Special and chosen sermons of D. Martin Luther collected out of his writings and…

For if Angels should always have to do with us, there should not be so much faith, neither should it be so pleasant, as when we are taught and guided by them that are partakers of our nature, whom we do better know, and with whom we do more familiarly associate our selves. And so, that there may be some, by whom other also may be converted both by doctrine, and good examples, it is not meet that we should by and by after Baptism be taken into heaven, wherein notwithstanding we are already admitted citizens.

For if Angels should alwayes haue to do with vs, there should not be so much fayth, neither should it be so pleasaunt, as when we are taught and guided by them that are partakers of our nature, whom we do better know, and with whom we do more familiarly associat our selues. And so, that there may be some, by whom other also may be conuerted both by doctrine, and good examples, it is not meete that we should by and by after Baptisme be taken into heauen, wherein notwithstanding we are already admitted citizens.

¹Hereupon if one weigh all things rightly, it can not be doubted, that it is a practise and miracle of Satan and Antichrist, that so much is spent for Purgatories sake, such faith as this being put quite out of mens minds. For men are taught by their works to save themselves from Purgatory, or at the least to deliver themselves out from thence, as though salvation were not yet given us, and it were necessary to come unto it by other means then by faith alone, which how it disagreeth with the Scripture and a Christian life, there is no man that doth not see, but he that seeth nothing in the Scripture. For thus the ⟨p. 141⟩holy Scriptures do teach every where, that who soever doth not receive salvation by mere grace, through faith before all works, he shall never be partaker thereof. And that who soever refer their good works, not to the profit of their neighbours, but to their own commodity, being more careful of their own salvation then of their neighbours, have no good works at all. All the works of these are void of faith, and infected with pernicious error. It had bin greatly to be wished that Purgatory had never bin invented, and never mention made thereof in the pulpit, for it hath bin cause of such hinderance to Christian verity and sincere truth, as can not be recovered. For we see it now brought to pass by the means of Satan, that almost all prayers are directed to only Purgatory, with this ungodly and pestilent opinion, whereby miserable men think that they shall be redeemed from thence, and obtain salvation by the works of men. Whereby the riches of Baptism and faith are had in no reputation, and they at the last of Christians become Heathen. O most pernicious abomination. Christians should be taught as Christ and Paul teach them, that after Baptism and absolution from since they should so live, that they should be ready every hour to receive death, with desire looking for the revelation of salvation already received.