Sunday, January 11, 2009

We are not rebels

Preface to the King of France, section 7
When the Word is active, Satan "take[s] up arms."
First he tried outright violent persecution, then caviling arguments and the Anabaptist perversions of the Reformation.
Elijah was accused of troubling Israel; Jesus of inciting rebellion; the Apostles of stirring up the people.
When the Apostles saw the Gospel turn the world upside down, they rightly continued preaching Christ, since He was a rock of offense then, and is now.

Preface to the King of France, section 8
We are not seditious; our God is not about confusion or division but of peace (1 Cor 14:33).
We continue to pray for your prosperity, and that of your kingdom, though we are on the run from its officers.
If any lawbreakers try to excuse their misdeeds by appealing to God's grace, punish them as they deserve.
If you don't listen to us, we will go as sheep to the slaughter; but God will avenge us and punish those who persecute us.
"May the Lord, the King of Kings, establish your throne in righteousness, and your dominion in equity, most illustrious King. At Basel, August 1, 1536."

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