of it, much less do so. Take of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, i notice of this. 252 EXCOMMIUNICATION. In the third place, it is evident, that with nature? Who premeditatedly disgrace their these three admonitions concerning such neighbor's wife, daughter or maid? Who gross, offensive abominations, we would frequent riotous taverns and houses of ill make many great hypocrites; for I hear fame? Or those who are perfidious in their that there were some within a few years, dealings? In short, all those are sentenced who carried on their horrible roguery and to eternal death, by the Spirit and word of infamy in secret, till time and circumstances the Lord, if they will not repent as heard. could no longer conceal them; yea, as I have It would, according to my opinion, be understood, if some of them had not been very unbecoming, if we rightly reflect upon detected by great wisdom, they would, I it, that we should run after those who are fear, have continued in their old course; but already condemned, to admonish them thrice as soon as it was disclosed they began to before separation should take place; and wail and weep. Who could ever be so blind- though they regard not the first and second ed, that when he has disgraced his neigh- admonition, that we should still hold them bor's wife, daughter or maid, or robbed as brethren in the church till the third time; him of his money, and being seized, spoken and that if they would even then evince that to and admonished, that he would not say, theyweresorry,theyshouldremainbrethren; I am sorry that I did so. Since then that if not, that it should then be told them beexperience teaches us the longer the more, fore the church, out of the word of God, that as heard, therefore it is also proper and they had no more fellowship with Christ, consistent with the Scriptures, that we but are accursed according to the Scriptures. should not foster and countenance such I All who are taught of God, I will let judge shameless defilers, much less are we to how such doctrine and conduct could stand cherish them in their ungodly actions and the test of the justice and word of the Lord. wicked career with false prophets, but di- In the fifth place, it is evident, so far as I rect them where the Holy Spirit through the am able to judge, that holy Paul wrote his Scriptures direct and place them, namely first epistle to the Corinthians with such a outside of the church; so that we do not der- I view, as related; for he says, "I have writogate from the Lord's sentence, pronounced ten unto you not to keep company, if any in his word, against such people, that the man that is called a brother be a fornicator, community of grace, the unleavened lump I or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a of Christ, the anointed King and Priest of I drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a God, may continue to be agreeable and dig- one no not to eat," 1 Cor. 5: 11. He does not nified; and also, that the transgressors may even mention one admonition, much less be brought sincerely to repent before God two or three; but he says, "A little leaven and the church, and may again present leaveneth the whole lump," which is untheir offering and gift with a clean, pure, doubtedly true; for facts have more than new conscience, as the truly sanctified saints satisfactorily proven how often the pious, of Christ, to the altar of reconciliation in on their account, are considered rather as his holy temple. Ah! reflect upon what we an offensive savor, who should otherwise be teach. a sweet savor, were it not for those shameIn the fourth place, it is evident that Paul i ful members. teaches us that we are to shun a heretic, In the sixth place, it is evident, that Paul after we have admonished him twice, if he did not only thus teach this doctrine; but will not amend, Tit. 3: 10. Since then, we also showed it by an open example to the are not urged by the Holy Spirit to reprove unclean Corinthian who sat with his stepa man more than once or twice, some of mother in a very unbecoming manner; for whom are outwardly yet quite pious, and without any previous admonition he judged perhaps some of them know no better, but him according to his ungodly works, and suppose they are in the right, why be- excommunicated him, by the word and Spirit loved, are we then to admonish those thrice, of the Lord, from the church, and delivered who are not ashamed to sin against God's him unto satan, into whose hands he had powerful word, but also against the law of already fallen through his unnatural, de EXCOMMUNICATION. 253 testable incontinency, in order that through the word of his truth; or that it is consistthis severe sentence and open shame, he ent with the Scriptures that the church may, might mortify and bury his unclean, shame- with the Holy Spirit and word of Christ, in ful flesh, with its carnal lusts, and that his such cases as mentioned, judge uncertainsoul might be saved in the day of the Lord, ties, I mean without evident repentance, and and was not received again before the term retain and salute as brethren the hypocrites of a year or longer, as history informs us, as well as the righteous; or that the church till they saw that he sincerely repented, and may also, truthfully, proclaim the grace, feared lest he might be swallowed up with I mercy and peace of God and eternal life, by over much sorrow. the authority of the Scriptures, to those who And it would, according to my opinion, are under his displeasure, curse, wrath and be proper that we should not so soon again sentence of eternal death, on account of their admit such carnal defilers, who have beyond deadly and wicked deeds; or that the abommeasure defamed the holy word, and brought ination or sin which caused them to be exsuch great tribulation upon the pious with communicated, does not lead them to death; their ungodly, abominable disgrace, though or that the Spirit of grace through a sincere they may seemingly lament and promise faith and true repentance, which avail with much; but examine more closely the fruits God, does not assure the transgressor more of their repentance for some time; for it is of the promise than the outward associanot always repentance, though they say, tion with the church; if he can convince We have sinned! but repentance is a con- us of all this, we desire then cordially to verted, changed, pious and new heart, a follow him, and change and renounce our broken and contrite spirit, from which flow views. the tears of sincerity, a candid confession, But if this cannot be done, as it never can a true departure from the evil of our ways, be, I therefore entreat all who are concerned, an earnest and sincere hatred of sin, and that they would not liken themselves unto an unblamable, pious, Christian life; this is, vain comforts and false prophets, who repentance that will stand before God. I strengthen the hands of the wicked, daub entreat you to learn rightly to know both the wall with untempered mortar, and repentance and sin. Take heed thereto. teach peace, peace, where there is no peace, Behold, faithful brethren, here you have Ezek. 13: 10, but that they would leave the my most important Scriptures, discourses sentence of the Lord which proceeded from and reasons which moved me more deeply his divine righteousness, unbroken; and to reflect upon this matter in the fear of tear the deceptive bolsters and pillows from God. I say again, as I did above, in speak- under the heads of the ungodly, and keep ing of the separation of husband and wife: clean and pure the holy vineyard, city, If there is one under the canopy of heaven, house, temple, body and church of Christ, let him be whomsoever he will, that can con- as much as in them Ties, that they may vince me with divine truth, that a secret or build upon a sure foundation, and direct open fornicator, adulterer, drunkard, &c., is the impenitent sinners to repentance, as a member of the holy body of the Lord, un- heard. Deal faithfully, reflect upon these til he has been admonished two or three things and learn wisdom. times (observe this well); or that the sen- 6. Of secret sinners, vwho are again intence of the Holy Spirit pronounced by w ardly admonished of the Holy Ghost and Paul, and through many other Scriptures, are sincerely and truly converted. The full against such deadly abominations, depends desire of my heart is, that each one would upon the condition of two or three admoni- so fear and know God as to say in spirit tions, or that we have no cause to fear that and truth with David, "TWhither shall I go the pious would be exposed to ridicule and from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from slander if we had no other evidence of re- thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, pentance than a mere verbal promise; or thou art there; If I make my bed in hell, that we may, by the power of keys, retain behold, thou art there; If I take the wings those whom God has already excluded by of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost 254 EXCOMMUNICATION. parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand sins are private; hence no offence can follead me, and thy right hand shall hold me; low. And secondly, because he is in deep if I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; contrition and is penitent in life. Therefore, even the night shall be light about me; yea, he has no need then of being brought to rethe darkness hideth not from thee; but the pentance. Nor are we any where commandnight shineth as the day; the darkness and ed of Christ to put him to open shame bethe light are both alike to thee; for thou fore the church. Reflect upon these things. hast possessed my reins; thou hast covered 7. TWhat is the true sense of the passage in me in my mother's womb," Ps. 139: 7-13. 3Ifatt. 18, where Christ says, "If thly brot7zer And with Isaiah, "Woe unto them that seek shall trespass against thee," &c. Our only deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and eternal High Priest and Teacher Jesus and their works are in the dark, and they Christ, undoubtedly knew our poor, impersay, Who seeth us? And who knoweth us?" feet and feeble nature, that if we are not Isa. 29: 15. Observe this denunciation,"Woe watchful, we would often fall into errors tounto them," &c. wards our neighbor, and therefore does he Chosen brethren, take heed; none under teach and say, "If thy brother shall tresthe canopy of heaven, can so conceal him- pass against thee, go and tell him his fault self that he cannot be seen by the flaming between thee and him alone; if he shall hear eyes of the Lord, or not be found by the thee, thou hast gained thy brother; but if avenging hand of his wrath in his wicked- he will not hear thee, then take with thee ness. Yea, the least -thought is not con- one or two more, that in the mouth of two cealed in our hearts which is not open to or three witnesses every word may be estabthe eyes of the Lord. I, therefore, warn all lished; and if he shall neglect to hear them, in general, that you with all your powers tell it unto the church, but if he neglect to watch against sin, whether secret or open; hear the church, let him be unto thee as a if sin is not sincerely repented of, your por- heathen man and a publican." Whereupon tion will be eternal death. Let all the im- Peter asked him, "How oft shall my brother penitent and heedless sinners reflect upon sin against me, and I forgive him? Till this. seven times " Jesus saith unto him, "I say This I write to all beloved brethren as a not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until christian warning, that you may fear the seventy times seven," Matthew 18: o5-17, Lord's sentence, both openly and privately, 21, 22. and carefully avoid sin. Though we may It is evident that these words of Christ not be reproved or seen of men here, still we teach, in the first place, that if any one cannot escape the eyes and punishment of should err or sin against his brother through God! Ah! that we all understood this. negligence, infirmity, inconsiderateness, inHowever, should it ever happen that any experience, or ignorance, that he should one should sin again4 God in private, from not, therefore, hate him in his heart; nor which may his power preserve us all, and conceal or connive at his transgression; but should the spirit of grace, which works re- out of true, brotherly love admonish and pentance, again operate upon his heart, and reprove him, lest his brother fall into greater cause genuine repentance, of this we have errors and perish; but by this means renot to judge; for it is a matter between him claim him, and, as Moses says, not make and God. For since it is evident that we do himself guilty for his sins. It is the nature not seek our righteousness and salvation, and disposition of christians not to hate the remission of our sins, satisfaction, rec- any on account of his infirmities, but they onciliation and eternal life in or through seek with all their hearts how they may lead excommunication, but alone in the right- such an one in the true way of love by ineousness, intercession, merits, death and structing him; for a true Christian knows blood of Christ. There are but two objects nothing of hatred. and ends why the ban is commanded in the In the second place, those words teach us Scriptures, which can have no reference to that he, who has transgressed, should resuch an one. Because, in the first place, his \ ceive the admonition of his brother, in love EXCOMMUJNIATION. 255 and be again sincerely reconciled; as he' against him, although he should never reteaches at an other place, and says, "There- form. We have a true example in Christ, fore,-if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and and Stephen, his witness. And it is also there rememberest that thy brother hath the nature and disposition of all the anointaught against thee; leave there thy gift be- ed, who are born of God, that they possess fore the altar, and go thy way; first be rec- their souls in peace and patience, to keep onciled to thy brother," Matt. 5: 23, 24. pure and uncorrupted their conscience, their Here it is also the nature and disposition prayer unhindered, their love perfect, their of the anointed, those who are born of the faith sound and true, their minds firm and holy seed of divine love, that if they tres- unwavering, no matter how we behave topass against a brother, they have neither wards them. peace nor rest of conscience till they are From all of which it is more than clear again fully reconciled in Christ Jesus, and that these three several admonitions of that without hypocrisy. For they are a which Christ speaks, first between him and seed and generation of peace, children of you alone; secondly before witnesses and love, who manifest their christianity in full thirdly, before the church, do not extend power; and testify by deeds that they know to all offensive, carnal sinners, over whom God. But those who do not so, have the the eternal sentence of death is already words of Jesus to judge them. Although pronounced; but it has reference only to the the first transgression may not be of itself a shortcomings between brother and brother, sin unto death; but in the course of time, it and that for the following seven, reasons. would cause the transgressor, if he regard First, he says, "If thy brother trespass not love, to become estranged and carnal, against TnE," observe what he says "Atherefore he should bear such severe pun- GAIST TIE," not AGAINST GOD; for all ishment on account of his wickedness. For the sins he commits against you, you may it is evident that he, who despises his broth- forgive him, so far as respects you: but not er, rejects the affectionate admonition, acts as it respects God against christian charity, despises the church Secondly, he says, "Tell him his fault beof God, rejects the word of the Lord, would tween t1ee and 7im alone." Observe, berather continue unreproved in his transgres- tween thee and him alone." And I trust that sion, through his immovable stubbornness; all ho unerstand the holy word will asrather walk in the crooked paths of the sent that an open transgression or sin, reunrighteous; yea, sooner forsake the king- i i i is to be' qures no private admonition, but is to he dom and people of Christ, than subdue his pulicly reproved. stubborn, proud flesh, and again be reconThirdly, he says,-"That in the mouth of ciled in love, according to the word of te Thirdly, e says, hat n the mouth of'two or three witnesses every word may be, Lord, with his brother against whom he two or three witnesses evely word may be transgressed. Paul rightly observes, "That eablshed.: Observe, that he says, "Two to be carnally minded is death." Observe orree. And