Page1of154

LCMS

Contents:

Philip Melanchthon's Greeting God Original Sin Christ Justification Of Love and Fulfilling of the Law The Church Baptism The Holy Supper Confession Repentance Confession and Satisfaction The Number and Use of the Sacraments Ecclesiastical Order Human Traditions in the Church Political Order Christ's Return to Judgment Free Will The Cause of Sin Good Works The Invocation of the Saints Both Kinds in the Lord's Supper The Marriage of Priests The Mass Monastic Vows Ecclesiastical Power

PhilipMelanchthonPresentsHisGreetingtotheReader.

1]AftertheConfessionofourprinceshadbeenpubliclyread,certaintheologiansandmonkspreparedaconfutationofourwriting;andwhenHisImperialMajestyhadcausedthisalsotobereadintheassemblyoftheprinces,hedemandedofourprincesthattheyshouldassenttothisConfutation.2]Butasourprinceshadheardthatmanyarticlesweredisapproved,whichtheycouldnot

The Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Confession

Page2of154

abandonwithoutoffensetoconsciencetheyaskedthatacopyoftheConfutationbefurnishedthem,thattheymightbeablebothtoseewhattheadversariescondemned,andtorefutetheirarguments.And,indeed,inacauseofsuchimportancepertainingtoreligionandtheinstructionofconsciences,theythoughtthattheadversarieswouldproducetheirwritingwithoutanyhesitation[,orevenofferittous].Butthisourprincescouldnotobtain,unlessonthemostperilousconditions,whichitwasimpossibleforthemtoaccept.3]Then,too,negotiationsforpeacewerebegun,inwhichitwasapparentthatourprincesdeclinednoburden,howevergrievous,thatcouldbeassumedwithoutoffensetoconscience.4]Buttheadversariesobstinatelydemandedthis,namely,thatweshouldapprovecertainmanifestabusesanderrors,andaswecouldnotdothis,HisImperialMajestyagaindemandedthatourprincesshouldassenttotheConfutation.Thisourprincesrefusedtodo.Forinamatterpertainingtoreligion,howcouldtheyassenttoawritingintowhichtheyhadnotlooked,especially,astheyhadheardthatsomearticleswerecondemned,inwhichitwasimpossibleforthem,withoutgrievoussin,toapprovetheopinionsoftheadversaries?5]Theyhad,however,commandedmeandsomeotherstoprepareanApologyoftheConfession,inwhichthereasonswhywecouldnotreceivetheConfutationshouldbesetforthtoHisImperialMajesty,andtheobjectionsmadebytheadversariesshouldberefuted.6]Forduringthereadingsomeofushadtakendownthechiefpoints7]ofthetopicsandarguments.ThisApologytheyfinally[atlastwhentheytooktheirdeparturefromAugsburg]offeredtoHisImperialMajesty,thathemightknowthatwewerehinderedbythegreatestandmostimportantreasonsfromapprovingtheConfutation.ButHisImperialMajestydidnotreceivetheofferedwriting.8]AfterwardsacertaindecreewaspublishedinwhichtheadversariesboastthattheyhaverefutedourConfessionfromtheScriptures.9]Youhavenow,therefore,reader,ourApology,fromwhichyouwillunderstandnotonlywhattheadversarieshavejudged(forwehavereportedingoodfaith),butalsothattheyhavecondemnedseveralarticlescontrarytothemanifestScriptureoftheHolyGhostsofararetheyfromoverthrowingourpropositionsbymeansoftheScriptures.10]Now,althoughoriginallywedrewuptheApologybytakingcounselwithothers,nevertheless,asitpassedthroughthepress,Ihavemadesomeadditions.WhereforeIgivemyname,sothatnoonecancomplainthatthebookhasbeenpublishedanonymously.11]Ithasalwaysbeenmycustominthesecontroversiestoretain,sofarasIwasatallable,theformofthecustomarilyreceiveddoctrine,inorderthatatsometimeconcordcouldbereachedthemorereadily.Nor,indeed,amInowdepartingfarfromthiscustom,althoughIcouldjustlyleadawaythemenofthisagestillfartherfromtheopinionsoftheadversaries.12]Buttheadversariesaretreatingthecaseinsuchawayastoshowthattheyareseekingneithertruthnorconcord,buttodrainourblood.

Page3of154

13]AndnowIhavewrittenwiththegreatestmoderationpossible;andifanyexpressionappearstoosevere,ImustsayherebeforehandthatIamcontendingwiththetheologiansandmonkswhowrotetheConfutation,andnotwiththeEmperorortheprinces,14]whomIholdindueesteem.ButIhaverecentlyseentheConfutation,andhavenoticedhowcunninglyandslanderouslyitwaswritten,sothatonsomepointsitcoulddeceiveeventhecautious.15]YetIhavenotdiscussedalltheirsophistries,foritwouldbeanendlesstask;butIhavecomprisedthechiefarguments,thattheremightbeamongallnationsatestimonyconcerningusthatweholdtheGospel16]ofChristcorrectlyandinapiousway.Discorddoesnotdelightus,neitherareweindifferenttoourdanger;forwereadilyunderstandtheextentofitinsuchabitternessofhatredwherewithweseethattheadversarieshavebeeninflamed.ButwecannotabandontruththatismanifestandnecessarytotheChurch.WhereforewebelievethattroublesanddangersforthegloryofChristandthegoodoftheChurchshouldbeendured,andweareconfidentthatthisourfidelitytodutyisapprovedofGod,andwehopethatthejudgmentofposterityconcerninguswillbemorejust.17]ForitisundeniablethatmanytopicsofChristiandoctrinewhoseexistenceintheChurchisofthegreatestmomenthavebeenbroughttoviewbyourtheologiansandexplained;inreferencetowhichwearenotdisposedheretorecountunderwhatsortofopinions,andhowdangerous,theyformerlylaycoveredinthewritingsofthemonks,canonists,andsophisticaltheologians.[Thismayhavetobedonelater.]18]Wehavethepublictestimonialsofmanygoodmen,whogiveGodthanksforthisgreatestblessing,namely,thatconcerningmanynecessarytopicsithastaughtbetterthingsthanarereadeverywhereinthebooksofouradversaries.19]Weshallcommendourcause,therefore,toChrist,whosometimewilljudgethesecontroversies,andwebeseechHimtolookupontheafflictedandscatteredchurches,andtobringthembacktogodlyandperpetualconcord.[Therefore,iftheknownandcleartruthistroddenunderfoot,wewillresignthiscausetoGodandChristinheaven,whoistheFatheroforphansandtheJudgeofwidowsandofalltheforsaken,who(aswecertainlyknow)willjudgeandpasssentenceuponthiscausearight.LordJesusChristitisThyholyGospel,itisThycause;lookThouuponthemanytroubledheartsandconsciences,andmaintainandstrengtheninThytruthThychurchesandlittleflocks,whosufferanxietyanddistressfromthedevil.Confoundallhypocrisyandlies,andgrantpeaceandunity,sothatThyglorymayadvance,andThykingdom,strongagainstallthegatesofhell,maycontinuallygrowandincrease.]Backtotop

ArticleI:OfGod.1]TheFirstArticleofourConfessionouradversariesapprove,inwhichwedeclarethatwebelieveandteachthatthereisonedivineessence,undivided,etc.,andyet,thattherearethreedistinctpersons,ofthesamedivineessence,andcoeternal,Father,Son,andHolyGhost.2]Thisarticlewehavealwaystaughtanddefended,andwebelievethatithas,inHolyScripture,sureandfirmtestimoniesthatcannotbeoverthrown.AndweconstantlyaffirmthatthosethinkingotherwiseareoutsideoftheChurchofChrist.andareidolaters,andinsultGod.Backtotop

Page4of154

ArticleII(I):OfOriginalSin.1]TheSecondArticle,OfOriginalSin,theadversariesapprove,butinsuchawaythatthey,nevertheless,censurethedefinitionoforiginalsin,whichweincidentallygave.Here,immediatelyattheverythreshold,HisImperialMajestywilldiscoverthatthewritersoftheConfutationweredeficientnotonlyinjudgment,butalsoincandor.Forwhereaswe,withasimplemind,desired,inpassing,torecountthosethingswhichoriginalsinembraces,thesemen,byframinganinvidiousinterpretation,artfullydistortapropositionthathasinitnothingwhichofitselfiswrong.Thustheysay:"TobewithoutthefearofGod,tobewithoutfaith,isactualguilt;"andthereforetheydenythatitisoriginalguilt.2]Itisquiteevidentthatsuchsubtiltieshaveoriginatedintheschools,notinthecounciloftheEmperor.Butalthoughthissophistrycanbeveryeasilyrefuted;yet,inorderthatallgoodmenmayunderstandthatweteachinthismatternothingthatisabsurd,weaskfirstofallthattheGermanConfessionbeexamined.Thiswillfreeusfromthesuspicionofnovelty.Forthereitiswritten:Weiterwirdgelehrt,dassnachdemFallAdamsalleMenschen,sonatuerlichgeborenwerden,inSuendenempfangenundgeborenwerden,dasist,dasssieallevonMutterleibeanvollboeserLuesteundNeigungsind,keinewahreGottesfurcht,keinenwahrenGlaubenanGottvonNaturhabenkoennen.[ItisfurthertaughtthatsincetheFallofAdamallmenwhoarenaturallybornareconceivedandborninsin,i.e.,thattheyall,fromtheirmother'swomb,arefullofevildesireandinclination,andcanhavebynaturenotruefearofGod,notruefaithinGod.]3]Thispassagetestifiesthatwedenytothosepropagatedaccordingtocarnalnaturenotonlytheacts,butalsothepowerorgiftsofproducingfearandtrustinGod.Forwesaythatthosethusbornhaveconcupiscence,andcannotproducetruefearandtrustinGod.Whatisthereherewithwhichfaultcanbefound?Togoodmen,wethink,indeed,thatwehaveexculpatedourselvessufficiently.ForinthissensetheLatindescriptiondeniestonature[eventoinnocentinfants]thepower,i.e.,itdeniesthegiftsandenergybywhichtoproducefearandtrustinGod,and,inadults[overandabovethisinnateevildispositionoftheheart,also]theacts,sothat,whenwementionconcupiscence,weunderstandnotonlytheactsorfruits,buttheconstantinclinationofthenature[theevilinclinationwithin,whichdoesnotceaseaslongaswearenotbornanewthroughtheSpiritandfaith].4]Buthereafterwewillshowmorefullythatourdescriptionagreeswiththeusualandancientdefinition.Forwemustfirstshowourdesigninpreferringtoemploythesewordsinthisplace.Intheirschoolstheadversariesconfessthat"thematerial,"astheycallit,"oforiginalsinisconcupiscence."Wherefore,inframingthedefinition,thisshouldnothavebeenpassedby,especiallyatthistime,whensomearephilosophizingconcerningitinamannerunbecomingteachersofreligion[arespeakingconcerningthisinnate,wickeddesiremoreafterthemannerofheathenfromphilosophythanaccordingtoGod'sWord,orHolyScripture].5]Forsomecontendthatoriginalsinisnotadepravityorcorruptioninthenatureofman,butonlyservitude,oraconditionofmortality[notaninnateevilnature,butonlyablemishorimposedload,orburden],whichthosepropagatedfromAdambearbecauseoftheguiltofanother[namely,Adam'ssin],andwithoutanydepravityoftheirown.Besides,theyaddthatnooneiscondemnedtoeternaldeathonaccountoforiginalsin,justasthosewhoarebornofabond‐womanareslaves,andbearthisconditionwithoutanynaturalblemish,butbecauseofthecalamityoftheirmother[while,ofthemselves,theyarebornwithoutfault,likeothermen:thusoriginalsinisnotaninnateevil,butadefectandburdenwhichwebearsinceAdam,butwearenotonthataccountpersonallyinsinandinheriteddisgrace].6]Toshowthatthisimpiousopinionisdispleasingtous,wemadementionof"concupiscence,"and,withthebest

Page5of154

intention,havetermedandexplaineditas"diseases,"that"thenatureofmenisborncorruptandfulloffaults"[notapartofman,buttheentirepersonwithitsentirenatureisborninsinaswithahereditarydisease]7]Nor,indeed,haveweonlymadeuseofthetermconcupiscence,butwehavealsosaidthat"thefearofGodandfaitharewanting."Thiswehaveaddedwiththefollowingdesign:Thescholasticteachersalso,notsufficientlyunderstandingthedefinitionoforiginalsin,whichtheyhavereceivedfromtheFathers,extenuatethesinoforigin.Theycontendconcerningthefomes[orevilinclination]thatitisaqualityof[blemishinthe]body,and,withtheirusualfolly,askwhetherthisqualitybederivedfromthecontagionoftheappleorfromthebreathoftheserpent,andwhetheritbeincreasedbyremedies.Withsuchquestionstheyhavesuppressedthemainpoint.8]Therefore,whentheyspeakofthesinoforigin,theydonotmentionthemoreseriousfaultsofhumannature,towit,ignoranceofGod,contemptforGod,beingdestituteoffearandconfidenceinGod,hatredofGod'sjudgment,flightfromGod[asfromatyrant]whenHejudges,angertowardGod,despairofgrace,puttingone'strustinpresentthings[money,property,friends],etc.Thesediseases,whichareinthehighestdegreecontrarytotheLawofGod,thescholasticsdonotnotice;yea,tohumannaturetheymeanwhileascribeunimpairedstrengthforlovingGodaboveallthings,andforfulfillingGod'scommandmentsaccordingtothesubstanceoftheacts,nordotheysee9]thattheyaresayingthingsthatarecontradictorytooneanother.Forwhatelseisthebeingableinone'sownstrengthtoloveGodaboveallthings,andtofulfilHiscommandments,thantohaveoriginalrighteousness[tobeanewcreatureinParadise,entirelypureandholy]?10]ButifhumannaturehavesuchstrengthastobeableofitselftoloveGodaboveallthingsasthescholasticsconfidentlyaffirm,whatwilloriginalsinbe?ForwhatwilltherebeneedofthegraceofChristifwecanbejustifiedbyourownrighteousness[powers]?ForwhatwilltherebeneedoftheHolyGhostifhumanstrengthcanbyitself11]loveGodaboveallthings,andfulfilGod'scommandments?Whodoesnotseewhatpreposterousthoughtsouradversariesentertain?Thelighterdiseasesinthenatureofmantheyacknowledge,themoreseveretheydonotacknowledge;andyetofthese,Scriptureeverywhereadmonishesus,andtheprophetsconstantlycomplain[asthe13thPsalm,andsomeotherpsalmssay,Ps.14,1‐3;5,9;140,3;36,1],namely,ofcarnalsecurity,ofthecontemptofGod,ofhatredtowardGod,andofsimilarfaultsbornwithus.[ForScriptureclearlysaysthatallthesethingsarenotblownatus,butbornwithus.]12]ButafterthescholasticsmingledwithChristiandoctrinephilosophyconcerningtheperfectionofnature[lightofreason],andascribedtothefreewillandtheactsspringingtherefrommorethanwassufficient,andtaughtthatmenarejustifiedbeforeGodbyphilosophicorcivilrighteousness(whichwealsoconfesstobesubjecttoreason,and,inameasure,withinourpower),theycouldnotseetheinner13]uncleannessofthenatureofmen.ForthiscannotbejudgedexceptfromtheWordofGod,ofwhichthescholastics,intheirdiscussions,donotfrequentlytreat.14]Thesewerethereasonswhy,inthedescriptionoforiginalsin,wemadementionofconcupiscencealso,anddeniedtoman'snaturalstrengththefearofGodandtrustinHim.Forwewishedtoindicatethatoriginalsincontainsalsothesediseases,namely,ignoranceofGod,contemptforGod,thebeingdestituteofthefearofGodandtrustinHim,inabilitytoloveGod.Thesearethechieffaultsofhumannature,conflictingespeciallywiththefirsttableoftheDecalog.15]Neitherhavewesaidanythingnew.Theancientdefinitionunderstoodarightexpressespreciselythesamethingwhenitsays:"Originalsinistheabsenceoforiginalrighteousness"[alackofthefirstpurityandrighteousnessinParadise].Butwhatisrighteousness?Herethescholasticswrangleaboutdialecticquestions;theydonotexplainwhatoriginalrighteousness

Page6of154

is.16]NowintheScriptures,righteousnesscomprisesnotonlythesecondtableoftheDecalog[regardinggoodworksinservingourfellow‐man],butthefirstalso,whichteachesconcerning17]thefearofGod,concerningfaith,concerningtheloveofGod.Thereforeoriginalrighteousnesswastoembracenotonlyaneventemperamentofthebodilyqualities[perfecthealthand,inallrespects,pureblood,unimpairedpowersofthebody,astheycontend],butalsothesegifts,namely,aquitecertainknowledgeofGod,fearofGod,confidenceinGod,orcertainly18]therectitudeandpowertoyieldtheseaffections[butthegreatestfeatureinthatnoblefirstcreaturewasabrightlightinthehearttoknowGodandHiswork,etc.].AndScripturetestifiestothis,whenitsays,Gen.1,27,thatmanwasfashionedintheimageandlikenessofGod.WhatelseisthisthanthattherewereembodiedinmansuchwisdomandrighteousnessasapprehendedGod,andinwhichGodwasreflected,i.e.,tomanthereweregiventhegiftsoftheknowledgeofGod,thefearofGod,confidenceinGod,andthelike?19]ForthusIrenaeusandAmbroseinterpretthelikenesstoGod,thelatterofwhomnotonlysaysmanythingstothiseffect,butespeciallydeclares:Thatsoulisnot,therefore,intheimageofGod,inwhichGodisnotatalltimes.20]AndPaulshowsintheEpistlestotheEphesians,5,9,andColossians,3,10,thattheimageofGodistheknowledgeofGod,righteousness,andtruth.21]NordoesLongobardfeartosaythatoriginalrighteousnessistheverylikenesstoGodwhichGodimplantedinman.22]Werecounttheopinionsoftheancients,whichinnowayinterferewithAugustine'sinterpretationoftheimage.23]Thereforetheancientdefinition,whenitsaysthatsinisthelackofrighteousness,notonlydeniesobediencewithrespecttoman'slowerpowers[thatmanisnotonlycorruptinhisbodyanditsmeanestandlowestfaculties],butalsodeniestheknowledgeofGod,confidenceinGod,thefearandloveofGodorcertainlythepowertoproducetheseaffections[thelightintheheartwhichcreatesaloveanddesireforthesematters].Foreventhetheologiansthemselvesteachintheirschoolsthatthesearenotproducedwithoutcertaingiftsandtheaidofgrace.Inorderthatthemattermaybeunderstood,wetermtheseverygiftstheknowledgeofGod,andfearandconfidenceinGod.Fromthesefactsitappearsthattheancientdefinitionsayspreciselythesamethingthatwesay,denyingfearandconfidencetowardGod,towit,notonlytheacts,butalsothegiftsandpowertoproducetheseacts[thatwehavenogoodhearttowardGod,whichtrulylovesGod,notonlythatweareunabletodoorachieveanyperfectlygoodwork].24]OfthesameimportisthedefinitionwhichoccursinthewritingsofAugustine,whoisaccustomedtodefineoriginalsinasconcupiscence[wickeddesire].Forhemeansthatwhenrighteousnesshadbeenlost,concupiscencecameinitsplace.ForinasmuchasdiseasednaturecannotfearandloveGodandbelieveGod,itseeksandlovescarnalthings.God'sjudgmentiteithercontemns,whenatease,orhates,whenthoroughlyterrified.ThusAugustineincludesboththedefectand25]thevicioushabitwhichhascomeinitsplace.Norindeedisconcupiscenceonlyacorruptionofthequalitiesofthebody,butalso,inthehigherpowers,aviciousturningtocarnalthings.NordothosepersonsseewhattheysaywhoascribetomanatthesametimeconcupiscencethatisnotentirelydestroyedbytheHolyGhost,andlovetoGodaboveallthings.26]We,therefore,havebeenrightinexpressing,inourdescriptionoforiginalsin,bothnamely,thesedefects:thenotbeingabletobelieveGod,thenotbeingabletofearandloveGod;and,likewise:thehavingconcupiscence,whichseekscarnalthingscontrarytoGod'sWord,i.e.,seeksnotonlythepleasureofthebody,butalsocarnalwisdomandrighteousness,and,contemningGod,trustsintheseasgoodthings.27]Noronlytheancients[likeAugustineandothers],butalsothemorerecent[teachersandscholastics],atleastthewiseronesamong

Page7of154

them,teachthatoriginalsinisatthesametimetrulythese,namely,thedefectswhichIhaverecounted,andconcupiscence.ForThomassaysthus:Originalsincomprehendsthelossoforiginalrighteousness,andwiththisaninordinatedispositionofthepartsofthesoul;whenceitisnotpureloss,butacorrupthabit[somethingpositive].28]AndBonaventura:Whenthequestionisasked,Whatisoriginalsin?thecorrectansweris,thatitisimmoderate[unchecked]concupiscence.Thecorrectanswerisalso,thatitiswantoftherighteousnessthatisdue.Andinoneoftheserepliestheotherisincluded.29]ThesameistheopinionofHugo,whenhesaysthatoriginalsinisignoranceinthemindandconcupiscenceintheflesh.Forhetherebyindicatesthatwhenweareborn,webringwithusignoranceofGod,unbelief,distrust,contempt,andhatredofGod.30]Forwhenhementionsignorance,heincludesthese.Andtheseopinions[evenofthemostrecentteachers]alsoagreewithScripture.ForPaulsometimesexpresslycallsitadefect[alackofdivinelight],as1Cor.2,14:ThenaturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod.31]Inanotherplace,Rom.7,5,hecallsitconcupiscence,workinginourmemberstobringforthfruituntodeath.Wecouldcitemorepassagesrelatingtobothparts;butinregardtoamanifestfactthereisnoneedoftestimonies.AndtheintelligentreaderwillreadilybeabletodecidethattobewithoutthefearofGodandwithoutfaitharemorethanactualguilt.Fortheyareabidingdefectsinourunrenewednature.32]InreferencetooriginalsinwethereforeholdnothingdifferingeitherfromScriptureorfromtheChurchcatholic,butcleansefromcorruptionsandrestoretolightmostimportantdeclarationsofScriptureandoftheFathers,thathadbeencoveredoverbythesophisticalcontroversiesofmoderntheologians.ForitismanifestfromthesubjectitselfthatmoderntheologianshavenotnoticedwhattheFathersmeantwhentheyspakeofdefect[lackoforiginalrighteousness].33]Buttheknowledgeoforiginalsinisnecessary.ForthemagnitudeofthegraceofChristcannotbeunderstood[noonecanheartilylongandhaveadesireforChrist,fortheinexpressiblygreattreasureofdivinefavorandgracewhichtheGospeloffers],unlessourdiseasesberecognized.[AsChristsaysMatt.9,12;Mark2,17:Theythatarewholeneednotaphysician.]Theentirerighteousnessofmanismerehypocrisy[andabomination]beforeGod,unlessweacknowledgethatourheartisnaturally34]destituteoflove,fear,andconfidenceinGod[thatwearemiserablesinnerswhoareindisgracewithGod].ForthisreasontheprophetJeremiah31,19,says:AfterthatIwasinstructed,Ismoteuponmythigh.LikewisePs.116,11:Isaidinmyhaste,Allmenareliars,i.e.,notthinkingarightconcerningGod.35]HereouradversariesinveighagainstLutheralsobecausehewrotethat"OriginalsinremainsafterBaptism."TheyaddthatthisarticlewasjustlycondemnedbyLeoX.ButHisImperialMajestywillfindonthispointamanifestslander.ForouradversariesknowinwhatsenseLutherintendedthisremarkthatoriginalsinremainsafterBaptism.Healwayswrotethus,namely,thatBaptismremovestheguiltoforiginalsin,althoughthematerial,astheycallit,ofthesin,i.e.,concupiscence,remains.HealsoaddedinreferencetothematerialthattheHolyGhost,giventhroughBaptism,beginstomortifytheconcupiscence,andcreatesnewmovements[anewlight,anewsenseandspirit]inman.36]Inthesame‐manner,Augustinealsospeaks,whosays:SinisremittedinBaptism,notinsuchamannerthatitnolongerexists,butsothatitisnotimputed.Hereheconfessesopenlythatsinexists,i.e.,thatitremains,althoughitisnotimputed.Andthisjudgmentwassoagreeabletothosewhosucceededhimthatitwasrecitedalsointhedecrees.AlsoagainstJulian,Augustinesays:TheLaw,whichisinthemembers,hasbeenannulledbyspiritualregeneration,andremainsinthemortalflesh.IthasbeenannulledbecausetheguilthasbeenremittedintheSacrament,bywhichbelieversarebornagain;butitremains,becauseitproducesdesires,againstwhichbelieverscontend.37]OuradversariesknowthatLutherbelievesandteachesthus,andwhiletheycannotreject

Page8of154

themattertheyneverthelessperverthiswords,inorderbythisartificetocrushaninnocentman.38]Buttheycontendthatconcupiscenceisapenalty,andnotasin[aburdenandimposedpenalty,andisnotsuchasinasissubjecttodeathandcondemnation].Luthermaintainsthatitisasin.IthasbeensaidabovethatAugustinedefinesoriginalsinasconcupiscence.Iftherebeanythingdisadvantageousinthisopinion,39]letthemquarrelwithAugustine.BesidesPaulsays,Rom.7,7.23:Ihadnotknownlust(concupiscence),excepttheLawhadsaid,Thoushaltnotcovet.Likewise:Iseeanotherlawinmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringingmeintocaptivitytothelawofsinwhichisinmymembers.Thesetestimoniescanbeoverthrownbynosophistry.[Alldevils,allmencannotoverthrowthem.]40]Fortheyclearlycallconcupiscencesin,which,nevertheless,isnotimputedtothosewhoareinChrist,althoughbynatureitisamatterworthyofdeathwhereitisnotforgiven.41]Thus,beyondallcontroversy,theFathersbelieve.ForAugustine,inalongdiscussion,refutestheopinionofthosewhothoughtthatconcupiscenceinmanisnotafault,butanadiaphoron,ascolorofthebodyorillhealthissaidtobeanadiaphoron[astohaveablackorawhitebodyisneithergoodnorevil].42]Butiftheadversarieswillcontendthatthefomes[orevilinclination]isanadiaphoron,notonlymanypassagesofScripture,butsimplytheentireChurch[andalltheFathers]willcontradictthem.For[evenifnotentireconsent,butonlytheinclinationanddesirebethere]whoeverdaredtosaythatthesematters,eventhoughperfectagreementcouldnotbeattained,wereadiaphora,namely,todoubtconcerningGod'swrath,concerningGod'sgrace,concerningGod'sWord,tobeangryatthejudgmentsofGod,tobeprovokedbecauseGoddoesnotatoncedeliveronefromafflictions,tomurmurbecausethewickedenjoyabetterfortunethanthegood,tobeurgedonbywrath,43]lust,thedesireforglory,wealth,etc.?Andyetgodlymenacknowledgetheseinthemselves,asappearsinthePsalmsandtheprophets.[Foralltried,Christianheartsknow,alas!thattheseevilsarewrappedupinman'sskin,namelytoesteemmoney,goods,andallothermattersmorehighlythanGod,andtospendourlivesinsecurity;again,thatafterthemannerofourcarnalsecuritywealwaysimaginethatGod'swrathagainstsinisnotasseriousandgreatasitverilyis.Again,thatwemurmuragainstthedoingandwillofGod,whenHedoesnotsuccorusspeedilyinourtribulations,andarrangesouraffairstopleaseus.Again,weexperienceeverydaythatithurtsustoseewickedpeopleingoodfortuneinthisworld,asDavidandallthesaintshavecomplained.Overandabovethis,allmenfeelthattheirheartsareeasilyinflamed,nowwithambition,nowwithangerandwrath,nowwithlewdness.]Butintheschoolstheytransferredhitherfromphilosophynotionsentirelydifferent,that,becauseofpassions,weareneithergoodnorevil,weareneitherdeservingofpraisenorblame.Likewise,thatnothingissin,unlessitbevoluntary[innerdesiresandthoughtsarenotsins,ifIdonotaltogetherconsentthereto].Thesenotionswereexpressedamongphilosopherswithrespecttocivilrighteousness,andnotwithrespecttoGod'sjudgment.[Forthereitistrue,asthejuristssay,L.cogitationis,thoughtsareexemptfromcustomandpunishment.ButGodsearchesthehearts;inGod'scourtandjudgmentitisdifferent.]Withnogreaterprudencetheyaddalsoothernotions,suchas,that[God'screatureand]natureisnot[cannotinitselfbe]evil.Initsproperplacewedonotcensurethis;butitisnotrighttotwistitintoanextenuationoforiginalsin.And,nevertheless,thesenotionsarereadintheworksofscholastics,whoinappropriatelyminglephilosophyorcivildoctrineconcerningethicswiththeGospel.44]Norwerethesemattersonlydisputedintheschools,but,asisusuallythecase,werecarriedfromtheschoolstothepeople.Andthesepersuasions[godless,erroneous,dangerous,harmfulteachings]prevailed,andnourishedconfidenceinhumanstrength,andsuppressedtheknowledgeofChrist'sgrace.45]Therefore,Lutherwishingtodeclarethemagnitudeoforiginalsinandofhumaninfirmity[whatagrievousmortalguiltoriginalsinisinthesightofGod],taughtthattheseremnantsoforiginalsin[afterBaptism]are

