De peste themata sacra tria

Decorative drop cap letter CWE ARE CHASTISED IN THIS
time by the hand of the Lord, my dearest friends in
Christ. Nor is it hidden from anyone that God seeks
our correction with this paternal rod of His. But in
order that correction may be instituted more rightly,
this kind of chastisement must be rightly considered,
namely, that we do not weigh down the hand of God
while we lead ourselves astray with perverse opinions.
Indeed, the opinions of many, varied as they are, are
heard everywhere, and some are even circulated in
writings, by which correction is hindered more than
it is promoted, and the minds of the simple are
entangled in harmful errors. But God has done nothing
among His people that He did not also do long ago
in that people He then had, and for which He has not
given a clear explanation through His Word. Therefore
it is necessary that we turn our eyes to the Word and
the examples, and in that way, freed from the variety
and inconstancy of opinions, we may certainly know
what we must establish and follow in this afflicted
age. Afterward, when it has been established what
God is doing among us, and how He has exercised
His hand over us, it will be easily apparent what
kind of correction is required of us.

And so that I may faithfully serve you, I will
demonstrate to you what is most necessary in three
sermons: in the first, namely, what is to be judged in
general about the pestilence: in the second, what is not
to be done: in the third, what is to be done. And these
latter two will follow of their own accord