that an ope transgression " ~this,;~ requires no witness, but is itself its own acthis. In the third place, if the transgressing cuser and witness, is clear as the meridian In the third place, if the transgressing i' brother will sincerely receive, the brotherly sun. admonition of his offended brother in love, Fourthly, he says, "Then tell it unto the chuchh," observe, "unto the church."1 And be humbly reconciled, and afterwards ceases church, observe, unto the church. And transgressing, then in that case he will no fo to tell an open, ell known disgrace more remember, but sincerely forgive him, to them, which is already known, is quite although he may have frequently sinned useless, to this all must assent who have against him. Even as God for Jesus' sake, understanding. forgives all of our sins; so must we also Fifthly, he also says in Luke 17, "And if forgive our neighbor all his transgressions he trespass against thee seven times in a in Christ, which he has committed against day." Observe, he says, "Trespass." That us. And we should not under any circum-. now, any christian should commit a deadly stances indulge in hatred or vengeance sin against his brother, seven times in a 256 EXCOMMUNICATION. day, not to say seventy times seven, is not 1 the Holy Ghost, was so blinded and bepossible; much less against God. witched, that he, without any dread, fell inSixthly, he says, "And seven times in a to one deadly sin and wickedness after anday turn again to thee, saying, I repent." other; yea, as appears, he never once Observe, he says, " Turn to thee seven times thought of the Lord who saved him from so in a day." My opinion is that if any one many dangers, and called him to such diswere to come to us two or three times in a tinguished honor, and endowed him with year, not to say daily, to pillage our chests such a precious spirit. For when it was told or purses, or disgrace our wives, daughters him of Bath-sheba, that she was with child or maids, and every time say, Ah, brother I to him, he sought to hide his flagrant act; repent, he would soon be told that he is a he had Uriah called from the field and predesperate rogue and an ungodly knave. tended as if he wished to consult him in reAgain, I say, Observe this. lation to the war, admonished him twice, Seventhly, he says, "Thou shalt forgive that he should go into his house; why he him." Observe, he says, "Thou shalt for- did so, is well understood. Afterwards he give him." And the Scriptures plainly teach invited him to a feast, pretending as if he was that none can forgive sins (these are the ten sincere; so that he might make him drunk, thousand talents which were owing to the and have him go in unto his wife and cover king), but God alone. And that we alone David's shame. But when he failed in all can pay the hundred pence that we owe our i this, he gave this truly valiant man an unbrother, as the Lord teaches in the parable godly, treacherous letter, that Joab should with all plainness. place him in such a point where the danger Behold, in this sense the Holy Scripture of being killed was greatest, so that he remains salutary unto us, and proceeds in might be slain. its proper order when, where one brother IBehold, thus you see how one wicked act trespasses against another, three admoni- engendered another when he consented to tions are given before excommunication, \ the lusts of the eyes, and gave place to sin. Matt. 18: 15-18, to a heretic one or two, Yea, he was blinded to such a degree in his Tit. 3: 10, and to an open, offensive, sensual inflamed flesh, and was so deeply involved sinner, who is already condemned by the in sin, that, according to the rigor of the word of God, none at all, 1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 13. law, had he not himself wielded the sceptre, Do impartially, and in love, reflect upon I he would have been two-fold guilty of the what the Scriptures say, without hypocrisy. ban or curse of death; first, because he was 8. That woe are not to pervert the truth an adulterer; secondly, because lie was with David's sin, repentance and rezission; guilty of innocent blood. but have to understand it rightly according He boldly continued in such abominato Scripture. It is evident that abominable, tions till the prophet came to him, and carnal sins, such as fornication, adultery through a parable, so wisely reproved him and the like, generally arise from blindness that he pronounced his own sentence as of heart; that they are committed premedi- worthy of death. When he heard the word tatedly; are the result of unclean, inflamed of the prophet who appealed powerfully to passions and carnal lusts; notwithstanding his heart, he was moved, sought for grace, the beginning of them may have taken their and without delay turned to God with a rise apparently from infirmity. Of this we broken heart, and bitterly wept over his have a true example in David, although he great sin, and confessed to the Lord that he was a man after God's own heart, and by had sinned against him; prayed and sighed virtue of his faith slew the giant, Goliath, painfully, and said, "Have mercy upon me, whom all Israel dreaded, and rescued the 0 God! according to thy loving kindness, lamb from the jaws of lions and bears, yet according unto the multitude of thy tender he was so captivated in his flesh by the mercies blot out my transgressions; wash sight of his eyes that he sinned greatly; for me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and as soon as he consented, sin was committed, cleanse me from my sin." " Create in me a and his heart, which was before a temple of. clean heart, 0 God; and renew a right spirit EXCOMMUNICATION. 257 within me; cast me not away from thy pres- tent person should be left unconsoled of God ence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from or man, is impossible. 0, reflect on what me," Ps. 51: 1, 2, 10, 11. On account of has been quoted. which he was again comforted of the proph- Thus it becomes us rightly to divide the et, who said unto him, "The Lord also hath Scriptures, that we do not make the sin, put away thy sin; thou shalt not die." Nev- repentance and remission of David as an ertheless, he had to endure a severe punish- example of encouragement to the rash, ment on account of it, for, said Nathan, blind world, that we do not receive, as "Therefore the sword shall never depart brethren, the offensive, carnal sinners, namefrom thinehouse; becausethouhastdespised ly, those who are banished of God, at a me;" and the Lord said, "Behold, I will mere promise to reform; but they should raise up evil against thee out of thine own show such repentance that the church may house, and I will take thy wives before be satisfied of their sincerity. For we must thine eyes, and give them unto thy neigh- not build upon uncertainties, and comfort bor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the in vain, but like Nathan, comfort when we sight of this sun;" because thou hast de- see true repentance, if we would not wish to spised me. Observe, he says, "Because flatter sinners with lies, and derogate from thou hast despised me," 2 Sam. 12. the judgment of God, as heard. And behold, thus the wantonness of David 9. Of the inconsiderate backsliding, and resulted in greatly despising God, and it immediate recovery of Peter. Dearly beloved was a grievous sin unto him. True are the brethren, beware; we have shown and exwords of James, " Then when lust hath con- plained to you, that the abominable, carnal ceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when sins generally arise from the sudden enkinit hath finished, bringeth forth death," Jas. dling of the passions, and so it can happen 1: 15. that sins may be committed through infirmThus it is in the new state of things in ities. Of this we have a true example in Christ; for since we are not to punish the Peter; for when the Lord said to him, "Siabominable, carnal transgressors with fire, mon, Simon, behold satan hath desired to stone or sword, as upright Israel did of old, have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but only by excommunication, as is well but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith known to all who are taught of God; there- fail not; and when thou art converted, fore, it behooves us to consign those with strengthen thy brethren." To which he retheir wicked deeds, where the Scriptures di- plied with much assurance: "Although all rect them, namely, into death, and to the shall be offended, yet will not I." "Lord, I wrath of God, as holy Nathan did blood- am ready to go with thee, both into prison guilty and adulterous David. They will and to death." then, under such a dread, severe sentence, Peter was for venturing all with his Maswhich, according to the Scripture is pro- ter, as he said; but as soon as he stood nounced upon them by exclusion, in true alone, he could not endure a single question love, by the grace of God, go within their put to him by a maid; he openly denied hearts, and are provoked, like penitent Christ, although the evening previous he David, to true repentance; yea, that we said that he would die with him. Yea, he may evidently see by all their words, works, was so alarmed and frightened that he beand whole life in truth, that the gracious gan to curse, and to swear that he did not Father has again received and indued them know Christ. with his Spirit, and pardoned their sins; 0 God! there lay the upright, bold Peter, then, and not till then, understand well what the firm rock, broken. Although he had I say, have we the same word of promise been taught of the heavenly Father and whereby we can again comfort them and pro- honored by Christ, the beloved Son of God, claim to them the grace of the Lord, name- with the promise of the keys of the kingdom ly, "The Lord also hath put away thy sin, of heaven, nevertheless, he could not endure thou shalt not die;" "thy sins are forgiven, but such a faint blow. Behold, thus man go and sin no more;" for that a truly peni- is nothing, poor, miserable, sick and impo33 258 EXCOMMUNICATION. tent, especially in so great need, if he is not ceiveth himself," Gal. 6: 3. In short, "Let strengthened by the Spirit of God. But what him that thinketh he standeth, take heed was it? Peter had to learn to know what lest he fall," 1 Cor. 10: 12. For the snares that man is, who depends upon his own are more numerous than we are aware; strength, and not in the full fear of God, those who would wish to escape them must upon Christ and his grace. Besides he learn- be dead to sin, regenerated and true chrised how to be compassionate and merciful jtians, be constant in prayer, be circumspect, towards his poor, fallen brother, who would watch assiduously, and must be led and inagain be heartily converted and rise with- fluenced by the Holy Ghost, else they are alout hypocrisy from his fall. ready in the snare of death. Ah! let us reIt appears to me that this may justly be flect upon this. called an unexpectedly precipitate error in Let every one examine himself fully, Peter. For he entertained not a single whether he has not sinned before God since thought before, that he would deny his Ihis conversion, and became a faulty vessel. Lord and Savior. And he also rose in the i He that may think he is free, let him cast very hour, went out and wept bitterly, and the first stone. But he that does not find on the third day he was again comforted himself altogether free, let him, with Peter, with the gospel by the holy angels of the 1 strengthen his weak brother, who, perhaps, Lord. has not sinned half so heinously. Observe, brethren, how Paul teaches, Since then, it is manifest, that to fall, and "Brethren, if a man be overtaken" (observe, to remain in that condition, and presumptuhe says overtaken), "in a fault, ye which ously to sin, are different; therefore, will I are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit leave such sins, on account of which the of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou people of the Lord are grieved, if such also be tempted," Gal. 6: 3. should be the case, to the spirit, unction, Chosen brethren in the Lord, I would then deliberation, fear of God and love of the most affectionately entreat you by the words church, to look into with wisdom and unof Paul and the fall of Peter, and admonish derstanding. If they deem it deserving exyou faithfully in Christ Jesus, that you communication, let them judge as the Scriptwould by all means, discriminate, by the ures teach. If they consider it not in that spirit of wisdom, between backsliding and light, but only as a sin, unwarily commitremaining in that condition. For if any ted, that they then restore the sinner or one continues in a sin, upon which eternal transgressor, with a spirit of meekness and death depends, he is already condemned by love. This is my admonition with the faiththe Scriptures. But if any one falls into it ful apostle, father, teacher and predecessor. unwarily, of him the prophet says, "Shall the apostle Paul, to all the pious. These they fall and not arise?" And as Paul says, words are full of power and spirit, "Consid"Restore such a one." It is, therefore, just ering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." and right that we be truly circumspect; that 10. How we should understand, accordiqn we do not depress too much a poor, broken- to the Scriptures, the saying of James, "If hearted sinner, who would willingly be re- any of you do err from the truth," &c., Jas. stored and rescued from his deplorable con- 5: 19. In the first place, the rational law of dition; but we must, in christian meekness, nature teaches us, that if one sees the house tender him the hand of charity, lift him up or goods of his neighbor on fire, or sees his and help him to bear his burden as much as neighbor sick, or his body, his wife, his we can, and as far as our consciences and the children or his cattle needing assistance, he word of God permit. Ah! take heed, be not must willingly render him aid, and extend too rash in such a case, lest you may also his hand to his neighbor, in time of need. be tempted or overcome, as Paul says. Let Again, Moses says, "Thou shalt not see holy Peter be an admonition to you, in or- thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and der that you will not lose yourselves in your hide thyself from them; thou shalt in any proud minds. "For if a man think himself case bring them unto thy brother," Dent. to be something, when he is nothing, he de- 22: 1. EXCOMMITIUICATION. 