Page9of154

not,bytheirownnature,adiaphorainman,butthat,fortheirnon‐imputation,theyneedthegraceofChristand,likewisefortheirmortification,theHolyGhost.46]Althoughthescholasticsextenuatebothsinandpunishmentwhentheyteachthatman,byhisownstrength,canfulfilthecommandmentsofGod;inGenesisthepunishment,imposedonaccountoforiginalsin,isdescribedotherwise.Fortherehumannatureissubjectednotonlytodeathandotherbodilyevils,butalsotothekingdomofthedevil.Forthere,Gen.3,15,thisfearfulsentenceisproclaimed:Iwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman,andbetweenthyseedandherseed.47]Thedefectsandtheconcupiscencearepunishmentsandsins.Deathandotherbodilyevils,andthedominionofthedevil,areproperlypunishments.Forhumannaturehasbeendeliveredintoslaveryandisheldcaptivebythedevil,whoinfatuatesitwithwickedopinionsanderrors,and48]impelsittosinsofeverykind.ButjustasthedevilcannotbeconqueredexceptbytheaidofChrist,sobyourownstrengthwecannotfreeourselves49]fromthisslavery.Eventhehistoryoftheworldshowshowgreatisthepowerofthedevil'skingdom.TheworldisfullofblasphemiesagainstGodandofwickedopinions,andthedevilkeepsentangledinthesebandsthosewhoarewiseand50]righteous[manyhypocriteswhoappearholy]inthesightoftheworld.Inotherpersonsgrosservicesmanifestthemselves.ButsinceChristwasgiventoustoremoveboththesesinsandthesepunishments,andtodestroythekingdomofthedevil,sinanddeath,itwillnotbepossibletorecognizethebenefitsofChristunlessweunderstandourevils.Forthisreasonourpreachershavediligentlytaughtconcerningthesesubjects,andhavedeliverednothingthatisnew,buthavesetforthHolyScriptureandthejudgmentsoftheholyFathers.51]WethinkthatthiswillsatisfyHisImperialMajestyconcerningthepuerileandtrivialsophistrywithwhichtheadversarieshavepervertedourarticle.ForweknowthatwebelievearightandinharmonywiththeChurchcatholicofChrist.Butiftheadversarieswillrenewthiscontroversy,therewillbenowantamongusofthosewhowillreplyanddefendthetruth.Forinthiscaseouradversaries,toagreatextent,donotunderstandwhattheysay.Theyoftenspeakwhatiscontradictory,andneitherexplaincorrectlyandlogicallythatwhichisessentialto[i.e.,thatwhichisorisnotproperlyoftheessenceof]originalsin,norwhattheycalldefects.Butwehavebeenunwillingatthisplacetoexaminetheircontestswithanyverygreatsubtlety.Wehavethoughtitworthwhileonlytorecite,incustomaryandwell‐knownwords,thebeliefoftheholyFathers,whichwealsofollow.Backtotop

ArticleIII:OfChrist52]TheThirdArticletheadversariesapprove,inwhichweconfessthatthereareinChristtwonatures,namely,ahumannature,assumedbytheWordintotheunityofHisperson,andthatthesameChristsufferedanddiedtoreconciletheFathertous;andthatHewasraisedagaintoreign,andtojustifyandsanctifybelievers,etc.,accordingtotheApostles'CreedandtheNiceneCreed.Backtotop

Page10of154

ArticleIV(II):OfJustification.1]IntheFourth,Fifth,Sixth,and,below,intheTwentiethArticle,theycondemnus,forteachingthatmenobtainremissionofsinsnotbecauseoftheirownmerits,butfreelyforChrist'ssake,throughfaithinChrist.[Theyrejectquitestubbornlyboththesestatements.]Fortheycondemnusbothfordenyingthatmenobtainremissionofsinsbecauseoftheirownmerits,andforaffirmingthat,throughfaith,menobtainremissionofsins,andthroughfaithinChrist2]arejustified.ButsinceinthiscontroversythechieftopicofChristiandoctrineistreated,which,understoodaright,illuminesandamplifiesthehonorofChrist[whichisofespecialservicefortheclear,correctunderstandingoftheentireHolyScriptures,andaloneshowsthewaytotheunspeakabletreasureandrightknowledgeofChrist,andaloneopensthedoortotheentireBible],andbringsnecessaryandmostabundantconsolationtodevoutconsciences,weaskHisImperialMajestytohearuswithforbearanceinregardtomattersofsuchimportance.3]Forsincetheadversariesunderstandneitherwhattheremissionofsins,norwhatfaith,norwhatgrace,norwhatrighteousnessis,theysadlycorruptthistopic,andobscurethegloryandbenefitsofChrist,androbdevoutconsciencesoftheconsolationsofferedinChrist.4]ButthatwemaystrengthenthepositionofourConfession,andalsoremovethechargeswhichtheadversariesadvanceagainstus,certainthingsaretobepremisedinthebeginning,inorderthatthesourcesofbothkindsofdoctrine,i.e.,boththatofouradversariesandourown,maybeknown.5]AllScriptureoughttobedistributedintothesetwoprincipaltopics,theLawandthepromises.ForinsomeplacesitpresentstheLaw,andinothersthepromiseconcerningChrist,namely,eitherwhen[intheOldTestament]itpromisesthatChristwillcome,andoffers,forHissake,theremissionofsinsjustification,andlifeeternal,orwhen,intheGospel[intheNewTestament],ChristHimself,sinceHehasappeared,promisestheremissionofsins,justification,andlifeeternal.6]Moreover,inthisdiscussion,byLawwedesignatetheTenCommandments,wherevertheyarereadintheScriptures.OftheceremoniesandjudiciallawsofMoseswesaynothingatpresent.7]OfthesetwopartstheadversariesselecttheLaw,becausehumanreasonnaturallyunderstands,insomeway,theLaw(forithasthesamejudgmentdivinelywritteninthemind);[thenaturallawagreeswiththelawofMoses,ortheTenCommandments]andbytheLawtheyseektheremissionofsinsandjustification.8]Now,theDecalogrequiresnotonlyoutwardcivilworks,whichreasoncaninsomewayproduce,butitalsorequiresotherthingsplacedfarabovereason,namely,trulytofearGod,trulytoloveGod,trulytocalluponGod,trulytobeconvincedthatGodhearsus,andtoexpecttheaidofGodindeathandinallafflictions;finally,itrequiresobediencetoGod,indeathandallafflictions,sothatwemaynotfleefromtheseorrefusethemwhenGodimposesthem.9]Herethescholastics,havingfollowedthephilosophers,teachonlyarighteousnessofreason,namely,civilworks,andfabricatebesidesthatwithouttheHolyGhostreasoncanloveGodaboveallthings.For,aslongasthehumanmindisatease,anddoesnotfeelthewrathorjudgmentofGod,itcanimaginethatitwishestoloveGod,thatitwishestodogoodforGod'ssake.[Butitissheerhypocrisy.]Inthismannertheyteachthatmenmerittheremissionofsinsbydoingwhatisinthem,i.e.,ifreason,grievingoversin,elicitanactoflovetoGod,or10]forGod'ssakebeactiveinthatwhichisgood.Andbecausethisopinionnaturallyflattersmen,ithasbroughtforthandmultipliedintheChurchmanyservices,monasticvows,abusesofthemass;and,withthisopiniontheonehas,inthecourseoftime,devisedthisactofworshipandobservances,theotherthat.11]Andinorderthattheymightnourishandincreaseconfidence

Page11of154

insuchworks,theyhaveaffirmedthatGodnecessarilygivesgracetoonethusworking,bythenecessitynotofconstraintbutofimmutability[notthatHeisconstrained,butthatthisistheorderwhichGodwillnottransgressoralter].12]Inthisopiniontherearemanygreatandperniciouserrors,whichitwouldbetedioustoenumerate.Letthediscreetreaderthinkonlyofthis:IfthisbeChristianrighteousness,whatdifferenceistherebetweenphilosophyandthedoctrineofChrist?Ifwemerittheremissionofsinsbytheseelicitacts[thatspringfromourmind],ofwhatbenefitisChrist?Ifwecanbejustifiedbyreasonandtheworksofreason,whereforeisthereneed13]ofChristorregeneration[asPeterdeclares,1Pet.1,18ff]?Andfromtheseopinionsthematterhasnowcometosuchapassthatmanyridiculeusbecauseweteachthatanotherthan14]thephilosophicrighteousnessmustbesoughtafter.[Alas!ithascometothis,thatevengreattheologiansatLouvain,Paris,etc.,haveknownnothingofanyothergodlinessorrighteousness(althougheveryletterandsyllableinPaulteachesotherwise)thanthegodlinesswhichphilosophersteach.Andalthoughweoughttoregardthisasastrangeteaching,andoughttoridiculeit,theyratherridiculeus,yea,makeajestofPaulhimself.]WehaveheardthatsomeaftersettingasidetheGospel,have,insteadofasermon,explainedtheethicsofAristotle.[ImyselfhaveheardagreatpreacherwhodidnotmentionChristandtheGospel,andpreachedtheethicsofAristotle.Isthisnotachildish,foolishwaytopreachtoChristians?]Nordidsuchmenerrifthosethingsaretruewhichtheadversariesdefend[ifthedoctrineoftheadversariesbetrue,theEthicsisapreciousbookofsermons,andafinenewBible].ForAristotlewroteconcerningcivilmoralssolearnedlythatnothingfurtherconcerningthisneedbedemanded.15]WeseebooksextantinwhichcertainsayingsofChristarecomparedwiththesayingsofSocrates,Zeno,andothers,asthoughChristhadcomeforthepurposeofdeliveringcertainlawsthroughwhichwemightmerittheremissionofsins,asthoughwedidnotreceivethis16]gratuitouslybecauseofHismerits.Therefore,ifweherereceivethedoctrineoftheadversaries,thatbytheworksofreasonwemerittheremissionofsinsandjustification,therewillbenodifferencebetweenphilosophic,orcertainlypharisaic,andChristianrighteousness.17]Althoughtheadversaries,nottopassbyChristaltogether,requireaknowledgeofthehistoryconcerningChrist,andascribetoHimthatitisHismeritthatahabitisgivenusor,astheysay,primagratia,"firstgrace,"whichtheyunderstandasahabit,incliningusthemorereadilytoloveGod;yet,whattheyascribetothishabitisoflittleimportance[isafeeble,paltry,small,pooroperation,thatwouldbeascribedtoChrist],becausetheyimaginethattheactsofthewillareofthesamekindbeforeandafterthishabit.TheyimaginethatthewillcanloveGod;butneverthelessthishabitstimulatesittodothesamethemorecheerfully.Andtheybidusfirstmeritthishabitbyprecedingmerits;thentheybidusmeritbytheworksoftheLawanincreaseofthishabitand18]lifeeternal.ThustheyburyChrist,sothatmenmaynotavailthemselvesofHimasaMediator,andbelievethatforHissaketheyfreelyreceiveremissionofsinsandreconciliation,butmaydreamthatbytheirownfulfilmentoftheLawtheymerittheremissionofsins,andthatbytheirownfulfilmentoftheLawtheyareaccountedrighteousbeforeGod;while,nevertheless,theLawisneversatisfied,sincereasondoesnothingexceptcertaincivilworks,and,inthemeantime,neither[intheheart]fearsGod,nortrulybelievesthatGodcaresforit.Andalthoughtheyspeakofthishabit,yet,withouttherighteousnessoffaith,neithertheloveofGodcanexistinman,norcanitbeunderstoodwhattheloveofGodis.19]Theirfeigningadistinctionbetweenmeritumcongruiandmeritumcondigni[duemeritandtrue,completemerit]isonlyanartificeinordernottoappearopenlytoPelagianize.For,ifGodnecessarilygivesgraceforthemeritumcongrui[duemerit],itisnolongermeritumcongrui,butmeritumcondigni[atruedutyandcompletemerit].Buttheydonotknowwhattheyaresaying.Afterthishabitoflove[isthere],theyimaginethatmancanacquiremeritdecondigno.Andyet

Page12of154

theybidusdoubtwhethertherebeahabitpresent.How,therefore,dotheyknowwhethertheyacquiremeritdecongruoor20]decondigno[infull,orhalf]?Butthiswholematterwasfabricatedbyidlemen[But,goodGod!thesearemereinaneideasanddreamsofidle,wretched,inexperiencedmen,whodonotmuchreducetheBibletopractise],whodidnotknowhowtheremissionofsinsoccurs,andhow,inthejudgmentofGodandterrorsofconscience,trustinworksisdrivenoutofus.Securehypocritesalwaysjudgethattheyacquiremeritdecondigno,whetherthehabitbepresentorbenotpresent,becausemennaturallytrustintheirownrighteousness;butterrifiedconscienceswaverandhesitate,andthenseekandaccumulateotherworksinordertofindrest.Suchconsciencesneverthinkthattheyacquiremeritdecondigno,andtheyrushintodespairunlesstheyhear,inadditiontothedoctrineoftheLaw,theGospelconcerningthegratuitousremissionofsinsandtherighteousnessoffaith.[ThussomestoriesaretoldthatwhentheBarefootedmonkshadinvainpraisedtheirorderandgoodworkstosomegoodconsciencesinthehourofdeath,theyatlasthadtobesilentconcerningtheirorderandSt.Franciscus,andtosay:"Dearman,Christhasdiedforyou."Thisrevivedandrefreshedintrouble,andalonegavepeaceandcomfort.]21]Thustheadversariesteachnothingbuttherighteousnessofreason,orcertainlyoftheLaw,uponwhichtheylookjustastheJewsupontheveiledfaceofMoses;and,insecurehypocriteswhothinkthattheysatisfytheLaw,theyexcitepresumptionandemptyconfidenceinworks[theyplacemenonasandfoundation,theirownworks]andcontemptofthegraceofChrist.Onthecontrary,theydrivetimidconsciencestodespair,whichlaboringwithdoubt,nevercanexperiencewhatfaithis,andhowefficaciousitis;thus,atlasttheyutterlydespair.22]Now,wethinkconcerningtherighteousnessofreasonthus,namely,thatGodrequiresit,andthat,becauseofGod'scommandment,thehonorableworkswhichtheDecalogcommandsmustnecessarilybeperformed,accordingtothepassageGal.3,24:TheLawwasourschoolmaster;likewise1Tim.1,9:TheLawismadefortheungodly.ForGodwishesthosewhoarecarnal[grosssinners]toberestrainedbycivildiscipline,andtomaintainthis,Hehasgivenlaws,letters,doctrine,magistrates,penalties.23]Andthisrighteousnessreason,byitsownstrength,can,toacertainextent,work,althoughitisoftenovercomebynaturalweakness,andbythedevilimpellingitto24]manifestcrimes.Now,althoughwecheerfullyassignthisrighteousnessofreasonthepraisesthataredueit(forthiscorruptnaturehasnogreatergood[inthislifeandinaworldlynature,nothingiseverbetterthanuprightnessandvirtue],andAristotlesaysaright:Neithertheeveningstarnorthemorningstarismorebeautifulthanrighteousness,andGodalsohonorsitwithbodilyrewards),yetitoughtnottobepraisedwithreproachtoChrist.25]Foritisfalse[Ithusconclude,andamcertainthatitisafiction,andnottrue]thatwemerittheremissionofsinsbyourworks.26]Falsealsoisthis,thatmenareaccountedrighteousbeforeGodbecauseoftherighteousnessofreason[worksandexternalpiety].27]Falsealsoisthisthatreason,byitsownstrength,isabletoloveGodaboveallthings,andtofulfilGod'sLaw,namely,trulytofearGod,tobetrulyconfidentthatGodhearsprayer,tobewillingtoobeyGodindeathandotherdispensationsofGod,nottocovetwhatbelongstoothers,etc.;althoughreasoncanworkcivilworks.28]FalsealsoanddishonoringChrististhis,thatmendonotsinwho,withoutgrace,dothecommandmentsofGod[whokeepthecommandmentsofGodmerelyinanexternalmanner,withouttheSpiritandgraceintheirhearts].

Page13of154

29]Wehavetestimoniesforthisourbelief,notonlyfromtheScriptures,butalsofromtheFathers.ForinoppositiontothePelagians,Augustinecontendsatgreatlengththatgraceisnotgivenbecauseofourmerits.AndinDeNaturaetGratiahesays:Ifnaturalability,throughthefreewill,sufficebothforlearningtoknowhowoneoughttoliveandforlivingaright,thenChristhasdiedinvain,thentheoffenseoftheCrossismadevoid.30]WhymayInotalsoherecryout?Yea,Iwillcryout,and,withChristiangrief,willchidethem:ChristhasbecomeofnoeffectuntoyouwhosoeverofyouarejustifiedbytheLaw;yearefallenfromgrace.Gal.5,4;cf.2,21.Forthey,beingignorantofGod'srighteousness,andgoingabouttoestablishtheirownrighteousness,havenotsubmittedthemselvesuntotherighteousnessofGod.ForChrististheendoftheLawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth.Rom.10,3.4.31]AndJohn8,36:IftheSonthereforeshallmakeyoufree,yeshallbefreeindeed.Thereforebyreasonwecannotbefreedfromsinsandmerittheremissionofsins.AndinJohn3,5itiswritten:ExceptamanbebornofwaterandoftheSpirit,hecannotenterintothekingdomofGod.ButifitisnecessarytobebornagainoftheHolyGhost,therighteousnessofreasondoesnotjustifyusbeforeGod,anddoesnot32]fulfiltheLaw,Rom.3,23:AllhavecomeshortofthegloryofGod,i.e.,aredestituteofthewisdomandrighteousnessofGod,whichacknowledgesandglorifiesGod.LikewiseRom.8,7.8:ThecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod;foritisnotsubjecttotheLawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe.SothentheythatareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod.33]Thesetestimoniesaresomanifestthat,tousethewordsofAugustinewhichheemployedinthiscase,theydonotneedanacuteunderstanding,butonlyanattentivehearer.IfthecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod,thefleshcertainlydoesnotloveGod;ifitcannotbesubjecttotheLawofGod,itcannotloveGod.IfthecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod,thefleshsins,evenwhenwedoexternalcivilworks.IfitcannotbesubjecttotheLawofGod,itcertainlysinsevenwhen,34]accordingtohumanjudgment,itpossessesdeedsthatareexcellentandworthyofpraise.TheadversariesconsideronlythepreceptsoftheSecondTablewhichcontaincivilrighteousnessthatreasonunderstands.Contentwiththis,theythinkthattheysatisfytheLawofGod.InthemeantimetheydonotseetheFirstTablewhichcommandsthatweloveGod,thatwedeclareascertainthatGodisangrywithsin,thatwetrulyfearGod,thatwedeclareascertainthatGodhearsprayer.ButthehumanheartwithouttheHolyGhosteitherinsecuritydespisesGod'sjudgment,orinpunishmentfleesfrom,and35]hates,GodwhenHejudges.ThereforeitdoesnotobeytheFirstTable.Since,therefore,contemptofGod,anddoubtconcerningtheWordofGod,andconcerningthethreatsandpromises,inhereinhumannature,mentrulysin,evenwhen,withouttheHolyGhost,theydovirtuousworks,becausetheydothemwithawickedheart,accordingtoRom.14,23:Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin.ForsuchpersonsperformtheirworkswithcontemptofGod,justasEpicurusdoesnotbelievethatGodcaresforhim,orthatheisregardedorheardbyGod.Thiscontemptvitiatesworksseeminglyvirtuous,becauseGodjudgestheheart.36]Lastly,itwasveryfoolishfortheadversariestowritethatmenwhoareundereternalwrathmerittheremissionofsinsbyanactoflove,whichspringsfromtheirmindsinceitisimpossibletoloveGod,unlesstheremissionofsinsbeapprehendedfirstbyfaith.Fortheheart,trulyfeelingthatGodisangry,cannotloveGod,unlessHebeshowntohavebeenreconciled.AslongasHeterrifiesus,andseemstocastusintoeternaldeath,humannatureisnotabletotakecourage,soastolove37]awrathful,judging,andpunishingGod[poor,weaknaturemustloseheartandcourage,andmusttremblebeforesuchgreatwrath,whichsofearfullyterrifiesandpunishes,andcanneverfeelasparkoflovebeforeGodHimselfcomforts].Itiseasyforidlementofeignsuchdreamsconcerninglove,as,thatapersonguiltyofmortalsincanloveGodaboveallthings,becausetheydonotfeelwhatthewrathorjudgmentofGodis.Butinagonyofconscienceandinconflicts[withSatan]conscienceexperiencestheemptinessof

Page14of154

thesephilosophicalspeculations.38]Paulsays,Rom.4,15:TheLawworkethwrath.HedoesnotsaythatbytheLawmenmerittheremissionofsins.FortheLawalwaysaccusesandterrifiesconsciences.Thereforeitdoesnotjustify,becauseconscienceterrifiedbytheLawfleesfromthejudgmentofGod.ThereforetheyerrwhotrustthatbytheLaw,bytheirownworks,theymerittheremissionofsins.39]ItissufficientforustohavesaidthesethingsconcerningtherighteousnessofreasonoroftheLaw,whichtheadversariesteach.Forafterawhile,whenwewilldeclareourbeliefconcerningtherighteousnessoffaith,thesubjectitselfwillcompelustoadducemoretestimonies,whichalsowillbeofserviceinoverthrowingtheerrorsoftheadversarieswhichwehavethusfarreviewed.40]Because,therefore,menbytheirownstrengthcannotfulfiltheLawofGod,andallareundersin,andsubjecttoeternalwrathanddeath,onthisaccountwecannotbefreedbytheLawfromsinandbejustified,butthepromiseoftheremissionofsinsandofjustificationhasbeengivenusforChrist'ssake,whowasgivenforusinorderthatHemightmakesatisfactionforthesinsoftheworld,andhasbeenappointedasthe[only]41]MediatorandPropitiator.Andthispromisehasnottheconditionofourmerits[itdoesnotreadthus:ThroughChristyouhavegrace,salvationetc.,ifyoumeritit],butfreelyofferstheremissionofsinsandjustificationasPaulsaysRom.11,6:Ifitbeofworks,thenisitnomoregrace.Andinanotherplace,Rom.3,21:TherighteousnessofGodwithouttheLawismanifested,i.e.,theremissionofsinsisfreelyoffered.Nordoesreconciliationdepend42]uponourmerits.Becauseiftheremissionofsinsweretodependuponourmerits,andreconciliationwerefromtheLaw,itwouldbeuseless.ForaswedonotfulfiltheLaw,itwouldalsofollowthatwewouldneverobtainthepromiseofreconciliation.ThusPaulreasons,Rom.4,14:ForiftheywhichareoftheLawbeheirs,faithismadevoid,andthepromisemadeofnoneeffect.ForifthepromisewouldrequiretheconditionofourmeritsandtheLaw,whichweneverfulfil,itwouldfollowthatthepromisewouldbeuseless.43]Butsincejustificationisobtainedthroughthefreepromiseitfollowsthatwecannotjustifyourselves.Otherwisewhereforewouldtherebeneedtopromise?[AndwhyshouldPaulsohighlyextolandpraisegrace?]Forsincethepromisecannotbereceivedexceptbyfaith,theGospelwhichisproperlythepromiseoftheremissionofsinsandofjustificationforChrist'ssake,proclaimstherighteousnessoffaithinChrist,whichtheLawdoesnotteach.NoristhistherighteousnessoftheLaw.44]FortheLawrequiresofusourworksandourperfection.ButtheGospelfreelyoffers,forChrist'ssake,tous,whohavebeenvanquishedbysinanddeath,reconciliationwhichisreceivednotbyworks,butbyfaithalone.ThisfaithbringstoGodnotconfidenceinone'sownmerits,butonlyconfidenceinthepromise,or45]themercypromisedinChrist.Thisspecialfaith,therefore,bywhichanindividualbelievesthatforChrist'ssakehissinsareremittedhim,andthatforChrist'ssakeGodisreconciledandpropitious,obtainsremissionofsinsandjustifiesus.Andbecauseinrepentance,i.e.interrors,itcomfortsandencourageshearts,itregeneratesusandbringstheHolyGhostthatthenwemaybeabletofulfilGod'sLaw,namely,toloveGod,trulytofearGod,trulytobeconfidentthatGodhearsprayer,andtoobeyGodinallafflictions;itmortifiesconcupiscenceetc.46]Thus,becausefaith,whichfreelyreceivestheremissionofsins,setsChrist,theMediatorandPropitiator,againstGod'swrath,itdoesnotpresentourmeritsorourlove[whichwouldbetossedasidelikealittlefeatherbyahurricane].ThisfaithisthetrueknowledgeofChrist,andavailsitselfofthebenefitsofChrist,andregenerateshearts,andprecedesthefulfillingoftheLaw.And47]ofthisfaithnotasyllableexistsinthedoctrineofouradversaries.Hencewefindfaultwiththeadversaries,equallybecausetheyteachonlytherighteousnessoftheLaw,andbecausetheydonotteachtherighteousnessoftheGospel,whichproclaimstherighteousnessoffaithinChrist.

Page15of154

WhatIsJustifyingFaith?48]Theadversariesfeignthatfaithisonlyaknowledgeofthehistory,andthereforeteachthatitcancoexistwithmortalsin.Hencetheysaynothingconcerningfaith,bywhichPaulsofrequentlysaysthatmenarejustified,becausethosewhoareaccountedrighteousbeforeGoddonotliveinmortalsin.Butthatfaithwhichjustifiesisnotmerelyaknowledgeofhistory,[notmerelythis,thatIknowthestoriesofChrist'sbirth,suffering,etc.(thateventhedevilsknow,)]butitistoassenttothepromiseofGod,inwhich,forChrist'ssake,theremissionofsinsandjustificationarefreelyoffered.[Itisthecertaintyorthecertaintrustintheheart,when,withmywholeheart,IregardthepromisesofGodascertainandtrue,throughwhichthereareofferedme,withoutmymerit,theforgivenessofsins,grace,andallsalvation,throughChristtheMediator.]Andthatnoonemaysupposethatitismereknowledge,wewilladdfurther:itistowishandtoreceivetheofferedpromiseoftheremissionofsinsandofjustification.[Faithisthatmywholehearttakestoitselfthistreasure.Itisnotmydoing,notmypresentingorgiving,notmyworkorpreparation,butthataheartcomfortsitself,andisperfectlyconfidentwithrespecttothis,namely,thatGodmakesapresentandgifttous,andnotwetoHim,thatHeshedsuponuseverytreasureofgraceinChrist.]49]AndthedifferencebetweenthisfaithandtherighteousnessoftheLawcanbeeasilydiscerned.Faithisthelatreiva[divineservice],whichreceivesthebenefitsofferedbyGod;therighteousnessoftheLawisthelatreiva[divineservice]whichofferstoGodourmerits.ByfaithGodwishestobeworshipedinthisway,thatwereceivefromHimthosethingswhichHepromisesandoffers.50]Now,thatfaithsignifies,notonlyaknowledgeofthehistory,butsuchfaithasassentstothepromise,Paulplainlytestifieswhenhesays,Rom.4,16:Thereforeitisoffaith,totheendthepromisemightbesure.Forhejudgesthatthepromisecannotbereceivedunlessbyfaith.Whereforeheputsthemtogetherasthingsthatbelongtooneanother,andconnectspromiseandfaith.[TherePaulfastensandbindstogetherthesetwo,thus:Whereverthereisapromisefaithisrequired,andconversely,whereverfaithisrequired,theremustbeapromise.]51]AlthoughitwillbeeasytodecidewhatfaithisifweconsidertheCreed,wherethisarticlecertainlystands:Theforgivenessofsins.ThereforeitisnotenoughtobelievethatChristwasborn,suffered,wasraisedagain,unlessweaddalsothisarticle,whichisthepurposeofthehistory:Theforgivenessofsins.Tothisarticletherestmustbereferred,namely,thatforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofourmerits,52]forgivenessofsinsisgivenus.ForwhatneedwastherethatChristwasgivenforoursinsifforoursinsourmeritscanmakesatisfaction?53]Asoften,therefore,aswespeakofjustifyingfaith,wemustkeepinmindthatthesethreeobjectsconcur:thepromise,andthat,too,gratuitous,andthemeritsofChrist,asthepriceandpropitiation.Thepromiseisreceivedbyfaith;the"gratuitous"excludesourmerits,andsignifiesthatthebenefitisofferedonlythroughmercy;themeritsofChristaretheprice,becausetheremustbeacertainpropitiationforoursins.54]Scripturefrequentlyimploresmercy;andtheholyFathersoftensaythatwe55]aresavedbymercy.Asoften,therefore,asmentionismadeofmercy,wemustkeepinmindthatfaithisthererequired,whichreceivesthepromiseofmercy.And,again,asoftenaswespeakoffaith,wewishanobjecttobeunderstood,namely,thepromisedmercy.56]Forfaithjustifiesandsaves,notonthegroundthatitisaworkinitselfworthy,butonlybecauseitreceivesthepromisedmercy.

