A06521:212
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.
Howbeit it is certain that in them although they seemed even desperate, there was a spark of virtue and honesty, inasmuch as they longed after Christ, both covering to hear his doctrine, and also earnestly desiring to see the works which he did, when before they knew him to be a good man, and heard no ill report either of his doctrine or works, so that their life did far differ from his. Nevertheless they are so well disposed, that they are not ⟨p. 95⟩his enemies, neither refuse or fly his company, but run unto him, not of any evil purpose or intent, but to see and hear some good thing, whereby they may amend their life.1 Contrariwise the Pharisees and Scribes, which were counted most righteous and holy, are such poysonfull beasts, that they are not only sore displeased at Christ, whom they can abide neither to see nor hear, but also they can not be content, that miserable sinners should come unto him, and hear him, whereby they being led by repentance might amend: Yea they do also beside this, murmur, and reprove Christ, for that he admitted unto him, and received Publicans and sinners, saying: Behold, is this that holy and famous man? Who will now say that he is of God, when as he hath society with so wicked wretches? yea rather he is a drinker of wine and a glutton, as they say elsewhere,2 a friend to Publicans and sinners.
Howbeit it is certaine that in them although they semed euen desperate, there was a sparke of vertue and honestie, in asmuch as they longed after Christ, both couering to heare his doctrine, and also earnestly desiring to see the workes which he did, when before they knewe him to be a good man, and heard no ill report either of his doctrine or workes, so that their life did farre differ from his. Neuertheles they are so wel disposed, that they are not ⟨p. 95⟩his enemies, neither refuse or flie his company, but runne vnto him, not of any euell purpose or intent, but to see and heare some good thing, whereby they may amend their life.1 Contrariwise the Pharises and Scribes, which were counted most righteous and holy, are such poysonfull beastes, that they are not only sore displeased at Christ, whom they cā abide neither to see nor heare, but also they can not be content, that miserable sinners should come vnto him, and heare him, whereby they being led by repentance might amend: Yea they do also beside this, murmur, and reproue Christ, for that he admitted vnto him, and receiued Publicās and sinners, saying: Behold, is this that holy and famous man? Who will now say that he is of God, when as he hath society with so wicked wretches? yea rather he is a drinker of wine and a glutton, as they say elsewhere,