A06521:725
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.
Satan moreover can so set forth the matter by seditious spirits,1 that men shall think it to be just. As the Arians were persuaded that their opinion was sound. But a Christian humbleth him self, taketh nothing rashly upon him self, but with an humble hart saith thus unto God: Most gracious God, albeit I know that the cause which I favour is not unjust, yet without ⟨p. 411⟩thy help I am not able to maintain it, thou therefore help me, otherwise I shall be cast and overthrown. He is in deed certain of his cause, even as S. Peter was on the water, who could not be surer, when the water did bear him. For he knew no let or hinderance, but when the wind was great, and the water troubled, be perceived what was wanting in him: Which is throughly to be received into our mind, and considered of us. For albeit the certainty of our cause be confirmed, strengthened, and ratified with plain sentences of the Scripture, yet is it by the might, counsel, and power of God, that we are defended, and Satan our chief adversary and enemy repressed. Which is therefore done, that God may stir us up to watch, and keep us in awe, that we may always be watchful, and cry unto him: Lord help us, & increase our faith, for without thee we are able to do nothing. Our hart must be always so disposed, as though we began to day to believe, and always so affected, that we desire and labour to go more and more forward. For that is the nature, force, and quality of faith, that it always increaseth and waxeth stronger. Satan, as it is a little before mentioned, neither is idle, nor resteth, if he be once overthrown he riseth again, if he can not enter in by the door, he endeavoureth to steal in on the back side, & if this be not permitted him, he breaketh in through the roof, or entereth in through a hollow place digged under the threshold, for he doth so long earnestly follow his work, until he come in, he useth many deceits and practices, if he prevaileth not by one, he taketh in hand an other, and doth that so long, until he hath obtained his purpose. Man is a weak and a miserable thing, as S. Paul saith 2. Cor. 4: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. I am more frail then a pot compared to the potter, and a pot is a very weak thing, inasmuch as it is easily broken, and whatsoever is in it, is spilt.