Page16of154

57]Andthroughouttheprophetsandthepsalmsthisworship,thislatreiva,ishighlypraised,althoughtheLawdoesnotteachthegratuitousremissionofsins.ButtheFathersknewthepromiseconcerningChrist,thatGodforChrist'ssakewishedtoremitsins.Therefore,sincetheyunderstoodthatChristwouldbethepriceforoursins,theyknewthatourworksarenotapriceforsogreatamatter[couldnotpaysogreatadebt].Accordingly,theyreceivedgratuitousmercyandremissionofsinsbyfaith,justasthesaintsintheNewTestament.58]Herebelongthosefrequentrepetitionsconcerningmercyandfaith,inthepsalmsandtheprophets,asthis,Ps.130,3sq.:IfThou,Lord,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?HereDavidconfesseshissins,anddoesnotrecounthismerits.Headds:ButthereisforgivenesswithThee.HerehecomfortshimselfbyhistrustinGod'smercy,andhecitesthepromise:Mysouldothwait,andinHisWorddoIhope,i.e.,becauseThouhastpromisedtheremissionofsins,59]IamsustainedbythisThypromise.Thereforethefathersalsowerejustified,notbytheLaw,butbythepromiseandfaith.Anditisamazingthattheadversariesextenuatefaithtosuchadegree,althoughtheyseethatitiseverywherepraisedasaneminentservice,asinPs.50,15:CalluponMeinthedayoftrouble:Iwilldeliverthee.60]ThusGodwishesHimselftobeknown,thusHewishesHimselftobeworshiped,thatfromHimwereceivebenefits,andreceivethem,too,becauseofHismercy,andnotbecauseofourmerits.Thisistherichestconsolationinallafflictions[physicalorspiritual,inlifeorindeath,asallgodlypersonsknow].Andsuchconsolationstheadversariesabolishwhentheyextenuateanddisparagefaith,andteachonlythatbymeansofworksandmeritsmentreatwithGod[thatwetreatwithGod,thegreatMajesty,bymeansofourmiserable,beggarlyworksandmerits].ThatFaithinChristJustifies.61]Inthefirstplace,lestanyonemaythinkthatwespeakconcerninganidleknowledgeofthehistory,wemustdeclarehowfaithisobtained[howtheheartbeginstobelieve].Afterwardwewillshowboththatitjustifies,andhowthisoughttobeunderstood,andwewillexplaintheobjectionsoftheadversaries.62]Christ,inthelastchapterofLuke24,47,commandsthatrepentanceandremissionofsinsshouldbepreachedinHisname.FortheGospelconvictsallmenthattheyareundersin,thattheyallaresubjecttoeternalwrathanddeath,andoffers,forChrist'ssake,remissionofsinandjustification,whichisreceivedbyfaith.Thepreachingofrepentance,whichaccusesus,terrifiesconscienceswithtrueandgraveterrors.[Forthepreachingofrepentance,orthisdeclarationoftheGospel:Amendyourlives!Repent!whenittrulypenetratestheheart,terrifiestheconscience,andisnojest,butagreatterror,inwhichtheconsciencefeelsitsmiseryandsin,andthewrathofGod.]Inthese,heartsoughtagaintoreceiveconsolation.ThishappensiftheybelievethepromiseofChrist,thatforHissakewehaveremissionofsins.Thisfaith,encouragingandconsolinginthesefears,receivesremissionofsins,justifiesandquickens.Forthisconsolationisanewandspiritual63]life[anewbirthandanewlife].Thesethingsareplainandclear,andcanbeunderstoodbythepious,andhavetestimoniesoftheChurch[asistobeseenintheconversionofPaulandAugustine].TheadversariesnowherecansayhowtheHolyGhostisgiven.TheyimaginethattheSacramentsconfertheHolyGhostexopereoperato,withoutagoodemotionintherecipient,asthoughindeed,thegiftoftheHolyGhostwereanidlematter.64]Butsincewespeakofsuchfaithasisnotanidlethought,butofthatwhichliberatesfromdeathandproducesanewlifeinhearts,[whichissuchanewlight,life,andforceintheheartastorenewourheart,mind,andspirit,makesnewmenofusandnewcreatures,]andistheworkoftheHolyGhost;thisdoesnotcoexistwithmortalsin[forhowcanlightanddarknesscoexist?],butaslongasitispresent,producesgood65]fruits,aswewillsayafterawhile.Forconcerningtheconversionofthewicked,orconcerningthemodeofregeneration,whatcanbe

Page17of154

saidthatismoresimpleandmoreclear?Letthem,fromsogreatanarrayofwriters,adduceasinglecommentaryupontheSententiaethatspeaks66]ofthemodeofregeneration.Whentheyspeakofthehabitoflove,theyimaginethatmenmerititthroughworks,andtheydonotteachthatitisreceivedthroughtheWord,preciselyasalsotheAnabaptiststeachatthistime.67]ButGodcannotbetreatedwith,Godcannotbeapprehended,exceptthroughtheWord.Accordingly,justificationoccursthroughtheWord,justasPaulsays,Rom.1,16:TheGospelisthepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth.Likewise10,17:Faithcomethbyhearing.Andproofcanbederivedevenfromthisthatfaithjustifies,because,ifjustificationoccursonlythroughtheWord,andtheWordisapprehendedonlybyfaith,itfollowsthatfaithjustifies.68]Butthereareotherandmoreimportantreasons.Wehavesaidthesethingsthusfarinorderthatwemightshowthemodeofregeneration,andthatthenatureoffaith[whatis,orisnot,faith],concerningwhichwespeak,mightbeunderstood.69]Nowwewillshowthatfaith[andnothingelse]justifies.Here,inthefirstplace,readersmustbeadmonishedofthis,thatjustasitisnecessarytomaintainthissentence:ChristisMediator,soisitnecessarytodefendthatfaithjustifies,[withoutworks].ForhowwillChristbeMediatorifinjustificationwedonotuseHimasMediator;ifwedonotholdthatforHissakeweareaccountedrighteous?ButtobelieveistotrustinthemeritsofChrist,thatforHissakeGodcertainlywishestobereconciledwithus.70]Likewise,justasweoughttomaintainthat,apartfromtheLaw,thepromiseofChristisnecessary,soalsoisitneedfultomaintainthatfaithjustifies.[FortheLawdoesnotpreachtheforgivenessofsinbygrace.]FortheLawcannotbeperformedunlesstheHolyGhostbefirstreceived.Itis,therefore,needfultomaintainthatthepromiseofChristisnecessary.Butthiscannotbereceivedexceptbyfaith.Therefore,thosewhodenythatfaithjustifies,teachnothingbuttheLaw,bothChristandtheGospelbeingsetaside.71]Butwhenitissaidthatfaithjustifies,someperhapsunderstanditofthebeginning,namely,thatfaithisthebeginningofjustificationorpreparationforjustification,sothatnotfaithitselfisthatthroughwhichweareacceptedbyGod,buttheworkswhichfollow;andtheydream,accordingly,thatfaithishighlypraised,becauseitisthebeginning.Forgreatistheimportanceofthebeginning,astheycommonlysay,Arch;h{misupantov",Thebeginningishalfofeverything;justasifonewouldsaythatgrammarmakestheteachersofallarts,becauseitpreparesforotherarts,althoughinfactitishisownartthatrenderseveryoneanartist.Wedonotbelievethusconcerningfaith,butwemaintainthis,thatproperlyandtruly,byfaithitself,weareforChrist'ssakeaccountedrighteous,orareacceptabletoGod.72]Andbecause"tobejustified"meansthatoutofunjustmenjustmenaremade,orbornagain,itmeansalsothattheyarepronouncedoraccountedjust.ForScripturespeaksinbothways.[Theterm"tobejustified"isusedintwoways:todenote,beingconvertedorregenerated;again,beingaccountedrighteous.]Accordinglywewishfirsttoshowthis,thatfaithalonemakesofanunjust,ajustman,i.e.,receivesremissionofsins.73]Theparticlealoneoffendssome,althoughevenPaulsays,Rom.3,28:Weconcludethatamanisjustifiedbyfaith,withoutthedeedsoftheLaw.Again,Eph.2,8:ItisthegiftofGod;notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast.Again,Rom.3,24:Beingjustifiedfreely.Iftheexclusivealonedispleases,letthemremovefromPaulalsotheexclusivesfreely,notofworks,itisthegift,etc.Forthesealsoare[verystrong]exclusives.Itis,however,theopinionofmeritthatweexclude.WedonotexcludetheWordorSacraments,astheadversariesfalselychargeus.ForwehavesaidabovethatfaithisconceivedfromtheWord,andwehonortheministryoftheWordinthehighestdegree.74]Lovealsoandworksmustfollowfaith.Wherefore,theyarenotexcludedsoasnottofollow,butconfidenceinthemeritofloveorofworksisexcludedin

Page18of154

justification.Andthiswewillclearlyshow.ThatWeObtainRemissionofSinsbyFaithAloneinChrist.75]Wethinkthateventheadversariesacknowledgethat,injustification,theremissionofsinsisnecessaryfirst.Forweallareundersin.Whereforewereasonthus:—76]Toattaintheremissionofsinsistobejustified,accordingtoPs.32,1:Blessed77]ishewhosetransgressionisforgiven.ByfaithaloneinChrist,notthroughlove,notbecauseofloveorworks,doweacquiretheremissionofsins,althoughlovefollowsfaith.78]Thereforebyfaithalonewearejustified,understandingjustificationasthemakingofarighteousmanoutofanunrighteous,orthatheberegenerated.79]Itwillthusbecomeeasytodeclaretheminorpremise[thatweobtainforgivenessofsinbyfaith,notbylove]ifweknowhowtheremissionofsinsoccurs.Theadversarieswithgreatindifferencedisputewhethertheremissionofsinsandtheinfusionofgracearethesamechange[whethertheyareonechangeortwo].Beingidlemen,theydidnotknowwhattoanswer[cannotspeakatallonthissubject].Intheremissionofsins,theterrorsofsinandofeternaldeath,intheheart,mustbeovercome,asPaultestifies,1Cor.15,56sq.:Thestingofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinistheLaw.ButthanksbetoGod,whichgivethusthevictorythroughourLordJesusChrist.Thatis,sinterrifiesconsciences,thisoccursthroughtheLaw,whichshowsthewrathofGodagainstsin;butwegainthevictorythroughChrist.How?Byfaith,whenwecomfortourselvesbyconfidenceinthemercypromisedfor80]Christ'ssake.Thus,therefore,weprovetheminorproposition.ThewrathofGodcannotbeappeasedifwesetagainstitourownworks,becauseChristhasbeensetforthasaPropitiator,sothatforHissake,theFathermaybecomereconciledtous.ButChristisnotapprehendedasaMediatorexceptbyfaith.Therefore,byfaithaloneweobtainremissionofsins,whenwecomfortourheartswithconfidenceinthemercypromisedfor81]Christ'ssake.LikewisePaul,Rom.5,2,says:Bywhomalsowehaveaccess,andadds,byfaith.Thus,therefore,wearereconciledtotheFather,andreceiveremissionofsinswhenwearecomfortedwithconfidenceinthemercypromisedforChrist'ssake.TheadversariesregardChristasMediatorandPropitiatorforthisreason,namely,thatHehasmeritedthehabitoflove;theydonoturgeustouseHimnowasMediator,but,asthoughChristwerealtogetherburied,theyimaginethatwehaveaccessthroughourownworks,and,throughthese,meritthishabit,andafterwards,bythislove,cometoGod.IsnotthistoburyChristaltogether,andtotakeawaytheentiredoctrineoffaith?Paulonthecontrary,teachesthatwehaveaccess,i.e.,reconciliation,throughChrist.Andtoshowhowthisoccurs,headdsthatwehaveaccessbyfaith.Byfaith,therefore,forChrist'ssake,wereceiveremissionofsins.WecannotsetourownloveandourownworksoveragainstGod'swrath.82]Secondly.ItiscertainthatsinsareforgivenforthesakeofChrist,asPropitiator,Rom.3,25:WhomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiation.Moreover,Pauladds:throughfaith.ThereforethisPropitiatorthusbenefitsus,whenbyfaithweapprehendthemercypromisedinHim,andsetitagainstthewrathandjudgmentofGod.Andtothesameeffectitiswritten,Heb.4,14.16:Seeing,then,thatwehaveagreatHighPriest,etc.,letusthereforecomewithconfidence.FortheApostlebidsuscometoGod,notwithconfidenceinourownmerits,butwithconfidenceinChristasaHighPriest;thereforeherequiresfaith.83]Thirdly.Peter,inActs10,43,says:ToHimgivealltheprophetswitnessthatthroughHisname,whosoeverbelievethonHim,shallreceiveremissionofsins.Howcouldthisbesaid

Page19of154

moreclearly?Wereceiveremissionofsins,hesays,throughHisname,i.e.,forHissake;therefore,notforthesakeofourmerits,notforthesakeofourcontrition,attrition,love,worship,works.Andheadds:WhenwebelieveinHim.Thereforeherequiresfaith.ForwecannotapprehendthenameofChristexceptbyfaith.Besideshecitestheagreementofalltheprophets.ThisistrulytocitetheauthorityoftheChurch.[Forwhenalltheholyprophetsbearwitness,thatiscertainlyaglorious,greatexcellent,powerfuldecretalandtestimony.]Butofthistopicwewillspeakagainafterawhile,whentreatingof"Repentance."84]Fourthly.RemissionofsinsissomethingpromisedforChrist'ssake.Thereforeitcannotbereceivedexceptbyfaithalone.Forapromisecannotbereceivedexceptbyfaithalone.Rom.4,16:Thereforeitisoffaiththatitmightbebygrace,totheendthatthepromisemightbesure;asthoughheweretosay:"Ifthematterweretodependuponourmerits,thepromisewouldbeuncertainanduseless,becausewenevercoulddeterminewhenwewouldhavesufficientmerit."Andthis,experiencedconsciencescaneasilyunderstand[andwouldnot,forathousandworldshaveoursalvationdependuponourselves].Accordingly,Paulsays,Gal.3,22:ButtheScripturehathconcludedallundersin,thatthepromisebyfaithofJesusChristmightbegiventothemthatbelieve.Hetakesmeritawayfromus,becausehesaysthatallareguiltyandconcludedundersin;thenheaddsthatthepromise,namely,oftheremissionofsinsandofjustification,isgiven,andaddshowthepromisecanbereceived,namely,byfaith.Andthisreasoning,derivedfromthenatureofapromise,isthechiefreasoning[averitablerock]inPaul,andisoftenrepeated.NorcananythingbedevisedorimaginedwherebythisargumentofPaulcanbeoverthrown.Wherefore85]letnotgoodmindssufferthemselvestobeforcedfromtheconvictionthatwereceiveremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake,onlythroughfaith.Inthistheyhavesureandfirmconsolationagainsttheterrorsofsin,andagainsteternaldeath,andagainstallthegatesofhell.[Everythingelseisafoundationofsandthatsinksintrials.]86]ButsincewereceiveremissionofsinsandtheHolyGhostbyfaithalone,faithalonejustifies,becausethosereconciledareaccountedrighteousandchildrenofGod,notonaccountoftheirownpurity,butthroughmercyforChrist'ssake,providedonlytheybyfaithapprehendthismercy.Accordingly,Scripturetestifiesthatbyfaithweareaccountedrighteous,Rom.3,26.We,therefore,willaddtestimonieswhichclearlydeclarethatfaithisthatveryrighteousnessbywhichweareaccountedrighteousbeforeGod,namely,notbecauseitisaworkthatisinitselfworthy,butbecauseitreceivesthepromisebywhichGodhaspromisedthatforChrist'ssakeHewishestobepropitioustothosebelievinginHim,orbecauseHeknowsthatChristofGodismadeuntouswisdom,andrighteousness,andsanctification,andredemption,1Cor.1,30.87]IntheEpistletotheRomans,Pauldiscussesthistopicespecially,anddeclaresthat,whenwebelievethatGod,forChrist'ssake,isreconciledtous,wearejustifiedfreelybyfaith.Andthisproposition,whichcontainsthestatementoftheentirediscussion[theprincipalmatterofallEpistles,yea,oftheentireScriptures],hemaintainsinthethirdchapter:Weconcludethatamanisjustifiedbyfaith,withoutthedeedsoftheLaw,Rom.3,28.HeretheadversariesinterpretthatthisreferstoLeviticalceremonies[nottoothervirtuousworks].ButPaulspeaksnotonlyoftheceremonies,butofthewholeLaw.Forhequotesafterward(7,7)fromtheDecalog:Thoushaltnotcovet.Andifmoralworks[thatarenotJewishceremonies]wouldmerittheremissionofsinsandjustification,therewouldalsobenoneedofChristandthepromise,andallthatPaulspeaksofthepromisewouldbeoverthrown.HewouldalsohavebeenwronginwritingtotheEphesians,2,8:Bygraceareyesavedthroughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks.PaullikewisereferstoAbrahamandDavid,Rom.4,1.6.ButtheyhadthecommandofGodconcerningcircumcision.Therefore,ifanyworks

Page20of154

justified,theseworksmustalsohavejustifiedatthetimethattheyhadacommand.ButAugustineteachescorrectlythatPaulspeaksoftheentireLaw,ashediscussesatlengthinhisbook,OftheSpiritandLetter,wherehesaysfinally:Thesematters,thereforehavingbeenconsideredandtreated,accordingtotheabilitythattheLordhasthoughtworthytogiveus,weinferthatmanisnotjustifiedbythepreceptsofagoodlife,butbyfaithinJesusChrist.88]Andlestwemaythinkthatthesentencethatfaithjustifies,fellfromPaulinconsiderately,hefortifiesandconfirmsthisbyalongdiscussioninthefourthchaptertotheRomans,andafterwardsrepeatsitinallhisepistles.89]Thushesays,Rom.4,4.5:Tohimthatworkethistherewardnotreckonedofgrace,butofdebt.Buttohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonHimthatjustifieththeungodly,hisfaithiscountedforrighteousness.Hereheclearlysaysthatfaithitselfisimputedforrighteousness.Faith,therefore,isthatthingwhichGoddeclarestoberighteousness,andheaddsthatitisimputedfreely,andsaysthatitcouldnotbeimputedfreely,ifitweredueonaccountofworks.Whereforeheexcludesalsothemeritofmoralworks[notonlyJewishceremonies,butallothergoodworks].ForifjustificationbeforeGodwereduetothese,faithwouldnotbeimputedforrighteousness90]withoutworks.Andafterwards,Rom.4,9:ForwesaythatfaithwasreckonedtoAbrahamforrighteousness.91]Romans5,1says:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod,i.e.,wehaveconsciencesthataretranquilandjoyful92]beforeGod.Rom.10,10:Withtheheartmanbelievethuntorighteousness.Herehedeclaresthatfaithis93]therighteousnessoftheheart.Gal.2,16:WehavebelievedinChristJesusthatwemightbejustifiedbythefaithofChrist,andnotbytheworksoftheLaw.Eph.2,8:Forbygraceareyesavedthroughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod;notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast.94]John1,12:TothemgaveHepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonHisname;whichwereborn,notofblood,norofthewilloftheflesh,norofthewillofman,butofGod.95]John3,14.15:AsMoseslifteduptheserpentinthewilderness,evensomusttheSonofmanbeliftedup,thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimshouldnotperish.96]Likewise,3,17:ForGodsentnotHisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworldthroughHimmightbesaved.HethatbelievethonHimisnotcondemned.97]Acts13,38.39:Beitknownuntoyoutherefore,menandbrethren,thatthroughthisManispreacheduntoyoutheforgivenessofsins;andbyHimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthingsfromwhichyecouldnotbejustifiedbytheLawofMoses.HowcouldtheofficeofChristandjustificationbedeclaredmoreclearly?TheLaw,hesays,didnotjustify.ThereforeChristwasgiven,thatwemaybelievethatforHissakewearejustified.HeplainlydeniesjustificationtotheLaw.Hence,forChrist'ssakeweareaccountedrighteouswhenwebelievethatGod,forHissake,hasbeenreconciledtous.98]Acts4,11.12:Thisisthestonewhichwassetatnaughtofyoubuilders,whichisbecometheheadofthecorner.Neitheristheresalvationinanyother;forthereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmenwherebywemustbesaved.ButthenameofChristisapprehendedonlybyfaith.[IcannotbelieveinthenameofChristinanyotherwaythanwhenIhearHismeritpreached,andlayholdofthat.]Therefore,byconfidenceinthenameofChrist,andnotbyconfidenceinourworks,wearesaved.For"thename"heresignifiesthecausewhichismentioned,becauseofwhichsalvationisattained.AndtocalluponthenameofChrististotrustinthenameofChrist,asthecauseorpricebecauseofwhichwearesaved.99]Acts15,9:Purifyingtheirheartsbyfaith.WhereforethatfaithofwhichtheApostlesspeakisnotidleknowledge,butareality,receivingtheHolyGhostandjustifyingus[notamereknowledgeofhistory,butastrongpowerfulworkoftheHolyGhost,whichchangeshearts]

Page21of154

100]Hab.2,4:Thejustshalllivebyhisfaith.Herehesays,first,thatmenarejustbyfaith,bywhichtheybelievethatGodispropitious,andheaddsthatthesamefaithquickens,becausethisfaithproducesintheheartpeaceandjoyandeternallife[whichbeginsinthepresentlife].101]Is.53,11:ByHisknowledgeshallHejustifymany.ButwhatistheknowledgeofChristunlesstoknowthebenefitsofChrist,thepromiseswhichbytheGospelHehasscatteredbroadcastintheworld?AndtoknowthesebenefitsisproperlyandtrulytobelieveinChrist,tobelievethatthatwhichGodhaspromisedforChrist'ssakeHewillcertainlyfulfill.102]ButScriptureisfullofsuchtestimoniessince,insomeplaces,itpresentstheLawandinothersthepromisesconcerningChrist,andtheremissionofsins,andthefreeacceptanceofthesinnerforChrist'ssake.103]HereandthereamongtheFatherssimilartestimoniesareextant.ForAmbrosesaysinhislettertoacertainIrenaeus:Moreover,theworldwassubjecttoHimbytheLawforthereasonthat,accordingtothecommandoftheLaw,allareindicted,andyet,bytheworksoftheLaw,nooneisjustified,i.e.,because,bytheLaw,sinisperceived,butguiltisnotdischarged.TheLaw,whichmadeallsinners,seemedtohavedoneinjury,butwhentheLordJesusChristcame,Heforgavetoallsinwhichnoonecouldavoid,and,bythesheddingofHisownblood,blottedoutthehandwritingwhichwasagainstus.ThisiswhathesaysinRom.5,20:"TheLawenteredthattheoffensemightabound.Butwheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound."Becauseafterthewholeworldbecamesubject,Hetookawaythesinofthewholeworld,ashe[John]testified,sayingJohn1,29:"BeholdtheLambofGod,whichtakethawaythesinoftheworld."Andonthisaccountletnooneboastofworks,becausenooneisjustifiedbyhisdeeds.Buthewhoisrighteoushasitgivenhimbecausehewasjustifiedafterthelaver[ofBaptism].Faith,therefore,isthatwhichfreesthroughthebloodofChrist,becauseheisblessed"whosetransgressionisforgiven,whosesiniscovered,"Ps.32,1.104]ThesearethewordsofAmbrose,whichclearlyfavorourdoctrine;hedeniesjustificationtoworks,andascribestofaiththatitsetsusfree105]throughthebloodofChrist.LetalltheSententiarists,whoareadornedwithmagnificenttitles,becollectedintooneheap.Forsomearecalledangelic;others,subtile,andothersirrefragable[thatis,doctorswhocannoterr.]Whenallthesehavebeenreadandreread,theywillnotbeofasmuchaidforunderstandingPaulasisthisonepassageofAmbrose.106]Tothesameeffect,AugustinewritesmanythingsagainstthePelagians.InOftheSpiritandLetterhesays:TherighteousnessoftheLaw,namely,thathewhohasfulfilleditshallliveinit,issetforthforthisreasonthatwhenanyonehasrecognizedhisinfirmityhemayattainandworkthesameandliveinit,conciliatingtheJustifiernotbyhisownstrengthnorbytheletteroftheLawitself(whichcannotbedone),butbyfaith.Exceptinajustifiedman,thereisnorightworkwhereinhewhodoesitmaylive.Butjustificationisobtainedbyfaith.HereheclearlysaysthattheJustifierisconciliatedbyfaith,andthatjustificationisobtainedbyfaith.Andalittleafter:BytheLawwefearGod;byfaithwehopeinGod.Buttothosefearingpunishmentgraceishidden;andthesoullaboring,etc.,underthisfearbetakesitselfbyfaithtoGod'smercy,inorderthatHemaygivewhatHecommands.HereheteachesthatbytheLawheartsareterrified,butbyfaiththeyreceiveconsolation.Healsoteachesustoapprehend,byfaith,mercy,beforeweattempttofulfiltheLaw.Wewillshortlycitecertainotherpassages.107]Truly,itisamazingthattheadversariesareinnowaymovedbysomanypassagesofScripture,whichclearlyascribejustificationtofaith,and,indeed,108]denyittoworks.Dotheythinkthatthesameisrepeatedsooftenfornopurpose?Dotheythinkthatthesewordsfell

Page22of154

inconsideratelyfromtheHolyGhost?109]Buttheyhavealsodevisedsophistrywherebytheyeludethem.TheysaythatthesepassagesofScripture,(whichspeakoffaith,)oughttobereceivedasreferringtoafidesformata,i.e.,theydonotascribejustificationtofaithexceptonaccountoflove.Yea,theydonot,inanyway,ascribejustificationtofaith,butonlytolove,becausetheydreamthatfaithcan110]coexistwithmortalsin.Whitherdoesthistend,unlessthattheyagainabolishthepromiseandreturntotheLaw?Iffaithreceivetheremissionofsinsonaccountoflove,theremissionofsinswillalwaysbeuncertain,becauseweneverloveasmuchasweought,yea,wedonotloveunlessourheartsarefirmlyconvincedthattheremissionofsinshasbeengrantedus.Thustheadversaries,whiletheyrequireintheremissionofsinsandjustificationconfidenceinone'sownlove,altogetherabolishtheGospelconcerningthefreeremissionofsins;although,atthesametime,theyneitherrenderthislovenorunderstandit,unlesstheybelievethattheremissionofsinsisfreelyreceived.111]Wealsosaythatloveoughttofollowfaith,asPaulalsosays,Gal.5,6:ForinJesusChristneithercircumcisionavailethanything,noruncircumcision,butfaithwhichworkethbylove.112]Andyetwemustnotthinkonthataccountthatbyconfidenceinthisloveoronaccountofthislovewereceivetheremissionofsinsandreconciliation,justaswedonotreceivetheremissionofsinsbecauseofotherworksthatfollow.Buttheremissionofsinsisreceivedbyfaithalone,and,indeed,byfaithproperlysocalled,becausethepromisecannotbereceivedexceptbyfaith.113]Butfaith,properlysocalled,isthatwhichassentstothepromise[iswhenmyheart,andtheHolyGhostintheheart,says:ThepromiseofGodistrueandcertain].Of114]thisfaithScripturespeaks.Andbecauseitreceivestheremissionofsins,andreconcilesustoGod,bythisfaithweare[likeAbraham]accountedrighteousforChrist'ssakebeforeweloveanddotheworksoftheLaw,althoughlovenecessarilyfollows.115]Nor,indeed,isthisfaithanidleknowledge,neithercanitcoexistwithmortalsin,butitisaworkoftheHolyGhost,wherebywearefreedfromdeath,andterrifiedmindsareencouragedandquickened.116]Andbecausethisfaithalonereceivestheremissionofsins,andrendersusacceptabletoGod,andbringstheHolyGhost,itcouldbemorecorrectlycalledgratiagratumfaciens,gracerenderingonepleasingtoGod,thananeffectfollowing,namely,love.117]Thusfar,inorderthatthesubjectmightbemadequiteclear,wehaveshownwithsufficientfulness,bothfromtestimoniesofScripture,andargumentsderivedfromScripture,thatbyfaithaloneweobtaintheremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake,andthatbyfaithalonewearejustified,i.e.,ofunrighteousmenmaderighteous,orregenerated.118]Buthownecessarytheknowledgeofthisfaithis,canbeeasilyjudged,becauseinthisalonetheofficeofChristisrecognized,bythisalonewereceivethebenefitsofChrist;thisalonebringssureandfirm119]consolationtopiousminds.AndintheChurch[ifthereistobeachurch,ifthereistobeaChristianCreed]itisnecessarythatthereshouldbethe[preachingand]doctrine[bywhichconsciencesarenotmadetorelyonadreamortobuildonafoundationofsand,but]fromwhichthepiousmayreceivethesurehopeofsalvation.Fortheadversariesgivemenbadadvice[thereforetheadversariesaretrulyunfaithfulbishops,unfaithfulpreachersanddoctors;theyhavehithertogivenevilcounseltoconsciences,andstilldosobyintroducingsuchdoctrine]whentheybidthemdoubtwhethertheyobtainremissionofsins.Forhowwillsuchpersonssustainthemselvesindeathwhohaveheardnothingofthisfaith,andthinkthattheyoughttodoubtwhethertheyobtaintheremissionofsins?120]Besides,itisnecessarythatintheChurchofChristtheGospelberetained,i.e.,thepromisethatforChrist'ssakesinsarefreelyremitted.Thosewhoteachnothingofthisfaith,121]concerningwhichwespeak,altogetherabolishtheGospel.Butthescholasticsmentionnotevenawordconcerningthisfaith.Ouradversariesfollowthem,andrejectthisfaith.Nordotheyseethat,byrejectingthisfaiththeyabolishtheentirepromiseconcerningthefreeremissionofsinsandtherighteousnessofChrist.Backtotop

