A06521:218
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.
1Wherefore a Christian must learn so to rule his conscience, that he suffer it not to be held captive or entangled with any law. But whosoever will bind and hold it with any law, let him stoutly and boldly strive there against, and do as he seeth Christ do here and else where, where he useth so great stoutness and earnestness of mind, that no Moses or Exactor of the law can prevail any thing with him, although otherwise he be most humble, most sweet and gentle of all men. Howbeit this art is above measure high and excellent, which none but he understandeth, whereof he is the Master, who knoweth how to appease all laws and teachers of laws.2 We are not able to do so: For the Devil mightily assaileth us, and as often as he setteth upon the conscience of man, he driveth him to that point, that he entereth disputation with him, what he hath done or not done. Then such a disputation beginneth, as wherein is debated of our sin and righteousness, even then man is brought into a dangerous case and into the mire, where be sticketh, neither can he escape or rid him self out, but is forthwith deeper and deeper plunged in. For he is laden with a heavy burden, which he is not able to bear, wherefore he walketh musing, gnawing & consuming his mind, neither can he get any quietness thereof. Which I do plainly feel in my self, neither can I wrestle out, and deliver my self by any travel, although I labour always, assaying all means to escape out of this golf, that I may answer the law, and obtain so much, that it may keep silence, and say, now at length thou hast done so much, wherewith I am constrained to be content. But all endeavour and study is in vain: for such a deep pit and dangerous golf it is, out of which no man is able to escape, ⟨p. 99⟩although he join the helps of all men to him self, as they can bear me witness which have made trial hereof, and do as yet daily try it.
1Wherefore a Christian must learne so to rule his conscience, that he suffer it not to be held captiue or entangled with any law. But whosoeuer will bind and hold it with any law, let him stoutly and boldely striue there against, and doe as he seeth Christ doe here and else where, where he vseth so great stoutnes and earnestnes of minde, that no Moses or Exactor of the lawe can preuaile any thinge with him, although otherwise he be most humble, most sweete and gentle of all men. Howbeit this art is aboue measure high and excellent, which none but he vnderstandeth, whereof he is the Maister, who knoweth howe to appease all lawes and teachers of lawes.