259 Thirdly, Christ says, "What man of you, my brethren, whoever can, with the truth, having a hundred sheep, if he loose one of reclaim such a poor, erring sinner, lead him them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in from the way of error, and bring him back the wilderness, and go after that which is to the fold of Christ, rescues his soul from lost until he find it," Luke 15: 4. death, and covers a multitude of sins, with Observe then, how the law of nature, of which, alas, he was already too much stainMoses and of Christ, teaches us such great ed. From whom? From men, or from God? love and discretion, not towards men alone, Not from men, but from God; for it is imbut towards our temporal goods, and to our possible to hide from men that which they creatures, so it is proper that we, who are see, and which happens before them; as born of the holy seed of love, should seek adultery, fornication, murder, open idolatry, for the soul of our neighbor, whose feet we drunkenness, &c. The idolatry of Aaron, see upon the way of sin, which leads to with the golden calf, the misconduct of David death. Thus James says, "Brethren, if any with Uriah and Bathsheba, and the denial of you do err from the truth, and one con- of Peter are examples. For although they vert him, let him know that he which con- repented, and their sins were covered from verteth the sinner from the error of his way, the sight of God, yet were they manifest to shall save a soul from death, and shall hide the whole world as admonitions and warna multitude of sins," James 5: 19, 20. ings, and as examples of his grace over all Here we would entreat all pious hearts, who truly repent; of this covering of sin, for Jesus' sake, that they would make a dis- David spake, "Blessed is he whose transtinction between those who ignorantly err, gression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. and those who willingly go in the way of Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imdeath, in order that the word of James be puteth not iniquity," Ps. 32: 1, 2. not construed so as to become a false com- I will now leave to the godly for reflection fort and support, to wanton and benighted whether these words of James as here exsinners; for it is clear, that they are already pounded, are not salutary; for those worthy condemned to death by the Scriptures, as we of exclusion would be excluded, the erring frequently have observed; but when any of I be sought, love would exert its full power, our Father's little ones, Christ's sheep err, the penitent would be rescued from death. and begin to turn their ears to false doctrine, Both their open and secret sins would be which is adorned with fair words, who suf- covered before God, and all would proceed fer themselves, through their lusts, to be led according to the Scriptures. In true love from the truth, and begin to set their feet observe what is the mind of the holy word. upon the broad.way, and bow their hearts, 11. How the latter part of the twelfth, and again to covetousness, pride, haughtiness, the beginning of the thirteenth chapter of the &c., entertain inordinate desires for the second epistle to the Corinthians, are to be property, wives, daughters, maids or the understood. We find by Paul's epistle to ungodly, vain company of their neighbors,. the Corinthians, that there were many parbecome old and weak in their faith, dislike Ities and sects among that people. Some the truth and err grievously, and yet sup- boasted that they were of Cephas, others of pose that they go upon the right way, such Paul, and others again, of Apollo. On this erring ones, we should not suffer to be lost, account, Paul reproved them in love, and but should seek them with all our power admonished them to be one in Christ. He and might, not with one or two admonitions writes also in the eleventh chapter of the only, as is done with heretics, Tit. 8, nor but same epistle, "When ye come together in three times, as is the case in a dissension the church, I hear that there be divisions between brother and brother, Matt. 18, but among you, and I partly believe it, for there as often as the Lord gives spirit and grace, must be also heresies among you, that they till they again conform, in all things to the which are approved may be made manifest truth, depart from their errors, and enter among you." There were also some among upon the right way, or till they become as them who said there was no resurrection, 1 ravening, biting dogs or unclean swine. Yes, Cor. 11: 18, 19; 15: 12; therefore, he also 260 EXCOMMUNICATION. feared that when he came, he would not find munion, yet they did not regard his writthem as he desired, nor that they would find ings concerning the Ban; for it is plain if him as they desired; lest more dissension the historian rightly testifies, that some than union, more malice than love, more years had passed away before Paul made wrath than meekness, more strife than his last journey to them, and it is against peace, more whispering than rebuking of all Scripture and reason to suppose that wickedness, more pride than humility, more they, in the mean time, admitted these pertumult than quiet, should be found among sons with Paul's consent. It is manifest many. Such is commonly the condition that he rebuked all iniquity both with word where the high and proud of heart, who and writing, and directed to the ban, as neither know nor love the peaceful, humble had been related, yet the foul leaven which Spirit of Christ, are highly esteemed, and was against the holy, divine word, and have attained authority over the plain, which disgraced the church, they did not simple people. Who regard the adornment put away. He wrote and expressed his of words more than spirit and power. This meaning by these words, that all those who I write in upright, undissembled love, with- oftentimes had sinned and had not repented, out regard to party. God grant us grace to and those who sinned more recently, that if enable us to perceive it. he wo.uld come the second time, that if he Again, we find that there were some im- should find one or the other, testified to by penitent amongst them such as selfish, cov- two or three witnesses that they have been etous, contentious, fornicators, incontinent guilty of ungodliness, that he would not and unchaste. Therefore he feared that when then spare him. Observe this. he came, he would have great sorrow on ac- It is also manifest that he did not write count of those who had already sinned be- this rebuke privately to this one or that one, fore, and not repented of their lewdness and but openly to a whole church, in a common unchastity. For it is manifest that lewdness epistle, that the disobedient might be reat that time was so prevalent among the buked, as we, unworthily, at times write, gentiles, that the holy apostles admonished and teach the word of the Lord, and there and counseled the brethren among the hea- is not a syllable which tells us to admonish then, in a common council, as may be seen such once,twice or thrice,but to reprove them from Acts 15; Rom. 1; 1 Cor. 5, 6, 7. in round terms; that if he came, he would It is evident, that, at that time, some were make known to them their merited punishvery little concerned about the lewdness ment. His words are firm and immovable, and dissensions, which were so prevalent, that we shall not eat, or have fellowship that the apostolic excommunication was not with fornicators, idolators, &c. O! reflect very rigidly enforced. This may be seen upon what the Scriptures say, 1 Cor. 5. from Paul's own words, and reproving, to 12. It is our duty to pass the sentence and wit, "Ye are puffed up," &c., 1 Cor. 5: 2. judgment of Christ without blame, according Through their heedless disobedience, they to the Scriptures, and to make use of his keys permitted the good and evil to exist among in a proper manner. Chosen brethren in the them, so that the faithful man of God up- Lord, forasmuch, then, as I have seen in my braided them sharply, saying, "This is the day much ignorance and misapprehension third time I am coming to you. In the displayed by many in regard to this point, mouth of two or three witnesses shall every some of whom, in my humble opinion, were word be established. I told you before, and too rigorous, while others were too lenient foretell you, as if I were present, the second and remiss, in consequence of which some time; and being absent now, I write to them of our members have been affected, alas! which heretofore have sinned, and to all I with no little sorrow. And as I have now other, that if I come again, I will not spare," faithfully explained the true apostolic ex2 Cor. 13: 1, 2. These hard words of Paul communication, in pure, unadulterated love testify clearly that in that time, although without partiality, therefore, I am further such wicked persons, as fornicators, un- I impelled by the same love to offer a few rechaste, sectarians, &c., were held in cornm- marks upon the keys and their appurtenant EXCOMMUNICATION. 261 use, inasmuch as they pertain to the excom- his ministers and people for this purpose, munication; so that no one, misled by igno- namely, that by and through it they shall, rance, may with anti-christ presumptuously in the power of the Spirit, represent unto place himself in Christ's seat, nor follow all earthly, carnal, obdurate and impeniand execute his own judgment, design and tent persons, their great sins, unrighteousresolution, but those of Christ, his Lord, and ness, blindness and wickedness, together the doctrine, ordinance and commandment with God's righteous wrath, judgment, punof the holy apostles, without any regard to ishment, hell and everlasting death, and the flesh, party or self-wisdom, lest he should thus render them contrite, dismayed, humreject him whom God saves by his grace, ble, broken, penitent, dejected and sorrowand retain him, whom he in his righteous- ful of heart before God, and little in their ness rejects; for, to him alone pertains the own eyes. Wherefore, it is compared in its right of binding and loosing, as we shall power and virtues to the rod of the oppresshear more fully in the sequel. Therefore, or, a hard hammer, the north wind, a sorrowconsider our quotations. ful singing, and sharp detergent wine, Isa. It is to be observed, in the first place, that 9: 4; Jer. 23: 29; Cant. 4: 16. there are two heavenly keys, namely, the Again, On the contrary, the key of looskey of binding, and the key of loosing; even ing is given to the end that with it the minas the Lord said to Peter, "I will give unto isters and people of God may direct such thee the key of the kingdom of heaven, and contrite, troubled, dejected, sorrowful and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall broken hearts, as beforementioned, which be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou are enabled, by the first key, to feel and see shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in the deep, mortal wounds, their great defects heaven," Matt. 16: 19. At another time, and and the profound fascination in which they after his resurrection from the dead, he were held, to the spiritual, brazen serpent; spoke in a similar manner to his disciples, to the throne of grace; to the open fountain "Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whosesoever of David; to the merciful, compassionate sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; High Priest, our only and eternal Offering and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are of reconciliation, Christ Jesus; and thus retained," John 20: 22, 23. heal their dangerous, malignant and deadly In the second place, we must observe that abscesses, stripes and the venomous wound the key of binding is nothing else than the of the infernal serpent. It is, therefore, word and righteousness of God, the direct- likened in strength and virtue to the cheering, demanding, constraining, terrifying and ing olive-branch of Noah's dove; the balm condemning law of the Lord, by and through of Gilead; the voice of truth; the south which all are locked up under the curse, wind; the joyful pipe, and sweet, soothsin, death, and the wrath of God, who do ing oil, Gen. 8: 11; Jer. 8: 22; Cant. 4: 16; not by faith receive Christ, the only and Luke 10: 34. eternal means of grace, hear his voice and In the fourth place, it must be observed follow and obey his will. that these keys are given to us from heaven, Again, On the other hand, the key of by him who created heaven, earth and the loosing is the abundantly cheering and de- sea with the fullness thereof, the eternal lightful word of grace, the pardoning, con- power, word and wisdom of the Almighty soling and unbinding gospel of peace, by Father; the King of all glory, our only and and through which all those are delivered eternal Redeemer, Intercessor, Bridegroom, from the curse, sin, death and the wrath of Prophet and Teacher, Christ Jesus. We God, who, with regenerated, new, converted, may, therefore, with the greatest propriety, voluntary, rejoicing and believing hearts, be careful in regard to the ban, with fear receive Christ in power and with a firm con- and trembling, and not be influenced by fidence in his innocent blood and death, flesh and blood, hatred or love, favor or fear, love, hear, follow and obey him. disfavor, enmity or friendship, strife, disIn the third place, it is to be observed 1sension or partiality; but should execute it that this binding key of Christ is given to \ in the fear of the Lord, as the earnest, 262 EXCOMMUTICATION. heavenly command, word, and will of our art inexcusable, O man whosoever thou art Savior, in an upright, clear conscience with- that judgest: for wherein thou judgest anout respect of persons. For without doubt other thou condemnest thyself," Rom. 2: 1. they are precious keys since they are given I therefore, counsel and admonish all the us from heaven, as a present from such an pious generally, who sit in judgment upon illustrious friend. Ah! suffer yourselves a sinner that is to be excommunicated, that to be told. they previously examine well their own In the fifth place, it is to be observed that conscience, heart and mind, and see whether these keys are given to, and bestowed upon they have the Spirit of Christ, whether they none but those who are anointed of the sit in the apostles seat, and also whether Holy Ghost, even as Christ says, "Receive they do it out of pure fear of God, in obediye the Holy Ghost," &c. From this it is ence to his word, and out of sincere love to evident that they must be a believing, true, the brethren or out of flesh and blood penitent, sober, chaste, humble, upright, through hypocrisy, to the will of men. friendly, obedient, devout, peaceful, and For if they have not the Spirit of Christ, do spiritual people; observe, a people dead not sit in the seat of the apostles and carry unto sin, a regenerated people, who sit with the keys of heaven, their judgment can not the apostles in the seat of righteousness, be of God, and will tear down more than and pronounce with them the righteous build up. It is even in reality nothing but judgment of the Lord, against all stiff-neck- a sore judgment against their own souls. ed, ungodly sinners, and teach, admonish, But if they have the Spirit of Christ, sit in chastise, punish, and, in real power, judge the apostles seat and make use of the keys or bind with the word and Spirit of the; of heaven, their judgment will doubtless be Lord, the unbelieving, impenitent, earthly- righteous, will agree as the judgment of minded, drunken, adulterous, lecherous, un- Christ, and they will not by any means chaste, proud, haughty, unrighteous, per- make themselves guilty in passing judgverse, disobedient, quarrelsome, carnal sin- ment against the transgressor. Those who ners. For it is evident that a carnal man are born of Christ, may judge what I adcannot understand the things of the Spirit vance. of God; but they that are spiritual, exam- In the sixth place, it is to be observed ine and judge all things aright, yet they that these keys must not be made use of, themselves are judged of no man. Yes, my except in the name of Him who committed brethren, it is utterly impossible for one them to us, and by his power, that is with carnal-minded man, or for one quarrelsome his Spirit and word, for He alone is the person to teach, instruct or chasten another King and Prince of his church, the Shepcorrectly through the Spirit of Christ, or in herd, Teacher and Master of our souls, bethe power of his word justly to separate fore whose sceptre we must all bow, and him from his church according to the will whose voice we must hear, if we would wish of God. For their fruits plainly testify that to be saved, as has been heard. they are both impenitent, destitute of the Since then he is both the Ruler and the Spirit, nature, and disposition of Christ, Giver of this, and both the binding and loosand subject to death and the curse. ing are in his hand, and must therefore be Therefore, fear God, and know how or done in his name, with his Spirit and word what you judge. For if one should sentence alone, as related; therefore we may well a ban-deserving person, such as a fornica- take heed lest through our profaneness, intor, drunkard, or any other carnal trans- clination or foolish purpose, we loose those gressor, to excommunication, while he him- whom he himself has bound in heaven, or self was wrathful, avaricious, proud, haugh- bind those whom he himself has loosed in ty, uplifted, ambitious, unchaste, lying, heaven even as the sin of perdition and the quarrelsome, impure, envious or false heart- man of sin, together with all his deceiving ed, and would secretly continue in his wick- and impure prophets, 0 God, have done for edness, then, according to Paul, he would many centuries. 0, children take heed. sentence his own soul, for he says, "Thou 1 As far as concerns the key of binding of EXCOMMUNICATION. 