Page23of154

ArticleIII:OfLoveandtheFulfillingoftheLaw.1]Heretheadversariesurgeagainstus:Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments,Matt.19,17;likewise:ThedoersoftheLawshallbejustified,Rom.2,13,andmanyotherlikethingsconcerningtheLawandworks.Beforewereplytothis,wemustfirstdeclarewhatwebelieveconcerningloveandthefulfillingoftheLaw.2]Itiswrittenintheprophet,Jer.31,33:IwillputMyLawintheirinwardparts,andwriteitintheirhearts.AndinRom.3,31,Paulsays:Dowe,then,makevoidtheLawthroughfaith?Godforbid!Yea,weestablishtheLaw.AndChristsays,Matt.19,17:Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments.Likewise,1Cor.13,3:IfIhavenotcharity,itprofitethmenothing.3]TheseandsimilarsentencestestifythattheLawoughttobebeguninus,andbekeptbyusmoreandmore[thatwearetokeeptheLawwhenwehavebeenjustifiedbyfaith,andthusincreasemoreandmoreintheSpirit].Moreover,wespeaknotofceremonies,butofthatLawwhichgivescommandmentconcerningthemovementsoftheheart,namely,theDecalog.4]Because,indeed,faithbringstheHolyGhost,andproducesinheartsanewlife,itisnecessarythatitshouldproducespiritualmovementsinhearts.Andwhatthesemovementsare,theprophet,Jer.31,33shows,whenhesays:IwillputMyLawintotheirinwardparts,andwriteitintheirhearts.Therefore,whenwehavebeenjustifiedbyfaithandregenerated,webegintofearandloveGod,topraytoHim,toexpectfromHimaid,togivethanksandpraiseHim,andtoobeyHiminafflictions.Webeginalsotoloveourneighbors,becauseourheartshavespiritualandholymovements[thereisnow,throughtheSpiritofChristanewheart,mind,andspiritwithin].5]Thesethingscannotoccuruntilwehavebeenjustifiedbyfaith,and,regenerated,wereceivetheHolyGhost:first,becausetheLawcannot6]bekeptwithout[theknowledgeof]Christ;andlikewisetheLawcannotbekeptwithouttheHolyGhost.ButtheHolyGhostisreceivedbyfaith,accordingtothedeclarationofPaul,Gal.3,14:ThatwemightreceivethepromiseoftheSpiritthroughfaith.7]Then,too,howcanthehumanheartloveGodwhileitknowsthatHeisterriblyangry,andisoppressinguswithtemporalandperpetualcalamities?ButtheLawalwaysaccusesusalways,showsthatGodisangry.[Therefore,whatthescholasticssayoftheloveofGodisadream.]8]Godthereforeisnotloveduntilweapprehendmercybyfaith.NotuntilthendoesHebecomealovableobject.9]Although,therefore,civilworks,i.e.,theoutwardworksoftheLaw,canbedone,inameasure,withoutChristandwithouttheHolyGhost[fromourinbornlight],neverthelessitappearsfromwhatwehavesaidthatthosethingswhichbelongpeculiarlytothedivineLaw,i.e.,theaffectionsofthehearttowardsGod,whicharecommandedinthefirsttable,cannotberenderedwithouttheHolyGhost.10]Butouradversariesarefinetheologians;theyregardthesecondtableandpoliticalworks;forthefirsttable[inwhichiscontainedthehighesttheology,onwhichalldepends]theycarenothing,asthoughitwereofnomatter:orcertainlytheyrequireonlyoutwardobservances.TheyinnowayconsidertheLawthatiseternal,andplacedfarabovethesenseandintellectofallcreatures[whichconcernstheveryDeity,andthehonoroftheeternalMajesty],Deut.6,5:ThoushaltlovetheLord,thyGod,withallthineheart.[Thistheytreatassuchapaltrysmallmatterasifitdidnotbelongtotheology.]11]ButChristwasgivenforthispurpose,namely,thatforHissaketheremightbebestowedonustheremissionofsins,andtheHolyGhosttobringforthinusnewandeternallife,andeternalrighteousness[tomanifestChristinourhearts,asitiswrittenJohn16,15:HeshalltakeofthethingsofMine,andshowthemuntoyou.Likewise,Heworksalsoothergifts,love,

Page24of154

thanksgivingcharity,patience,etc.].WhereforetheLawcannotbetrulykeptunlesstheHolyGhostbereceivedthroughfaith.Accordingly,PaulsaysthattheLawisestablishedbyfaith,andnotmadevoid;becausetheLawcanonlythenbethuskeptwhentheHolyGhostisgiven.12]AndPaulteaches2Cor.3,15sq.,theveilthatcoveredthefaceofMosescannotberemovedexceptbyfaithinChrist,bywhichtheHolyGhostisreceived.Forhespeaksthus:Butevenuntothisday,whenMosesisread,theveilisupontheirheart.Nevertheless,whenitshallturntotheLord,theveilshallbetakenaway.NowtheLordisthatSpirit,andwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.13]PaulunderstandsbytheveilthehumanopinionconcerningtheentireLaw,theDecalogandtheceremonies,namely,thathypocritesthinkthatexternalandcivilworkssatisfytheLawofGod,andthatsacrificesandobservancesjustifybeforeGodexopereoperato.14]Butthenthisveilisremovedfromus,i.e.,wearefreedfromthiserrorwhenGodshowstoourheartsouruncleannessandtheheinousnessofsin.Then,forthefirsttime,weseethatwearefarfromfulfillingtheLaw.Thenwelearntoknowhowflesh,insecurityandindifference,doesnotfearGod,andisnotfullycertainthatweareregardedbyGod,butimaginesthatmenarebornanddiebychance.ThenweexperiencethatwedonotbelievethatGodforgivesandhearsus.Butwhen,onhearingtheGospelandtheremissionofsins,weareconsoledbyfaith,wereceivetheHolyGhostsothatnowweareabletothinkarightconcerningGod,andtofearandbelieveGod,etc.FromthesefactsitisapparentthattheLawcannotbekeptwithoutChristandtheHolyGhost.15]We,therefore,professthatitisnecessarythattheLawbebeguninus,andthatitbeobservedcontinuallymoreandmore.Andatthesametimewecomprehendbothspiritualmovementsandexternalgoodworks[thegoodheartwithinandworkswithout].Thereforetheadversariesfalselychargeagainstusthatourtheologiansdonotteachgoodworkswhiletheynotonlyrequirethese,butalsoshowhowtheycanbedone[thattheheartmustenterintotheseworks,lesttheybemere,lifeless,coldworksofhypocrites].16]Theresultconvictshypocrites,whobytheirownpowersendeavortofulfiltheLaw,thattheycannotaccomplish17]whattheyattempt.[Foraretheyfreefromhatred,envy,strife,anger,wrath,avarice,adultery,etc.?Why,theseviceswerenowheregreaterthaninthecloistersandsacredinstitutes.]Forhumannatureisfartooweaktobeablebyitsownpowerstoresistthedevil,whoholdsascaptivesallwhohavenotbeenfreedthroughfaith.18]ThereisneedofthepowerofChristagainstthedevil,namely,that,inasmuchasweknowthatforChrist'ssakeweareheard,andhavethepromise,wemayprayforthegovernanceanddefenseoftheHolyGhost,thatwemayneitherbedeceivedanderr,norbeimpelledtoundertakeanythingcontrarytoGod'swill.[Otherwiseweshould,everyhour,fallintoerrorandabominablevices.]JustasPs.68,18teaches:Thouhastledcaptivitycaptive;Thouhastreceivedgiftsforman.ForChristhasovercomethedevil,andhasgiventousthepromiseandtheHolyGhost,inorderthat,bydivineaid,weourselvesalsomayovercome.And1John3,8:ForthispurposetheSonofGodwasmanifested,thatHemightdestroytheworksofthedevil.19]Again,weteachnotonlyhowtheLawcanbeobserved,butalsohowGodispleasedifanythingbedone,namely,notbecausewerendersatisfactiontotheLaw,butbecauseweareinChrist,asweshallsayafteralittle.Itis,therefore,manifestthatwerequiregoodworks.20]Yea,weaddalsothis,thatitisimpossibleforlovetoGod,eventhoughitbesmall,tobesunderedfromfaith,becausethroughChristwecometotheFather,andtheremissionofsinshavingbeenreceived,wenowaretrulycertainthatwehaveaGod,i.e.,thatGodcaresforus;wecalluponHim,wegiveHimthanks,wefearHim,weloveHimas1John4,19teaches:WeloveHim,becauseHefirstlovedus,namely,becauseHegaveHisSonforus,andforgaveusoursins.Thusheindicatesthatfaithprecedesandlovefollows.21]Likewisethefaithofwhichwespeakexistsinrepentance,i.e.,itisconceivedintheterrorsofconscience,whichfeelsthewrathofGodagainstoursins,andseekstheremissionofsins,andtobefreedfromsin.Andinsuchterrorsandotherafflictions

Page25of154

thisfaithoughttogrowandbestrengthened.Wherefore22]itcannotexistinthosewholiveaccordingtothefleshwhoaredelightedbytheirownlustsandobeythem.Accordingly,Paulsays,Rom.8,1:Thereis,therefore,nownocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit.So,too8,12.13:Wearedebtors,nottotheflesh,toliveaftertheflesh.Forifyeliveaftertheflesh,yeshalldie;butifye,throughtheSpirit,domortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive.23]Wherefore,thefaithwhichreceivesremissionofsinsinaheartterrifiedandfleeingfromsindoesnotremaininthosewhoobeytheirdesires,neitherdoesitcoexistwithmortalsin.24]Fromtheseeffectsoffaiththeadversariesselectone,namely,love,andteachthatlovejustifies.ThusitisclearlyapparentthattheyteachonlytheLaw.Theydonotteachthatremissionofsinsthroughfaithisfirstreceived.TheydonotteachofChristasMediator,thatforChrist'ssakewehaveagraciousGod,butbecauseofourlove.Andyet,whatthenatureofthisloveistheydonotsay,neither25]cantheysay.TheyproclaimthattheyfulfiltheLaw,althoughthisglorybelongsproperlytoChrist;andtheysetagainstthejudgmentofGodconfidenceintheirownworks;fortheysaythattheymeritdecondigno(accordingtorighteousness)graceandeternallife.Thisconfidenceisabsolutelyimpiousandvain.ForinthislifewecannotsatisfytheLaw,becausecarnalnaturedoesnotceasetobringforthwickeddispositions[evilinclinationanddesire],eventhoughtheSpiritinusresiststhem.26]Butsomeonemayask:SincewealsoconfessthatloveisaworkoftheHolyGhost,andsinceitisrighteousness,becauseitisthefulfillingoftheLaw,whydowenotteachthatitjustifies?Tothiswemustreply:Inthefirstplace,itiscertainthatwereceiveremissionofsins,neitherthroughourlove,norforthesakeofourlove,butforChrist'ssake,byfaithalone.27]Faithalone,whichlooksuponthepromise,andknowsthatforthisreasonitmustberegardedascertainthatGodforgives,becauseChristhasnotdiedinvain,etc.,overcomestheterrorsofsinanddeath.28]Ifanyonedoubtswhethersinsareremittedhim,hedishonorsChrist,sincehejudgesthathissinisgreaterormoreefficaciousthanthedeathandpromiseofChrist;althoughPaulsays,Rom.5,20:Wheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound,i.e.,thatmercyis29]morecomprehensive[morepowerful,richer,andstronger]thansin.Ifanyonethinksthatheobtainstheremissionofsinsbecauseheloves,hedishonorsChristandwilldiscoverinGod'sjudgmentthatthisconfidenceinhisownrighteousnessiswickedandvain.Thereforeitisnecessarythatfaith[alone]reconcilesand30]justifies.AndaswedonotreceiveremissionofsinsthroughothervirtuesoftheLaw,oronaccountofthese,namely,onaccountofpatience,chastity,obediencetowardsmagistrates,etc.,andneverthelessthesevirtuesoughttofollow,so,too,wedonotreceiveremissionofsinsbecauseoflovetoGod,althoughitisnecessarythatthisshouldfollow.31]Besides,thecustomofspeechiswellknownthatbythesamewordwesometimescomprehendbysynecdochethecauseandeffects.ThusinLuke7,47Christsays:Hersins,whicharemany,areforgiven,forshelovedmuch.ForChristinterpretsHimself[thisverypassage]whenHeadds:Thyfaithhathsavedthee.Christ,therefore,didnotmeanthatthewoman,bythatworkoflove,hadmeritedtheremissionofsins.ForthatisthereasonHesays:Thyfaithhathsavedthee.32]ButfaithisthatwhichfreelyapprehendsGod'smercyonaccountofGod'sWord[whichreliesuponGod'smercyandWord,andnotuponone'sownwork].Ifanyonedeniesthatthisisfaith[ifanyoneimaginesthathecanrelyatthesametimeuponGodandhisownworks],hedoesnotunderstandatall33]whatfaithis.[Fortheterrifiedconscienceisnotsatisfiedwithitsownworks,butmustcryaftermercy,andiscomfortedandencouragedalonebyGod'sWord.]AndthenarrativeitselfshowsinthispassagewhatthatiswhichHecallslove.ThewomancamewiththeopinionconcerningChristthatwithHimtheremissionofsinsshouldbesought.ThisworshipisthehighestworshipofChrist.NothinggreatercouldsheascribetoChrist.ToseekfromHimtheremissionofsinswastrulytoacknowledgetheMessiah.Now,thustothinkofChrist,thustoworshipHim,thusto

Page26of154

embraceHim,istrulytobelieve.Christ,moreover,employedtheword"love"nottowardsthewoman,butagainstthePharisee,becauseHecontrastedtheentireworshipofthePhariseewiththeentireworshipofthewoman.HereprovedthePhariseebecausehedidnotacknowledgethatHewastheMessiah,althoughherenderedHimtheoutwardofficesduetoaguestandagreatandholyman.Hepointstothewomanandpraisesherworship,ointment,tears,etc.,allofwhichweresignsoffaithandaconfession,namely,thatwithChristshesoughttheremissionofsins.Itisindeedagreatexample,which,notwithoutreason,movedChristtoreprovethePharisee,whowasawiseandhonorableman,butnotabeliever.Hechargeshimwithimpiety,andadmonisheshimbytheexampleofthewoman,showingtherebythatitisdisgracefultohim,that,whileanunlearnedwomanbelievesGod,he,adoctoroftheLaw,doesnotbelieve,doesnotacknowledgetheMessiah,anddoesnotseekfromHimremissionofsinsandsalvation.34]Thus,therefore,Hepraisestheentireworship[faithwithitsfruits,buttowardsthePhariseeHenamesonlythefruitswhichprovetomenthatthereisfaithintheheart],asitoftenoccursintheScripturesthatbyonewordweembracemanythings;asbelowweshallspeakatgreaterlengthinregardtosimilarpassages,suchasLuke11,41:Givealmsofsuchthingsasyehave;and,behold,allthingsarecleanuntoyou.Herequiresnotonlyalms,butalsotherighteousnessoffaith.ThusHeheresays:Hersins,whicharemany,areforgiven,forshelovedmuch,i.e.,becauseshehastrulyworshipedMewithfaithandtheexercisesandsignsoffaith.Hecomprehendstheentireworship.MeanwhileHeteachesthis,thattheremissionofsinsisproperlyreceivedbyfaith,althoughlove,confession,andothergoodfruitsoughttofollow.WhereforeHedoesnotmeanthis,thatthesefruitsaretheprice,orarethepropitiation,becauseofwhichtheremissionofsins,whichreconcilesustoGod,isgiven.35]Wearedisputingconcerningagreatsubject,concerningthehonorofChrist,andwhencegoodmindsmayseekforsureandfirmconsolation,whetherconfidenceistobeplaced36]inChristorinourworks.Now,ifitistobeplacedinourworks,thehonorofMediatorandPropitiatorwillbewithdrawnfromChrist.Andyetweshallfind,inGod'sjudgment,thatthisconfidenceisvain,andthatconsciencesrushthenceintodespair.ButiftheremissionofsinsandreconciliationdonotoccurfreelyforChrist'ssake,butforthesakeofourlove,noonewillhaveremissionofsins,unlesswhenhehasfulfilledtheentireLaw,becausetheLawdoesnotjustifyaslongasitcanaccuseus.37]Thereforeitismanifestthat,sincejustificationisreconciliationforChrist'ssake,wearejustifiedbyfaith,becauseitisverycertainthatbyfaithalonetheremissionofsinsisreceived.38]Now,therefore,letusreplytotheobjectionwhichwehaveabovestated:[WhydoeslovenotjustifyanybodybeforeGod?]TheadversariesarerightinthinkingthatloveisthefulfillingoftheLaw,andobediencetotheLawiscertainlyrighteousness.[ThereforeitwouldbetruethatlovejustifiesusifwewouldkeeptheLaw.ButwhointruthcansayorboastthathekeepstheLaw,andlovesGodastheLawhascommanded?WehaveshownabovethatGodhasmadethepromiseofgrace,becausewecannotobservetheLaw.ThereforePaulsayseverywherethatwecannotbejustifiedbeforeGodbytheLaw.]ButtheymakeamistakeinthisthattheythinkthatwearejustifiedbytheLaw.[Theadversarieshavetofailatthispoint,andmissthemainissue,forinthisbusinesstheyonlybeholdtheLaw.Forallmen'sreasonandwisdomcannotbutholdthatwemustbecomepiousbytheLaw,andthatapersonexternallyobservingtheLawisholyandpious.ButtheGospelfacesusabout,directsusawayfromtheLawtothedivinepromises,andteachesthatwearenotjustified,etc.]Since,however,wearenotjustifiedbytheLaw[becausenopersoncankeepit],butreceiveremissionofsinsandreconciliationbyfaithforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofloveorthefulfillingoftheLaw,itfollowsnecessarilythatwearejustifiedbyfaithinChrist.[ForbeforewefulfilonetittleoftheLaw,theremustbefaithinChristbywhichwearereconciledtoGodandfirstobtaintheremissionofsin.GoodGod,howdarepeoplecallthemselvesChristiansorsaythattheyonceatleastlooked

Page27of154

intoorreadthebooksoftheGospelwhentheystilldenythatweobtainremissionofsinsbyfaithinChrist?Why,toaChristianitisshockingmerelytohearsuchastatement.]39]Again,[inthesecondplace,]thisfulfillingoftheLaw,orobediencetowardstheLaw,isindeedrighteousness,whenitiscomplete;butinusitissmallandimpure.[For,althoughtheyhavereceivedthefirst‐fruitsoftheSpirit,andthenew,yea,theeternallifehasbeguninthem,therestillremainsaremnantofsinandevillust,andtheLawstillfindsmuchofwhichitmustaccuseus.]Accordingly,itisnotpleasingforitsownsake,andisnotacceptedforitsownsake.40]Butalthoughfromthosethingswhichhavebeensaidaboveitisevidentthatjustificationsignifiesnotthebeginningoftherenewal,butthereconciliationbywhichalsoweafterwardsareaccepted,neverthelessitcannowbeseenmuchmoreclearlythattheinchoatefulfillingoftheLawdoesnotjustify,becauseitisacceptedonlyonaccountoffaith.[TrustinginourownfulfilmentoftheLawissheeridolatryandblasphemingChrist,andintheenditcollapsesandcausesourconsciencestodespair.Therefore,thisfoundationshallstandforever,namely,thatforChrist'ssakeweareacceptedwithGod,andjustifiedbyfaith,notonaccountofourloveandworks.Thisweshallmakesoplainandcertainthatanybodymaygraspit.AslongastheheartisnotatpeacewithGod,itcannotberighteous;foritfleesfromthewrathofGod,despairs,andwouldhaveGodnottojudgeit.ThereforetheheartcannotberighteousandacceptedwithGodwhileitisnotatpeacewithGod.Now,faithalonemakesthehearttobecontent,andobtainspeaceandlife,Rom.5,1,becauseitconfidentlyandfranklyreliesonthepromiseofGodforChrist'ssake.Butourworksdonotmaketheheartcontent,forwealwaysfindthattheyarenotpure.ThereforeitmustfollowthatweareacceptedwithGod,andjustifiedbyfaithalone,wheninourheartsweconcludethatGoddesirestobegracioustous,notonaccountofourworksandfulfilmentoftheLaw,butfrompuregrace,forChrist'ssake.Whatcanouropponentsbringforwardagainstthisargument?Whatcantheyinventanddeviseagainsttheplaintruth?Forthisisquitecertain,andexperienceteachesforciblyenough,thatwhenwetrulyfeelthejudgmentandwrathofGod,orbecomeafflicted,ourworksandworshipcannotsettheheartatrest.ScriptureindicatesthisoftenenoughasinPs.143,2:EnternotintojudgmentwithThyservant;forinThysightshallnomanlivingbejustified.Hereheclearlyshowsthatallthesaints,allthepiouschildrenofGod,whohavetheHolyGhost,ifGodwouldnotbygraceforgivethemtheirsin,stillhaveremnantsofsinintheflesh.ForwhenDavidinanotherplace,Ps.7,8,says:JudgemeOLord,accordingtomyrighteousness,hereferstohiscause,andnottohisrighteousness,andasksGodtoprotecthiscauseandword,forhesays:Judge,OLord,mycause.Again,inPs.130,3heclearlystatesthatnoperson,noteventhegreatestsaints,canbearGod'sjudgment,ifHeweretoobserveouriniquity,ashesays:IfThou,Lord,shouldestmarkiniquity,OLord,whoshallstand?AndthussaysJob,9,28:Iwasafraidofallmyworks(Engl.vers.,sorrows).Likewise9,30:IfIwashmyselfwithsnow‐water,andmakemyhandsneversoclean,yetshaltThouplungemeintheditch.AndProv.20,9:Whocansay,Ihavemademyheartclean?And1John1,8:Ifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselvesandthetruthisnotinus.AndintheLord'sPrayerthesaintsaskfortheforgivenessofsins.Thereforeeventhesaintshaveguiltandsins.Again,inNum.14,18:Theinnocentwillnotbeinnocent.AndZechariah,2,13,says:BesilentOallflesh,beforetheLord.AndIsaiah40,6sqq.:Allfleshisgrass,i.e.,fleshandrighteousnessofthefleshcannotendurethejudgmentofGod.AndJonahsays,2,8:TheythatobserveIyingvanitiesforsaketheirownmercy.Therefore,puremercypreservesus;ourownworks,merits,endeavors,cannotpreserveus.TheseandsimilardeclarationsintheScripturestestifythatourworksareunclean,andthatweneedmercy.Whereforeworksdonotrenderconsciencespacified,butonlymercyapprehendedbyfaithdoes.]NormustwetrustthatweareaccountedrighteousbeforeGodbyourownperfectionandfulfillingoftheLaw,butratherforChrist'ssake.

