I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame...

That is the verse from Psalm 119—the banner—by which these words were presented:

To Emperor Charles V...Most invincible Emperor, Caesar Augustus, most clement Lord: Your Imperial Majesty has summoned a meeting of the Empire here at Augsburg to consider taking action against the Turk, discussing how best to stand effectively against his fury and attacks by means of military force. The Turk is the most atrocious and ancient hereditary enemy of the Christian name and religion. This meeting is also to consider disagreements in our holy religion, the Christian faith, by hearing everyone's opinions and judgments in each other's presence. They are to be considered and evaluated among ourselves in mutual charity, mercy, and kindness. After the removal and correction of things that either side has understood differently, these matters may be settled and brought back to one simple truth and Christian concord. Then we may embrace and maintain the future of one pure and true religion under one Christ, doing battle under Him, living in unity and concord in the one Christian Church...

Today is St. Barnabas. So, for today's entry, here's a sermon from the archives. Enjoy!

What we have before us is Jesus sending out the Twelve. He sends His disciples to preach a most joyous message: "The kingdom of heaven is near." "Joyous?" you say? Yes! This is the best news given for preaches to preach—the kingdom of heaven is near, that is to say, the Christ is come to take away the sins of the world.