A06521:228
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.
But if thou wilt go so far, whither it is unlawful for thee to come, that is, into my hart and conscience, there will I neither see thee, nor vouchsafe to hear thee. For there I have an other both great & unspeakable treasure, whose name is Christ. And in a sum, whatsoever pertaineth to bridle the outward man, thou canst not lay on a sufficient burden thereof: but thou must burden the conscience nothing at all. For he that enjoyeth Christ, is above all laws, as Paul saith: the law is not given for the just, who notwithstanding in the mean time doth more things, then he is able to fulfil in the flesh. For according to the law we are sinners, and concerning our person we must abide under it. But through Christ we are far above the law.
But if thou wilt go so farre, whither it is vnlawfull for thee to come, that is, into my hart and conscience, there will I neither see thee, nor vouchsafe to heare thee. For there I haue an other both great & vnspeakeable treasure, whose name is Christ. And in a summe, whatsoeuer pertaineth to bridle ye outward man, thou canst not lay on a sufficient burden thereof: but thou must burden the conscience nothing at all. For he that enioyeth Christ, is aboue all lawes, as Paul saith: the lawe is not giuen for the iust, who notwithstanding in the meane time doth more thinges, then he is able to fulfill in the flesh. For according to the lawe we are sinners, and concerning our person we must abide vnder it. But through Christ we are farre aboue the lawe.
So Moses without Christ must exercise his gross works, whereby he may compel men which are not yet Christians, to be honest civilly before the world: for he doth not make Christians righteous & honest. Howbeit I will not deny that he doth this, that he showeth unto them their duties, which otherwise they would willingly fulfil & satisfy, yea & do moe things also, but that the flesh doth not so willingly & with that readiness wherewith it ought, follow the spirit. In which respect they are to be admonished and urged, the conscience nevertheless remaining free, so that the law have no power to accuse them. Wherefore such doctrine & admonition ought to be among Christians (as it is certain that among the Apostles there was) whereby every man may be admonished of his state & office. As for the rest which are not Christians,