Page28of154

41]First[inthethirdplace],becauseChristdoesnotceasetobeMediatorafterwehavebeenrenewed.TheyerrwhoimaginethatHehasmeritedonlyafirstgrace,andthatafterwardswepleaseGodandmeriteternallifebyourfulfillingoftheLaw.42]ChristremainsMediator,andweoughtalwaystobeconfidentthatforHissakewehaveareconciledGodevenalthoughweareunworthy.AsPaulclearlyteacheswhenhesays[BywhomalsowehaveaccesstoGod,Rom.5,2.Forourbestworks,evenafterthegraceoftheGospelhasbeenreceived,asIstated,arestillweakandnotatallpure.ForsinandAdam'sfallarenotsuchatriflingthingasreasonholdsorimagines;itexceedsthereasonandthoughtofallmentounderstandwhatahorriblewrathofGodhasbeenhandedontousbythatdisobedience.Thereoccurredashockingcorruptionoftheentirehumannature,whichnoworkofman,butonlyGodHimself,canrestore],1Cor.4,4:Iknownothingbymyself,yetamInotherebyjustified,butheknowsthatbyfaithheisaccountedrighteousforChrist'ssake,accordingtothepassage:Blessedaretheywhoseiniquitiesareforgiven,Ps.32,1;Rom.4,7.[Thereforeweneedgrace,andthegraciousgoodnessofGod,andtheforgivenessofsin,althoughwehavedonemanygoodworks.]Butthisremissionisalwaysreceivedbyfaith.Likewise,theimputationoftherighteousnessoftheGospelisfromthepromise;thereforeitisalwaysreceivedbyfaith,anditalwaysmustberegardedcertainthatbyfaithweare,43]forChrist'ssake,accountedrighteous.IftheregenerateoughtafterwardstothinkthattheywillbeacceptedonaccountofthefulfillingoftheLaw,whenwouldconsciencebecertainthatitpleasedGod,sinceweneversatisfytheLaw?44]Accordingly,wemustalwaysrecurtothepromise;bythisourinfirmitymustbesustained,andwemustregarditascertainthatweareaccountedrighteousforthesakeofChrist,whoiseverattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus,Rom.8,34.IfanyonethinkthatheisrighteousandacceptedonaccountofhisownfulfilmentoftheLaw,andnotonaccountofChrist'spromise,hedishonorsthisHighPriest.NeithercanitbeunderstoodhowonecouldimaginethatmanisrighteousbeforeGodwhenChristisexcludedasPropitiatorandMediator.45]Again[inthefourthplace],whatneedisthereofalongdiscussion?[Ifweweretothinkthat,afterwehavecometotheGospelandarebornagain,weweretomeritbyourworksthatGodbegracioustous,notbyfaith,consciencewouldneverfindrest,butwouldbedriventodespair.FortheLawunceasinglyaccusesus,sincewenevercansatisfytheLaw.]AllScripture,alltheChurchcriesoutthattheLawcannotbesatisfied.ThereforethisinchoatefulfilmentoftheLawdoesnotpleaseonitsownaccount,butonaccount46]offaithinChrist.OtherwisetheLawalwaysaccusesus.ForwholovesorfearsGodsufficiently?WhowithsufficientpatiencebearstheafflictionsimposedbyGod?WhodoesnotfrequentlydoubtwhetherhumanaffairsareruledbyGod'scounselorbychance?WhodoesnotfrequentlydoubtwhetherhebeheardbyGod?Whoisnotfrequentlyenragedbecausethewickedenjoyabetterlotthanthepious,becausethepiousareoppressedbythewicked?Whodoessatisfactiontohisowncalling?Wholoveshisneighborashimself?Whoisnottempted47]bylust?Accordingly,Paulsays,Rom.7,19:ThegoodthatIwouldIdonot;buttheevilwhichIwouldnot,thatIdo.Likewise7,25:WiththemindImyselfservetheLawofGod,butwiththeflesh,thelawofsin.Hereheopenlydeclaresthatheservesthelawofsin.AndDavidsays,Ps.143,2:EnternotintojudgmentwithThyservant;forinThysightshallnomanlivingbejustified.HereevenaservantofGodpraysfortheavertingofjudgment.LikewisePs.32,2:BlessedisthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity.Therefore,inthisourinfirmitythereisalwayspresentsin,whichcouldbeimputed,andofwhichhesaysalittlewhileafter,32,6:ForthisshalleveryonethatisgodlyprayuntoThee.Hereheshowsthatevensaintsoughttoseekremission48]ofsins.Morethanblindarethosewhodonotperceivethatwickeddesiresintheflesharesins,ofwhichPaul,Gal.5,17,says:ThefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,andtheSpiritagainsttheflesh.49]ThefleshdistrustsGod,trustsinpresentthings,seekshumanaidin

Page29of154

calamities,evencontrarytoGod'swill,fleesfromafflictions,whichitoughttobearbecauseofGod'scommands,doubtsconcerningGod'smercy,etc.TheHolyGhostinourheartscontendswithsuchdispositions[withAdam'ssin]inordertosuppressandmortifythem[thispoisonoftheoldAdam,thisdesperatelywickeddisposition],50]andtoproducenewspiritualmovements.Butconcerningthistopicwewillcollectmoretestimoniesbelow,althoughtheyareeverywhereobviousnotonlyintheScriptures,butalsointheholyFathers.51]WelldoesAugustinesay:AllthecommandmentsofGodarefulfilledwhenwhateverisnotdone,isforgiven.Thereforeherequiresfaitheveningoodworks[whichtheHolySpiritproducesinus],inorderthatwemaybelievethatforChrist'ssakewepleaseGod,andthateventheworksarenotof52]themselvesworthyandpleasing.AndJerome,againstthePelagians,says:Then,therefore,wearerighteouswhenweconfessthatwearesinners,andthatourrighteousnessconsistsnotinourownmerit,butinGod'smercy.53]Therefore,inthisinchoatefulfilmentoftheLaw,faithoughttobepresent,whichiscertainthatforChrist'ssakewehaveareconciledGod.Formercycannotbeapprehendedunlessbyfaith,ashasbeenrepeatedlysaidabove.[ThereforethosewhoteachthatwearenotacceptedbyfaithforChrist'ssake,butforthesakeofourownworks,leadconsciencesintodespair.]54]Wherefore,whenPaulsays,Rom.3,31:WeestablishtheLawthroughfaith,bythisweoughttounderstand,notonlythatthoseregeneratedbyfaithreceivetheHolyGhost,andhavemovementsagreeingwithGod'sLaw,butitisbyfarofthegreatestimportancethatweaddalsothis,thatweoughttoperceivethatwearefardistantfromtheperfectionoftheLaw.55]WhereforewecannotconcludethatweareaccountedrighteousbeforeGodbecauseofourfulfillingoftheLaw,butinorderthattheconsciencemaybecometranquil,justificationmustbesoughtelsewhere.ForwearenotrighteousbeforeGodaslongaswefleefromGod'sjudgment,andareangrywithGod.56]Thereforewemustconcludethat,beingreconciledbyfaith,weareaccountedrighteousforChrist'ssake,notforthesakeoftheLaworourworks,butthatthisinchoatefulfillingoftheLawpleasesonaccountoffaith,andthat,onaccountoffaith,thereisnoimputationoftheimperfectionofthefulfillingoftheLaw,eventhoughthesightofourimpurityterrifiesus.Now,ifjustificationistobesoughtelsewhere,ourlove57]andworksdonotthereforejustify.Faraboveourpurity,yea,farabovetheLawitself,oughttobeplacedthedeathandsatisfactionofChrist,presentedtousthatwemightbesurethatbecauseofthissatisfaction,andnotbecauseofourfulfillingoftheLaw,wehaveagraciousGod.58]PaulteachesthisinGal.3,13,whenhesays:ChristhathredeemedusfromthecurseoftheLaw,beingmadeacurseforus,i.e.,theLawcondemnsallmen,butChrist,becausewithoutsinHehasbornethepunishmentofsin,andbeenmadeavictimforus,hasremovedthatrightoftheLawtoaccuseandcondemnthosewhobelieveinHim,becauseHeHimselfisthepropitiationforthemforwhosesakewearenowaccountedrighteous.Butsincetheyareaccountedrighteous,theLawcannotaccuseorcondemnthem,eventhoughtheyhavenotactuallysatisfiedtheLaw.TothesamepurporthewritestotheColossians2,10:YearecompleteinHim,asthoughheweretosay:AlthoughyearestillfarfromtheperfectionoftheLaw,yettheremnantsofsindonotcondemnyou,becauseforChrist'ssakewehaveasureandfirmreconciliation,ifyoubelieve,eventhoughsininhereinyourflesh.59]ThepromiseoughtalwaystobeinsightthatGod,becauseofHispromise,wishesforChrist'ssake,andnotbecauseoftheLaworourworks,tobegraciousandtojustify.Inthispromisetimidconsciencesoughttoseekreconciliationandjustification;bythispromisetheyoughttosustainthemselvesandbeconfidentthatforChrist'ssake,becauseofHispromise,theyhaveagraciousGod.Thusworkscanneverrenderaconsciencepacified,60]butonlythepromisecan.If,therefore,justificationandpeaceofconsciencemustbesoughtelsewherethan

Page30of154

inloveandworks,loveandworksdonotjustify,althoughtheyarevirtuesandpertaintotherighteousnessoftheLaw,insofarastheyareafulfillingoftheLaw.SofaralsothisobedienceoftheLawjustifiesbytherighteousnessoftheLaw.ButthisimperfectrighteousnessoftheLawisnotacceptedbyGod,unlessonaccountoffaith.Accordinglyitdoesnotjustify,i.e.,itneitherreconciles,norregenerates,norbyitselfrendersusacceptedbeforeGod.61]FromthisitisevidentthatwearejustifiedbeforeGodbyfaithalone[i.e.,itobtainstheremissionofsinsandgraceforChrist'ssake,andregeneratesus.Likewise,itisquiteclearthatbyfaithalonetheHolyGhostisreceived,again,thatourworksandthisinchoatefulfillingoftheLawdonotbythemselvespleaseGod.Now,evenifIaboundingoodworkslikePaulorPeter,Imustseekmyrighteousnesselsewhere,namely,inthepromiseofthegraceofChrist;again,ifonlyfaithcalmstheconscience,itmust,indeed,becertainthatonlyfaithjustifiesbeforeGod.For,ifwewishtoteachcorrectly,wemustadheretothis,thatweareacceptedwithGod,notonaccountoftheLaw,notonaccountofworks,butforChrist'ssake.Forthehonor,dueChrist,mustnotbegiventotheLaworourmiserableworks.]becausebyfaithalonewereceiveremissionofsinsandreconciliation,becausereconciliationorjustificationisamatterpromisedforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeoftheLaw.Thereforeitisreceivedbyfaithalone,although,whentheHolyGhostisgiven,thefulfillingoftheLawfollows.ReplytotheArgumentsoftheAdversaries.62]Now,whenthegroundsofthiscasehavebeenunderstood,namely,thedistinctionbetweentheLawandthepromises,ortheGospel,itwillbeeasytoresolvetheobjectionsoftheadversaries.FortheycitepassagesconcerningtheLawandworks,andomitpassagesconcerningthepromises.63]ButareplycanonceforallbemadetoallopinionsconcerningtheLaw,namely,thattheLawcannotbeobservedwithoutChrist,andthatifcivilworksarewroughtwithoutChrist,theydonotpleaseGod.[Godisnotpleasedwiththeperson.]Wherefore,whenworksarecommended,itisnecessarytoaddthatfaithisrequired,thattheyarecommendedonaccountoffaith,thattheyarethefruitsandtestimoniesoffaith.[Thisourdoctrineis,indeed,plain;itneednotfearthelight,andmaybeheldagainsttheHolyScriptures.Wehavealsoclearlyandcorrectlypresentedithere,ifanywillreceiveinstructionandnotknowinglydenythetruth.ForrightlytounderstandthebenefitofChristandthegreattreasureoftheGospel(whichPaulextolssogreatly),wemustseparate,ontheonehand,thepromiseofGodandthegracethatisoffered,and,ontheotherhand,theLaw,asfarastheheavensarefromtheearth.Inshakymattersmanyexplanationsareneeded,butinagoodmatteroneortwothoroughgoingexplanationsdissolveallobjectionswhichmenthinktheycanraise.]64]Ambiguousanddangerouscasesproducemanyandvarioussolutions.Forthejudgmentoftheancientpoetistrue:"Anunjustcause,beinginitselfsick,requiresskilfullyappliedremedies."Butinjustandsurecasesoneortwoexplanationsderivedfromthesourcescorrectallthingsthatseemtooffend.Thisoccursalsointhiscaseofours.FortherulewhichIhavejustrecited,explainsallthepassagesthatarecitedconcerningtheLaw65]andworks[namely,thatwithoutChristtheLawcannotbetrulyobserved,andalthoughexternalworksmaybeperformed,stillthepersondoingthemdoesnotpleaseGodoutsideofChrist].ForweacknowledgethatScriptureteachesinsomeplacestheLaw,andinotherplacestheGospel,orthegratuitouspromiseoftheremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake.Butouradversariesabsolutelyabolishthefreepromisewhentheydenythatfaithjustifies,andteachthatforthesakeofloveandofourworkswereceiveremissionofsinsand66]reconciliation.Iftheremissionofsinsdepends

Page31of154

upontheconditionofourworks,itisaltogetheruncertain.[Forwecanneverbecertainwhetherwedoenoughworks,orwhetherourworksaresufficientlyholyandpure.Thus,too,theforgivenessofsinsismadeuncertain,andthepromiseofGodperishes,asPaulsays,Rom.4,14:Thepromiseismadeofnoneeffect,andeverythingisrendereduncertain.]Thereforethepromisewillbeabolished.67]Hencewerefergodlymindstotheconsiderationofthepromises,andweteachconcerningthefreeremissionofsinsandconcerningreconciliation,whichoccursthroughfaithinChrist.AfterwardsweaddalsothedoctrineoftheLaw.[NotthatbytheLawwemerittheremissionofsins,orthatforthesakeoftheLawweareacceptedwithGod,butbecauseGodrequiresgoodworks.]Anditisnecessarytodividethesethingsaright,asPaulsays,2Tim.2,15.WemustseewhatScriptureascribestotheLawandwhattothepromises.Foritpraisesworksinsuchawayasnottoremovethefreepromise[astoplacethepromiseofGodandthetruetreasure,Christ,athousandleaguesaboveit].68]ForgoodworksaretobedoneonaccountofGod'scommand,likewisefortheexerciseoffaith[asPaulsays,Eph.2,10:WeareHisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks],andonaccountofconfessionandgivingofthanks.Forthesereasonsgoodworksoughtnecessarilytobedone,which,althoughtheyaredoneinthefleshnotasyetentirelyrenewed,thatretardsthemovementsoftheHolyGhost,andimpartssomeofitsuncleanness,yet,onaccountofChrist,areholy,divineworks,sacrifices,andactspertainingtothegovernmentofChrist,whothusdisplaysHiskingdombeforethisworld.ForintheseHesanctifiesheartsandrepressesthedevil,and,inordertoretaintheGospelamongmen,openlyopposestothekingdomofthedeviltheconfessionofsaints,and,inourweakness,declaresHispower.69]Thedangers,labors,andsermonsoftheApostlePaul,ofAthanasius,Augustine,andthelike,whotaughtthechurches,areholyworks,aretruesacrificesacceptabletoGod,arecontestsofChrist70]throughwhichHerepressedthedevil,anddrovehimfromthosewhobelieved.David'slabors,inwagingwarsandinhishomegovernment,areholyworks,aretruesacrifices,arecontestsofGod,defendingthepeoplewhohadtheWordofGodagainst71]thedevil,inorderthattheknowledgeofGodmightnotbeentirelyextinguishedonearth.Wethinkthusalsoconcerningeverygoodworkinthehumblestcallingsandinprivateaffairs.ThroughtheseworksChristcelebratesHisvictoryoverthedevil,justasthedistributionofalmsbytheCorinthians,1Cor.16,1,wasaholywork,andasacrificeandcontestofChristagainstthedevil,wholaborsthatnothingmaybedone72]forthepraiseofGod.Todisparagesuchworks,theconfessionofdoctrine,affliction,worksoflove,mortificationsoftheflesh,wouldbeindeedtodisparagetheoutwardgovernmentofChrist'skingdomamongmen.73]Herealsoweaddsomethingconcerningrewardsandmerits.Weteachthatrewardshavebeenofferedandpromisedtotheworksofbelievers.Weteachthatgoodworksaremeritorious,notfortheremissionofsins,forgraceorjustification(fortheseweobtainonlybyfaith),butforotherrewards,bodilyandspiritual,inthislifeandafterthislife,becausePaul74]says,1Cor.3,8:Everymanshallreceivehisownreward,accordingtohisownlabor.Therewill,thereforebedifferentrewardsaccordingtodifferentlabors.Buttheremissionofsinsisalikeandequaltoall,justasChristisone,andisofferedfreelytoallwhobelievethatforChrist'ssaketheirsinsareremitted.Thereforetheremissionofsinsandjustificationarereceivedonlybyfaith,andnotonaccountofanyworks,asisevidentintheterrorsofconscience,becausenoneofourworkscanbeopposedtoGod'swrath,asPaulclearlysays,Rom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist,bywhomalsowehaveaccessbyfaith,etc.75]ButbecausefaithmakessonsofGod,italsomakescoheirswithChrist.Therefore,becausebyourworkswedonotmeritjustification,throughwhichwearemadesonsofGod,andcoheirswithChrist,wedonotbyourworksmeriteternallife;forfaithobtainsthis,becausefaithjustifiesusandhasareconciledGod.Buteternallifeisduethejustified,accordingtothepassageRom.8,30:WhomHejustified,themHealsoglorified.76]Paul,Eph.6,2,commends

Page32of154

tousthecommandmentconcerninghonoringparents,bymentionoftherewardwhichisaddedtothatcommandment,wherehedoesnotmeanthatobediencetoparentsjustifies77]usbeforeGod,butthat,whenitoccursinthosewhohavebeenjustified,itmeritsothergreatrewards.YetGodexercisesHissaintsvariously,andoftendeferstherewardsoftherighteousnessofworksinorderthattheymaylearnnottotrustintheirownrighteousness,andmaylearntoseekthewillofGodratherthantherewards;asappearsinJob,inChrist,andothersaints.Andofthis,manypsalmsteachus,whichconsoleusagainstthehappinessofthewicked,asPs.37,1:Neitherbethouenvious.AndChristsays,Matt.5,10:Blessedarethey78]whicharepersecutedforrighteousness'sake;fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven.Bythese79]praisesofgoodworks,believersareundoubtedlymovedtodogoodworks.Meanwhile,thedoctrineofrepentanceisalsoproclaimedagainstthegodless,whoseworksarewicked;andthewrathofGodisdisplayed,80]whichHehasthreatenedallwhodonotrepent.Wethereforepraiseandrequiregoodworks,andshowmanyreasonswhytheyoughttobedone.ThusofworksPaulalsoteacheswhenhesays,Rom.4,9sq.,thatAbrahamreceivedcircumcision,notinorderthatbythisworkhemightbejustified;forbyfaithhehadalreadyattaineditthathewasaccountedrighteous.Butcircumcisionwasaddedinorderthathemighthaveinhisbodyawrittensign,admonishedbywhichhemightexercisefaith,andbywhichalsohemightconfesshisfaithbeforeothers,and,byhistestimony,mightinviteotherstobelieve.81]ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrifice,Heb.11,4.Because,therefore,hewasjustbyfaith,thesacrificewhichhemadewaspleasingtoGod;notthatbythisworkhemeritedtheremissionofsinsandgrace,butthatheexercisedhisfaithandshowedittoothers,inordertoinvitethemtobelieve.82]Althoughinthiswaygoodworksoughttofollowfaith,menwhocannotbelieveandbesurethatforChrist'ssaketheyarefreelyforgiven,andthatfreelyforChrist'ssaketheyhaveareconciledGod,employworksfarotherwise.Whentheyseetheworksofsaints,theyjudgeinahumanmannerthatsaintshavemeritedtheremissionofsinsandgracethroughtheseworks.Accordingly,theyimitatethem,andthinkthatthroughsimilarworkstheymerittheremissionofsinsandgrace;theythinkthatthroughtheseworkstheyappeasethewrathofGod,andattainthatforthesakeoftheseworkstheyareaccountedrighteous.83]Thisgodlessopinionconcerningworkswecondemn.Inthefirstplace,becauseitobscuresthegloryofChristwhenmenoffertoGodtheseworksasapriceandpropitiation.Thishonor,duetoChristalone,isascribedtoourworks.Secondly,theyneverthelessdonotfind,intheseworks,peaceofconscience,butintrueterrors,heapingupworksuponworks,theyatlengthdespairbecausetheyfindnoworksufficientlypure[sufficientlyimportantandprecioustopropitiateGod,toobtainwithcertaintyeternallife,inaword,totranquilizeandpacifytheconscience].TheLawalwaysaccuses,andproduceswrath.Thirdly,suchpersonsneverattaintheknowledgeofGod[norofHiswill];for,asinangertheyfleefromGod,whojudgesandafflictsthem,theyneverbelievethattheyareheard.84]ButfaithmanifeststhepresenceofGod,sinceitiscertainthatGodfreelyforgivesandhearsus.85]Moreover,thisgodlessopinionconcerningworksalwayshasexistedintheworld[stickstotheworldquitetightly].Theheathenhadsacrifices,derivedfromthefathers.Theyimitatedtheirworks.Theirfaiththeydidnotretain,butthoughtthattheworkswereapropitiationandpriceonaccountofwhichGodwouldbereconciledtothem.86]ThepeopleintheLaw[theIsraelites]imitatedsacrificeswiththeopinionthatbymeansoftheseworkstheywouldappeaseGod,sotosay,exopereoperato.Weseeherehowearnestlytheprophetsrebukethepeople:Ps.50,8:Iwillnotreprovetheeforthysacrifices,andJer.7,22:Ispakenotuntoyourfathersconcerningburntofferings.Suchpassagescondemnnotworks,whichGodcertainlyhadcommandedasoutwardexercisesinthisgovernment,buttheycondemnthegodlessopinion

Page33of154

accordingtowhichtheythoughtthatbytheseworkstheyappeasedthewrathofGod,and87]thuscastawayfaith.Andbecausenoworkspacifytheconscience,newworks,inadditiontoGod'scommands,werefromtimetotimedevised[thehypocritesneverthelessusedtoinventoneworkafteranother,onesacrificeafteranother,byablindguessandinrecklesswantonness,andallthiswithoutthewordandcommandofGod,withwickedconscienceaswehaveseeninthePapacy].ThepeopleofIsraelhadseentheprophetssacrificingonhighplaces[andingroves].Besides,theexamplesofthesaintsverygreatlymovethemindsofthose,hopingbysimilarworkstoobtaingracejustasthesesaintsobtainedit.[Butthesaintsbelieved.]Whereforethepeoplebegan,withremarkablezeal,toimitatethiswork,inorderthatbysuchawork[theymightappeasethewrathofGod]theymightmeritremissionofsins,grace,andrighteousness.Buttheprophetshadbeensacrificingonhighplaces,notthatbytheseworkstheymightmerittheremissionofsinsandgrace,butbecauseontheseplacestheytaught,and,accordingly,presentedthereatestimonyoftheirfaith.88]ThepeoplehadheardthatAbrahamhadsacrificedhisson.Whereforetheyalso,inordertoappeaseGodbyamostcruelanddifficultwork,puttodeaththeirsons.ButAbrahamdidnotsacrificehissonwiththeopinionthatthisworkwasapriceandpropitiatoryworkforthesakeofwhichhewasaccountedrighteous.89]ThusintheChurchtheLord'sSupperwasinstitutedthatbyremembranceofthepromisesofChrist,ofwhichweareadmonishedinthissign,faithmightbestrengthenedinus,andwemightpubliclyconfessourfaith,andproclaimthebenefitsofChrist,asPaulsays,1Cor.11,26:Asoftenasyeeatthisbreadanddrinkthiscup,yedoshowtheLord'sdeath,etc.Butouradversariescontendthatthemassisaworkthatjustifiesusexopereoperato,andremovestheguiltandliabilitytopunishmentinthoseforwhomitiscelebrated;forthuswritesGabriel.90]Anthony,Bernard,Dominicus,Franciscus,andotherholyFathersselectedacertainkindoflifeeitherforthesakeofstudy[ofmorereadilyreadingtheHolyScriptures]orotherusefulexercises.InthemeantimetheybelievedthatbyfaiththeywereaccountedrighteousforChrist'ssake,andthatGodwasgracioustothem,notonaccountofthoseexercisesoftheirown.ButthemultitudesincethenhasimitatednotthefaithoftheFathers,buttheirexamplewithoutfaith,inorderthatbysuchworkstheymightmerittheremissionofsins,grace,andrighteousness;theydidnotbelievethattheyreceivedthesefreelyonaccountofChristasPropitiator.[Thusthehumanmindalwaysexaltsworkstoohighly,andputstheminthewrongplace.AndthiserrortheGospelreproves,whichteachesthatmenareaccountedrighteousnotforthesakeoftheLaw,butforthesakeofChristalone.Christ,however,isapprehendedbyfaithalone;whereforeweareaccountedrighteousbyfaithaloneforChrist'ssake.]Thustheworldjudgesofallworks91]thattheyareapropitiationbywhichGodisappeased;thattheyareapricebecauseofwhichweareaccountedrighteous.ItdoesnotbelievethatChristisPropitiator;itdoesnotbelievethatbyfaithwefreelyattainthatweareaccountedrighteousforChrist'ssake.And,nevertheless,sinceworkscannotpacifytheconscience,othersarecontinuallychosen,newritesareperformed,newvowsmade,andnewordersofmonksformedbeyondthecommandofGod,inorderthat92]somegreatworkmaybesoughtwhichmaybesetagainstthewrathandjudgmentofGod.ContrarytoScripture,theadversariesupholdthesegodlessopinionsconcerningworks.Buttoascribetoourworksthesethings,namely,thattheyareapropitiation,thattheymerittheremissionofsinsandgrace,thatforthesakeoftheseandnotbyfaith,forthesakeofChristasPropitiatorweareaccountedrighteousbeforeGod,whatelseisthisthantodenyChristthehonorofMediatorand93]Propitiator?Although,therefore,we,believeandteachthatgoodworksmustnecessarilybedone(fortheinchoatefulfillingoftheLawoughttofollowfaith),neverthelesswegivetoChristHisownhonor.Webelieveandteachthatbyfaith,forChrist'ssake,weareaccountedrighteousbeforeGod,thatwearenotaccountedrighteousbecauseofworkswithoutChristasMediator,thatbyworkswedonot

Page34of154

merittheremissionofsins,grace,andrighteousness,thatwecannotsetourworksagainstthewrathandjusticeofGod,thatworkscannotovercometheterrorsofsin,butthattheterrorsofsinareovercomebyfaithalone,94]thatonlyChristtheMediatoristobepresentedbyfaithagainstthewrathandjudgmentofGod.Ifanyonethinkdifferently,hedoesnotgiveChristduehonor,whohasbeensetforththatHemightbeaPropitiator,thatthroughHim95]wemighthaveaccesstotheFather.Wearespeakingnowoftherighteousnessthroughwhichwetreatwith96]God,notwithmen,butbywhichweapprehendgraceandpeaceofconscience.Consciencehowever,cannotbepacifiedbeforeGod,unlessbyfaithalone,whichiscertainthatGodforChrist'ssakeisreconciledtous,accordingtoRom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeace,becausejustificationisonlyamatterfreelypromisedforChrist'ssake,andthereforeisalwaysreceivedbeforeGodbyfaithalone.97]Now,then,wewillreplytothosepassageswhichtheadversariescite,inordertoprovethatwearejustifiedbyloveandworks.From1Cor.13,2theycite:ThoughIhaveallfaith,etc.,andhavenotcharity,Iamnothing.Andheretheytriumphgreatly.PaultestifiestotheentireChurch,theysay,thatfaithalonedoesnotjustify.98]Butareplyiseasyafterwehaveshownabovewhatweholdconcerningloveandworks.ThispassageofPaulrequireslove.Wealsorequirethis.ForwehavesaidabovethatrenewalandtheinchoatefulfillingoftheLawmustexistinus,accordingtoJer.31,33:IwillputMyLawintheirinwardparts,andwriteitintheirhearts.Ifanyoneshouldcastawaylove,eventhoughhehavegreatfaith,yethedoesnotretainit,99]forhedoesnotretaintheHolyGhost[hebecomescoldandisnowagainfleshly,withoutSpiritandfaith;fortheHolyGhostisnotwhereChristianloveandotherfruitsoftheSpiritarenot].NorindeeddoesPaulinthispassagetreatofthemodeofjustification,buthewritestothosewho,aftertheyhadbeenjustified,shouldbeurgedtobringforthgoodfruitslesttheymightlosetheHolyGhost.100]Theadversariesfurthermore,treatthematterpreposterously:theycitethisonepassage,inwhichPaulteachesconcerningfruits,theyomitverymanyotherpassages,inwhichinaregularorderhediscussesthemodeofjustification.Besides,theyalwaysaddacorrectiontotheotherpassages,whichtreatoffaith,namely,thattheyoughttobeunderstoodasapplyingtofidesformata.HeretheyaddnocorrectionthatthereisalsoneedofthefaiththatholdsthatweareaccountedrighteousforthesakeofChristasPropitiator.ThustheadversariesexcludeChristfromjustificationandteachonlyarighteousnessoftheLaw.ButletusreturntoPaul.101]Noonecaninferanythingmorefromthistextthanthatloveisnecessary.Thisweconfess.Soalsonottocommittheftisnecessary.Butthereasoningwillnotbecorrectifsomeonewoulddesiretoframethenceanargumentsuchasthis:"Nottocommittheftisnecessary.Therefore,nottocommittheftjustifies."Becausejustificationisnottheapprovalofacertainwork,butoftheentireperson.HencethispassagefromPauldoesnotharmus;onlytheadversariesmustnotinimaginationaddtoitwhatevertheyplease.Forhedoesnotsaythatlovejustifies,but:["AndifIhavenotlove"]"Iamnothing,"namely,thatfaith,howevergreatitmayhavebeen,isextinguished.Hedoesnotsaythatloveovercomestheterrorsofsinandofdeath,thatwecansetourloveagainstthewrathandjudgmentofGod,thatourlovesatisfiesGod'sLaw,thatwithoutChristasPropitiatorwehaveaccess,byourlove,toGod,thatbyourlovewereceivethepromisedremissionofsins.Paulsaysnothingofthis.Hedoesnot,therefore,thinkthatlovejustifies,becausewearejustifiedonlywhenweapprehendChristasPropitiator,andbelievethatforChrist'ssakeGodisreconciledtous.NeitherisjustificationeventobedreamedofwiththeomissionofChristasPropitiator.102]IftherebenoneedofChrist,ifbyourlovewecanovercomedeath,ifbyourlove,withoutChristasPropitiator,wehaveaccesstoGod,thenletouradversariesremovethepromiseconcerningChrist,thenletthemabolishtheGospel[whichteachesthatwehaveaccesstoGodthroughChristasPropitiator,andthatweareacceptednotforthesakeofourfulfillingoftheLaw,butforChrist'ssake].103]Theadversariescorruptverymanypassages,