263 this evangelic ban, it is clear that when an I him to the altar of the Lord, sprinkle him open fornicator or adulterer is convinced by with the spiritual hyssop of God, announce two or three witnesses, or an abuser of him- to him the grace of Christ, and receive him self, or an idolater, or a drunkard, or en- again as a beloved brother in Christ Jesus vied, or a perverse, self-willed disputer, or and greet him with the salutation of his an impenitent, froward, lazy, fastidious and holy peace. For, says the prophet, "Have idle glutton, or a blasphemer, thief, robber I any pleasure at all that the wicked should or murderer, is brought before the church, die? saith the Lord God, and not that he they have the judging word of the Script- ishould return from his ways, and live?" ures, by which they may separate and ex- Ezek. 18: 23. elude him, and announce to him by the' Forasmuch as it is manifest and estabSpirit of Christ, that he is no longer a mem- lished that Jesus Christ alone has the key ber of the body of Christ, has no more of David, who unlocks heaven for the true promise, but that he shall endure everlast- penitent, unties the knot of unrighteousness ing death, and fail of the kingdom of grace. I and forgives and remits their sins; and In short that his final part and lot, unless again, as it is he who closes heaven against he sincerely repents, shall be the burning the impenitent, carnal sinners, binds them lake of fire, hell and the devil. For his under his judgment and retains their sins, works show plainly that he is of the wicked and we are nothing more than heralds, minone. isters and messengers in his name, and can Behold, such are those over whom the make it neither longer nor shorter, narrowfirst key has power. For the righteous er nor wider than taught us by his Spirit, judgment of God, and his firm, binding and commanded us in his word, as heard, word, take hold of them, since they again therefore it is evident, that they greatly forsake Christ; despise his holy word and err, who, in the pride of their ignorance, covenant; live according to the flesh; stir suffer themselves to think that they have up strife and dissention; break the bond of power to retain or remit the sins of any love; separate the pious; disquiet those of man, or who with perverse, inconsiderate a gentle, peaceable disposition; introduce minds dare separate or excommunicate any and establish offences and slanders, as the one out of carnal motives, hatred or bitterevident fact has frequently taught and as is ness, and not purely and solely through the known to many others, alas! as well as to Spirit and word of Christ; or on the other myself. Ah me 1 what a severe stroke he hand, retain him through natural affection, receives who is bound by the people of friendship or partiality, contrary to the God, with this dreadful key; and punished word of God and comfort him with uncerby his righteous Spirit, with this dreadful tainties in his sins, winking at them; for curse. O Father, grant them thy grace. with such, after the example of the false The same thing applies to the key of loos- prophets, they strengthen the hands of the ing in this use of the ban. For if a poor, ungodly, since they retain them, and appear proscribed sinner humble himself again be- to adjudge their life, though without true fore his God, heart broken and penitent, repentance they shall not live. Ah! brethgroans and weeps bitterly, experiences renbeware. heartfelt sorrow for his sins and an earnest I would, therefore, brethren and sisters, longing for the truth, hates perverse paths in the love of Christ, have you all faithfully of the ungodly and walks again in the path admonished in God, that no one attempt. of the pious. In short, if he conducts him- in this weighty, important and spiritual self so in his whole life, that we cannot per- matter, to act higher or lower, severer or ceive any thing in him but that the Spirit of milder than the word and Spirit require, the Lord has again anointed him, and re- whether it be with the binding of the first ceived him into his grace, and would have key in righteousness unto eternal death, or him included in the number of the Lord's with the loosing of the second key in grace people; they have then the cheering word i unto eternal life; lest, by passing an unof promise, by which they may again bring i scriptural judgment, he offend against God 264 EXCOMMUNICATION. and his neighbor, and so be constrained to vout, heavenly wisdom, and correctly pass undergo the punishment of his pride, along and impose his Lord's judgment with a with the angel of the bottomless pit. Ob- sure, sealed conscience in true, apostolic serve this! sA! most beloved brethren to what an measure, to the edification of all the pious. Ah! most beloved brethren, to what an Let all who are born of God, who are imamazing extent, in my opinion, is that man taught of God, who is able in this thing so partial and pure in heart, reflect, with the to keep the true, royal highway, that he can unction of their spirit, upon the grounds of properly employ the intrusted keys in de- my writing and admonition. CONCLUSION AND EXHORTATION TO ALL THE PIOUS. BEHOLD, beloved brethren, with much leave of you all in this part, of the ban and trouble, pains and anxiety, I have now, in retire to rest. the infirmity of my declining years, added In this I have not sought the acquirement another small gift to the treasury of the of human favor or honor, the indulgence of Lord, iot of the price of a dog, nor of the flesh, or the promotion of party purposes, hire of a harlot, which was forbidden to Is- but I have illustrated the principles of truth, rael; but of the abundant benediction of my confirmed the holy ordinance of the aposGod, namely, from the settled principles of ties, rendered due praise to the justice and his truth. Though it is not to be compared mercy of God, assigning to each its part, in value or worth with the gold, silver, metal, have added nothing new, nor varied in the silk, or precious stones of the offering, yet, least from its principles of my plan, except if it be reckoned with the rams' skins, goats' that in consequence of much conversation hair, and shittim wood, I have already at- with the pious, and meditation upon certain tained my wish. For my prayer and desire writings, as also on account of great danbefore God and his church is, that the living gers, actual occurrences, and heinous abombuilding of the heavenly tabernacles may inations, and in order to put a stop in some advance with the greatest speed to the at- measure to all offensive, disgraceful actions, tainment of their intended splendor and I have more deeply considered the excludmagnificence. For this cause, I have suffer- ing sentence of the flagrant, carnal sinner, ed not a little hardship, affliction, sadness, and, in this way, placed it upon a more cerpoverty and reproach, so that I hope I may tain basis, as may be seen. boast in my weakness with all the pious of As we are well convinced that the depth God, apostles and prophets, yea, with Christ of satan is to some but partially known and Jesus himself, that the zeal of the Lord's manifest, and as a consequence that he does house hath eaten me up. great injury, by means of his subtle, perniI would, therefore, earnestly desire all the cious wrangling and disputation, as may be pious, who, with a pure, unadulterated con- seen; therefore, my first earnest request unscience, have drank the water of love out of to all, who are named after the name of the fountain of God, that they do not des- Christ, is, that they would reflect soberly, pise this gift, but that, with candid and judiciously and discreetly upon the nature, discerning minds, they examine, as in the character, heart, mind, Spirit and disposipresence of God in Christ Jesus, its nature, tion of Christ, and consider that all which principles, vigor, cogency and virtuous ten- he has commanded, left and taught his foldency; and having thus passed a sound, lowers, is nothing but pure righteousness, impartial judgment upon it, that you leave truth, patience, love and peace. Also, that it unbroken in all its parts. For it is my they bow their knees before him, and have valedictory which I now offer, as I take my received the token of his most holy cove EXCOMMUNICATION. 265 nant; that they should bury their former ted, spiritually minded, godly, holy, devout, sinful life in his death; circumcise their united and subject to Christ; as James hearts with his sharp word and Spirit; fol- says, "Whosoever shall keep the whole low him, walk in all his ways, and be one law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty with him in both the inward and the out- of all," James 2: 10. ward man, as taught in Scripture; also, that Yes, worthy brethren, those who are so they reflect upon the high promise, and fol- far taught of God, that they are able, well low his word and will, in power and in and truly to distinguish between Christ and truth. For he is such a God, that he does the devil, in relation to their nature, disponot take pleasure in outward shadows, cere- sition, doctrine, and works, and thereby monies, types, bread, wine, water, and nom- perceive that the disposition of Christ is inal service, but in spirit, deed and truth. productive of life, and the disposition of My second request is, that they would on the devil is productive of death, shall, and the other hand, consider the nature, charac- will undoubtedly, separate and depart enter, heart, spirit, mind, and work of satan, tirely, from all vain and unprofitable disr that he is from the beginning a shrewd, putation, schism, separation, contention, cunning deceiver, an impudent, wanton liar, dissension, sedition, and sectarianism, and and a revengeful murderer, a malicious en- also from all deadly abominations, sins, and vier of the honor and truth of God; a false- shameful actions; of this I am fully conifier of his Holy Word, and a deadly enemy vinced by the grace of God. of pious souls; seditious, factious, unruly, My third request is, that they would all, schismatic, envious, perverse, and destitute with candor and sincerity of heart, meditate of love; incapable of conceiving and bring- upon the glorious and illustrious names ing forth any thing but hatred, backbiting, with which they are honored in the Scriptlies, deception, jealousy, impurity of heart, ures, namely, Children of God, saints and vice and shame, and all in semblance of beloved of God, chosen of God, regenerated the truth. In semblance of the truth, I re- seed and children of Abraham, seed of peace, peat, for although he is the infernal satan, plants and scions of righteousness, fruitful beelzebub, belial, behemoth, leviathan, the grafts of Christ, members of the body of angel of the bottomless pit, the prince of Christ, flesh and bone, mothers, sisters, darkness, the old serpent, and the very brothers, disciples, guests, friends, sons, devil himself, yet it is manifest, notwith- daughters, maiden, virgin, bride and spouse standing, that he has the power of trans- of Christ, His holy vineyard, camp, city, forming himself into an angel of light, as Jerusalem, temple, ark, house, abode, choPaul informs us. sen people, citizens of heaven, living stones. There is nothing of an external nature companions of the saints, apostles and oppressive or vexatious to him, if he can prophets, house-hold of God, kings and only gain possession of the citadel of our priests, doves, sheep, the light of the world hearts, and expel therefrom, Christ's nature, and the salt of the earth, &c., to the end that disposition, Spirit and power; if he can do by such meditation, their conduct inwardly this he has already won the prize of his and outwardly, privately and publicly, may craftiness, yea, if a man was even baptized be such in all their ways, words, and works, by Peter or Paul himself, had received the before God, in the presence of the church, bread of the Holy Supper from the hand and before the whole world that they may. of the Lord, would nevermore take part in by grace, with the pious, walk worthily of papistic idolatry, yet if he retained but one all such glorious names, in love, peace and of the fruits of the devil, whether hatred, or harmony, and by his paternal bounty forparty spirit, envy, bitterness, avarice, re- ever escape the severe curse of excommunivengefulness, pride, unchastity, or any other cation, before mentioned, and not with the vice, we must declare with the Scripture that goats to the left hand, hear the stern senhis spirit is devilish, and his life hypocrisy. tence, Depart from me, ye cursed, but with For it is very evident that the whole man the sheep to the right hand the cheering must be regenerated, sincere, unsophistica- words, Come ye blessed, and be not num34 266 EXCOMMUNICATION. bered in eternity with those who are bound pearance, excite the admiration of the whole by the ban of the word, in the power from world; whereas now, in consequence of deGod, and styled in Scripture, a cursed, un- ceitful workers, cunning wranglers and sowgodly race, cursed children, children of ers of dissension, she must sit, at times, in wrath, and of the devil, servants of sin and rags and tatters, and, oh God! be the scorn perdition, mockers, revilers, wicked, carnal, and derision of multitudes. perverse, unrighteous, ungodly, stiff-necked The anguish of my soul is ofttimes so sinners, dogs and swine, for whom are re- great that I am unable to write; God omserved the eternal woe, death, fire, lake and nipotent, strengthen me. And this, because torment of hell. 0, brethren take heed! I see that the house of the Lord has to enMy fourth request is, to all those to whom dure so many offences, not only from withthe charge of the word of the Lord is con- out, but, alas! from within also. O men! mitted, who are fellow laborers with me in men! arm yourselves! for the words of Paul the ministry, that in all their actions, they are true, that the ministry of the New Tesso conduct themselves before God and his tament is not a ministry of the letter, but of church, that no man can in truth censure or the Spirit. Its duties, therefore, cannot be speak evil of them; as sincere ministers of truly discharged to the glory of God, by the Christ; faithful and true in all things; men proud, the arrogant, the ambitous, or the full of the Holy Ghost, born of the incor- self-willed, who wish to perform every thing ruptible seed of God; encompassed with after their own mind, humor and inclination, heavenly light; transplanted into the good for they pull down more than they build up, disposition of Christ; partakers of his grace; and do more injury than they do good. taught and anointed of God; having their This is a necessary consequence, inasmuch minds upon eternal things; hating their own as according to the tenor of the doctrine of fame, vainglory and impure, carnal lusts; Paul, this ministration is neither the depth lowly and little in their own eyes; of a of wisdom nor eloquence, nor a dead letter, meek and gentle spirit; compassionate, mer- with which they are generally replete, but ciful, paternal, long-suffering, friendly, hum- it is God, Spirit, truth, power and life, of ble, chaste, given to hospitality, submissive, which they are entirely destitute. O take mild, courteous and peacful; well versed in heed. the sound doctrine; seeking and acting in ac- Arm yourselves, I repeat; for true teachcordance with the good nature, disposition, ers are called in Scripture, the angels of the character, heart, mind and example of Christ; Lord and valiant soldiers; be therefore manconfirmed in spirit, blamless shepherds, ly; keep the commandment of God; hold taking oversight of the flock of God, not by fast and waver not. They are called watchconstraint, but willingly; not for filthy men and trumpeters; blow your trumpet lucre's sake, nor for the sake of their own to the right sound; watch over the city of bellies, but of a ready mind; neither as be- God; watch wisely, I say, and neither ing lords nor rulers, but being examples to slumber nor sleep. Spiritual pillars they the church of Christ, that in consequence of are styled; O be steadfast in the truth; their faithful ministry they may run in full- bear your burden willingly, waver not, neiness of joy upon the mountain of the Lord ther be faint. Messengers of peace they without fear or shame, and escape unharm- are called; Ah, brethren live up to, and ed the mouths of fierce, ravenous wolves. justify your name, walk in peace, maintain Yes, my brethren, if we could all proceed and break it not. They are called bishops according to this rule in unity of spirit, un- and overseers; O take great care of the accompanied by the destructive foxes, how flock of Christ; take great care of them, I soon would the bride of the lamb, shine say, and see that you neither destroy nor forth in costly and variegated apparel, neglect them. Shepherds they are called; adorned in white and glittering robes, splen- 0 keep and feed the lambs of Christ, and did bracelets, ear-rings and neck-laces (un- leave them not to pine away. They are derstand the beauty and ornament of her styled teachers; make known the word and virtues), and with the brilliancy of her ap- truth of Christ; publish it abroad and con EXCOMMUNICATION. 