A06521:341
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.
The same must be done of us if we will ascend unto God, that we may come to him with Isaac only, that is, with faith, servants and asses, that is works, are to be left below. Thus much for the entrance of this text concerning faith and works, to wit that faith must pierce inward and upward, but works must go without and downward, whereby at the length it cometh to pass, that we are righteous before God and men, for that we give due honour unto God, and believe according to his word, and satisfy our neighbour in the duty of love. Now let us see the very words of the text in order.
The same must be done of vs if we will ascend vnto God, that we may come to him with Isaac onely, that is, with faith, seruaunts and asses, that is workes, are to be left below. Thus much for the entraunce of this text concerning faith and workes, to wit that faith must pearce inward and vpward, but workes must go without and downeward, whereby at the length it commeth to passe, that we are righteous before God and men, for that we giue due honour vnto God, and beleeue according to his word, and satisfie our neighbour in the dutie of loue. Nowe let vs see the very wordes of the text in order.
Be ye merciful as your Father is merciful. 1How therefore is our heavenly father merciful? after that sort, that he giveth us all good things, corporal and spiritual, transitory and eternal, freely and of his mercy. For if he should give unto us according to our desert, he should give unto us nothing but hell fire and eternal damnation. What soever therefore good things he bestoweth upon us, he bestoweth them of his mere mercy. He seeth us stick fast in death, therefore he hath mercy upon us and giveth us life: he seeth us to be the children of hell, therefore he taking pity upon us, giveth unto us heaven: He seeth us to be miserable and naked, hungry and thirsty, it pitying him hereof, he clotheth us, and refresheth us with meat & drink, & maketh us full of all good things: So what soever we have either in body or in spirit, he giveth it us of his mere mercy, without any merit or desert of ours. Whereupon Christ here saith: Imitate your father, & be ye merciful like unto him. This