A06521:225
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.
For where the Gospel is truly in the hart, it maketh a man to be such a one, as doth not look while the law cometh, but is so full of joy in Christ, that he is with speed carried unto good works, doing well to all men, as much as he is able, & that of his own accord, before the law cometh into his mind. Moreover he bestoweth both body and life, having no regard, what he must therefore suffer, and so he is full of good works which voluntarily flowing as it were out of a continual fountain are derived unto many: As Christ being compelled, doth not abide to take up so much as a straw, but uncompelled giveth him self to be crucified for me, and for the whole world, dying for the lost sheep.
For where the Gospell is truely in the hart, it maketh a man to be such a one, as doth not looke while the law commeth, but is so full of ioy in Christ, that he is with speede caried vnto good works, doing well to all men, as much as he is able, & that of his owne accorde, before the law commeth into his minde. Moreouer he bestoweth both body and life, hauing no regard, what he must therefore suffer, and so he is full of good workes which voluntarily flowing as it were out of a continuall fountaine are deriued vnto many: As Christ being compelled, doth not abide to take vp so much as a strawe, but vncompelled giueth him selfe to be crucified for me, and for the whole worlde, dying for the lost sheepe.
Howbeit it is very necessary to discern these things well, when it is come to hand strokes and within the throwing of the dart, as it is said, the law and sins disputing now with thy conscience, then see that thou do boldly repress Moses, and bid him keep silence,1 sending him abroad to the old man. Drive him into Moses school, that he may dispute with him and say: Dost thou hear? thou art too slow and sluggish in giving and serving thy neighbour. When Christ is to be served of thee, thou wilt more willingly serve thy belly: thou wilt come in no peril for Christs sake, thou dost deceitfully rob thy neighbour circū venting him by what means soever thou canst. For that sluggish ass flying labour, and following only idleness and wantonness, use the tables of stone, whom even against his will, constrain to go on in his duty.