Page35of154

becausetheybringtothemtheirownopinions,anddonotderivethemeaningfromthepassagesthemselves.Forwhatdifficultyisthereinthispassageifweremovetheinterpretationwhichtheadversaries,whodonotunderstandwhatjustificationisorhowitoccurs[whatfaithis,whatChristis,orhowamanisjustifiedbeforeGod],outoftheirownmindattachtoit?TheCorinthians,beingjustifiedbefore,hadreceivedmanyexcellentgifts.Inthebeginningtheyglowedwithzeal,justasisgenerallythecase.Thendissensions[factionsandsects]begantoariseamongthem,asPaulindicates;theybegantodislikegoodteachers.Accordingly,Paulreprovesthem,recallingthem[tounityand]toofficesoflove.Althoughthesearenecessary,yetitwouldbefoolishtoimaginethatworksoftheSecondTable,throughwhichwehavetodowithmanandnotproperlywithGod,justifyus.ButinjustificationwehavetotreatwithGod;HiswrathmustbeappeasedandconsciencemustbepacifiedwithrespecttoGod.NoneoftheseoccurthroughtheworksoftheSecondTable[bylove,butonlybyfaith,whichapprehendsChristandthepromiseofGod.However,itistruethatlosingloveinvolveslosingtheSpiritandfaith.AndthusPaulsays:IfIhavenotlove,Iamnothing.But,hedoesnotaddtheaffirmativestatement,thatlovejustifiesinthesightofGod].104]Buttheyobjectthatloveispreferredtofaithandhope.ForPaulsays,1Cor.13,13:Thegreatestoftheseischarity.Now,itisreasonablethatthegreatestandchiefvirtueshouldjustify,105]althoughPaul,inthispassage,properlyspeaksoflovetowardsone'sneighbor,andindicatesthatloveisthegreatest,becauseithasmostfruits.FaithandhopehavetodoonlywithGod;butlovehasinfiniteofficesexternallytowardsmen.[Lovegoesforthuponearthamongthepeople,anddoesmuchgood,byconsoling,teaching,instructing,helping,counselingprivatelyandpublicly.]Nevertheless,letus,indeed,granttotheadversariesthatlovetowardsGodandourneighboristhegreatestvirtue,becausethechiefcommandmentisthis:ThoushaltlovetheLord,thyGod,Matt.22,37.Buthowwilltheyinferthencethatlovejustifies?106]Thegreatestvirtue,theysay,justifies.Bynomeans.[ItwouldbetrueifwehadagraciousGodbecauseofourvirtue.Now,itwasprovenabovethatweareacceptedandjustifiedforChrist'ssake,notbecauseofourvirtue;forourvirtueisimpure.]ForjustaseventhegreatestorfirstLawdoesnotjustify,soalsothegreatestvirtueoftheLawdoesnotjustify.[ForastheLawandvirtueishigher,andourabilitytodothesameproportionatelylower,wearenotrighteousbecauseoflove.]ButthatvirtuejustifieswhichapprehendsChrist,whichcommunicatestousChrist'smerits,bywhichwereceivegraceandpeacefromGod.Butthisvirtueisfaith.Forasithasbeenoftensaid,faithisnotonlyknowledge,butmuchratherwillingtoreceiveorapprehendthosethingswhichareofferedinthepromiseconcerningChrist.107]MoreoverthisobediencetowardsGod,namely,towishtoreceivetheofferedpromise,isnolessadivineservice,latreiva,thanislove.GodwishesustobelieveHim,andtoreceivefromHimblessings,andthisHedeclarestobetruedivineservice.108]ButtheadversariesascribejustificationtolovebecausetheyeverywhereteachandrequiretherighteousnessoftheLaw.ForwecannotdenythatloveisthehighestworkoftheLaw.AndhumanwisdomgazesattheLaw,andseeksinitjustification.Accordingly,alsothescholasticdoctors,greatandtalentedmen,proclaimthisasthehighestworkoftheLaw,andascribetothisworkjustification.Butdeceivedbyhumanwisdom,theydidnotlookupontheuncovered,butupontheveiledfaceofMoses,justasthePharisees,philosophers,Mahometans.109]ButwepreachthefoolishnessoftheGospel,inwhichanotherrighteousnessisrevealednamely,thatforthesakeofChrist,asPropitiator,weareaccountedrighteous,whenwebelievethatforChrist'ssakeGodhasbeenreconciledtous.NeitherareweignoranthowfardistantthisdoctrineisfromthejudgmentofreasonandoftheLaw.NorareweignorantthatthedoctrineoftheLawconcerninglovemakesamuchgreatershow;foritiswisdom.ButwearenotashamedofthefoolishnessoftheGospel.ForthesakeofChrist's

Page36of154

glorywedefendthis,andbeseechChrist,byHisHolyGhost,toaidusthatwemaybeabletomakethisclearandmanifest.110]Theadversaries,intheConfutation,havealsocitedagainstusCol.3,14:Charity,whichisthebondofperfectness.Fromthistheyinferthatlovejustifiesbecauseitrendersmenperfect.Althoughareplyconcerningperfectioncouldherebemadeinmanyways,yetwewillsimplyrecitethemeaningofPaul.ItiscertainthatPaulspokeoflovetowardsone'sneighbor.NeithermustweindeedthinkthatPaulwouldascribeeitherjustificationorperfectiontotheworksoftheSecondTable,ratherthantothoseoftheFirst.Andifloverendermenperfect,therewillthenbenoneedofChristasPropitiator,[However,PaulteachesinallplacesthatweareacceptedonaccountofChristandnotonaccountofourlove,orourworks,oroftheLaw;fornosaint(aswasstatedbefore)perfectlyfulfilstheLaw.Thereforesinceheinallplaceswritesandteachesthatinthislifethereisnoperfectioninourworks,itisnottobethoughtthathespeakshereofpersonalperfection.]forfaithapprehendsChristonlyasPropitiator.This,however,isfardistantfromthemeaningofPaul,whoneversuffers111]ChristtobeexcludedasPropitiator.Thereforehespeaksnotofpersonalperfection,butoftheintegritycommontotheChurch[concerningtheunityoftheChurch,andthewordwhichtheyinterpretasperfectionmeansnothingelsethantobenotrent].Foronthisaccounthesaysthatloveisabondorconnection,tosignifythathespeaksofthebindingandjoiningtogetherwitheachother,ofthemanymembersoftheChurch.Forjustasinallfamiliesandinallstatesconcordshouldbenourishedbymutualoffices,andtranquillitycannotberetainedunlessmenoverlookandforgivecertainmistakesamongthemselves;soPaulcommandsthatthereshouldbeloveintheChurchinorderthatitmaypreserveconcord,bearwiththeharshermannersofbrethrenasthereisneed,overlookcertainlessseriousmistakes,lesttheChurchflyapartintovariousschisms,andenmitiesandfactionsandheresiesarisefromtheschisms.112]Forconcordmustnecessarilyberentasunderwhenevereitherthebishopsimpose,[withoutcause]uponthepeopleheavierburdens,orhavenorespecttoweaknessinthepeople.Anddissensionsarisewhenthe,peoplejudgetooseverely[quicklycensur,andcriticize]concerning.theconduct[wallandlife]ofteachers[bishopsorpreachers]ordespisetheteachersbecauseofcertainlessseriousfaults;forthenbothanotherkindofdoctrineandotherteachersaresoughtafter.113]Ontheotherhand,perfection,i.etheintegrityoftheChurch,ispreserved,whenthestrongbearwiththeweak,whenthepeopletakeingoodpartsomefaultsintheconductoftheirteachers[havepatiencealsowiththeirpreachers],whenthebishopsmakesomeallowancesfortheweaknessofthepeople[knowhowtoexerciseforbearancetothepeople,accordingtocircumstances,withrespecttoallkindsofweaknessesandfaults].114]Ofthesepreceptsofequitythebooksofallthewisearefull,namely,thatinevery‐daylifeweshouldmakemanyallowancesmutuallyforthesakeofcommontranquillity.AndofthisPaulfrequentlyteachesbothhereandelsewhere.Whereforetheadversariesargueindiscreetlyfrom.theterm"perfection"thatlovejustifies,whilePaulspeaksofcommonintegrityandtranquillity.AndthusAmbroseinterpretsthispassage:Justasabuildingissaidtobeperfectorentirewhenallitspartsarefitlyjoinedtogetherwithoneanother.115]Moreover,itisdisgracefulfortheadversariestopreachsomuchconcerninglovewhiletheynowhereexhibitit.Whataretheynowdoing?Theyarerendingasunderchurches,theyarewritinglawsinblood,andareproposingtothemostclementprince,theEmperor,thattheseshouldbepromulgated;theyareslaughteringpriestsandothergoodmen,ifanyonehave[even]slightlyintimatedthathedoesnotentirelyapprovesomemanifestabuse.[Theywishalldeadwhosayasinglewordagainsttheirgodlessdoctrine.]Thesethingsarenotconsistentwiththosedeclamationsoflove,whichiftheadversarieswouldfollow,thechurcheswouldbetranquilandthestatehavepeace.Forthesetumultswouldbequietediftheadversarieswouldnotinsistwithtoomuchbitterness

Page37of154

[fromsheervengefulspiteandpharisaicalenvy,againstthetruthwhichtheyhaveperceived]uponcertaintraditions,uselessforgodliness,mostofwhichnoteventhoseverypersonsobservewhomostearnestlydefendthem.Buttheyeasilyforgivethemselves,andyetdonotlikewiseforgiveothersaccordingtothepassageinthepoet:Iforgivemyself,Maeviussaid.116]ButthisisveryfardistantfromthoseencomiumsoflovewhichtheyhererecitefromPaul,nordotheyunderstandthewordanymorethanthewallswhichgiveitback.117]FromPetertheycitealsothissentence,1Pet.4,8:Charityshallcoverthemultitudeofsins.ItisevidentthatalsoPeterspeaksoflovetowardsone'sneighbor,becausehejoinsthispassagetothepreceptbywhichhecommandsthattheyshouldloveoneanother.Neithercouldithavecomeintothemindofanyapostlethatourloveovercomessinanddeath;thatloveisthepropitiationonaccountofwhichtotheexclusionofChristasMediator,Godisreconciled;thatloveisrighteousnesswithoutChristasMediator.Forthislove,iftherewouldbeany,wouldbearighteousnessoftheLaw,andnotoftheGospel,whichpromisestousreconciliationandrighteousnessifwebelievethat,forthesakeofChristasPropitiator,theFatherhasbeenreconciled,andthatthemeritsofChristarebestoweduponus.118]Peter,accordingly,urgesus,alittlebefore,tocometoChristthatwemaybebuiltuponChrist.Andheadds,1Pet.2,4‐6:HethatbelievethonHimshallnotbeconfounded.WhenGodjudgesandconvictsus,ourlovedoesnotfreeusfromconfusion[fromourworksandlives,wetrulysuffershame].ButfaithinChristliberatesusinthesefears,becauseweknowthatforChrist'ssakeweareforgiven.119]Besides,thissentenceconcerningloveisderivedfromProv.10,12,wheretheantithesisclearlyshowshowitoughttobeunderstood:Hatredstirrethupstrifes;butlovecoverethallsins.120]ItteachespreciselythesamethingasthatpassageofPaultakenfromColossians,thatifanydissensionswouldoccurtheyshouldbemoderatedandsettledbyourequitableandlenientconduct.Dissensions,itsays,increasebymeansofhatred,asweoftenseethatfromthemosttriflingoffensestragediesarise[fromthesmallestsparksagreatconflagrationarises].CertaintriflingoffensesoccurredbetweenCaiusCaesarandPompey,inwhich,iftheonehadyieldedaverylittletotheother,civilwarwouldnothavearisen.Butwhileeachindulgedhisownhatred,fromamatterofnoaccountthegreatestcommotionsarose.121]AndmanyheresieshavearisenintheChurchonlyfromthehatredoftheteachers.Thereforeitdoesnotrefertoaperson'sownfaults,buttothefaultsofothers,whenitsays:Charitycoverethsins,namely,thoseofothers,andthat,too,amongmen,i.e.,eventhoughtheseoffensesoccur,yetloveoverlooksthem,forgives,yields,anddoesnotcarryallthingstotheextremityofjustice.Peter,therefore,doesnotmeanthatlovemeritsinGod'ssighttheremissionofsins,thatitisapropitiationtotheexclusionofChristasMediator,thatitregeneratesandjustifies,butthatitisnotmorose,harsh,intractabletowardsmen,thatitoverlookssomemistakesofitsfriends,thatittakesingoodparteventheharshermannersofothers,justasthewell‐knownmaximenjoins:Know,butdonothate,themannersofafriend.122]Norwasitwithoutdesignthattheapostletaughtsofrequentlyconcerningthisofficewhatthephilosopherscallejpieivkeian,leniency.Forthisvirtueisnecessaryforretainingpublicharmony[intheChurchandthecivilgovernment],whichcannotlastunlesspastorsandChurchesmutuallyoverlookandpardonmanythings[iftheywanttobeextremelyparticularabouteverydefect,anddonotallowmanythingstoflowbywithoutnoticingthem].123]FromJames2,24theycite:Yesee,then,howbyworksamanisjustified,andnotbyfaithalone.Norisanyotherpassagesupposedtobemorecontrarytoourbelief.Butthereplyiseasyandplain.Iftheadversariesdonotattachtheirownopinionsconcerningthemeritsofworks,thewordsofJameshaveinthemnothingthatisofdisadvantage.Butwhereverthereismentionofworks,theadversariesaddfalselytheirowngodlessopinions,thatbymeansofgoodworkswemerittheremissionofsins;thatgoodworksareapropitiationandpriceon

Page38of154

accountofwhichGodisreconciledtous;thatgoodworksovercometheterrorsofsinandofdeath,thatgoodworksareacceptedinGod'ssightonaccountoftheirgoodness;andthattheydonotneedmercyandChristasPropitiator.NoneofallthesethingscameintothemindofJames,whichtheadversariesnevertheless,defendunderthepretextofthispassageofJames.124]Inthefirstplace,then,wemustponder,this,namely,thatthepassageismoreagainsttheadversariesthanagainstus.Fortheadversariesteachthatmanisjustifiedbyloveandworks.Offaith,bywhichweapprehendChristasPropitiator,theysaynothing.Yea,theycondemnthisfaith,nordotheycondemnitonlyinsentencesandwritings,butalsobytheswordandcapitalpunishmentstheyendeavortoexterminateitintheChurch.HowmuchbetterdoesJamesteach,whodoesnotomitfaith,orpresentloveinpreferencetofaith,butretainsfaith,sothatinjustificationChristmaynotbeexcludedasPropitiator!JustasPaulalso,whenhetreatsofthesumoftheChristianlife,includesfaithandlove,1Tim.1,5:Theendofthecommandmentischarityoutofapureheart,andofagoodconscience,andoffaithunfeigned.125]Secondly,thesubjectitselfdeclaresthatheresuchworksarespokenofasfollowfaith,andshowthatfaithisnotdead,butlivingandefficaciousintheheart.James,therefore,didnotbelievethatbygoodworkswemerittheremissionofsinsandgrace.Forhespeaksoftheworksofthosewhohavebeenjustified,whohavealreadybeenreconciledandaccepted,andhaveobtainedremissionofsins.WhereforetheadversarieserrwhentheyinferthatJamesteachesthatwemeritremissionofsinsandgracebygoodworks,andthatbyourworkswehaveaccesstoGod,withoutChristasPropitiator.126]Thirdly,Jameshasspokenshortlybeforeconcerningregeneration,namely,thatitoccursthroughtheGospel.ForthushesaysJames1,18:OfHisownwillbegatHeuswiththeWordofTruth,thatweshouldbeakindoffirst‐fruitsofHiscreatures.WhenhesaysthatwehavebeenbornagainbytheGospel,heteachesthatwehavebeenbornagainandjustifiedbyfaith.ForthepromiseconcerningChristisapprehendedonlybyfaith,whenwesetitagainsttheterrorsofsinandofdeath.Jamesdoesnot,therefore,thinkthatwearebornagainbyourworks.127]FromthesethingsitisclearthatJamesdoesnotcontradictus,who,whencensuringidleandsecureminds,thatimaginethattheyhavefaith,althoughtheydonothaveit,madeadistinctionbetweendeadandlivingfaith.128]Hesaysthatthatisdeadwhichdoesnotbringforthgoodworks[andfruitsoftheSpiritobedience,patience,chastity,love];hesaysthatthatislivingwhichbringsforthgoodworks.Furthermore,wehavefrequentlyalreadyshownwhatwetermfaith.Forwedonotspeakofidleknowledge[thatmerelythehistoryconcerningChristshouldbeknown],suchasdevilshave,butoffaithwhichresiststheterrorsofconscience,andcheersandconsolesterrifiedhearts[thenewlightandpowerwhichtheHolyGhostworksintheheart,throughwhichweovercometheterrorsofdeath,ofsin,etc.].129]Suchfaithisneitheraneasymatter,astheadversariesdream[astheysay:Believe,believe,howeasyitistobelieve!etc.],norahumanpower[thoughtwhichIcanformformyself],butadivinepower,bywhichwearequickened,andbywhichweovercomethedevilanddeath.JustasPaulsaystotheColossians,2,12thatfaithisefficaciousthroughthepowerofGod,andovercomesdeath:WhereinalsoyearerisenwithHimthroughthefaithoftheoperationofGod.Sincethisfaithisanewlife,itnecessarilyproducesnewmovementsandworks.[Becauseitisanewlightandlifeintheheart,wherebyweobtainanothermindandspirit,itisliving,productive,andrichingoodworks.]Accordingly,Jamesisrightindenyingthatwearejustifiedbysuchafaithasis130]withoutworks.Butwhenhesaysthatwearejustifiedbyfaithandworks,hecertainlydoesnotsaythatwearebornagainbyworks.Neitherdoeshesaythis,thatpartlyChristisour

Page39of154

Propitiator,andpartlyourworksareourpropitiation.Nordoeshedescribethemodeofjustification,butonlyofwhatnaturethejustare,aftertheyhavebeenalreadyjustifiedandregenerated.[Forheisspeakingofworkswhichshouldfollowfaith.Thereitiswellsaid:Hewhohasfaithandgoodworksisrighteous,notindeed,onaccountoftheworks,butforChrist'ssake,throughfaith.Andasagoodtreeshouldbringforthgoodfruit,andyetthefruitdoesnotmakethetreegood,sogoodworksmustfollowthenewbirth,althoughtheydonotmakemanacceptedbeforeGod;butasthetreemustfirstbegood,soalsomustmanbefirstacceptedbeforeGodbyfaithforChrist'ssake.TheworksaretooinsignificanttorenderGodgracioustousfortheirsake,ifHewerenotgracioustousforChrist'ssake.ThereforeJamesdoesnotcontradictSt.Paul,anddoesnotsaythatbyourworkswemerit,etc.]131]Andheretobejustifieddoesnotmeanthatarighteousmanismadefromawickedman,buttobepronouncedrighteousinaforensicsense,asalsointhepassageRom.2,13:ThedoersoftheLawshallbejustified.As,therefore,thesewords:ThedoersoftheLawshallbejustified,containnothingcontrarytoourdoctrine,so,too,webelieveconcerningthewordsofJames:Byworksamanisjustified,andnotbyfaithalone,becausemenhavingfaithandgoodworksarecertainlypronouncedrighteous.For,aswehavesaid,thegoodworksofsaintsarerighteous,andpleaseonaccountoffaith.ForJamescommendsonlysuchworksasfaithproduces,ashetestifieswhenhesaysofAbraham,2,22:Faithwroughtwithhisworks.Inthissenseitissaid:ThedoersoftheLawarejustified,i.e.,theyarepronouncedrighteouswhofromtheheartbelieveGod,andafterwardshavegoodfruits,whichpleaseHimonaccountoffaith,and,accordingly,arethefulfilmentoftheLaw.132]Thesethings,simplyspoken,containnothingerroneous,buttheyaredistortedbytheadversaries,whoattachtothemgodlessopinionsoutoftheirmind.Foritdoesnotfollowhencethatworksmerittheremissionofsinsthatworksregeneratehearts;thatworksareapropitiation;thatworkspleasewithoutChristasPropitiator;thatworksdonotneedChristasPropitiator.Jamessaysnothingofthesethings,which,nevertheless,theadversariesshamelesslyinferfromthewordsofJames.133]Certainotherpassagesconcerningworksarealsocitedagainstus.Luke6,37:Forgive,andyeshallbeforgiven.Is.58,7[9]:Isitnottodealthybreadtothehungry?...Thenshaltthoucall,andtheLordwillanswer.Dan.4,24[27]:Breakoffthysins,byshowingmercytothepoor.Matt.5,3:Blessedarethepoorinspirit;fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven;134]and5,7:Blessedarethemerciful;fortheyshallobtainmercy.Eventhesepassageswouldcontainnothingcontrarytousiftheadversarieswouldnotfalselyattachsomethingtothem.Fortheycontaintwothings:TheoneisapreachingeitheroftheLaworofrepentance,whichnotonlyconvictsthosedoingwrong,butalsoenjoinsthemtodowhatisright;theotherisapromisewhichisadded.Butitisnotaddedthatsinsareremittedwithoutfaith,orthatworksthemselvesareapropitiation.135]Moreover,inthepreachingoftheLawthesetwothingsoughtalwaystobeunderstoodnamely:First,thattheLawcannotbeobservedunlesswehavebeenregeneratedbyfaithinChrist,justasChristsays,John15,5:WithoutMeyecandonothing.Secondly,andthoughsomeexternalworkscancertainlybedone,thisgeneraljudgment:WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,whichinterpretsthewholeLaw,mustberetained;andtheGospelmustberetained,thatthroughChristwehaveaccesstotheFather,136]Heb.10,19;Rom.5,2.ForitisevidentthatwearenotjustifiedbytheLaw.Otherwise,whywouldtherebeneedofChristortheGospel,ifthepreachingoftheLawalonewouldbesufficient?Thusinthepreachingofrepentance,thepreachingoftheLaw,ortheWordconvictingofsin,isnotsufficient,becausetheLawworkswrath,andonlyaccuses,onlyterrifiesconsciences,becauseconsciencesneverareatrest,unlesstheyhearthevoiceofGodinwhichtheremissionofsinsisclearlypromised.Accordingly,theGospelmustbeadded,thatforChrist'ssakesinsareremitted,andthatweobtainremissionofsinsbyfaithinChrist.IftheadversariesexcludetheGospelofChristfromthepreachingofrepentance,theyarejudgedarighttobe

Page40of154

blasphemersagainstChrist.137]Therefore,whenIsaiah,1,16‐18,preachesrepentance:Ceasetodoevil;learntodowell;seekjudgment,relievetheoppressed,judgethefatherless,pleadforthewidow.Comenowandletusreasontogether,saiththeLord;thoughyoursinsbeasscarlettheyshallbewhiteassnow,theprophetthusbothexhortstorepentance,andaddsthepromise.Butitwouldbefoolishtoconsiderinsuchasentenceonlythewords:Relievetheoppressed;judgethefatherless.Forhesaysinthebeginning:Ceasetodoevil,wherehecensuresimpietyofheartandrequiresfaith.Neitherdoestheprophetsaythatthroughtheworks:Relievetheoppressed,judgethefatherless,theycanmerittheremissionofsinsexopereoperato,buthecommandssuchworksasarenecessaryinthenewlife.Yet,inthemeantime,hemeansthatremissionofsinsisreceivedbyfaith,andaccordinglythepromiseisadded.138]Thuswemustunderstandallsimilarpassages.ChristpreachesrepentancewhenHesays:Forgive,andHeaddsthepromise:Andyeshallbeforgiven,Luke6,37.Nor,indeeddoesHesaythis,namely,that,whenweforgive,bythisworkofourswemerittheremissionofsinsexopereoperato,astheytermit,butHerequiresanewlife,whichcertainlyisnecessary.Yet,inthemeantime,Hemeansthatremissionofsinsisreceivedbyfaith.Thus,whenIsaiahsays,58,7:Dealthybreadtothehungry,herequiresanewlife.Nordoestheprophetspeakofthisworkalone,but,asthetextindicates,oftheentirerepentance;139]yet,inthemeantime,heintendsthatremissionofsinsisreceivedbyfaith.Forthepositionissure,andnoneofthegatesofhellcanoverthrowit,thatinthepreachingofrepentancethepreachingoftheLawisnotsufflcient,becausetheLawworkswrathandalwaysaccuses.ButthepreachingoftheGospelshouldbeadded,namely,thatinthiswayremissionofsinsisgrantedus,ifwebelievethatsinsareremittedusforChrist'ssake.Otherwise,whywouldtherebeneedoftheGospel,whywouldtherebeneedofChrist?Thisbeliefoughtalwaystobeinview,inorderthatitmaybeopposedtothosewho,ChristbeingcastasideandtheGospelbeingblottedout,wickedlydistorttheScripturestothehumanopinions,thatbyourworkswepurchaseremissionofsins.140]ThusalsointhesermonofDaniel,4,24faithisrequired.[Thewordsoftheprophet,whichwerefulloffaithandspirit,wemustnotregardasheathenishasthoseofAristotle,oranyotherheathen.AristotlealsoadmonishedAlexanderthatheshouldnotusehispowerforhisownwantonness,butfortheimprovementofcountriesandmen.Thiswaswrittencorrectlyandwell;concerningtheofficeofkingnothingbettercanbepreachedorwritten.ButDanielisspeakingtohisking,notonlyconcerninghisofficeasking,butconcerningrepentance,theforgivenessofsins,reconciliationtoGod,andconcerningsublime,great,spiritualsubjects,whichfartranscendhumanthoughtsandworks.]ForDanieldidnotmeanthatthekingshouldonlybestowalms[whichevenahypocritecando],butembracesrepentancewhenhesays:Breakoff[Redeem,Vulg.]thyiniquitiesbyshowingmercytothepoor,i.e.,breakoffthysinsbyachangeofheartandworks.Butherealsofaithisrequired.AndDanielproclaimstohimmanythingsconcerningtheworshipoftheonlyGod,theGodofIsrael,andconvertsthekingnotonlytobestowalms,butmuchmoretofaith.ForwehavetheexcellentconfessionofthekingconcerningtheGodofIsrael:ThereisnootherGodthatcandeliverafterthissort,Dan.3,29.Therefore,inthesermonofDanieltherearetwoparts.Theonepartisthatwhichgivescommandmentconcerningthenewlifeandtheworksofthenewlife.Theotherpartis,thatDanielpromisestothekingtheremissionofsins.[Now,wherethereisapromise,faithisrequired.Forthepromisecannotbereceivedinanyotherwaythanbytheheart'srelyingonsuchwordofGod,andnotregardingitsownworthinessorunworthiness.Accordingly,Danielalsodemandsfaith;forthusthepromisereads:Therewillbehealingforthyoffenses.]AndthispromiseoftheremissionofsinsisnotapreachingoftheLaw,butatrulypropheticalandevangelicalvoice,ofwhichDanielcertainlymeantthatitshouldbereceivedinfaith.141]For

Page41of154

DanielknewthattheremissionofsinsinChristwaspromisednotonlytotheIsraelites,butalsotoallnations.Otherwisehecouldnothavepromisedtothekingtheremissionofsins.Foritisnotinthepowerofman,especiallyamidtheterrorsofsin,toassert,withoutasurewordofGodconcerningGod'swill,thatHeceasestobeangry.AndthewordsofDanielspeakinhisownlanguagestillmoreclearlyofrepentance,andstillmoreclearlybringoutthepromise:Redeemthysinsbyrighteousnessandthyiniquitiesbyfavorstowardthepoor.Thesewordsteachconcerningthewholeofrepentance.[Itisasmuchastosay:Amendyourlife!Anditistrue,whenweamendourlives,webecomeridofsin.]Fortheydirecthimtobecomerighteous,thentodogoodworks,todefendthemiserableagainstinjustice,aswasthedutyofaking.142]Butrighteousnessisfaithintheheart.Moreover,sinsareredeemedbyrepentance,i.e.,theobligationorguiltisremoved,becauseGodforgivesthosewhorepent,asitiswritteninEzek.18,21.22.NorarewetoinferfromthisthatHeforgivesonaccountofworksthatfollow,onaccountofalms;butonaccountofHispromiseHeforgivesthosewhoapprehendHispromise.NeitherdoanyapprehendHispromise,exceptthosewhotrulybelieve,andbyfaithovercomesinanddeath.These,beingregenerated,oughttobringforthfruitsworthyofrepentance,justasJohnsays,Matt.3,8.Thepromise,therefore,wasadded:So,therewillbehealingforthyoffenses,Dan.4,24.[Danieldoesnotonlydemandworks,butsays:Redeemthysinsbyrighteousness.Now,everybodyknowsthatinScripturerighteousnessdoesnotmeanonlyexternalworks,butembracesfaith,asPaulsays:Iustusestfidevivet,Thejustshalllivebyhisfaith,Heb.10,38.Hence,Danielfirstdemandsfaithwhenhementionsrighteousnessandsays:Redeemthysinsbyrighteousness,thatis,byfaithtowardGod,bywhichthouartmaderighteous.Inadditiontothis,dogoodworks,administeryouroffice,donotbeatyrant,butseethatyourgovernmentbeprofitabletoyourcountryandpeople,preservepeace,andprotectthepooragainstunjustforce.Theseareprincelyalms.]143]Jeromehereaddedaparticleexpressingdoubt,thatisbesidethematter,andinhiscommentariescontendsmuchmoreunwiselythattheremissionofsinsisuncertain.ButletusrememberthattheGospelgivesasurepromiseoftheremissionofsins.AndtodenythattheremustbeasurepromiseoftheremissionofsinswouldcompletelyabolishtheGospel.LetusthereforedismissJeromeconcerningthispassage.Althoughthepromiseisdisplayedeveninthewordredeem.Foritsignifiesthattheremissionofsinsispossible,thatsinscanberedeemed,i.e.,thattheirobligationorguiltcanberemoved,orthewrathofGodappeased.Butouradversaries,overlookingthepromises,everywhere,consideronlytheprecepts,andattachfalselythehumanopinionthatremissionoccursonaccountofworks,althoughthetextdoesnotsaythis,butmuchratherrequiresfaith.Forwhereverapromiseis,therefaithisrequired.Forapromisecannotbereceivedunlessbyfaith.[ThesameanswermustalsobegiveninreferencetothepassagefromtheGospel:Forgive,andyouwillbeforgiven.Forthisisjustsuchadoctrineofrepentance.Thefirstpartinthispassagedemandsamendmentoflifeandgoodworks,theotherpartaddsthepromise.Norarewetoinferfromthisthatourforgivingmeritsforusexopereoperatoremissionofsin.ForthatisnotwhatChristsays,butasinothersacramentsChristhasattachedthepromisetoanexternalsign,soHeattachesthepromiseoftheforgivenessofsininthisplacetoexternalgoodworks.AndasintheLord'sSupperwedonotobtainforgivenessofsinwithoutfaith,exopereoperato,soneitherinthisaction,whenweforgive.For,ourforgivingisnotagoodwork,exceptitisperformedbyapersonwhosesinshavebeenpreviouslyforgivenbyGodinChrist.If,therefore,ourforgivingistopleaseGod,itmustfollowaftertheforgivenesswhichGodextendstous.For,asarule,Christcombinesthesetwo,theLawandtheGospel,bothfaithandgoodworks,inordertoindicatethat,wheregoodworksdonotfollow,thereisnofaitheither,thatwemayhaveexternalmarks,whichremindusoftheGospelandtheforgivenessofsin,forourcomfort,andthatthusourfaithmaybeexercisedinmanyways.Inthismannerwearetounderstandsuchpassages,otherwisetheywoulddirectlycontradicttheentireGospel,andourbeggarlyworkswouldbeputinthe

