A06521:346
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.
1Again, I must bestow my works so, that they may be a certain sign, and as it were a seal graven with letters, whereby I may be assured that my faith is sincere. For if I feel in my heart, that my work proceedeth from love, I am sure concerning the integrity and soundness of my faith. If I forgive, the same forgiveness doth assure me concerning the sincerity of my faith, doth declare my faith, and certify me, that God hath also pardoned my sin, and doth daily more and more pardon me. So it fell out with Abraham, his work made his faith known unto him. God in deed knew that he did believe, but it behoved that Abraham also should know, and show forth his faith. Wherefore works following only freely as fruits of faith, are declarations of such a faith. For what should it profit me, if I had even a strong faith, but unknown unto me? even as if I should have a chest full of gold, yet I being ignorant thereof, should take no commodity thereby. But if any would show it unto me, he should do me as great a pleasure, as if he gave it me. So if I have faith and yet be ignorant thereof, it is no profit unto me. Wherefore it must burst forth, and be showed by the works that ensue, which are both signs and seals of the present faith.2 Soe Saint Peter meaneth, when speaking of the works of charity, and the virtues of faith, he concludeth thus: •••••fore brethren, give rather diligence, to make your calling and election sure, which if ye do, ye shall not fall. For by this means an entering shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He sayeth not, do good works, that by them ye may be called, but that ye may more assure your selves of your calling. Accustom your selves therefore well unto the phrases and manner of speakings used in the Scripture, that ye rush not upon them like blind moles, and confirm works in such places as this: for herein works are rejected if we think, that we are justified by them: but herein they are extolled and commended, in that they are profitable to our neighbour and fruits and signs of faith. Behold, it was meet that I should make ⟨p. 177⟩this digression, least I should confirm the meaning of the Papists.