A06521:748
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.
Hereupon now may be inferred that they are plain delusions, whatsoever things are any otherwise taught concerning our works, and free will, to wit, that they put away sins, and obtain grace. For the divine majesty alone, beholding our misery, hath pity upon us, for the text showeth manifestly, that God pardoneth and forgiveth them, that have nothing, and concludeth that we have nothing left, wherewith we may pay God. Howsoever therefore thou hast free will in temporal matters, yet thou hearest here that it is nothing before God. Wherefore if thou desire to be delivered from thy since, thou must cease to trust in any of thy works, and must plainly despair concerning them, and fly unto Christ, pray unto God for grace, finally receive the Gospel by faith.
Herupon now may be inferred that they are plaine delusions, whatsoeuer thinges are any otherwise taught concerning our workes, and free will, to wit, that they put away sinnes, and obtaine grace. For the diuine maiestie alone, beholding our miserie, hath pittie vpon vs, for the text sheweth manifestly, that God pardoneth and forgiueth them, that haue nothing, and concludeth that we haue nothing left, wherewith we may pay God. Howsoeuer therefore thou hast free will in temporall matters, yet thou hearest here that it is nothing before God. Wherefore if thou desire to be deliuered from thy synnes, thou must ceasse to trust in any of thy workes, and must plainly despeire concerning them, and flie vnto Christ, pray vnto God for grace, finally receiue the Gospell by faith.
Now followeth the other part, wherein the fellow servant also is dealt with. This servant now hath enough, he saveth his body, goods, wife, children, &c. and hath his Lord favourable unto him. Wherefore he should surely be very foolish, if he should now depart, and do what he is able for the reconciliation of his Lord, for his Lord might worthily say that he is mocked of him. He hath need therefore of no work, but that he receive such grace & favour as is offered him, so may he be of a good cheer, giving thanks to his Lord, and dealing so with others as his Lord hath dealt with him. After the same sort is it with us, for when we believe, we have God favourable & merciful unto us, neither do we need any thing more,