A06521:128
Special and chosen sermons of D. Martin Luther collected out of his writings and…
Special and chosen sermons of D. Martin Luther collected out of his writings and preachings for the necessary instruction and edification of such, as hunger and seek after the perfect knowledge and inestimable glory which is in Christ Jesus, to the comfort and salvation of their souls. Englished by VV.G.Special and chosen sermons of D. Martin Luther collected out of his writings and preachings for the necessary instruction and edification of such, as hunger and seeke after the perfect knowledge and inestimable glorie which is in Christ Iesu, to the comfort and saluation of their soules. Englished by VV.G.
London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier, 1578
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now it is also expedient that I feel the biting of sin, the terror of the wrath of God, the horror of death, yea and death it self. But all this is a certain outward appearance before my sight and the sight of the world,1 which know and judge none otherwise, but that sin, death, and Satan are present. Notwithstanding in the mean season under that assault and terror the word and spirit are, encouraging me, preserving me, & assuring me, that God is not angry with me, that my sin is forgiven me, that I shall neither dye, nor be forsaken: Upon this foundation & hope my hart doth wholly rest. And no man having such a confidence in God, remaineth under sin, neither is drowned in death, but is made a conqueror of sin and death. This is, not to prevail or overcome, for that albeit Satan attempteth, yet he doth not get the victory. We call the house of David, a mortal house, sinful, and subject to the devil, according to the manner of all flesh and blood, and yet notwithstanding the horn of salvation is raised up in the same,2 that men of that kingdom may enjoy salvation and felicity. Hereby ye see that this kingdom is the kingdom of faith, which can not be touched nor outwardly perceived of any, which one can not show to an other, but every one must have it in him self, that when he shall draw near unto death, shall feel sin, or even see death before him, he may then in faith lay hold on this kingdom, & believe that his sins are forgiven him. For Christ therefore died, that thou mightest be in this kingdom of faith. Wherefore sin shall encounter with thee in vain, death is taken away, Christ is with thee, who can hurt thee, who can do any evil unto thee? Here life and death, sin and innocency, Christ and Satan do fight one with an other, but Christ, life, & innocency do overcome and conquer. This is soon spoken, but not so easily felt, yea the contrary surely is rather felt. Wherefore ⟨p. 50⟩if thou wilt esteem and consider this kingdom according to the judgement of the world, thou shalt utterly err and be deceived. The world calleth that a good & peaceable kingdom, where all things are quiet, prosperous and go well forward, where is safety, peace, and innocency outwardly. But here is the kingdom of salvation and grace, although it always appear otherwise.