A06521:454
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.
Let us therefore cast away the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. As Christ is the sun,1 and the Gospel the day, so faith is the light whereby to see and watch in this day. For it would not profit, albeit the sun did shine, and make the day, if the eyes did not perceive the light. Wherefore although the Gospel be begun and preached in the whole world, yet none are lightened, but they that receive it, and by faith being made capable of the light, do arise out of sleep. But to them that as yet sleep this sun and day bring no profit, of which they receive no light, no more then if no sun or day had shined. And this is that season and hour, whereof he speaketh: Well-beloved brethren, forasmuch as we know this, that it is now time that we should arise out of sleep, &c. It is a spiritual time and season, although begun in this outward time, as it doth daily also come, wherein we ought to arise out of sleep, and lay aside the works of darkness. Whereby Paul showeth that he doth not speak to them, which are yet void of faith: for as it is said, he teacheth not faith here, but the works and fruits of faith, when as he saith: We know that the time is come, and that the night being passed, the day ⟨p. 244⟩is at hand: they which believe not can not know these things. Now if thou object and say, what reason or cause is there that he should write these things to the faithful, inasmuch as they know that it is time? &c. Thou must call to mind that in the beginning of the exposition of this text of the Apostle, we have said that the office of preaching is of two sorts, one of teaching,2 an other of exhorting and moving. Now a man can not attain unto that knowledge, that it should not be needful that he be always moved, and kept in a continual and fresh meditation of those things which he hath learned, least the devil, the world, and the flesh (which are enemies that never grant truce, neither slack their assault) do make him weary and slothful, that he may at the last sleep, and become altogether negligent in good things. For the devil, saith Peter, is such an enemy, as goeth about continually like a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour: Wherefore he saith: Watch and be sober. Paul also will have us do the same thing here.
Let vs therefore cast awaye the workes of darkenes, and let vs put on the armour of light. As Christ is the sunne,