A06521:195
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 we will handle the place of the Prophet in order. First he saith that the weak sheep are to be strengthened,1 that is, the consciences which are weak in faith, and have a sorrowful spirit, and are of a faint courage, are not to be enforced, that it should be said unto them: This thou must do, thou must be strong. For if thou be so weak, thou art ordained to eternal punishment: This is not to strengthen the weak. Thus saith Paul Rom. 14: Him that is weak in the faith receive unto you, & entangle not consciences. And by & by after he addeth Rom. 15: We which are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak. Wherefore they are not to be severely compelled, but to be comforted, that although they be weak, they may not therefore despair, for afterwards they shall become stronger. Isaiah the Prophet did thus forespeake of Christ cap. 42: A bruised reed shall he not break, & the smoking flax shall he not quench. The bruised reed signifieth miserable, weak, and bruised consciences, which are easily so shaken, that they tremble, and lose hope and trust in God. With these God doth not forthwith deal rigorously and after a violent manner, but he dealeth gently with them, lest he break them. Moreover the smoking flax, which doth as yet burn a little, & nourisheth more smoke then fire, ••e the same consciences, which ought not again to despair, for he will not utterly extinguish them, but always kindle them, and more and more strengthen them. Which truly to him that knoweth it, is a great comfort. Wherefore he which doth not gently handle weak consciences after this sort, doth not without doubt execute the office of a true shepherd.
Now we will handle the place of the Prophet in order. First he sayth that the weake sheepe are to be strengthned,1 that is, the consciences which are weake in faith, and haue a sorrowfull spirit, and are of a faint courage, are not to be enforced, that it should be sayd vnto them: This thou must doe, thou must be strong. For if thou be so weake, thou art ordayned to eternall punishment: This is not to strengthen ye weake. Thus saith Paule