Page42of154

placeofChrist,whoaloneistobethepropitiation,whichnomanisbyanymeanstodespise.Again,ifthesepassagesweretobeunderstoodasrelatingtoworks,theremissionofsinswouldbequiteuncertain;foritwouldrestonapoorfoundation,onourmiserableworks.]144]Butworksbecomeconspicuousamongmen.Humanreasonnaturallyadmiresthese,andbecauseitseesonlyworks,anddoesnotunderstandorconsiderfaith,itdreamsaccordinglythattheseworksmeritremissionofsinsandjustify.ThisopinionoftheLawinheresbynatureinmen'sminds;145]neithercanitbeexpelled,unlesswhenwearedivinelytaught.ButthemindmustberecalledfromsuchcarnalopinionstotheWordofGod.WeseethattheGospelandthepromiseconcerningChristhavebeenlaidbeforeus.When,therefore,theLawispreached,whenworksareenjoined,weshouldnotspurnthepromiseconcerningChrist.Butthelattermustfirstbeapprehended,inorderthatwemaybeabletoproducegoodworks,andourworksmaypleaseGod,asChristsays,John15,5:WithoutMeyecandonothing.Therefore,ifDanielwouldhaveusedsuchwordsasthese:"Redeemyoursinsbyrepentance,"theadversarieswouldtakenonoticeofthispassage.Now,sincehehasactuallyexpressedthisthoughtinapparentlyotherwords,theadversariesdistorthiswordstotheinjuryofthedoctrineofgraceandfaith,althoughDanielmeantmostespeciallytoincludefaith.Thus,therefore,wereplytothewordsofDaniel,that,inasmuchasheispreachingrepentance,heisteachingnotonlyofworks,butalsooffaith,asthenarrativeitselfinthecontexttestifies.Secondly,becauseDanielclearlypresentsthepromise,henecessarilyrequiresfaithwhichbelievesthatsinsarefreelyremittedbyGod.AIthough,therefore,inrepentancehementionsworks,yetDanieldoesnotsaythatbytheseworkswemeritremissionofsins.ForDanielspeaksnotonlyoftheremissionofthepunishment;becauseremissionofthepunishmentissoughtforinvain,unlesstheheartfirstreceivetheremissionofguilt.Besides,iftheadversariesunderstandDanielasspeakingonlyoftheremissionofpunishment,thispassagewillprovenothingagainstus,becauseitwillthusbenecessaryforeventhemtoconfessthattheremissionofsinandfreejustificationprecede.Afterwardsevenweconcedethatthepunishmentsbywhichwearechastised,aremitigatedbyourprayersandgoodworks,andfinallybyourentirerepentance,accordingto1Cor.11,31:Forifwewouldjudgeourselves,weshouldnotbejudged.AndJer.15,19:Ifthoureturn,thenwillIbringtheeagain.AndZech.1,3:TurnyeuntoMe,andIwillturnuntoyou.AndPs.50,15:CalluponMeinthedayoftrouble.148]Letus,therefore,inallourencomiumsuponworksandinthepreachingoftheLawretainthisrule:thattheLawisnotobservedwithoutChrist.AsHeHimselfhassaid:WithoutMeyecandonothing.Likewisethat:WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,Heb.11,6.ForitisverycertainthatthedoctrineoftheLawisnotintendedtoremovetheGospel,andtoremoveChristasPropitiator.AndletthePharisees,ouradversaries,becursed,whosointerprettheLawastoascribethegloryofChristtoworks,namely,thattheyareapropitiation,thattheymerittheremissionofsins.Itfollows,therefore,thatworksarealwaysthuspraised,namely,thattheyarepleasingonaccountoffaith,asworksdonotpleasewithoutChristasPropitiator.ByHimwehaveaccesstoGod,Rom.5,2,notbyworks,withoutChristasMediator.149]Therefore,whenitissaid,Matt.19,17:Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments,wemustbelievethatwithoutChristthecommandmentsarenotkept,andwithoutHimcannotplease.ThusintheDecalogitself,intheFirstCommandment,Ex.20,6:ShowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatloveMeandkeepMycommandments,themostliberalpromiseoftheLawisadded.ButthisLawisnotobservedwithoutChrist.ForitalwaysaccusestheconsciencewhichdoesnotsatisfytheLaw,andthereforeinterror,fliesfromthejudgmentandpunishmentoftheLaw.BecausetheLawworkethwrath,Rom.4,15.ManobservestheLawhowever,whenhehearsthatforChrist'ssakeGodisreconciledtous,eventhoughwecannotsatisfytheLaw.When,bythisfaithChristisapprehendedasMediator,theheartfindsrest,and

Page43of154

beginstoloveGodandobservetheLaw,andknowsthatnow,becauseofChristasMediator,itispleasingtoGod,eventhoughtheinchoatefulfillingoftheLaw150]befarfromperfectionandbeveryimpure.Thuswemustjudgealsoconcerningthepreachingofrepentance.Foralthoughinthedoctrineofrepentancethescholasticshavesaidnothingatallconcerningfaith,yetwethinkthatnoneofouradversariesissomadastodenythatabsolutionisavoiceoftheGospel.Andabsolutionoughttobereceivedbyfaith,inorderthatitmaycheertheterrifiedconscience.151]Thereforethedoctrineofrepentance,becauseitnotonlycommandsnewworks,butalsopromisestheremissionofsins,necessarilyrequiresfaith.Fortheremissionofsinsisnotreceivedunlessbyfaith.Therefore,inthosepassagesthatrefertorepentance,weshouldalwaysunderstandthatnotonlyworks,butalsofaithisrequired,asinMatt.6,14:Forifyeforgivementheirtrespasses,yourheavenlyFatherwillalsoforgiveyou.Hereaworkisrequired,andthepromiseoftheremissionofsinsisadded,whichdoesnotoccuronaccountofthework,butthroughfaith,onaccountofChrist.152]JustasScripturetestifiesinmanypassages:Acts10,43:ToHimgivealltheprophetswitnessthatthroughHisname,whosoeverbelievethinHim,shallreceiveremissionofsins;and1John2,12:YoursinsareforgivenyouforHisname'ssake;Eph.1,7:Inwhom153]wehaveredemptionthroughHisblood,theforgivenessofsins.Althoughwhatneedistheretorecitetestimonies?ThisistheveryvoicepeculiartotheGospel,namely,thatforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofourworks,weobtainbyfaithremissionofsins.OuradversariesendeavortosuppressthisvoiceoftheGospelbymeansofdistortedpassageswhichcontainthedoctrineoftheLaw,orofworks.Foritistruethatinthedoctrineofrepentanceworksarerequired,becausecertainlyanewlifeisrequired.Butheretheadversarieswronglyaddthatbysuchworkswemerittheremissionofsins,orjustification.154]AndyetChristoftenconnectsthepromiseoftheremissionofsinstogoodworks,notbecauseHemeansthatgoodworksareapropitiation,fortheyfollowreconciliation;butfortworeasons.Oneis,becausegoodfruitsmustnecessarilyfollow.ThereforeHeremindsusthat,ifgoodfruitsdonotfollow,therepentanceishypocriticalandfeigned.Theotherreasonis,becausewehaveneedofexternalsignsofsogreatapromise,because155]aconsciencefulloffearhasneedofmanifoldconsolation.As,therefore,BaptismandtheLord'sSupperaresignsthatcontinuallyadmonish,cheer,andencouragedespondingmindstobelievethemorefirmlythattheirsinsareforgiven,sothesamepromiseiswrittenandportrayedingoodworks,inorderthattheseworksmayadmonishustobelievethemorefirmly.Andthosewhoproducenogoodworksdonotexcitethemselvestobelieve,butdespisethesepromises.Thegodlyontheotherhand,embracethem,andrejoicethattheyhavethesignsandtestimoniesofsogreatapromise.Accordingly,theyexercisethemselvesinthesesignsandtestimonies.Justas,therefore,theLord'sSupperdoesnotjustifyusexopereoperato,withoutfaith,soalmsdonotjustifyuswithoutfaith,exopereoperato.156]SoalsotheaddressofTobias,4,11,oughttobereceived:Almsfreefromeverysinandfromdeath.Wewillnotsaythatthisishyperbole,althoughitoughtthustobereceived,soasnottodetractfromthepraiseofChrist,whoseprerogativeitistofreefromsinanddeath.ButwemustcomebacktotherulethatwithoutChristthedoctrineoftheLaw157]isofnoprofit.ThereforethosealmspleaseGodwhichfollowreconciliationorjustification,andnotthosewhichprecede.Thereforetheyfreefromsinanddeath,notexopereoperato,but,aswehavesaidaboveconcerningrepentance,thatweoughttoembracefaithanditsfruits,soherewemustsayconcerningalmsthatthisentirenewnessoflifesaves[thattheypleaseGodbecausetheyoccurinbelievers].Almsalsoaretheexercisesoffaith,whichreceivestheremissionofsinsandovercomesdeath,whileitexercisesitselfmoreandmore,andintheseexercisesreceivesstrength.Wegrantalsothis,thatalmsmeritmanyfavorsfromGod[buttheycannot

Page44of154

overcomedeath,hell,thedevil,sins,andgivetheconsciencepeace(forthismustoccuralonethroughfaithinChrist)],mitigatepunishments,andthattheymeritourdefenseinthedangersofsinsandofdeath,aswehavesaidalittlebeforeconcerningtheentirerepentance.[Thisisthesimplemeaning,whichagreesalsowithotherpassagesofScripture.ForwhereverintheScripturesgoodworksarepraised,wemustalwaysunderstandthemaccordingtotheruleofPaul,thattheLawandworksmustnotbeelevatedaboveChrist,butthatChristandfaithareasfaraboveallworksastheheavensareabovetheearth.]158]AndtheaddressofTobias,regardedasawhole,showsthatfaithisrequiredbeforealms,4,5:BemindfuloftheLord,thyGod,allthydays.Andafterwards,4,19:BlesstheLord,thyGod,always,anddesireofHimthatthywaysbedirected.This,however,belongsproperlytothatfaithofwhichwespeak,whichbelievesthatGodisreconciledtoitbecauseofHismercy,andwhichwishestobejustifiedsanctified,andgovernedbyGod.159]Butouradversaries,charmingmen,pickoutmutilatedsentences,inordertodeceivethosewhoareunskilled.Afterwardstheyattachsomethingfromtheirownopinions.Therefore,entirepassagesaretoberequired,because,accordingtothecommonprecept,itisunbecoming,beforetheentireLawisthoroughlyexamined,tojudgeorreplywhenanysingleclauseofitispresented.Andpassages,whenproducedintheirentirety,veryfrequentlybringtheinterpretationwiththem.160]Luke11,41isalsocitedinamutilatedform,namely:Givealmsofsuchthingsasyehave;and,behold,allthingsarecleanuntoyou.Theadversariesareverystupid[aredeaf,andhavecallousears;therefore,wemustsooftenetc.].FortimeandagainwehavesaidthattothepreachingoftheLawthereshouldbeaddedtheGospelconcerningChrist,becauseofwhomgoodworksarepleasing,buttheyeverywhereteach(withoutshame]that,Christbeingexcluded,161]justificationismeritedbytheworksoftheLaw.Whenthispassageisproducedunmutilated,itwillshowthatfaithisrequired.ChristrebukesthePhariseeswhothinkthattheyarecleansedbeforeGod,i.e.,thattheyarejustifiedbyfrequentablutions[byallsortsofbaptismatacarnis,thatis,byallsortsofbaths,washings,andcleansingsofthebody,ofvessels,ofgarments].JustassomePopeorothersaysofthewatersprinkledwithsaltthatitsanctifiesandcleansesthepeople;andtheglosssaysthatitcleansesfromvenialsins.SuchalsoweretheopinionsofthePhariseeswhichChristreproved,andtothisfeignedcleansingHeopposesadoublecleanness,theoneinternal,theotherexternal.Hebidsthembecleansedinwardly[(whichoccursonlythroughfaith)],andaddsconcerningtheoutwardcleanness:Givealmsofsuchthingsasyehave;and,behold,allthingsarecleanuntoyou.162]Theadversariesdonotapplyarighttheuniversalparticleallthings;forChristaddsthisconclusiontobothmembers:"Allthingswillbecleanuntoyou,ifyouwillbecleanwithin,andwilloutwardlygivealms."ForHeindicatesthatoutwardcleannessistobereferredtoworkscommandedbyGod,andnottohumantraditions,suchastheablutionswereatthattime,andthedailysprinklingofwater,thevestureofmonks,thedistinctionsoffood,andsimilaractsofostentationarenow.Buttheadversariesdistortthemeaningbysophisticallytransferringtheuniversalparticletoonlyonepart:163]"Allthingswillbecleantothosehavinggivenalms."(Asifanyonewouldinfer:Andrewispresent;thereforealltheapostlesarepresent.Whereforeintheantecedentbothmembersoughttobejoined:Believeandgivealms.Fortothistheentiremission,theentireofficeofChristpoints;tothisendHeiscomethatweshouldbelieveinHim.Now,ifbothpartsarecombined,believingandgivingalms,itfollowsrightlythatallthingsareclean:theheartbyfaith,theexternalconversationbygoodworks.Thuswemustcombinetheentiresermon,andnotinverttheparts,andinterpretthetexttomeanthattheheartiscleansedfromsinbyalms.Moreover,therearesomewhothinkthatthesewordswerespokenbyChristagainstthePhariseesironically,asifHemeanttosay:Aye,mydearlords,robandsteal,andthengoandgivealms,andyouwillbepromptlycleansed,sothatChristwouldinasomewhatsarcasticandmockingwaypuncturetheirpharisaicalhypocrisy.For,althoughtheyabounded

Page45of154

inunbelief,avarice,andeveryevilwork,theystillobservedtheirpurifications,gavealms,andbelievedthattheywerequitepure,lovelysaints.Thisinterpretationisnotcontrarytothetext.]YetPetersays,Acts15,9,thatheartsarepurifiedbyfaith.Andwhenthisentirepassageisexamined,itpresentsameaningharmonizingwiththerestofScripture,that,iftheheartsarecleansed,andthenoutwardlyalmsareadded,i.e.,alltheworksoflove,theyarethusentirelyclean,i.e.,notonlywithin,butalsowithout.Andwhyisnottheentirediscourseaddedtoit?Therearemanypartsofthereproof,someofwhichgivecommandmentconcerningfaith,andothersconcerningworks.Norisitthepartofacandidreadertopickoutthecommandsconcerningworks,whilethepassagesconcerningfaithareomitted.164]Lastly,readersaretobeadmonishedofthis,namely,thattheadversariesgivetheworstadvicetogodlyconscienceswhentheyteachthatbyworkstheremissionofsingismerited,becauseconscience,inacquiringremissionthroughworks,cannotbeconfidentthattheworkwillsatisfyGod.Accordingly,itisalwaystormented,andcontinuallydevisesotherworksandotheractsofworship,untilitaltogetherdespairs.ThiscourseisdescribedbyPaul,Rom.4,5,whereheprovesthatthepromiseofrighteousnessisnotobtainedbecauseofourworks,becausewecouldneveraffirmthatwehadareconciledGod.FortheLawalwaysaccuses.Thusthepromisewouldbeinvainanduncertain.Heaccordinglyconcludesthatthispromiseoftheremissionofsinsandofrighteousnessisreceivedbyfaith,notonaccountofworks.Thisisthetrue,simple,andgenuinemeaningofPaul,inwhichthegreatestconsolationisofferedgodlyconsciences,andthegloryofChristisshownforth,whocertainlywasgiventousforthispurpose,namely,thatthroughHimwemighthavegrace,righteousness,andpeace.165]Thusfarwehavereviewedtheprincipalpassageswhichtheadversariesciteagainstus,inordertoshowthatfaithdoesnotjustify,andthatwemerit,byourworks,remissionofsinsandgrace.Butwehopethatwehaveshownclearlyenoughtogodlyconsciencesthatthesepassagesarenotopposedtoourdoctrine;thattheadversarieswickedlydistorttheScripturestotheiropinions;thatthemostofthepassageswhichtheycitehavebeengarbled;that,whileomittingtheclearestpassagesconcerningfaith,theyonlyselectfromtheScripturespassagesconcerningworks,andeventhesetheydistort;thateverywheretheyaddcertainhumanopinionstothatwhichthewordsofScripturesay;thattheyteachtheLawinsuchamannerastosuppresstheGospelconcerningChrist.166]Fortheentiredoctrineoftheadversariesis,inpart,derivedfromhumanreason,andis,inpart,adoctrineoftheLaw,notoftheGospel.Fortheyteachtwomodesofjustification,ofwhichtheonehasbeenderivedfromreasonandtheotherfromtheLaw,notfromtheGospel,orthepromiseconcerningChrist.167]Theformermodeofjustificationwiththemis,thattheyteachthatbygoodworksmenmeritgracebothdecongruoanddecondigno.Thismodeisadoctrineofreason,becausereason,notseeingtheuncleannessoftheheart,thinksthatitpleasesGodifitperformgoodworks,andforthisreasonotherworksandotheractsofworshipareconstantlydevised,bymeningreatperil,againsttheterrorsofconscience.TheheathenandtheIsraelitesslewhumanvictims,andundertookmanyothermostpainfulworksinordertoappeaseGod'swrath.Afterwards,ordersofmonksweredevised,andtheseviedwitheachotherintheseverityoftheirobservancesagainsttheterrorsofconscienceandGod'swrath.Andthismodeofjustification,becauseitisaccordingtoreason,andisaltogetheroccupiedwithoutwardworks,canbeunderstood,andtoacertainextentberendered.AndtothisthecanonistshavedistortedthemisunderstoodChurchordinances,whichwereenactedbytheFathersforafardifferentpurpose,namely,notthatbytheseworksweshouldseekafterrighteousness,butthat,forthesakeofmutualtranquillityamongmen,theremightbeacertainorderintheChurch.InthismannertheyalsodistortedtheSacraments,andmostespeciallytheMass,throughwhich

Page46of154

theyseekexopereoperatorighteousness,grace,andsalvation.168]AnothermodeofjustificationishandeddownbythescholastictheologianswhentheyteachthatwearerighteousthroughahabitinfusedbyGod,whichislove,andthat,aidedbythishabit,weobservetheLawofGodoutwardlyandinwardly,andthatthisfulfillingoftheLawisworthyofgraceandofeternallife.ThisdoctrineisplainlythedoctrineoftheLaw.ForthatistruewhichtheLawsays:ThoushaltlovetheLord,thyGod,etc.,Deut.6,5.Thoushaltlovethyneighbor,Lev.19,18.Loveis,therefore,thefulfillingoftheLaw.169]ButitiseasyforaChristiantojudgeconcerningbothmodes,becausebothmodesexcludeChrist,andarethereforetoberejected.Intheformer,whichteachesthatourworksareapropitiationforsin,theimpietyismanifest.Thelattermodecontainsmuchthatisinjurious.Itdoesnotteachthat,whenwearebornagain,weavailourselvesofChrist.Itdoesnotteachthatjustificationistheremissionofsins.Itdoesnotteachthatweattaintheremissionofsinsbeforewelove,butfalselyrepresentsthatwerouseinourselvestheactoflove,throughwhichwemeritremissionofsins.NordoesitteachthatbyfaithinChristweovercometheterrorsofsinanddeath.Itfalselyrepresentsthat,bytheirownfulfillingoftheLaw,withoutChristasPropitiator,mencometoGod.Finally,itrepresentsthatthisveryfulfillingoftheLaw,withoutChristasPropitiator,isrighteousnessworthyofgraceandeternallife,whileneverthelessscarcelyaweakandfeeblefulfillingoftheLawoccurseveninsaints.170]ButifanyonewillonlyreflectuponitthattheGospelhasnotbeengiveninvaintotheworld,andthatChristhasnotbeenpromised,setforth,hasnotbeenborn,hasnotsuffered,hasnotrisenagaininvain,hewillmostreadilyunderstandthatwearejustifiednotfromreasonorfromtheLaw.Inregardtojustification,wethereforearecompelledtodissentfromtheadversaries.FortheGospelshowsanothermode;theGospelcompelsustoavailourselvesofChristinjustification;itteachesthatthroughHimwehaveaccesstoGodbyfaith;itteachesthatweoughttosetHimasMediatorandPropitiatoragainstGod'swrath;itteachesthatbyfaithinChristtheremissionofsinsandreconciliationarereceived,171]andtheterrorsofsinandofdeathovercome.ThusPaulalsosaysthatrighteousnessisnotoftheLaw,butofthepromise,inwhichtheFatherhaspromisedthatHewishestoforgive,thatforChrist'ssakeHewishestobereconciled.Thispromise,however,isreceivedbyfaithalone,asPaultestifies,Rom.4,13.Thisfaithalonereceivesremissionofsins,justifies,andregenerates.Thenloveandothergoodfruitsfollow.Thus,therefore,weteachthatmanisjustified,aswehaveabovesaid,whenconscience,terrifiedbythepreachingofrepentance,ischeeredandbelievesthatforChrist'ssakeithasareconciledGod.ThisfaithiscountedforrighteousnessbeforeGod,Rom.4,3.5.172]Andwheninthismannertheheartischeeredandquickenedbyfaith,itreceivestheHolyGhost,whorenewsus,sothatweareabletoobservetheLaw;sothatweareabletoloveGodandtheWordofGod,andtobesubmissivetoGodinafflictions;sothatweareabletobechaste,toloveourneighbor,etc.EventhoughtheseworksareasyetfardistantfromtheperfectionoftheLaw,yettheypleaseonaccountoffaith,bywhichweareaccountedrighteous,becausewebelievethatforChrist'ssakewehaveareconciledGod.173]ThesethingsareplainandinharmonywiththeGospel,andcanbeunderstoodbypersonsofsoundmind.Andfromthisfoundationitcaneasilybedecidedwhyweascribejustificationtofaith,andnottolove;althoughlovefollowsfaith,becauseloveisthefulfillingoftheLaw.ButPaulteachesthatwearejustifiednotfromtheLaw,butfromthepromisewhichisreceivedonlybyfaith.ForweneithercometoGodwithoutChristasMediator,norreceiveremissionofsinsforthesakeofourlove,butforthesakeofChrist.174]LikewisewearenotabletoloveGodwhileHeisangry,andtheLawalwaysaccusesus,alwaysmanifeststousanangryGod.Therefore,byfaithwemustfirstapprehendthepromisethatforChrist'ssaketheFatheris

Page47of154

reconciledandforgives.175]AfterwardswebegintoobservetheLaw.Oureyesaretobecastfarawayfromhumanreason,farawayfromMosesuponChrist,andwearetobelievethatChristisgivenus,inorderthatforHissakewemaybeaccountedrighteous.InthefleshweneversatisfytheLaw.Thus,therefore,weareaccountedrighteous,notonaccountof176]theLaw,butonaccountofChrist,becauseHismeritsaregrantedus,ifwebelieveonHim.Ifanyone,therefore,hasconsideredthesefoundations,thatwearenotjustifiedbytheLaw,becausehumannaturecannotobservetheLawofGodandcannotloveGod,butthatwearejustifiedfromthepromise,inwhich,forChrist'ssake,reconciliation,righteousness,andeternallifehavebeenpromised,hewilleasilyunderstandthatjustificationmustnecessarilybeascribedtofaith,ifheonlywillreflectuponthefactthatitisnotinvainthatChristhasbeenpromisedandsetforth,thatHehasbeenbornandhassufferedandbeenraisedagain;ifhewillreflectuponthefactthatthepromiseofgraceinChristisnotinvain,thatitwasmadeimmediatelyfromthebeginningoftheworld,apartfromandbeyondtheLaw;ifhewillreflectuponthefactthatthepromiseshouldbereceivedbyfaith,as1John5,10sq.says:HethatbelievethnotGodhathmadeHimaliar,becausehebelievethnottherecordthatGodgaveofHisSon.AndthisistherecordthatGodhathgiventouseternallife,andthislifeisinHisSon.HethathaththeSonhathlife,andhethathathnottheSonofGodhathnotlife.AndChristsays,John8,36:IftheSon,therefore,shallmakeyoufree,yeshallbefreeindeed.AndPaul,Rom.5,2:BywhomalsowehaveaccesstoGod;andheadds:byfaith.ByfaithinChrist,therefore,thepromiseofremissionofsinsandofrighteousnessisreceived.NeitherarewejustifiedbeforeGodbyreasonorbytheLaw.177]Thesethingsaresoplainandsomanifestthatwewonderthatthemadnessoftheadversariesissogreatastocallthemintodoubt.Theproofismanifestthat,sincewearejustifiedbeforeGodnotfromtheLaw,butfromthepromise,itisnecessarytoascribejustificationtofaith.Whatcanbeopposedto178]thisproof,unlesssomeonewishtoabolishtheentireGospelandtheentireChrist?ThegloryofChristbecomesmorebrilliantwhenweteachthatweavailourselvesofHimasMediatorandPropitiator.Godlyconsciencesseethatinthisdoctrinethemostabundantconsolationisofferedtothem,namely,thattheyoughttobelieveandmostfirmlyassertthattheyhaveareconciledFatherforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofourrighteousness,and179]that,nevertheless,Christaidsus,sothatweareabletoobservealsotheLaw.OfsuchgreatblessingsasthesetheadversariesdeprivetheChurchwhentheycondemn,andendeavortoefface,thedoctrineconcerningtherighteousnessoffaith.Thereforeletallwell‐disposedmindsbewareofconsentingtothegodlesscounselsoftheadversaries.InthedoctrineoftheadversariesconcerningjustificationnomentionismadeofChrist,andhowweoughttosetHimagainstthewrathofGod,asthough,indeed,wewereabletoovercomethewrathofGodbylove,ortoloveanangryGod.180]Inregardtothesethings,consciencesareleftinuncertainty.ForiftheyaretothinkthattheyhaveareconciledGodforthereasonthattheylove,andthattheyobservetheLaw,theymustneedsalwaysdoubtwhethertheyhaveareconciledGod,becausetheyeitherdonotfeelthislove,astheadversariesacknowledge,ortheycertainlyfeelthatitisverysmall;andmuchmorefrequentlydotheyfeelthattheyareangryatthejudgmentofGod,whooppresseshumannaturewithmanyterribleevils,withtroublesofthislife,theterrorsofeternalwrath,etc.When,therefore,willconsciencebeatrest,whenwillitbepacified?When,inthisdoubtandintheseterrors,willitloveGod?WhatelseisthedoctrineoftheLawthanadoctrineofdespair?181]Andletanyoneofouradversariescomeforwardwhocanteachusconcerningthislove,howhehimselflovesGod.Theydonotatallunderstandwhattheysay;theyonlyecho,justlikethewallsofahouse,thelittleword"love,"withoutunderstandingit.Soconfusedandobscureistheirdoctrine:itnotonlytransfersthegloryofChristtohumanworks,butalsoleadsconscienceseithertopresumptionortodespair.182]Butours,wehope,isreadilyunderstoodbypious

