A06521:565
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.
Wherefore thou must lay up these words of the Apostle well in thy mind, thou must feel this cry of the spirit, which crieth so in the hearts of all the faithful. For how shouldest thou not hear the cry of thine own heart? Neither doth the Apostle say that he doth whisper, speak, yea or sing, it is greater then all these which the spirit doth in thy heart, he crieth out a main, that is, with all the heart. Whereupon it is said Rom. 8, that he maketh request for us with sighs that can not be expressed, and that he beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God: how therefore can it be, that our heart should not hear this cry, sighs,1 and testimony of the spirit? Howbeit hereunto tentations and adversity are very profitable, they move to cry, and do exceedingly stir up the spirit. Notwithstanding we foolish men do greatly fear and fly the cross, wherefore it is no marvel if we do never feel the cry of the spirit, and do continually remain like them of Cains brood. But if thou doest not feel this cry, take heed that thou be not idle and slothful, neither secure, pray instantly, for thou art in an evil case. And yet do not desire, that thou mayest feel nothing but this cry of the spirit, thou must feel also an other terrible cry made, whereby thou mayst be provoked and urged to this cry of the spirit, which happeneth to all the saints: That is the cry of since, which call most strongly and instantly unto desperation, but this cry must be overcome of the spirit of Christ, by godly calling upon the Father, and crying for his grace, that the trust and confidence of grace may become greater then desperation.2 Wherefore this cry of the spirit is nothing else, but to be with all our heart touched with a very strong, firm, and unmoveable trust of most dear sons toward God, as our most tender and favourable Father.
Wherefore thou must lay vp these wordes of the Apostle well in thy minde, thou must feele this crie of the spirit, which crieth so in the hearts of al ye faithful. For how shouldest thou not heare the crie of thine owne heart? Neither doth the Apostle say that he doth whisper, speake, yea or syng, it is greater then all these which the spirit doth in thy heart, he crieth out a maine, that is, with all the heart. Whereupon it is saide