267 ceal it not. They are styled spiritual nurses beauty, that, like verdant olive trees and and fathers; O nourish and cherish your luxuriant vines, and as burning torches and young children; vex them not, neither cast brilliant luminaries, in the firmament of the them away. They should be as the parent holy word, you may serve in fullness of bird to her young; gather together the glory, with all the faithful servants of Christ, young and tender ones in Christ, and scat- day and night in his holy temple, to the ter them not, nor hurt them. They are called glory of God and to the reformation of Isthe stewards of God; O perfect the mystery rael; bring forth abundance of fruit, and of the name; abuse it not, nor disgrace it. when he shall appear with all his chosen They are called the light of the world; shine saints, apostles and prophets, you shall reand glitter in full glory, and conceal not ceive in everlasting joy the promised rethe brightness of your virtue. They are ward. Sweet, gracious, and full of consocalled the salt of the earth; O let the salt lation is the word which the Lord utters, penetrate through and through, and be not "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; ill savored. Ministers in Christ's stead; Ah, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I brethren serve, but rule not; let no man will make thee ruler over many; enter thou glory in any gift, I beseech you. We are into the joy of thy Lord," Matt. 25: 21. Ah receivers, not givers of grace, not of our- brethren, from our hearts, let us be admonselves, observe; we are servants, and not ished, that we be faithful to Christ and his lords. Ah brethren, bow down and submit. church. My chosen in love and truth, the joy and Brethren and sisters, 1 will now in the delight of my soul, so long as you stand peace of Christ, commit you all with one fast in the Lord, abide in the way of peace accord into the hand of the King of peace, and are faithful to your brethren. Walk and I do, with Paul, entreat you from my worthy of the vocation unto which you are heart. "If there be therefore any consolacalled; fear your God with all your heart; tion in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any love the brethren; discharge faithfully the fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and duties of your ministry; he is rich from mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like whom you will receive your reward. Watch minded, having the same love, being of one and pray. Pray, I say, and that with con- accord, of one mind, let nothing be done fidence, and so the Giver of every good and through strife or vain glory; but in lowliperfect gift, will not withdraw from you his ness of mind, let each esteem other better grace, Spirit, love and wisdom. Doubt not, than themselves," Phil. 2: 1-3. For you neither be afraid. Let the glorious, typified well know by whom and whereunto we are breastplate of Aaron, Christ Jesus, decora- called. Reflect upon this. So that no one ted with its beautiful colors, its twelve may lose himself, on account of the shamepearls, its Urim and Thummim, be bound ful actions, and abominations of another, fast to the breast of your conscience, with nor destroy the good works of Christ, disthe two golden chains of the two testaments, turb the peaceable, grieve the pious, offend and with the two yellow laces of pure faith the weak, give excuse to the wanton, drive and unadulterated love; wash the feet of the wavering again to the world, bring reyour affections, purify them in the spiritual proach upon the word of the Lord and his laver, Christ Jesus, with the living water of church, bring revilers into repute, and enhis eternal and Holy Spirit, take of the courage the blood-thirsty; but that we be blood of his unspotted offering, and in a careful in all things to finish with joy, our true spirit, put it on the tip of your right course in Christ Jesus, and magnify his holy ear, in order rightly to understand his name, refresh one another in the peace of word, and upon the thumb of your right Christ, strengthen our sick, weak members, hand, and upon the great toe of your right and young brethren, reprove the disorderly, foot, in order to act and walk uprightly publish abroad the truth of the Lord, and before him, and in the presence of his con- show unto all men, a blameless, christian gregation. Have your spiritual mitres, gir- example. To this end may the eternal God dles and garments made for glory and for of omnipotence, grant us all, collectively 268 EXCOMMUNICATION. and individually, the active spirit of his children! God knows this is my final adieu grace, with perfect obedience and love in to you all. Love the brethren, and beware Christ Jesus, our Lord, Amen. Ah, chosen of dissension. A PLEASING Instruction and Doctrine HOW ALL PIOUS PARENTS, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES, ARE REQUIRED TO GOVERN, CORRECT AND EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN, IN A PIOUS, VIRTUOUS AND GODLY LIFE. BY MENNO SIMON. "Withold not correction from thy child;-for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell," Prov. 23: 13, 14. "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest." " The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself bringeth his mother shame," Prov. 29: 17,15. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. ELKHART, INDIANA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. FUNK AND BROTHER, 1871. " Hast thou children? Instruct them, and bow down their necks from their youth. Hast thou daughters? Have a care of their body, and show not thyself cheerful towards them," Eccl. 7: 23, 24. "He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds. Cocker thy son, and he shall make thee afraid; play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness. Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end. Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies. Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart," Eccl. 30: 7-12. " Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying," Prov. 19: 18. PREFACE. To THE ELDERS in all churches, and cho- Lord; that they may procure a good name sen of God in Christ Jesus; my beloved for the gospel of Christ and his holy church; brethren in the Lord, unto you be grace, comply with his word and will, and thus peace and mercy from God, our father, attain unto salvation. Beware of all innothrough the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, vations and strange doctrines not contained in the power and operation of the Holy in the word of Christ and his apostles, nor Spirit, which he shed on us abundantly, conformable thereunto. Show forth, at all through Jesus Christ, our Savior; that, be- times, Christ and his word. If any man ining justified by his grace, we should be made troduce a doctrine differing from that taught heirs according to the hope of eternal life. by Christ and his word, let him be excomTo whom be praise forever and ever, Amen. municated. "For other foundation can no My dearly beloved brethren in the Lord, man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus we thank the Lord always for you in all Christ." He is the precious corner-stone in our prayers, and pray without ceasing, unto Zion, which shall abide forever. Hear, beour kind Father, in the name of his Son, lieve, trust, follow, hope and abide in him; Jesus Christ, that he would strengthen you press diligently after him, conforming yourwith the gift of his Holy Spirit, that you selves unto his Spirit, word and life, and may be filled with all knowledge, wisdom, you shall neither deceive nor be deceived. discretion and power, necessary rightly to My dearly beloved brethren in the Lord, I oversee the church of Christ, and to dispense beseech and admonish you, neglect not the the word of God to sincere, pious souls, ac- ministration of your brotherly love, but atcording to your gift and calling, and that tend faithfully thereto. Take heed unto you may walk worthy of the vocation where- yourselves and to all the flock over which to you are called and chosen of God and his the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to holy church, as shepherds and teachers, to feed the church of God which he hath purthe end that the saints may be kept firmly chased with his own blood. Again, all the united by the common service, to the edifi- elders I, who am also an elder, exhort with cation of the body of Christ. Take diligent Peter," Feed the flock of God which is among care of your charge, and display a sincere you, taking the oversight thereof, not by concern for your flock, at all times earnest- constraint, but willingly." You who teach ly exhort them to love, to good works, like obedience, be yourselves obedient to the Paul; to the pure fear and love of the Lord; church of Christ, in all things which are to a godly, unblamable conversation, in all good and expedient; as examples for the humility, righteousness, love, peace, har- flock. As Paul directed Titus, saying, "In mony, mercy, and obedience to the whole all things showing thyself a pattern of good word of God. Caution them against all works; in doctrine, showing uncorruptness, false doctrine, and against the sword of evil gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot tongues; for if a man bridle not his tongue, be condemned; that he that is of the connor restrain it, his worship is vain and un- trary part may be ashamed, having no evil profitable. Also, that they take heed in thing to say of you." Also, "Watch thou their whole walk and conversation; circum- in all things, endure afflictions, do the work cise thir r hearts; season their words, and of an evangelist, make full proof of thy minperform all their actions in the fear of the istry." Do all in the fear of the Lord faith 274 PREFACE. fully, and with obedient and perfect hearts, kindly with the word of the Lord, that you for you are made keepers of the charge of may increase in faith, love and righteousthe house, for all the service thereof, and for ness, and come unto a perfect man, unto the all that shall be done therein. Study, there- measure of the stature of the fullness of fore, to show yourselves approved of God, Christ. workmen, obedient, blameless, that need With this, dear brethren, I will commit not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word you to Almighty God, with the earnest deof truth. My wish and desire therefore is, sire that you propound unto all the breththat you be earnest in this, so that they who ren this brief admonition, concerning the believe in God, may be made zealous to ex- education of children, in order that every cel in good works, which is good and profit- one may observe and comply with the same able unto all men; instruct, reprove, rebuke, in the full sense, in the bringing up, teachexhort and console, as occasion may require; ing and instruction of his children. The and forsake not the fraternal assembling of Lord Jesus Christ be with my beloved, yea, yourselves together, the meeting and ordi- dearly beloved brethren throughout eternance of the Lord. Strengthen one another inity, Amen. THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. UNTO ALL ELDERS and joint-heirs in the Lord, for such is the nature and disposition faith of Christ, grace be unto you and peace of Christ, Matt. 9. from God, our heavenly Father, through his Trade, therefore, among yourselves wTith beloved Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord and the talent given you from on high, and sinSavior, by the power and co-operation of cerelycompassionateyourunbelieving,blind his Holy Spirit, to his everlasting praise and i parents, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, glory, and to our edification and salvation, servants and neighbors; do not conceal from Amen. i them the gift, grace, word and will of God; You are aware, beloved brethren and sis- for their feet are in the way of death; perters in Christ Jesus, that we all, without ex- haps they may, at some time or other, exception, inherit from Adam an ill-disposed, tricate themselves from the snares of unevil and sinful flesh; nay, that all our de- righteousness in which they are bound and sires from our youth are evil continually, as entangled, and turn themselves to the Lord Moses writes; also, that we find nothing in with all their hearts. My dear brethren. ourselves, as the treasure of our first birth, understand this as regards men of sense and but perfect blindness, unrighteousness, sin discretion. Brethren in Christ, if we should and death. If now the power of this innate I see any such in danger of being drowned or disposition is to be diminished, suppressed burned, or in any danger that threatened and destroyed, it must be accomplished by their lives, and there was a prospect that we the pure fear of the Lord, which proceeds could render them assistance, would not our from a true faith through the word of the inmost souls be moved with compassion toLord, and from a clear perception of the wards them, if haply we might afford them righteous judgment and terrible wrath of relief? Undoubtedly. And now we see with God, which will burn forever against all im- our own eyes, if we but believe the Lord's penitent sinners. For the fear of the Lord word, that they are walking in the shadow is the beginning of wisdom; it drives out of eternal death, are already committed to sin and makes upright, pious children, as the grave of hell, and liable to be devoured we learn from Jesus Sirach, Eccl. 12; Prov. 9. forever by the eternal, unquenchable fire, Since, then, the merciful Father of our unless from their hearts they turn unto Lord, Jesus Christ, the great, Almighty Christ and his word, repent, and become reLord, has encompassed us with the light of generated, as the Scriptures teach. Therehis grace, and through faith in Jesus Christ, fore, consider seriously the heartrending has awakened us from iniquity and ungod- misery and wretchedness of their poor souls liness to a life of righteousness; therefore, which must live forever, either in heaven or let us diligently follow the glorious example in hell, and strive diligently and faithfully of the true love of Matthew, the publican, whether they may not yet, in some way, by who was not satisfied with enjoying the your faithful ministry of pure love, and by heavenly calling and grace himself, but went the direction and instruction of the divine and invited other publicans and sinners, word, be rescued and delivered from everthat they might also be saved and obtain lasting destruction, and be made partakers the like spirit, grace and mercy from the of eternal salvation. For genuine charity 35 274 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. is of such a nature that it is constantly hun- pear unto the whole world as we are theregering and thirsting after the glory of God unto called; for if we do not keep a strict and the salvation of all men, even of those eye upon our own children, but permit them who are strangers to us according to the to follow their evil inclination, corrupt natflesh. ure and disposition, not correcting and Beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Je- chastising them according to the word of the sus, forasmuch as we are now constrained, Lord, we may with the greatest propriety by saving charity, with benevolence and lay our hands upon our mouths, and remain sympathy, and know through the unction silent. For why should we teach those not of the Spirit and word of God, that the nat- of our household, when we take no pains to ure of man is completely corrupted in Adam, preserve our own families in the love and and is opposed from youth, to the word of fear of God? Paul says, "If any provide the Lord, as aforesaid; therefore, let us be not for his own, and specially for those of particularly vigilant and solicitous with re- his own house, he hath denied the faith, and gard to our own children, displaying unto is worse than an infidel," 1 Tim. 5: 8. them a greater degree of spiritual love than My dearly beloved brethren and sisters in towards others; for they are the natural off- Christ Jesus, take heed that you do not ruin spring of our flesh and blood, a serious and your children and train them in vice, through precious charge committed by God to our carnal love, and thus give offence; lest in especial care. Be, therefore, particularly the day of judgment, their souls be required mindful, that you instruct them from their at your hands, and it happen unto you, on youth in the way of the Lord, that they fear account of your children, as it did unto Eli, and love God, walk in all modesty and sub- the high priest, who was chastened by the mission; that they be genteel, well-disposed, hand of the Almighty, on account of his discreet, honor and obey their father and sons, 1 Sam. 3: 11-18; but diligently imimother, using reasonable language, not ly- tate the testimony declared by the angel of ing, nor clamorous, not stubborn, nor self- the Lord respecting pious Abraham, "I willed; for such is not becoming the chil- know him," says he. "that he will command dren of the saints, Dent. 6; Eph. 6. The his children and his household after him, world desire for their children that which is and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to earthly and