A06521:395
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.
Which gageth his holiness for the believers, or rather giveth it to them, so, that in him they have all things that are necessary to salvation.
Which gageth his holines for the beleeuers, or rather giueth it to them, so, that in him they haue all thinges that are necessary to saluation.
Now this is right and pure doctrine, which should be exercised, and taught unto men distinctly, that they might know how ⟨p. 208⟩they may be able to stand both before God and men, that faith and love be not mingled together, or life referred both to God and men. This ought to have bin performed of those glorious and arrogant teachers, seeing that they will be counted masters of the law, that the difference of the law and faith might be well known unto all.1 For although it be taught and repeated with never so great diligence, yet notwithstanding it is very hard to be well and throughly learned, especially to us which have bin instructed and trained up in the doctrine of works, and led only to the law and our own works. To these may be added our nature also, very prone and ready by it self hereunto, and now brought into a custom, whereby it is confirmed, and in continuance of time turneth the heart also into exercise and use, so, that we can not abstain, nor think otherwise, but, that God will be favourable unto us, which have done so great works, and have led our life so without blame or fault. Therefore we must strive against both our nature & custom. For surely it is a very hard thing to think or be persuaded otherwise, and so purely to put a difference between faith and love, the filth still hanging upon us and cleaving unto us, albeit we be now in faith, so that our heart can scarce rule it self, that it say not: so long time have I taught the Gospel, so have I lived, such great works have I done, &c. And we would very willingly have God to regard our life, and turn his mercy seat for our cause into a judgement seat. Thou mayst use this boasting toward men, I have done well to all as I have bin able, and if any thing be wanting, I as yet will endeavour to make a recompense. But if thou be minded to go unto God, I advise thee to cease from such arrogant boasting, and think to appeal from judgement to grace.