A88660:53
A word in season
A word in season: being the commentary of Dr. Martin Luther, on three selected Psalms: viz. the CXXIVth, CXXVth, and CXXIXth. With his commentary on some part of the fourth and fifth chapters of the First Epistle of St. Peter. Being of special use for the present times.
London: printed by George Larkin, 1685
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Verse 2. As the Mountains are about Jerusalem, so is the Lord about his People, from henceforth and for ever.
Where many hundred thousands of men are, there are scarcely seven thousand which know God, or believe in God, and yet for their sakes the whole Multitude is called God▪s people, ⟨p. 16⟩Even so was it in Jerusalem. 1Albeit the greater part was Wicked and Godless, yet was Jerusalem called Holy, not only in Respect of a small Number of the Godly; but also because God had his abiding there. So when there was not one just person in Sodom but Lot with his two Daughters, yet could not the Angel destroy Sodom with fire so long as Lot was in it. Likewise where four or five or ten godly Persons are to be found, for their sakes the whole City is called Holy. For these are the Elect corner stones, these are the precious Pearls which God so highly esteemeth, and for whose sakes he spareth the Wicked. Therefore saith David, As Jerusalem is compassed about with Mountains, so doth the Lord compass his People and mightily defend them on every side. In like manner Zechariah Prophecieth of a City whose Wall is of fire. These Similitudes do set forth unto us the Safety of Gods People, that weak and little poor Flock, against all Dangers. Upon this promise if we also do rest, which at this day enjoy the inestimable Benefit of Gods Holy Word, we shall be defended against the Rage of Satan and the whole World, not by fiery and brazen Walls, but by the Lord himself. These things albeit we cannot comprehend, yet should we believe them so certainly as if we did see them with our bodily Eyes. If we should see our selves compassed about with brazen and fiery Walls, we would be without all fear, and Triumph against Satan. But it is a matter of Faith, not to trust unto that which the Eyes see, but which the Word offereth and promiseth. This one thing therefore is lacking in us, that we have not eyes of the Spirit, but we judge according to the eyes and sense of the Flesh. For else we should be no more afraid then they which being closed within the Walls of an invincible Castle, fear not the force and power of their Enemies, be they never so terrible. We must not doubt therefore, but if we believe, we are compassed about with fiery and brazen Mountains, that is to say, we abide for ever invincible against the Rage of Satan and all the Powers of Darkness. Blessed therefore is he that believeth.