perishable, such as money, hon- do justice and judgment," Gen. 18: 19. This or, fame andwealth. From infancy they train is the chief and most important care of the them up to vice, pride, haughtiness and idol- godly, that their children may fear God, do atry. But with you, who are born of God, good, and be saved; even as the God-fearthis is not the case; for it behooves you to ing Tobias admonished his son's children, seek something else for your children; name- saying, My son hearken unto thy father: ly, that which is heavenly and eternal, and serve the Lord in truth, and cleave unto him hence it is your duty to bring them up in in equity; be mindful of him, and let not the nurture and admonition of the Lord, as thy will be set to sin or to transgress his Paul teaches, Eph. 6: 1-4. Moses com- commandments; teach this to thy children manded Israel to teach their children the that they give alms, fear God all their days, law and commandments of the Lord, to talk and trust in him with their whole hearts. of them when they sat down in their houses, My beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, and when they walked by the way, and who sincerely love the word of the Lord, when they lay down, and when they rose thus instruct your children from youth up, up. Now, since we are a chosen generation, and daily admonish them with the word of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a pecul- the Lord, setting a good example. Teach iar people, that we should show forth the and admonish them, I say, in proportion to praises of him who hath called us out of the development of their understanding; darkness into his marvellous light, Dent. 6: constrain and correct them with discretion 7; 1 Pet. 2: 9; therefore it behooves us to and moderation, without anger or bittershow ourselves patterns and examples in all ness, Col. 3; lest they be discouraged; spare righteousness and blamelessness, and to ap- not the rod, if reason and necessity require EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 275 it, and reflect upon what is written. He that the gift of his grace, that in his great mercy, loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the he may guide and preserve them in the rod that he may have joy of him in the end. right path, through the directing influence He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in of his Holy Spirit. Watch over their salvahim. "He that maketh too much of his son tion as for your own souls. Teach, instruct, shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels admonish, threaten, correct and chastise will be troubled at every cry." A horse un- them, as circumstances require. Keep them broken becometh headstrong: and a child away from naughty, wicked children, among left to himself will be wilful. " Give him no whom they hear and learn nothing but lyliberty in his youth, and wink not at his ing, cursing, swearing, fighting and knavery. follies," Eccl. 30: 7, 11. Bow down his neck Have them instructed in reading and writwhile he is young, lest he wax stubborn, ing, bring them up to habits of industry, and be disobedient to thee, and so bring and let them learn such trades as are suitsorrow to thine heart. Correct thy son, and able, expedient and adapted to their age keep him from idleness, lest thou be made and constitution. If you do this, you shall ashamed on his account, Prov. 29. live to see much honor and joy of your chilDearly beloved brethren and sisters in the dren. But if you- do it not, heaviness of Lord, if all parents, who glory in the name heart shall consume you at last. For a of the Lord, would deeply impress the words child left to himself, without reproof, is not of Sirach upon their hearts, and inscribe only the shame of his father, but he bringeth them on the tablet of their souls, O how virt- his mother to shame, Prov. 29. uous, pious and devout would many chil- This brief admonition I have written to dren be raised, who now, alas! run wild and my beloved, from motives of sincere love, unrestrained, honoring neither their parents, and not without a reason; for in the course nor the church and gospel of Christ. "An of my ministry, I have too frequently obevil-nurtured son," says Sirach, "is the dis- I served, how disorderly, improperly, nay, honor of his father;" again, says he, "Though heathenlike, many persons conduct themthey multiply, rejoice not in them, except selves towards their children. The absurd, the fear of God be with them; for one that senseless love of the flesh, has such an inis just, is better than a thousand; and better fluence over some, and they are so blinded it is to die without children, than to have by the natural affection for their children, them that are ungodly," Sir. 22: 3; 16: 2, 3. fthat they can neither perceive nor observe Beloved brethren, consider these words any evil, error or defect in them, notwithwell, and revolve them in your minds. Ne- standing they frequently abound in idle cessity impels me to write; for some, alas! tricks and wantonness, are disobedient to live such lives with their children, that one | father and mother, murmur at them, collect is constrained to write and reprove. I write and carry abroad lies, quarrel and fight and admonish you again: Take heed, lest with other children, and mock people as the -blood and condemnation of your chil- they pass by, crying and calling after them. dren come upon you. If you love your chil- Brethren in Christ, to connive, by reason dren with a godly love, teach, admonish and of a blind, carnal love, at these and similar instruct them in God, lest the word, blood disgraceful tricks of children, is a love not and death of the Lord be made unto them to be applauded, but much rather to be of no effect, and his name and church be shunned and avoided; for it is earthly, senblasphemed by the unwise, through them. sual, devilish. And forasmuch, as we ought Beloved brethren in Christ, if you rightly to be the salt of the earth, the light of the know God and his word, and believe that world, the holy nation, the chosen generathe end of the righteous is everlasting life, tion, yea, the bride of Christ, it by no means and the end of the wicked eternal death, en- becomes us, to have, or to bear such sendeavor to the utmost of youy power, to con- sual love or preposterous affection, in any duct your children in the way of life, and circumstances, towards our children; but divert them from the way of death, as far it is our duty, as far as in us lies, dilias in you lies. Pray to Almighty God for! gently and earnestly to instruct and govern 276 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. our children and household, as well as our- conducted according to the divine will and selves, in conformity to the sincerity of god- ordinance. The Searcher of hearts and reins liness, a life of virtue, and the word of God. knows that I lie not. I would, therefore, With this, I will have delivered and pre- that you also accept and receive it in love; served my soul in the presence of the Lord for in sincerity have I written it. and his church, and I do desire, for the And now, beloved brethren and sisters, I Lord's sake, that this epistle may be taken commend you to God, and to the word of in good part, and read by the elders, in the his grace, which is able to build you up, hearing of all the brethren, to the end that and to give you an inheritance among all the innocent may take heed, and be cir- them which are sanctified. cumspect, and those who are guilty of these The very God of peace sanctify you wholmis-steps, errors and failings, may reform, ly, that your whole spirit, soul, and body and that without considering me as being be preserved without spot, and blameless, officious, in regulating the concerns of their unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. household. Ah no! in the presence of God, Faithful is he who called you. May the I desire nothing in this, but that in all merciful Father, through his beloved Son, things, you conform yourselves to the Script- Jesus Christ, our Lord, strengthen you all ures, and to christian gravity, and that all with the precious gift of his Holy Spirit, the concerns of the Lord's church, may be Amen. LETTERS WRITTEN BY MENNO SIMON.* FIRST LETTER. A lDissuasion to all the brethren and sisters in Christ, living at Amsterdam and there about, not to attend the papal wors'hip; because they do not feed the hungry souls with the bread of the divine word, but with the leaven of human doctrine.' Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man," Lev. 19: 32. " Look at the example of the old," Sirach 2: 11. "Whatever you hear and accept, keep that in your heart, and you shall have peace," Laodis. 1: 13. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. To ALL the true children of God, and par- children to whom it belongs. And had they takers of the Promise of the Kingdom of 1 the bread by which the soul lives, not so Christ, grace and peace be with you. many children would famish, while they My beloved in Christ Jesus, I am troubled distribute the bread once or twice a week at heart for your sakes, inasmuch as I hear (understand, the bread necessary to support that you hunger and thirst after righteous- the body). Inasmuch as they give the ness, and that there are so few carvers, who eggs of cockatrices unto the people, thererightly cut the bread of the divine word for fore observe what the prophet says concernthe hungry consciences, and that there are ing them, "He that eateth of their eggs so few shepherds who rightly pasture the dieth," Isa. 59: 5; John 6: 58. sheep of Christ, and that there are so few Again, concerning the shepherds who pass masons to rightly adjustthe living stones in themselves for shepherds of Christ, who the temple of the Lord; so few watchmen pasture the sheep for the sake of their own who rightly watch the city, the new Jerusa- selves, as Ezek. 34: 8 says, For you see how lem, and blow the trumpet; that there are so little they care for the sheep; they do not few fathers to beget the children of God, care whether they have pasture or not. If and so few to nourish and feed these begot- they only get the wool and milk they are ten ones, but that every thing is to the con- satisfied. They pass themselves for sheptrary. For those who truly serve in that herds, but they are deceivers; for they are capacity do not deny the bread, nor the widely different from the shepherds of which __ _ ____|____ we read in Jeremiah. Shepherds after his * The first two of these letters, in the complete works heart, whom the Holy Spirit has sent; for of Menno Simon, are found at the close of the volume, they have not the love of Christ which Peter but as one of those to the brethren in Amsterdam hasfore Christ has not comand appeared at the close of both the English and German d tre hs if t editions formerly published we give them both, together ed them to pasture his lambs; i they are with two other of Menno's letters a place here. not commanded to do so, namely, if they THE PUBLISHERS. are not sent, how can they then preach, in 278 LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. asmuch, as they are not divine shepherds I how can they beget children, when they have who lead the sheep into the green pastures never rightly conceived. 0, how different of the divine word, but let them famish. they are from the fathers of whom Paul They are not the shepherds who lead them speaks, "Ye have not many fathers; for in to the limpid waters, but they lead them to Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the stagnant pools which they have clarified the gospel," 1 Cor. 4: 15; "My little chilwith their feet, that is, by their glazings and dren, of whom I travail in birth again until good opinions, Ezek. 34: 19. Christ be formed in you," Gal. 4: 19. Here They also pass themselves for joiners observe, who are the fathers of the true who build the Lord's house; but they know j children. Now show me one child they not Christ, the corner stone; they never ad- I have begotten, namely, one child which was justed a stone in the house of the Lord, name- born of God through the gospel. Paul also ly, of the living stones which are built into a says, "I have fed you with milk," 1 Cor. 3: spiritual building, which building is the 2, "even as a nurse cherisheth her children." church of God, Heb. 3: 6. For wherever 1 Thess. 2: 7. there are two or three stones together, ce- Behold, sincerely beloved brethren and mentedbythecement oflove, there theybusy sisters in Christ Jesus, you will observe themselves to break them down, and to de- that you have few carvers who cut the sweet stroy them, as you may see verified in all bread, but it is leaven which they give you; countries and cities. 0, how different are that they are not shepherds who pasture they from those of whom Paul says, "Ye the sheep, but wolves that destroy them; are God's husbandry, ye are God's build- j that they are not builders that build the ing," and we are God's laborers, namely, temple, but they break down that which was such as should build the house of the Lord built; that they are not husbandmen who according to his word, 1 Cor. 3: 9. protect the vineyard of the Lord, and give If they, then, be no builders they must be I him his rent, but they are false husbandmen those who break down. They also pretend which scourge, stone, torture and kill the to be the husbandmen who take care of the servants, as you, alas, may plainly see; vineyard. How they take care of it, and that they are not the watchmen who watch protect it against all wild animals, I will over the city of Jerusalem and warn her of leave every christian to consider for him- the enemy, but they betray the citizens and self. How they seek the profit of the Lord kill them; that they are not fathers nor of the vineyard, and how they give him the nurses, but they kill that which was begotusury or honor, the Lord of the vineyard ten and nourished, as Pharaoh, king of knows. He also knows how they scourge, Egypt, killed the true Israelites which he rob, hunt, banish and kill his children, for could lay hold on. Therefore it is necessary no other cause than that they neither do to separate from them and to shun them, as nor dare consent to them, inasmuch as they we read in Matt. 7: 15, "Beware of false see that they are not the true husbandmen, prophets;" and Paul says, "Beware lest any but destroyers, Matt. 10: 17; 21: 34. man spoil you through philosophy and vain Yet they pass themselves for watchmen. deceit, after the tradition of men, after the If they are watchmen they are blind watch- rudiments of the world, and not after Christ," men and dumb dogs which cannot bark, Col. 2: 8. Isa. 56: 10. Hosea, the prophet, shows what The church of Christ is the bride of Christ, they watch for, and how they blow the and he will not that his bride conceive but trumpet, Hosea 4. How far they are from of the incorruptible seed, 1 Pet. 1: 23, as the word of the Lord, which says, "Son of Paul says, "I have espoused you to one man, I have made thee a watchman," Ezek. husband, that I may present you as a chaste 3: 17. "Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, virgin to Christ," 2 Cor. 11: 2. Yea, Paul and show my people their transgression," would have the bride or church so pure, Isa. 58: 1. that if there were any wiho caused divisions They want to be fathers who bring forth and offences contrary to the doctrine which the children of God and nourish them. But they had learned, they should be avoided. LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. 