A06524:107
A Treatise Touching the Liberty of a Christian
A treatise, touching the liberty of a Christian. Written in Latin by Doctor Martin Luther. And translated into English by James BellA treatise, touching the libertie of a Christian. Written in Latin by Doctor Martine Luther. And translated into English by Iames Bell
London: printed by Ralph Newbery and H. Bynneman, 1579
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.
1Yet do they wonderfully flatter themselves in these exercises, presuming also arrogantly to judge all others, whom they see not glittering in the like bravery of works, whereas they might otherwise be able to achieve matters of greater importance, to the singular comfort of themselves and others, with this vainly employed ostentation, and abuse of Gods gifts, if they were endued with a right and true faith. But whereas the nature of man and reason (as they term it) natural, is naturally inclined to superstition, and pursuing all Laws and works, is prove of herself to fall into vain presumption of obtaining justification through ⟨p. 91⟩them: add moreover hereunto, because it is accustomed and inured to conceive so highly of the same works, through the usual admiration of all earthly lawmakers, it is not possible surely of her own strength, to clear it self from this servile bondage of works, and to bend her force to know the liberty of faith.
1Yet do they wonderfully flatter themselues in these exercises, presuming also arrogantly to iudge all others, whom they sée not glittering in the like brauery of workes, whereas they might otherwise bee able to atchieue matters of greater importance, to the singular comfort of themselues and others, with this vainely imployed ostentation, and abuse of Gods gifts, if they were indued with a right and true faith. But whereas the nature of man and reason (as they tearme it) naturall, is naturally inclined to superstition, and pursuing all Lawes and works, is proue of herselfe to fall into vaine presumptiō of obtaining iustification through ⟨p. 91⟩them: adde moreouer herevnto, because it is accustomed and inured to conceiue so highly of the same workes, through the vsuall admiration of all earthly lawmakers, it is not possible surely of her owne strength, to cleare it selfe from this seruile bondage of workes, and to bend her force to know the liberty of faith.
- 1Against them that be notably suspicious.Against them that be notably suspitious.