A06521:669
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 it appeareth unto us how reason is blind, and how,1 when faith cometh, it ought to give place. Whereof let this be as an example: If I were a married man, having a wife and a company of children, and had nothing wherewith to nourish them, neither would any man give me any thing: yet should it be my duty to believe and hope, that God will provide for me. But when as I see my hope to be in vain, and that I am not succoured by and by with nourishment and clothing, then if I be faithless, I yield unto desperation, and go and purpose an other thing with my self, I apply my mind to unhonest trades, that I may get somewhat thereby, as theft, deceit, and other such practices, and by all means that I am able, I pass through the storms of adversity. See what filthy incredulity bringeth unto man. But if I be endued with faith, I shut mine eyes and say: Most gentle father, I am thy creature, and thy work, it can not be denied but thou hast created me, I will put all my trust in thee, which hast greater care of my welfare then I my self. Thou wilt well nourish, feed, clothe, and help, where and when thou shalt know best. So faith is a sure foundation, whereunto I trusting,2 do look for those things which I see not, and that I may speak at once, it shall not want those things that be necessary. Surely the Angels themselves should come down from heaven, & give bread digged even out of the earth, unto such a faithful man, that he might be nourished, rather then he should be pined with hunger, yea heaven and earth shall pass, before God will suffer a man endued with such faith to want either clothing or any other necessary thing. This singular trust and confidence in God, the comfortable and effectual word of the divine promise doeth require. Whereof David glorieth Psal. 37: I have been young and now am old, and yet saw I never the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. And again: God knoweth the days of the righteous, their inheritance shall continue for ever. They shall not be confounded in the perilous time, and in the days of dearth they shall have enough. But if we shall ask counsel ⟨p. 376⟩of reason, it will forthwith say (as the disciples did before) this thing is unpossible: for it looketh for nothing, it trusteth to nothing, when nothing is present.