279 Yea, if they had any in the church that were contrary to God's command? It was so free drunkards, covetous, fornicators, idolatrous that he had to die for it, 1 Kings 13. or proud, they should avoid them and not There are very many Scriptures upon that eat with them, 1 Cor, 5: 11. How, then, pointwhich I ill leave for tlle sake of brevicould they suffer such to preach? Yea, if ty. But I would that every christian should they preached any other gospel than that do as Christ teaches us, saying, "Search which was preached unto them, they should the Scriptures," John 5: 39. Those of Berea, be accursed, Gal. 1: 8. searched the Scriptures daily, Acts 17: 11. To the Philippians Paul says, "Beware If you search the Scripture you will learn of dogs, beware of evil-workers, beware of from it, that if you would be a member of the concision," and says, "Brethren, be fol- the holy body of Christ, you must follow lowers together of me, and mark them which! the Iead and obey him, John 3: 36; 2 Thess. walk so, as ye have us for an example; for 1: 8. many walk, of whom I have told you often, If he commands you to beware of false and now tell you even weeping, that the prophets, Are you then at liberty either to are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose do so or not? What kind of officers would end is destruction, whose God is their belly, you be, if the emperor should issue a decree and whose glory is in their shame, who and the subjects disregard it (take it as a mind earthly things," Phil. 3: 2, 17, 19. liberty), if you did not punish them for not Mark to what kind of people he refers. regarding it? Now, the chief Emperor (Christ), has isThe apostle would have the bride so pure sued a decree, which decree he has sealed that no diPsension was allowed, no drunkthat no disselnsion 0was allowed, no drunk- with his blood, and in this decree it reads, ards, covetous, idolaters, nor those that that we must be born again, repent, deny taught any other doctrine than he taught; ourselves, take upon ourselves the cross, beand Christ himself says to the church, "Be- lieve on Jesus Christ, and on our faith be ware of false prophets, which come to you baptized, in the name of the Father, and in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and to ravening wolves, ye shall know them by obey his commandments, Matt. 28: 19; to their fruits," Matt. 7: 15, therefore I will "render unto Cesar the things which are leave all intelligent christians to judge what Csar's, and unto God the things that are those do that say that they are at liberty to God's;; to love the Lord with all our heart do as they do. Shall we, who pretend to and with all our strength, and to love our uphold the glory of God, grant it as a lib- neighbors as ourselves; not to live unto erty to go where God is blasphemed, and I ourselves, but unto him who died for us his ordinances broken? It was commanded and rose again; to "beware offalse prophAaron to serve in the priest's office. When ets," and to " abstain from all appearance Dathan and Abiram would serve as such, of evil," Matt. 22: 21; Luke 10: 27; 2 Cor. 5: why did the earth open its mouth and swal- i1; Matt. 7: 15; Thess. 5 22. low them, if it was free to themr? Num. 16:32. Now say, most beloved, which of these The children of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu are we at liberty to do or not to do? Are we would always let the fire burn on the altar. at liberty to be born again or not? Are we If it were allowed now, to put strange fire at liberty to deny ourselves, or to believe upon it, then wbly were they burned? Lev. on Christ, or not? To be baptized, to give 10: 1, 3. unto Caesar that which is due him, and unto Read how the worshipers of the calf, the God that which is his, to beware of false mrurrers and the fornicators, all received prophets, and to abstain from all appeartheir punishment, Exodus 32; Numb. 21:, 5 ance of evil or not? If we are at liberty to 6; 25: 8, 9. Yea the man of God at Bethel, observe these or not, just as we see proper, how free was it to him, when God had said why does the Lord Jesus then say at the unto him that he should not, in that place conclusion, And teach them to keep my eat bread nor drink water, when by the lies commandments? Matt. 28: 19. If, now, he of the old prophet he did eat and drink has commanded it, he desires it to be obey 280 LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. ed. That which is free is neither command- I Behold, beloved children, I have here ed nor prohibited, as Paul says in regard given you some instruction according to the to eating and the keeping of certain days, limited talents which the Lord has given 1 Cor. 10: 28. Yet he commands not to of- me. Judge whether it would be becoming fend the brethren by such liberty. in a married woman to be with another Now, beloved children, if you confess that man, if it were but once a year. So, if you Christ Jesus is the Son, in his house, then I be the bride of the Lamb, then you are not let him be wise enough to rule; for he has allowed to conceive of any body but of bought this house with his blood, and has Christ, and his holy word. If you be the delivered the bondmen. Some he has made body of Christ then you must have the pastors and teachers, and Paul teaches us Spirit of Christ; if you are baptized into how they should be minded. If you go to the body by the Spirit, then you must be the papistic teachers, whom you know be- obedient unto the Head, which is Christ. If forehand as not being sent of Christ, and I you be in the city, the New Jerusalem, therefore bear no fruit, are you then obe- whose citizens are of one mind, then you dient unto the voice of the Lord? 0, no, must be obedient unto the King of that Eph. 4: 11; 1 Tim. 3; Rom. 10: 15. great city, namely, unto Christ. If you be Since the Holy Spirit directs to those that the branches, then you must bear fruit like are unblamable, and since you go to those unto that of the stock. If you be the vinethat are blamable both in doctrine and in yard of the Lord, then beware of the foxes. life, and since Christ has commanded to be- If you be the temple of the Lord, then you ware of such, and as you go to hear them, must be submissive unto your High Priest. saying, I am at liberty-therefore judge for If you be the ark of the covenant, then the yourselves whether you are a child of God tables of the covenant, which are written or not. And, if you say thus you are at with the finger of God, namely, the cornliberty, then I ask you, Who gave you this mandments of God, must be engraven in liberty? Paul says, "Ye are not your own, your hearts, that all men may read that for ye are bought with a price; therefore you are an epistle of Christ, 2 Cor, 3: 2, 3. glorify God in your body and in your spirit, 0, beloved children, that the Lord would which are God's," 1 Cor. 6: 19. By what grant that we might verbally speak togethmeans then can you obtain this liberty? er, we trust that we could satisfy you on all Christ Jesus has also commanded his points. Therefore you that fear God, sepachurch to baptize believers on the confession rate from Babel, and go to Jerusalem, and do of their faith. If I, now, do not believe, not suffer yourselves to be ensnared by such and do not suffer myself to be baptized in light-minded, artful words as, "I am at libaccordance with God's word, but suffer my erty." The drunkard may drink to excess, little children to be baptized, without God's the gambler, gamble, the whoremonger inword, Am I then, obedient unto the voice dulge in his carnal passions, notwithstandof the Lord? Can I then inherit the promise ing it is sin; likewise, we are at liberty to given to the believing? hear false doctrine, or to suffer infants to be Christ ordained in his church the Holy baptized, yet it is unscriptural, and thereSupper, bread and wine, in rememberance fore sin. I herewith commend my beloved of his death; now it is changed into a Ro- children to the Lord. May the rich Word man mercery. Is a christian now allowed of his grace enlighten you with his pure to keep the perplexing, papal day-meal, knowledge and grant that you do his will and neglect the Lord's Supper? Judge for in all things, that the fallen temple may yourselves, since Paul says, "Ye cannot be again be built upon its true foundation and partakers of the Lord's table and of the that we may obtain the end of faith, that is, table of devils," 1 Cor, 10: 21. If we cannot the salvation of souls, Amen. partake of both, then we must neglect one MENNO SIMON. or the other. 0, beware of them! November 14. LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. 281 SECOND LETTER. Second Epistle of Menno Simon. Being a consolation to his much beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, at and about Amsterdam, beseeching them to visit one another during the time of pestilence, and not to fear death, because it is but a passage into a better life. " 0 man, what! art joyful! what! dust and shadow art thou! Proud, for thy life lies buried in death!" "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. Mercy, grace and peace be unto you. The unchastity, pride, hatred, envy, idolatry, Lord said unto Martha, "I am the resur- and were, by nature, children of wrath, rection, and the life; he that believeth in Eph. 2: 3, for unto the truly penitent and me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; believing it is all forgiven through the death and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, of Christ, it is requited by his blood, and shall never die," John 11: 25. Chosen breth- reconciled by the only peace-offering of his ren and sisters in the Lord, whereas I hear innocent, bitter death, so Paul says, "There that the fire of pestilence is raging about is, therefore, now no condemnation to them you, therefore I am constrained by the love which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not aftI bear to you and to all the pious, as I am er the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the aware that all flesh is affrighted at death, law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath and that the death of friends is hard to our made me free from the law of sin and natural feelings, to write you, who are over- death," Rom. 8: 1, 2. Therefore be of good shadowed by the heavenly light and called cheer and grateful; praise him who has deinto the communion of Christ, a short epis- livered you by the power of his word from tie of consolation, that you may now, and the dominion of sin and death, and has thus at all times diligently watch for the coming called you to the inheritance of his glory of the Lord, and prepare your whole life, by the Spirit of his grace. Again, I say, heart, mind and actions for death. For give him the praise, and that with a godly, Paul says, "It is appointed unto men once pure conscience and with an unblamable, to die," Heb. 9: 27. Also Sirach says, "All holy life in faith, wholesome, firm and unflesh waxeth old as a garment; for the cov- blemished in love, living in hope, and ferenant from the beginning is, Thou shalt vent in prayer, adorned with the raiment of die," Sir. 14: 17. righteousness, and girded with the beautiIf we, with a new, regenerated and peni- ful girdle of perfection in the Spirit; having tent soul, firmly adhere to Christ, truly be- oil in your lamps, sober and awake, so that lieve his word, [faithfully follow his foot- when the true Head, the glorious King and steps, are governed by his Holy Spirit, and Bridegroom of our souls comes, he may not die unto the old, sinful life, nay, in every find you asleep, and that on account of your manner, die unto the world, flesh, and devil; not being ready, he does not cast you into if we sincerely seek God's kingdom, right- eternal darkness, and close the door upon eousness, word, will, truth, praise and hon- you, and thus give you your part with the or, and walk inoffensively in his ways, then hypocrites. I repeat it, be sober, and awake; we shall live with, in, and through him for labor while it is day, lest the dark night ever, John 11: 25, and we shall not be hurt overtake you 0, reflect on what is meant! by the second death, Rev. 2: 11, notwith- Ps. 117: 1, 2; Rom. 15: 11; Col. 3: 14; 1 Pet. standing that we were, afortimes, dead in 5: 8; John 12: 35. sins, as all the others, full of covetousness, Beloved, faithful brethren, be strong in 36 282 LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. the Lord, of good cheer, and consoled; for shall rest in eternal peace, Eph. 6: 14; Luke your whole life and death are in the hands of 22: 29; Rev. 14: 13. the Lord. Yea, all your hairs are numbered, 0, chosen brethren and sisters! how gloriand without him not one shall drop from ously are they gifted of God, who, in grace, your head; he knows the number of your are delivered from the body of sin, and from days, nay your life is measured as a hand all perishable things, and are taken up into breath. Therefore fear not, but willingly the holy tabernacles of peace, and called to serve each other in time of need. 0, leave the eternal, holy sabbath-day! not off visiting the sick, for by this you The old, crooked serpent shall no longer shall be established in love, as Sirach says, sting them in their heels; yea, no pain nor chapter 7: 35. "And it is also the nature of disease shall touch them, and the last enemy, true love, to lay down our lives for the which is death, is already overcome; their brethren," 1 John 3: 16. Reflect on what I tears are dried up, and their souls are at tell you; you are aware of one thing, that sure rest and peace in the paradise of grace, an obedient, virtuous son, servant, or bride, in Abraham's bosom, under the altar of does not fear the coming of the father, lord God, Rev. 6: 9, on Mount Zion, delivered or bridegroom, but they long for their com- from their great tribulation, clothed in white ing; "There is no fear in love; but perfect robes, worshiping before the throne of God love casteth out fear," 1 John 4: 18. You are and the Lamb, waiting a little while until also aware that a fatigued laborer is de- the number of their brethren shall be fulsirous of rest, and an afflicted soul of con- filled, Rev. 6: 11, to be fashioned like unto solation. And I have no doubt but my be- the glorious body of Christ, Phil. 3: 21, to loved children are sealed in God with a shine forth as the sun, and thus joyfully good conscience; that he is your Father, and enter into the eternal wedding and feast you are his children; that Christ Jesus is which is prepared in heaven unto all the your Lord, and you are his servants; that chosen ones, by the blood and death of he is your bridegroom and you his bride; Christ. and that you, for the sake of his blessed 0, how holy and blessed are they who name, will unfeignedly proclaim and teach are called of Christ to this feast, and have it to the whole world for doctrine, instruc- come to it, clothed in unspotted, clean gartion and reproof, that they may, sincerely ments! 0, sing the pleasing and joyous halrepenting, be gained unto God; on account lelujah in your hearts, and thank him who of which you must suffer such excessive has given them all this by the Spirit of his misery, trouble, privation and slander from love, in eternal grace, and who has chosen the indolent, wicked generation, as may be you to enjoy the same part with them! noticed on every hand. Reflect and be consoled. No more at presTherefore we should reasonably not be ent, but sincerely fear God, serve him in afraid of death, which is but a rest from sin truth, uphold unity, love and peace; watch and the entrance into a better life, nor be andpray; walk unblamably; fight your fight sorrowing about the friends who have fallen patiently; strive after the good; be friendly asleep in God, as those do who do not ex- to one another; willingly submit to your pect the reward of the saints; but we should elders and obey them, and remember them joyfully raise our heads, gird our loins with and me in your prayers. May the God of truth and be joyfully taken up to the heav- peace, our merciful Father, by his blessed enly Canaan thus, with our only and eternal Son, Christ Jesus, bless you now and at all (mark, eternal), Joshua, Christ Jesus, to times, unto more righteousness, in perfect take the promised inheritance, and thus be love. freed from the laborious, troublesome way Your brother and lover of your souls in of our hard pilgrimage, which we must lead truth; at present enjoying tolerable health. through the rough desert of this wild world MENNO SIMON so long as we shall be here; and then we N ovember 14. LETTERS BY MENO SIMON. 