A06521:720
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.
AN excellent example of faith is set forth in this text, of what sort it is, of what nature and quality, namely, that it is not a resting or idle thing, but lively and void of idleness,1 which goeth not back, but proceedeth on, and still more and more increaseth. Which if it be not done, it is no faith, but only a dead opinion of God in the heart. For a true and sincere faith, which the holy Ghost poureth into the heart, can not be idle: which I say for this cause, that no man be therefore secure, albeit he hath obtained faith, neither that he stay there. It is nothing to begin, unless we increase by continual going forward, and come to greater knowledge of God. For on the contrary side it is the nature and quality of our adversary Satan, not to be idle, as S. Peter saith: Satan sleepeth not, but goeth about as a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour. If so be that the Devil is neither idle, neither sleep cometh upon him, neither shall it be meet for a Christian to be idle or put his hands in ⟨p. 408⟩his bosom, forasmuch as he hath the Devil his enemy, who is stronger then himself: for he is called the prince of the world, as it is mentioned in the Epistle appointed to be read in the Church on this day:2 We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, & against the worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickednesses, which are in hie places. This prince governeth the world, furiously and fiercely rageth, and can not suffer the prosperous success of a Christian. Neither is it for his profit to be suffered of him, for an entry being made hereby, his kingdom is burst into, and his net torn in pieces, out of which as much as he is able, he suffereth no Christian to escape. Moreover when the fire of faith is kindled, and the flame fostered, and Satan trieth and marketh that, by and by he practiseth deceit against it, for he knoweth how much hinderance his kingdom shall take thereby, wherefore as earnestly as he can, even with all his power, he defendeth his kingdom, & laboureth to keep all in obedience to him.
AN excellent example of faith is set forth in this text, of what sort it is, of what nature and qualitie, namely, that it is not a resting or idle thinge, but liuely and voyd of idlenes,