A06521:398
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.
Truly it cometh not hereof,1 because thou teachest the judgement seat, that is, the Law, but from hence, for that we have a pure and unfeigned faith, which layeth hold of Christ, in whom it most fully obtaineth all things which the Law requireth. So at length all things are brought to pass in me having a good conscience, inasmuch as I am now made righteous and justified before God. For although that many things be as yet found wanting in me, yet he standeth on my side, who hath so much righteousness, as wherewith he is able to supply both mine and all mens defects.
Truly it commeth not hereof,1 because thou teachest the iudgement seate, that is, the Lawe, but from hence, for that we haue a pure and vnfained faith, which layeth holde of Christ, in whom it most fully obtaineth all thinges which the Lawe requireth. So at length all thinges are brought to passe in me hauing a good conscience, inasmuch as I am now made righteous and iustified before God. For although that many things be as yet found wanting in me, yet he standeth on my side, who hath so much righteousnes, as wherewith he is able to supplie both mine and all mens defects.
- 1How we obtain a good conscience.How we obtaine a good conscience.
Thus we show the way whereby we are made righteous before God, when as they, when they teach best of all,1 show only the way to attain to honesty and righteousness which is of ⟨p. 210⟩force and value before men, contending that it ought to be of force before God also, mingling together all things in one, inasmuch as they have no certain knowledge thereof, understanding not what they say or what they affirm. For, to what end tendeth this thy immoderate cry? He that will enter into life, let him keep the commandments, &c. in which words thou shalt not show the way to attain righteousness: for descend a little into thy self, and examine thy self diligently, then shalt thou find thy self to have bin in time past conceived and borne in since, and to live in the same now, and not to be able to perform that which the law requireth. Why therefore doest thou seduce other with vain words, saying? be thou righteous and thou shalt be saved, which is to no purpose, neither followeth there any fruit thereof, the way being not showed by which we attain to justification? I hear the words well, what things the law requireth, but how shall we attain unto ability to fulfil them? Then speakest thou to me again and sayest, thou must do good works. But how shall I stand before the judgement of God, if I have long and much wrought good works, and am righteous before men, as thou teachest me? how shall I be certain, that I seem such a one to God also? For here my heart and conscience be ready to witness the contrary against me.