A06521:386
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.
And this is called faith neither coloured nor feigned, which, the conscience striving and trembling, dareth come forth in the sight of God, and say: Almighty God, I am innocent before the world and quiet in mind, so that no man can lay any thing to my charge, or find fault with me. For albeit I have not done all things, yet I ask pardon of every one, that he will forgive me for God his sake, even as I again forgive all. By this means I have cut of the complaints of all, who have no more which they may rightly lay against me. But before thee I must lay aside this trust and confidence, and must wholly acknowledge the guiltiness of innumerable since, and say as David said Psal. 143: Lord enter not into judgement with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Wherefore I can not contend with thee, if thou requirest an account of my life.1 But I appeal from the judgement seat to the mercy seat, I do easily suffer, that I be dealt with according to law & right before the judgement seat of the world, and I will willingly answer, and will do what I am able: Howbeit before thee I will not come into judgement, but I desire grace, which I take hold of on every side.2 For thus the Scripture teacheth me, that God hath set two seats before men: the one a judgement seat, for them which are yet secure and untractable, & acknowledge not their sins, neither will confess and acknowledge them: the other a mercy seat,3 for miserable & fearful consciences, which feel their sins, dread the judgement of God, and do earnestly make request for grace. And this mercy seat is Christ himself, as Paul witnesseth Rom. 3. whom God hath set forth unto us, that we might have refuge unto him, being not able to stand before God by our own power. Unto him I will apply my self, if I have done or do less than is meet: and how great pureness and goodness soever my heart and conscience have before men, I will have it here to be altogether nothing, and hidden, and covered as it were with a •ant, yea with a fair heaven, which may mightily defend it, which is called ⟨p. 202⟩