283 THIRD LETTER. An Epistle of Menno Simon, to the brethren at Frazeker, province of Friesland, Netherlands. "The love of God is true wisdom," "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life," John 3: 16. With a sorrowing and troubled heart I that, as "the wages of sin is death," so also, write to you, because a letter was handed the repenting, converted heart brings forth me, signed by five brethren, in good stand- life, as may be seen in the case of David, ing, from which I learn that a violent dis- Peter, the murderer, Zaccheus and others. pute has arisen (Godbetter it) amongst some I also understand that these same brethof you, concerning the ban (excommunica- ren are of the opinion that if some brother tion). If I do not misunderstand, one party should secretly have transgressed in somewould that no transgression should be pun- thing or other, and, in sorrow of heart, ished with excommunication until the trans- should complain to one of his brethren that gressor should have been thrice admonished. he had thus sinned against God, that then I cannot agree with this doctrine. For there this same brother should tell it unto the are some sins, as for instance, murder, witch- church; and if he should fail to do so, that craft, incendiarism, theft and other like crim- he, then, should be punished with the transinal deeds, which require summary punish- gressor. This opinion is not only absurd ment at the hands of the magistracy. If we but it sounds in my ears as a terrible one. were to admonish transgressors thrice, in For it is, clearly, against all Scriptures and such cases, before they were punished, then love, Matt. 18; Jas. 5: 19, 20. the sweet bread of the church would be Excommunication was, in one respect, inchanged into sour leaven, before the whole stituted for the purpose of repentance. Now, world. Therefore act with discretion, and if repentance is shown, namely, the contrite, do not treat criminal matters, especially if sorrowing heart, how can excommunication, they are public, the same as you would then, be pronounced against such O, my other carnal works which are not consider- brethren, do not put this doctrine in force, ed, by the world, as requiring disgraceful for it will lead to sin, and not to reformapunishment. tion. The other party desires, if I understand If we were thus to deal with poor, repentthe matter right, that all transgressions ing sinners, whose transgressions were done should be punished with excommunication, in secret, how many would we keep from rewithout being first admonished at all; and pentance, through shame. God forbid, that that all penance should be outside of the I should ever agree with, or act upon such church. That doctrine is, according to doctrine! Lastly, I understand, they hold, my humble understanding, erroneous and that if any one, in his weakness, transgressagainst the word of Christ, Paul and James. es, and openly acknowledges his transgresFor avarice, pride, hatred, discord, defama- sion, that they should consider him, then, tion and quarreling are carnal things which as a worldling. work death, if not repented of, Gal. 5: 19, This, again, is an absurd doctrine; for, if 20; James 3: 16; notwithstanding, they are the transgression was done through weak not punished until after having been thrice ness, then, let us not be arrogant and too admonished as the Scriptures command. I hard on the poor soul, lest we commit a wish that it were taken into consideration, worse fault. 284 LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. Not the weak, but the corrupt members by the faith of others, but by my own faith. are cut off, lest they corrupt the others. Of 0, that they all were of one mind with me! such unscriptural doctrines and practices I How paternally and discreetly would exwant to be clear. I desire that excommuni- communication, then, be practiced, without cation be practiced in a sincere, paternal all offense; while, now, it is sometimes pracspirit, in faithful love, according to the doc- ticed so offensively. trine of Christ and his apostles, as I have I beseech all the pious, for God's sake, abundantly declared in my writings, for to seek peace. And if you have offended each over five years. other in the least, purify your hearts and be My chosen brethren, guard against inno- reconciled in Christ Jesus. Remember that vations for which you have no certain, you are the Lord's people, called unto peace, scriptural grounds. Be not too severe nor put under the cross, separated from the too lenient. Let a paternal, compassionate, world and hated unto death. If you be bapprudent and discreet heart, and the Lord's tized in one spirit, then fulfill my sincere holy word, actuate you. desire, and be of one mind with me in Christ. Follow this my brotherly admonition in Build up and destroy not. Instruct one anthis respect, which has been acted upon for other in love, and do not disrupt so that ditwenty one years. I could give you no other vine peace be with all the children of God, and better advice. I feel constrained to and remain whole with us unto eternal life. write to you, for the above mentioned rea- May the peaceful Spirit of Christ protect son. I have, in sincerity of heart, served you all. May you be sound in doctrine, army beloved brethren without any partiality, dent in love, and without offense in life, to as becomes us in Christ. I was asked to the edification of his church and to the give my grounds for my doctrine, which I praise of his holy name. am, at all times, willing and prepared to Your unworthy brother and servant, do; not to the pious only, but also to the whole world, as the word of the Lord cor- MENNO SIMON. mands me to do. I do not teach nor live November 13th, A. D. 1555. FOURTH LETTER. An Epistle of Me'nno Simon, to the church at Ermden, East Friesland, Germany. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. 3: 11. With a sorrowful heart I make known to resolved that we should act, in this matter, the brethren that I receive one letter after according to circumstances; and it was again another complaining of the excommunica- so resolved at Wismar, two years ago. tion, in regard to husband and wife; which Therefore we should admonish according to causes great trouble with some, at which I the most definite and plain rules; but if we am not at all surprised. For, from the cannot thus convince, we should not force commencement of my service, which is more any one beyond what he conscientiously bethan twenty years, I have feared this issue, lieves to be right, but bear with him in love which cannot be settled under such excite- and patience. I hope that every pious perment as is, at present, found in the Nether- son is sufficiently instructed in the word of lands. Dietrich Philip, our brother, and I the Lord, to know that if either a husband counseled with the elders, in regard to this or a wife commit adultery, theft, witchcraft matter, as far back as T147 and then it was or any thing else that is criminal, that such LETTERS BY MENNO SIMON. 285 criminal misbehavior is summarily punished never dared follow such doctrine, for we fear at the hands of the magistracy; or, to know, the consequences. 0! that you would dethat, in case one cannot, undisturbedly live sist from it. How would I, afflicted man, up to his faith, on account of his consort, be rejoiced at it! My heart shall never conbut is at all times combated with false doc- sent to such indiscreet action, and say, trine, beaten and abused, and thus is slid- amen, to such intentions. ing back in faith, through the obstacles of I desire to teach, according to my humble such fallen consort, one should abandon talents, a gospel that builds up, and not such consort if he would stand before God one that breaks down. One that is acceptand the church and save his soul. But if he able, and not one that is offensive; and I or she can live up to his or her faith, in all do not intend to encumber the service of God things, undisturbedly, and is not combated with something besetting, for which I have with false doctrine, then they are conscien- no scriptural grounds. I can neither teach tiously bound to remain together undisturb- nor live by the faith of others. I must live edly; for they are one flesh and live together by my own faith, as the Spirit of the Lord as husband and wife should live. has taught me, through his word. Since there are many dangers and offenses Here you have my admonition. The Lord connected with this matter, to punish with grant that you may follow it in all love, excommunication, the souls thus bound, peace and unity. Be not too hard nor yet who otherwise walk unblamably, in every too lenient. Excommunication is instituted respect, before God; and, since we all are for reformation and not for corruption. 0, flesh, therefore I pray that the merciful Lord that all were of one mind with me in this may keep me from consenting to or teach- matter. How discreetly would the ban be ing such doctrine. In view of this, my heart practiced in this respect. But, as it is, every was filled with sorrow, on hearing that a one follows his own inclinations and imagcertain length of time was given to Swaantje ines it Spirit and Scripture. Rutgers, in which to leave her husband; or O Lord! grant them thy Spirit and wisthat, in case of her failure to leave him, she dom, that they may see and judge rightly, was to be excommuned and delivered over " Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit to satan. in the bond of peace," Eph. 4: 3. Beloved 0, my chosen brethren, consider well your brethren, follow my advice, for God's sake; actions. What slandering words will you for it will cause many souls to rejoice. The put into the mouths of the slanderers! And Spirit of wisdom be with you unto eternity, what bad reports you will spread of the word Amen. of the Lord and his church! How many Your unworthy brother, grieved souls will you afflict! Yea, how many souls will you separate from the MENNO SIMON. truth, and what dangers will beset you! We November the 12th, A. D. 1556. INDEX. A PAGE. PAGE. water,..................... ib Abraham in covenant with the Lord,....33 Birth,the New,Fundamental doctrine of, An Admonition to the Scorners of bap- from the word of the Lord,....167 tism,..........................38 The fruits of,....................169 All things not pure to the pure,........70 Transforms from death unto life, 234 A Christian and affectionate exhortation Ban or Exclusion,.................... 239 to all in authority,.............75 C Appeal to the Learned.................88 To the Common people,..... 92 Conversion of enno Simon,............5 To the Corrupt Sects............. 94 Children in covenant with God, though not baptized,...................34 Apparel, costly, avoid.................96 notbaptized34 Admonition to strive for the Crown,.. 100 Circumcision no figure of Baptism,...ib Adultery, Menno's views of,...........145 Children have the promise without BapAn Exhortation to the dispersed and un- tism,..........................36 known children of God,........176 Conduct of Preachers and their qualifiAfflictions of the flesh beneficial,.......205 cations......................61 A Pleasing Meditation on the Twenty- Counter Arguments of Babylon and its fifth Psalm,................213 builders, 66 ^B~~~ Consoling Admonition concerning the B Baptisufferings, oppressions and perBaptism,.............................24 secutions of the saints,.........179 secutions of the saints.........179 Not to be administered to infants, 25 Cross of Christ,.....................183 Not a substitute for circumcision, ib Children, Education of,................273 A washing of regeneration,.......26 Consists of more than water or the administered sign,..........27 Decrees issued against Menno,...........8 To be administered to those who Day of grace,..........................15 can understand,................28 Doctrine of the Preachers,..............57 Inward and not outward saves,...ib E A sign of obedience,.............ib Exhortation to take heed of the of day Luther on infant,.................29 Grace,.........................15 Bucer and Luther differ on.......ib Exhorts to observe the doings of the Infant, an idolatrous institution,..30 world,.........................17 Changed as to its mode and time, ib Erring sects,..........................76 Infant confirmed by Pope Inno- Examples from the Scriptures,.........186 cent,...........................ib Extracts from Eusebius, &c.,...........191 -Menno's reasons for opposing in- Excommunication,....................245 fant baptism,..................31 - Meaning of,......................ib -To be administered to the believ- Who are to be excommunicated, 246 ing,.............i.............ib -Reason whycommanded in Script-Counter Arguments,..............32 ure,...........................ib — No saving ordinance,.............ib -Has no respect of persons,.......247 --- Infant, no ceremony of God,......33 I -Carnal sinners to be excommuni-tlhole families baptized,.........36 cated and directed to repent-- Origen, Augustine and others on ance,.........................251 infant baptism,................37 -Of secret sinners, who are again — Without regeneration of no avail,.. 38 inwardly admonisned of the — The application of a handful of i Holy Ghost and sincerely and INDEX. 287 PAGE. PAGE. truly converted,...............253 B egins to examine the merits of — Matt. 18, explained,.............254 infant baptism,............... ib - -Not to pervert the Truth, &c.,... 256 Interview with Luther, Bucer and Backsliding and recovery of Bullenger,.....................ib Peter,........................257 R.eturns to Witmarsum,..........ib -- James 5: 19, explained,......... 258 Is deeply grieved over the con12th and 13th chapters of 2nd duct of the Munsterites,.........ib Cor., explained,..............259 Begins to preach repentance,...... 5 The Judgment and Keys of Christ Receives a call to preach from a used in a proper manner.....260 number of persons who were of Conclusion,.....................264 one mind with him,............ib F -Consents to do so,................6 ith.20 - Confesses his weakness and laFaith................................. -C onf esses h is w eak ness and laFoundation, conclusion of,...........101ments over his persecutions Faith, true hristian................ 105.............. ~Fai~th, true c ~ri~stian,. -Severe persecutions, &C.,.............. 8 Unfeigned has energy,.......... 108 - asc l e.............- 111 Removes to Woeste Veldt,........ib Luthera n...............ib.. — Protected by the nobleman van riesenbur,...................ib Belief of the English or Zuingli- De senath,.............. ansth,.........................112 anth.........................9112 True Christian belief.......... 113 Marrying out of the Lord, consequences God's ardent care for believers,... 114 of.......................... 19 Noah's............119 Magistracy, supplication to the,.......22 Abraham's, and..................1 Munsterites make inroads and defend And fidelity of Moses,....... 26 ts w.... l Of Caleb and Joshua,...........127 P Of the pious King Josiah,........129 Preface, The day of Grace,.............13 Of the Centurion of Capernaum,..134 Preachers, sending,................... 53 Of Zaccheus, the Publican,......136 -Must be called,.................55 Of the Murderer,................139 Result of uncalled,..............56 Of the Sinful Woman,...........143 Doctrine of,......................57 Of the Woman of Canaan,.......148 - Scriptures show who are the true,.. ib Conclusion,.....................164 -False, likened to dry wells,.......59 Fornication, Menno's views of,....... 145 Conduct of,......................61 G -Not to preach for money, 63.Gain, unlawful, avoid. 137 -Counter Arguments, &c.,......66 Gai, unlawful, avoid,.................137,Preface to the persecutions of the K Saints,.......................181 Koran, Dathan and Abiram,............ 19 -- Twenty-fifth Psalm,.............214 L -Ban or Exclusion,...............241... ^~Education of Children,..........271 Leading Articles of a Christian Foundation,........................75 Law of Moses could not be changed un- Repentance, true and sincere,...........17 til Christ Jesus came,...........97'Not to be practiced as the world Letter to the brethren at Amsterdam,... 277 does,..........................ib -Second, to the brethren atAmster- Examples of true,................18 dam,........................291.Fruits of,........................ib -To the brethren at Franeker, To be practiced by those who can province of Friesland, Nether- understand,....................ib lands,......................283 Must be sincere,..................19 --- To the Church of Emden, East Rulers, blood-thirsty, their end,.....84, 85 Friesland, Germany,......... 284 Reconciliation does not depend onworks EM alone, but on grace,.......... 158 Resurrection, spiritual,............229 Menno becomes a Priest,................3 Bodily and spiritual,.............31 Impressions concerning the bread Concluion...................237 and wine,...................... b..................... IHow he spent his time,...........ib S Begins to read the Scriptures,.....ib Sicke Snyder beheaded,................3 288 INDEX. PAGE. PAGE. Supper. The Lord's Holy,.............40 The time is fulfilled,....................15 -- Sign used for the reality,.........41 The Lord's Holy Supper,...............40 ~.Corruption of,......... 47 To the Bride, Kingdom, State and Bread and Wine not the flesh and Church of the Lord,............98 blood,.........................49 The Twelve Foundations of Zion,......100 Shunning Babylon,....................52 Sending Preachers,.....................53 The regenerated have a spiritual King,.. 170 Salvation ascribed to faith,... 159 The Cross of Christ a source of delight,..209 Sufferings for the Cross of Christ,......195 Shunning, Six reasons for it,............248 W T Weapons, carnal not to be used,..82,95,198 Water, A handful,............. 38,124 To the Reader,.......................2,12 What the priests will do for a guilder,..161 ii 3 i^r