Sechs Bücher vom wahren Christenthum. Paradies-Gärtlein

...of the understanding and holy movement of the will, to become conformed to the known will of God, who constantly exercises himself in active faith and in true, unfeigned Christianity. He practiced his theology not only in his mouth, words, and writings, but in powerful deeds. He knew well that mere literal and external knowledge, without actual constant practice, only inflates a person. In his official duties, he was no less cautious than he was diligent and watchful. He had a living experience in all affairs. Therefore, he was able to reap one blessing after another in the church of God. He was a burning and shining light in the congregation of the Lord. Through his good example, he earnestly sought to bring people to active repentance and true renewal of life. He did this so they might relentlessly seek to follow the holy example of Christ in his footsteps. Therefore, he zealously opposed powerless, hypocritical faith and the painted appearance of Christianity. Conversely, he urged a faith active through love, which manifests itself through the fulfillment of God’s will, the avoidance of sin and sinful desires, and through the overcoming of the world as well as self-denial. In all his teachings, his main goal was that in all things a person must prefer God's will to their own will, dampen self-love, kill the base desires of the flesh, flee the pleasure of the world, consider oneself the least, recognize one's own nothingness, and not judge or condemn one's neighbor curiously. Instead, one should entrust the judgment and

verdict to God and the authorities. One should suffer all adversity patiently, love one's neighbor fervently and truly, and use all creatures and things in the world for the praise and glory of God. He did not puff himself up when he was praised, nor was he distressed when he was criticized and scolded. Rather, he was willing, in order to resolve any misunderstanding, to correct and change his speeches, writings, and errors based on sincere admonitions. He sought to serve everyone and was burdensome to no one, much less harmful. In his interactions, he proved himself frank and loving. Therefore, many distinguished people traveled to him to enjoy his conversation and to recognize his glorious gifts through his outward conduct. He was far removed from all hypocrisy and loathsome greed. Conversely, he showed Christian mildness to all the needy on every occasion and gave alms most willingly. Indeed, he threw all his confession money into the poor box before leaving the church. In cross referring to suffering and burdens, slander, and persecution, he showed a magnanimous patience and did not cease to uphold the honor of God and the evangelical truth. He zealously opposed carnal security and all godliness and entrusted everything to the righteous judgment of God. He displayed a persistent diligence at all times, working in the vineyard of the Lord for the edification of many souls. He tended the flock of Christ not for the sake of shameful gain, but from the bottom of his heart. In his prayer, he was fervent and often wept during secret prayer over the perverse nature of corrupted Christianity. He taught that those who would

not stop their malice, injustice, and unrepentance could not pray in a way that would be heard. Although his heart was always drawn to the heavenly, he is said to have loved the studium gymnicum physical exercise or athletic studies during his idle hours.

7. Concerning his illness and physical weakness: he felt great fatigue throughout the entire winter and spring before his blessed end. He also could not sleep well. Nevertheless, he performed his office himself at all times, with a few days excepted. On the 3rd of May, however, he first became bedridden. On that day, he also gave his last sermon, based on Psalm 126: When the Lord will redeem the prisoners of Zion, then we will be like those who dream, &c. Even as he came out of the church, he immediately said to his wife: Now I have preached my funeral sermon. After this, he became bedridden and withdrew into silence, completely letting go of all official and other matters. However, so as not to distress his family prematurely, he remained stoic and gave little indication in words that he would die. Nonetheless, he inwardly commended his soul to his Savior in constant prayer. As to what kind of illness it was, it is known to the dear God. According to human judgment, it initially appeared as if a hot flux had fallen into his throat. Although this later eased a little, so that he could speak somewhat better again, the lungs were injured by it. Consequently, his breath became heavy, and a hot fever also set in, so that

he felt constant great heat and thereby rapidly lost his strength. However, no sign of any impatience appeared in him. Rather, in good composure, he testified to the doctors that God would soon call him away from the sinful world through this illness. Meanwhile, the utmost care was taken for his recovery, and public prayers were offered in churches and schools. Because he felt how near his end was, on the 9th of May, at 6 o'clock in the morning, he called for his confessor, Mr. Wilhelm Storch (who also later delivered the funeral sermon from 2 Timothy 4:7). He requested the Holy Supper. He had himself sat up immediately, and not long after, sitting in the chair, he made his confession with devotion and asked for holy absolution. After it was spoken, he received the most worthy Holy Supper in the presence of his fellow colleagues and others. As he grew weaker and weaker, his confessor spoke to him with the most prominent comforting passages of Scripture, all of which he listened to with devotion and usually concluded himself. When his said confessor addressed him at one point among other things, saying: I do not doubt that just as you have never adhered to a single error contrary to God’s Word, but have always remained firm and steadfast in the pure, clear, and plain Word of God, in the writings of the prophets and apostles, and in the first unaltered Augsburg Confession and Formula of Concord (according to your testament), and have seriously and heartily hated and rejected all contrary teachings, so you will also,