A06521:384
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.
I have done surely according to my ability that which I have been able, but I have offended much oftener then I know. Wherefore our own conscience doth witness against us, accusing and convincing us, although before the world we are most free from reprehension or blame. For it must follow the word which saith: this thou shouldest have done, this thou shouldest have left undone. It can not avoid the judgement of this, nor answer to the accusation thereof, but is at the least wise enforced to stand in an uncertainty, being wholly wrapped in doubting. But if it doubt, then is it by and by convinced: for it standeth not before God, but flieth and trembleth.
I haue done surely according to my abilitie that which I haue bene able, but I haue offended muche oftner then I knowe. Wherefore our owne conscience doth witnes against vs, accusing and conuincing vs, although before the worlde we are most free from reprehension or blame. For it must followe the worde which sayth: this thou shouldest haue done, this thou shouldest haue left vndone. It can not auoyde the iudgement of this, nor aunswere to the accusation thereof, but is at the least wise enforced to stande in an vncertaintie, being wholy wrapped in douting. But if it dout, then is it by and by conuinced: for it standeth not before God, but flieth and trembleth.
1Wherefore the principal part of our doctrine must here help us, to wit, that our Lord Jesus Christ being sent of the father, did come into the world and hath suffered and died for us. Whereby he hath reconciled the good will and favour of the father to us, his wrath being appeased, and doth now sit at the right hand of the father, having regard of us as our Saviour, and as a continual Mediator and Intercessor for us, making intercession for us, as for them which can not have and obtain of them selves such pureness and a good conscience. Therefore by his help and benefit we may say before God: although I am not pure, neither have a good conscience, yet I cleave to him by faith, which hath perfect pureness and a good conscience, which he gageth for me, or rather which he giveth unto me. For he alone is he, of whom we read written, as Peter, and Isaiah chapt. 53 say: who did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth. And this praise belongeth only unto him, neither hath he any need to pray, forgive us our debts,