A06521:50
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.
Here now Eve the first mother is no more my mother, for it must needs be that that nativity do utterly die and perish, that there may be no sin remaining. Here this mother Mary is to be set against that mother, of whom I was borne in sin. And thus the Angel bringeth with him great joy, for it can not be, but that the hart should be made glad, when it enjoyeth this Saviour as his own. When we come to hand strokes, that is, when we ⟨p. 11⟩feel our misery and calamity, there remaineth no comfort or help, then my hart can not lift it self above the heavy burden, wherewith it is pressed down, but it must needs faint and be discouraged. But if I conceive a trust, and doubt nothing that Christs nativity is mine, that my sins be taken away by him. I become exceeding joyful, & am confirmed with comfort, whereby all heaviness and sorrow is shaken of.1 This only is that comfort, and no other, which maketh a good conscience, which feareth neither death nor hell, for it always resteth upon the word of God, which giveth Christ unto us. Wherefore it is a thing altogether miserable and lamentable, if such a good conscience be sought in any other things then here. Thou shalt find no joy, no peace of conscience, neither in heaven, nor in earth, but in this Christ, be thou certain and sure thereof. Wherefore let all other things pass, and cleave unto him only, if thou desire to be bold and courageous against sin, death, the devil, hell, & all things that are against thee. He is the Lord & Saviour. Ye understand I trust, this right well, forasmuch as ye have now heard it so often. But I do with so great earnestness as it were beat it into your minds, that ye may see, that there is but one thing taught in the whole Scripture, which I would have to stick firmly and undoubtedly in you, this is that which I have said, that the use of this nativity be known.
Here now Eue the first mother is no more my mother, for it must needes be that that natiuitie doe vtterly die and perish, that there may be no sinne remayning. Here this mother Marie is to be set against that mother, of whome I was borne in sinne. And thus the Angel bringeth with him great ioy, for it can not be, but that the hart should be made glad, when it enioyeth this Sauiour as his owne. When we come to hand strokes, that is, when we ⟨p. 11⟩