A06521:741
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.
Moreover, we must not here omit, to declare who they be that receive the Gospel, and unto whom it is acceptable. For surely that kingdom and government, wherein God reigneth and ruleth by the Gospel, is most excellent and gentle, forasmuch as in it mere forgiveness of sins is preached, howbeit it pierceth not into the hart of every one, neither is it considered or esteemed of all. For thou mayst find many light and unconstant men,1 who abuse the Gospel, and lead their life dissolutely and loosely, doing what they list, who think that they should be rebuked of none, seeing that the Gospel teacheth nothing but forgiveness of sins. The Gospel is not preached to these, who do so vilely esteem of ⟨p. 421⟩a precious treasure, and deal lightly with it. Wherefore neither do they pertain to this kingdom but to worldly government, that they may be stopped & let from doing whatsoever they like and list.2 To whom then is it preached? to them which throughly feel such misery, as this servant did here. Wherefore consider what happeneth unto him: The Lord taketh pity of his misery, forgiveth him more then he durst desire. But before this is done, the text saith, the Lord first took account of his servants, and when he began to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents: and because he had nothing to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and the debt to be payed. Which truly were no pleasant words, but even exceeding severity and most terrible judgement, then is he brought into so great perplexity and distress, that he falleth down on the ground, and asketh mercy, and promiseth more then he hath, or is able to pay, saying: Lord refrain thine anger toward me, and I will pay thee all.
Moreouer, we must not here omit, to declare who they be that receiue the Gospell, and vnto whom it is acceptable. For surely that kingdom and gouernment, wherin God reigneth and ruleth by the Gospell, is most excellent and gentle, forasmuch as in it meere forgiuenes of sinnes is preached, howebeit it pearseth not into the hart of euery one, neither is it considered or esteemed of all. For thou mayst finde many light and vnconstant men,1