Page48of154

minds,andbringsgodlyandsalutaryconsolationtoterrifiedconsciences.Forastheadversariesquibblethatalsomanywickedmenanddevilsbelieve,wehavefrequentlyalreadysaidthatwespeakoffaithinChrist,i.e.,offaithintheremissionofsins,offaithwhichtrulyandheartilyassentstothepromiseofgrace.Thisisnotbroughtaboutwithoutagreatstruggleinhumanhearts.AndmenofsoundmindcaneasilyjudgethatthefaithwhichbelievesthatwearecaredforbyGod,andthatweareforgivenandheardbyHim,isamatterabovenature.ForofitsownaccordthehumanmindmakesnosuchdecisionconcerningGod.Thereforethisfaithofwhichwespeakisneitherinthewickednorindevils.183]Furthermore,ifanysophistcavilsthatrighteousnessisinthewill,andthereforeitcannotbeascribedtofaith,whichisintheintellect,thereplyiseasy,becauseintheschoolsevensuchpersonsacknowledgethatthewillcommandstheintellecttoassenttotheWordofGod.Wesayalsoquiteclearly:Justastheterrorsofsinanddeatharenotonlythoughtsoftheintellect,butalsohorriblemovementsofthewillfleeingGod'sjudgment,sofaithisnotonlyknowledgeintheintellect,butalsoconfidenceinthewill,i.e.,itistowishandtoreceivethatwhichisofferedinthepromise,namely,reconciliationandremissionofsins.184]Scripturethususestheterm"faith,"asthefollowingsentenceofPaultestifies,Rom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod.Moreover,inthispassage,tojustifysignifies,accordingtoforensicusage,toacquitaguiltyoneanddeclarehimrighteous,butonaccountoftherighteousnessofanother,185]namely,ofChrist,whichrighteousnessofanotheriscommunicatedtousbyfaith.Therefore,sinceinthispassageourrighteousnessistheimputationoftherighteousnessofanother,wemustherespeakconcerningrighteousnessotherwisethanwheninphilosophyorinacivilcourtweseekaftertherighteousnessofone'sownwork,whichcertainlyisinthewill.Paulaccordinglysays,1Cor.1,30:OfHimareyeinChristJesus,whoofGodismadeuntouswisdom,andRighteousness,andSanctification,andRedemption.And2Cor.5,21:186]HehathmadeHimtobesinforuswhoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim.ButbecausetherighteousnessofChristisgivenusbyfaith,faithisforthisreasonrighteousnessinusimputatively,i.e.,itisthatbywhichwearemadeacceptabletoGodonaccountoftheimputationandordinanceofGod,asPaulsays,187]Rom.4,3.5:Faithisreckonedforrighteousness.Althoughonaccountofcertaincaptiouspersonswemustsaytechnically:Faithistrulyrighteousness,becauseitisobediencetotheGospel.Foritisevidentthatobediencetothecommandofasuperioristrulyaspeciesofdistributivejustice.AndthisobediencetotheGospelisreckonedforrighteousness,sothat,onlyonaccountofthis,becausebythisweapprehendChristasPropitiator,goodworks,orobediencetotheLaw,arepleasing.ForwedonotsatisfytheLaw,butforChrist'ssakethisisforgivenus,asPaulsays,Rom.8,1:ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus.ThisfaithgivesGodthehonor,givesGod188]thatwhichisHisown,inthis,that,byreceivingthepromises,itobeysHim.JustasPaulalsosays,Rom.4,20:HestaggerednotatthepromiseofGodthroughunbelief,butwasstronginfaith,givingglorytoGod.189]ThustheworshipanddivineserviceoftheGospelistoreceivefromGodgifts;onthecontrary,theworshipoftheLawistoofferandpresentourgiftstoGod.Wecan,however,offernothingtoGodunlesswehavefirstbeenreconciledandbornagain.Thispassage,too,bringsthegreatestconsolation,asthechiefworshipoftheGospelistowishtoreceiveremissionofsins,grace,andrighteousness.OfthisworshipChristsays,John6,40:ThisisthewillofHimthatsentMe,thateveryonewhichseeththeSon,andbelievethonHim,mayhaveeverlastinglife.AndtheFathersays,Matt.17,5:ThisisMybelovedSon,190]inwhomIamwellpleased,hearyeHim.TheadversariesspeakofobediencetotheLaw;theydonotspeakofobediencetotheGospel;andyetwecannotobeytheLaw,unless,throughtheGospel,wehavebeenbornagain,sincewecannotloveGod,unlesstheremissionofsinshasbeenreceived.191]ForaslongaswefeelthatHeisangrywithus,humannaturefleesfromHiswrathandjudgment.Ifanyoneshouldmakeacavilsuchas

Page49of154

this:Ifthatbefaithwhichwishesthosethingsthatareofferedinthepromise,thehabitsoffaithandhopeseemtobeconfounded,becausehopeisthatwhichexpectspromisedthings,—tothiswereplythatthesedispositionscannotinrealitybesevered,inthemannerthattheyaredividedbyidlespeculationsintheschools.ForalsointheEpistletotheHebrewsfaithisdefinedasthesubstance(exspectatio)ofthingshopedfor,Heb.11,1.Yetifanyonewishadistinctiontobemade,wesaythattheobjectofhopeisproperlyafutureevent,butthatfaithisconcernedwithfutureandpresentthings,andreceivesinthepresenttheremissionofsinsofferedinthepromise.192]Fromthesestatementswehopethatitcanbesufficientlyunderstood,bothwhatfaithis,andthatwearecompelledtoholdthatbyfaithwearejustified,reconciled,andregenerated,if,indeed,wewishtoteachtherighteousnessoftheGospel,andnottherighteousnessoftheLaw.ForthosewhoteachthatwearejustifiedbyloveteachtherighteousnessoftheLaw,193]anddonotteachusinjustificationtoavailourselvesofChristasMediator.Thesethingsalsoaremanifest,namely,thatnotbylove,butbyfaith,weovercometheterrorsofsinanddeath,thatwecannotopposeourloveandfulfillingoftheLawtothewrathofGod,becausePaulsays,Rom.5,2:ByChristwehaveaccesstoGodbyfaith.Weurgethissentencesofrequentlyforthesakeofperspicuity.Foritshowsmostclearlythestateofourwholecase,and,whencarefullyconsidered,canteachabundantlyconcerningthewholematter,andcanconsolewelldisposedminds.Accordingly,itisofadvantagetohaveitathandandinsight,notonlythatwemaybeabletoopposeittothedoctrineofouradversaries,whoteachthatwecometoGodnotbyfaith,butbyloveandmerits,withoutChristasMediator;andalso,atthesametimethat,194]wheninfear,wemaycheerourselvesandexercisefaith.Thisisalsomanifest,thatwithouttheaidofChristwecannotobservetheLaw,asHeHimselfsays,John15,5:WithoutMeyecandonothing.Accordingly,beforeweobservetheLaw,ourheartsmustbebornagainbyfaith.[Fromtheexplanationswhichwehavemadeitcaneasilybeinferredwhatanswermustbegiventosimilarquotations.FortherulesointerpretsallpassagesthattreatofgoodworksthatoutsideofChristtheyaretobeworthlessbeforeGod,andthattheheartmustfirsthaveChrist,andbelievethatitisacceptedwithGodforChrist'ssake,notbecauseofitsownworks.Theadversariesalsobringforwardsomeargumentsoftheschools,whichareeasilyanswered,ifyouknowwhatfaithis.TriedChristiansspeakoffaithquitedifferentlyfromthesophists,forwehaveshownbeforethattobelievemeanstorelyonthemercyofGod,thatHedesirestobegraciousforChrist'ssake,withoutourmerits.Thatiswhatitmeanstobelievethearticleoftheforgivenessofsin.Tobelievethisdoesnotmeantoknowthehistoryonly,whichthedevilsalsoknow.Thereforewecaneasilymeettheargumentoftheschoolswhentheysaythatthedevilsalsobelieve,thereforefaithdoesnotjustify.Aye,thedevilsknowthehistory,buttheydonotbelievetheforgivenessofsin.Again,theysay:Toberighteousistobeobedient.Now,toperformworksiscertainlyobedience;thereforeworksmustjustify.Weshouldanswerthisasfollows:ToberighteousisakindofobediencewhichGodacceptsassuch.Now,Godisnotwillingtoacceptourobedienceinworksasrighteousness;foritisnotanobedienceoftheheart,becausenonetrulykeeptheLaw.ForthisreasonHehasordainedthatthereshouldbeanotherkindofobediencewhichHewillacceptasrighteousness,namely,thatwearetoacknowledgeourdisobedience,andtrustthatwearepleasingtoGodforChrist'ssake,notonaccountofourobedience.Accordingly,toberighteousinthiscasemeanstobepleasingtoGod,notonaccountofourownobedience,butfrommercyforChrist'ssake.Again,tosinistohateGod;therefore,toloveGodmustberighteousness.True,toloveGodistherighteousnessoftheLaw.ButnobodyfulfilsthisLaw.ThereforetheGospelteachesanewkindofrighteousness,namely,thatwearepleasingtoGodforChrist'ssake,althoughwehavenotfulfilledtheLaw;andyet,wearetobegintodotheLaw.Again,whatisthedifferencebetweenfaithandhope?Answer:Hopeexpectsfutureblessingsanddeliverancefromtribulation;faith

Page50of154

receivesthepresentreconciliation,andconcludesintheheart,thatGodhasforgivenmysin,andthatHeisnowgracioustome.AndthisisanobleserviceofGod,whichservesGodbygivingHimthehonor,andbyesteemingHismercyandpromisesosurethatwithoutmeritwecanreceiveandexpectfromHimallmannerofblessings.AndinthisserviceofGodtheheartshouldbeexercisedandincrease,ofwhichthefoolishsophistsknownothing.]195]Henceitcanalsobeunderstoodwhywefindfaultwiththedoctrineoftheadversariesconcerningmeritumcondigni.Thedecisionisveryeasy:becausetheydonotmakementionoffaith,thatwepleaseGodbyfaithforChrist'ssake,butimaginethatgoodworks,wroughtbytheaidofthehabitoflove,constitutearighteousnessworthybyitselftopleaseGod,andworthyofeternallife,andthattheyhavenoneedofChristasMediator.[Thiscaninnowisebetolerated.]196]WhatelseisthisthantotransferthegloryofChristtoourworks,namely,thatwepleaseGodbecauseofourworks,andnotbecauseofChrist?ButthisisalsotorobChristofthegloryofbeingtheMediator,whoisMediatorperpetually,andnotmerelyinthebeginningofjustification.Paulalsosays,Gal.2,17,thatifonejustifiedinChristhaveneedafterwardstoseekrighteousnesselsewhere,heaffirmsofChristthatHeisaministerofsin,i.e.,that197]Hedoesnotfullyjustify.[Andthisiswhattheholy,catholic,ChristianChurchteaches,preaches,andconfesses,namely,thatwearesavedbymercy,aswehaveshownabovefromJerome.]Andmostabsurdisthatwhichtheadversariesteach,namely,thatgoodworksmeritgracedecondigno,asthoughindeedafterthebeginningofjustification,ifconscienceisterrifled,asisordinarilythecase,gracemustbesoughtthroughagoodwork,andnotbyfaithinChrist.198]Secondly,thedoctrineoftheadversariesleavesconsciencesindoubt,sothattheynevercanbepacified,becausetheLawalwaysaccusesus,eveningoodworks.ForalwaysthefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,Gal.5,17.How,therefore,willconscienceherehavepeacewithoutfaith,ifitbelievethat,notforChrist'ssake,butforthesakeofone'sownwork,itoughtnowtopleaseGod?Whatworkwillitfind,uponwhatwillitfirmlyrelyasworthyofeternallife,if,indeed,hopeoughttooriginatefrommerits?199]AgainstthesedoubtsPaulsays,Rom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod;weoughttobefirmlyconvincedthatforChrist'ssakerighteousnessandeternallifearegrantedus.AndofAbrahamhesays,Rom.4,18:Againsthopehebelievedinhope.200]Thirdly,howwillconscienceknowwhen,bytheinclinationofthishabitoflove,aworkhasbeendoneofwhichitmayaffirmthatitmeritsgracedecondigno?ButitisonlytoeludetheScripturesthatthisverydistinctionhasbeendevised,namely,thatmenmeritatonetimedecongruoandatanothertimedecondigno,because,aswehaveabovesaid,theintentionoftheonewhoworksdoesnotdistinguishthekindsofmerit;buthypocrites,intheirsecurity,thinksimplytheirworksareworthy,andthatforthisreasontheyareaccountedrighteous.Ontheotherhand,terrifiedconsciencesdoubtconcerningallworks,andforthisreasonarecontinuallyseekingotherworks.Forthisiswhatitmeanstomeritdecongruo,namely,todoubtand,withoutfaith,towork,untildespairtakesplace.Inaword,allthattheadversariesteachinregardtothismatterisfulloferrorsanddangers.201]Fourthly,theentire[theholy,catholic,Christian]Churchconfessesthateternallifeisattainedthroughmercy.ForthusAugustinespeaksOnGraceandFreeWill,when,indeed,heisspeakingoftheworksofthesaintswroughtafterjustification:Godleadsustoeternallifenotbyourmerits,butaccordingtoHismercy.AndConfessions,BookIX:Woetothelifeofman,howevermuchitmaybeworthyofpraise,ifitbejudgedwithmercyremoved.AndCyprianinhistreatiseontheLord'sPrayer:Lestanyoneshouldflatterhimselfthatheisinnocent,andby

Page51of154

exaltinghimself,shouldperishthemoredeeply,heisinstructedandtaughtthathesins202]daily,inthatheisbiddentoentreatdailyforhissins.Butthesubjectiswellknown,andhasverymanyandverycleartestimoniesinScripture,andintheChurchFathers,whoallwithonemouthdeclarethat,even203]thoughwehavegoodworks,yetintheseveryworksweneedmercy.Faithlookinguponthismercycheersandconsolesus.Whereforetheadversariesteacherroneouslywhentheysoextolmeritsastoaddnothingconcerningthisfaiththatapprehendsmercy.Forjustaswehaveabovesaidthatthepromiseandfaithstandinareciprocalrelation,andthatthepromiseisnotapprehendedunlessbyfaith,soweheresaythatthepromisedmercycorrelativelyrequiresfaith,andcannotbeapprehendedwithoutfaith.Thereforewejustlyfindfaultwiththedoctrineconcerningmeritumcondigni,sinceitteachesnothingofjustifyingfaith,204]andobscuresthegloryandofficeofChristasMediator.Norshouldweberegardedasteachinganythingnewinthismatter,sincetheChurchFathershavesoclearlyhandeddownthedoctrinethateveningoodworksweneedmercy.205]Scripturealsoofteninculcatesthesame.InPs.143,2:AndenternotintojudgmentwithThyservant;forinThysightshallnomanlivingbejustified.Thispassagedeniesabsolutely,eventoallsaintsandservantsofGod,thegloryofrighteousness,ifGoddoesnotforgive,butjudgesandconvictstheirhearts.ForwhenDavidboastsinotherplacesofhisrighteousness,hespeaksconcerninghisowncauseagainstthepersecutorsofGod'sWord;hedoesnotspeakofhispersonalpurity;andheasksthatthecauseandgloryofGodbedefended,asinPs.7,8:Judgeme,OLord,accordingtoThyrighteousness,andaccordingtomineintegritythatisinme.LikewiseinPs.130,3,hesaysthatnoonecanendureGod'sjudgment,ifGodweretomarkoursins:206]IfThou,Lord,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?Job9,28:Iamafraidofallmysorrows[Vulg.,opera,works];9,30:IfIwashmyselfwithsnowwater,andmakemyhandsneversoclean,yetThoushaltplungemeintheditch.Prov.20,9:Whocan207]say,Ihavemademyheartclean,Iampurefrommysin?1John1,8:Ifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselvesandthetruthisnotinus,etc.208]AndintheLord'sPrayerthesaintsaskfortheremissionofsins.Thereforeeventhesaintshavesins.Num.14,18:Theinnocentshallnotbeinnocent[cf.Ex.34,7).Deut.4,24:TheLord,thyGod,isaconsumingfire.Zechariah2,13alsosays:Besilent,Oallflesh,beforetheLord.Is.40,6:Allfleshisasgrass,andallthegoodlinessthereofisastheflowerofthefield;thegrasswithereth,theflowerfadeth,becausetheSpiritoftheLordblowethuponit,i.e.,fleshandrighteousnessofthefleshcannotendurethejudgmentofGod.209]Jonah2,8alsosays:Theythatobservelyingvanitiesforsaketheirownmercy,i.e.,allconfidenceisvain,exceptconfidenceinmercy;mercydeliversus;ourownmerits,ourownefforts,donot.210]Accordingly,Daniel,alsoprays,Dan.9,18sq.:ForwedonotpresentoursupplicationsbeforeTheeforourrighteousnesses,butforThygreatmercies.OLord,hear;OLord,forgive;OLord,hearkenanddoit;defernotforThineownsake,OmyGod;forThycityandThypeoplearecalledbyThyname.ThusDanielteachesusinprayingtolayholduponmercy,i.e.,totrustinGod'smercy,andnottotrustinourown211]meritsbeforeGod.Wealsowonderwhatouradversariesdoinprayer,if,indeed;theprofanemeneveraskanythingofGod.Iftheydeclarethattheyareworthybecausetheyhaveloveandgoodworks,andaskforgraceasadebt,theypraypreciselylikethePhariseeinLuke18,11,whosays:Iamnotasothermenare.Hewhothuspraysforgrace,anddoesnotrelyuponGod'smercy,treatsChristwithdishonor,who,sinceHeisourHighPriest,intercedes212]forus.Thus,therefore,prayerreliesuponGod'smercy,whenwebelievethatweareheardforthesakeofChrist,theHighPriest,asHeHimselfsays,John14,13:WhatsoeveryeshallasktheFatherinMyname,Hewillgiveityou.InMy,name,Hesays,becausewithoutthisHighPriestwecannotapproachtheFather.[Allprudentmenwillseewhatfollowsfromtheopinionoftheadversaries.Forifweshall

Page52of154

believethatChristhasmeritedonlytheprimagratia,astheycallit,andthatweafterwardsmeriteternallifebyourworks,heartsorconscienceswillhepacifiedneitheratthehourofdeath,noratanyothertime,norcantheyeverbuilduponcertainground;theyarenevercertainthatGodisgracious.Thustheirdoctrineunintermittinglyleadstonothingbutmiseryofsouland,finally,todespair.ForGod'sLawisnotamatterofpleasantry;itceaselesslyaccusesconsciencesoutsideofChrist,asPaulsays,Rom.4,15:TheLawworkethwrath.ThusitwillhappenthatifconsciencesfeelthejudgmentofGod,theyhavenocertaincomfortandwillrushintodespair.Paulsays:Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin,Rom.14,23.ButthosepersonscandonothingfromfaithwhoarefirsttoattaintothisthatGodisgracioustothemonlywhentheyhaveatlengthfulfilledtheLaw.Theywillalwaysquakewithdoubtwhethertheyhavedoneenoughgoodworks,whethertheLawhasbeensatisfied,yea,theywillkeenlyfeelandunderstandthattheyarestillunderobligationtotheLaw.Accordingly,theywillneverbesurethattheyhaveagraciousGod,andthattheirprayerisheard.ThereforetheycannevertrulyloveGod,norexpectanyblessingfromHim,nortrulyworshipGod.Whatelsearesuchheartsandconsciencesthanhellitself,sincethereisnothinginthembutdespair,faintingaway,grumbling,discontent,andhatredofGod,andyetinthishatredtheyinvokeandworshipGod,justasSaulworshipedHim.HereweappealtoallChristianmindsandtoallthatareexperiencedintrials;theywillbeforcedtoconfessandsaythatsuchgreatuncertainty,suchdisquietude,suchtortureandanxiety,suchhorriblefearanddoubtfollowfromthisteachingoftheadversarieswhoimaginethatweareaccountedrighteousbeforeGodbyourownworksorfulfillingoftheLawwhichweperform,andpointustoQueerStreetbybiddingustrustnotintherich,blessedpromisesofGrace,givenusbyChristtheMediator,butinourownmiserableworks.Therefore,thisconclusionstandslikearock,yea,likeawall,namely,that,althoughwehavebeguntodotheLaw,stillweareacceptedwithGodandatpeacewithHim,notonaccountofsuchworksofours,butforChrist'ssakebyfaith;nordoesGod,oweuseverlastinglifeonaccountoftheseworks.ButjustasforgivenessofsinandrighteousnessisimputedtousforChrist'ssake,notonaccountofourworks,ortheLaw,soeverlastinglife,togetherwithrighteousness,isofferedus,notonaccountofourworks,oroftheLaw,butforChrist'ssake,asChristsays,John6,40:ThisistheFather'swillthatsentMe,thateveryonewhichseeththeSon,andbelievethonHim,mayhaveeverlastinglife.Again,6,47:HethatbelievethontheSonhatheverlastinglife.Now,theadversariesshouldbeaskedatthispointwhatadvicetheygivetopoorconsciencesinthehourofdeath:whethertheycomfortconsciencesbytellingthemthattheywillhaveablesseddeparture,thattheywillbesaved,andhaveapropitiatedGod,becauseoftheirownmerits,orbecauseofGod'sgraceandmercyforChrist'ssake.ForSt.Peter,St.Paul,andsaintslikethemcannotboastthatGodowesthemeternallifefortheirmartyrdom,norhavetheyreliedontheirworks,butonthemercypromisedinChrist.Norwoulditbepossiblethatasaint,greatandhighthoughhebe,couldmakeafirmstandagainsttheaccusationsofthedivineLaw,thegreatmightofthedevil,theterrorofdeath,and,finally,againstdespairandtheanguishofhell,ifhewouldnotgraspthedivinepromises,theGospel,asatreeorbranchinthegreatflood,inthestrong,violentstream,amidstthewavesandbillowsoftheanguishofdeath;ifhedoesnotclingbyfaithtotheWord,whichproclaimsgrace,andthusobtainseternallifewithoutworks,withouttheLaw,frompuregrace.ForthisdoctrinealonepreservesChristianconsciencesinafflictionsandanguishofdeath.Ofthesethingstheadversariesknownothing,andtalkofthemlikeablindmanaboutcolor.Heretheywillsay:Ifwearetobesavedbypuremercy,whatdifferenceistherebetweenthose

Page53of154

whoaresaved,andthosewhoarenotsaved?Ifmeritisofnoaccount,thereisnodifferencebetweentheevilandthegood,anditfollowsthatbotharesavedalike.Thisargumenthasmovedthescholasticstoinventthemeritumcondigni;fortheremustbe(theythink)adifferencebetweenthosewhoaresaved,andthosewhoaredamned.Wereply,inthefirstplace,thateverlastinglifeisaccordedtothosewhomGodesteemsjust,andwhentheyhavebeenesteemedjust,theyarebecome,bythatact,thechildrenofGodandcoheirsofChrist,asPaulsays,Rom.8,30:WhomHejustified,themHealsoglorified.HencenobodyissavedexceptonlythosewhobelievetheGospel.ButasourreconciliationwithGodisuncertainifitistorestonourworks,andnotonthegraciouspromiseofGod,whichcannotfail,so,too,allthatweexpectbyhopewouldbeuncertainifitmustbebuiltonthefoundationofourmeritsandworks.FortheLawofGodceaselesslyaccusestheconscience,andmenfeelintheirheartsnothingbutthisvoicefromthefiery,flamingcloud:IamtheLord,thyGod;thisthoushaltdo;thatthouartobligedtodo;thisIrequireofthee.Deut.5,6ffNoconsciencecanforamomentbeatrestwhentheLawandMosesassailstheheart,beforeitapprehendsChristbyfaith.Norcanittrulyhopeforeternallife,unlessitbepacifiedbefore.ForadoubtingconsciencefleesfromGod,despairs,andcannothope.However,hopeofeternallifemustbecertain.Now,inorderthatitmaynotbefickle,butcertain,wemustbelievethatwehaveeternallife,notbyourworksormerits,butfrompuregrace,byfaithinChrist.Insecularaffairsandinsecularcourtswemeetwithboth,mercyandjustice.Justiceiscertainbythelawsandtheverdictrendered;mercyisuncertain.InthismatterthatrelatestoGodthecaseisdifferent;forgraceandmercyhavebeenpromisedusbyacertainword,andtheGospelisthewordwhichcommandsustobelievethatGodisgraciousandwishestosaveusforChrist'ssake,asthetextreads,John3,17:GodsentnotHisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworldthroughHimmightbesaved.HethatbelievethonHimisnotcondemned.Now,wheneverwespeakofmercy,themeaningistobethis,thatfaithisrequired,anditisthisfaiththatmakesthedifferencebetweenthosewhoaresaved,andthosewhoaredamned,betweenthosewhoareworthy,andthosewhoareunworthy.ForeverlastinglifehasbeenpromisedtononebutthosewhohavebeenreconciledbyChrist.Faith,however,reconcilesandjustifiesbeforeGodthemomentweapprehendthepromisebyfaith.AndthroughoutourentirelifewearetoprayGodandbediligent,toreceivefaithandtogrowinfaith.For,asstatedbefore,faithiswhererepentanceis,anditisnotinthosewhowalkaftertheflesh.Thisfaithistogrowandincreasethroughoutourlifebyallmannerofafflictions.Thosewhoobtainfaithareregenerated,sothattheyleadanewlifeanddogoodworks.Now,justaswesaythattruerepentanceistoendurethroughoutourentirelife,wesay,too,thatgoodworksandthefruitsoffaithmustbedonethroughoutourlife,althoughourworksneverbecomesopreciousastobeequaltothetreasureofChrist,ortomeriteternallife,asChristsays,Luke17,10:Whenyeshallhavedoneallthosethingswhicharecommandedyou,say,Weareunprofitableservants.AndSt.Bernardtrulysays:ThereisneedthatyoumustfirstbelievethatyoucannothaveforgivenessofsinexceptbythegraceofGod;next,thatthereafteryoucannothaveanddoanygoodwork,unlessGodgrantsittoyou;lastly,thatyoucannotearneternallifewithyourworks,thoughitisnotgivenyouwithoutmerit.Alittlefurtheronhesays:Letnoonedeceivehimself;forwhenyourightlyconsiderthematter,youwillundoubtedlyfindthatyoucannotmeetwithtenthousandhimwhoapproachesyouwithtwentythousand.ThesearestrongsayingsofSt.Bernard;letthembelievetheseiftheywillnotbelieveus.

Page54of154

Inorder,then,thatheartsmayhaveatrue,certaincomfortandhope,wepointthem,withPaul,tothedivinepromiseofgraceinChrist,andteachthatwemustbelievethatGodgivesuseternallife,notonaccountofourworks,butforChrist'ssake,astheApostleJohnsaysinhisEpistle,1John5,12:HethathaththeSonhathlife,andhethathathnottheSonofGodhathnotlife.]213]HerebelongsalsothedeclarationofChrist,Luke17,10:Solikewiseye,whenyeshallhavedoneallthosethingswhicharecommandedyou,say,Weareunprofitableservants.ThesewordsclearlydeclarethatGodsavesbymercyandonaccountofHispromise,notthatitisdueonaccountofthevalue214]ofourworks.ButatthispointtheadversariesplaywonderfullywiththewordsofChrist.Inthefirstplace,theymakeanantistropheandturnitagainstus.Muchmore,theysay,canitbesaid:"Ifwehavebelievedallthings,say,Weareunprofitableservants."215]ThentheyaddthatworksareofnoprofittoGod,butarenotwithoutprofittous.Seehowthepuerilestudyofsophistrydelightstheadversaries,andalthoughtheseabsurditiesdonotdeservearefutation,neverthelesswewillreplytotheminafewwords.Theantistropheisdefective.216]For,inthefirstplace,theadversariesaredeceivedinregardtothetermfaith;because,ifitwouldsignifythatknowledgeofthehistorywhichisalsointhewickedandindevils,theadversarieswouldbecorrectinarguingthatfaithisunprofitablewhentheysay:"Whenwehavebelievedallthings,say,Weareunprofitableservants."Butwearespeaking,notoftheknowledgeofthehistory,butofconfidenceinthepromiseandmercyofGod.Andthisconfidenceinthepromiseconfessesthatweareunprofitableservants;yea,thisconfessionthatourworksareunworthyistheveryvoiceoffaith,asappearsinthisexampleofDaniel,9,18,whichwecitedalittleabove:WedonotpresentOursupplicationsbeforeTheeforourrighteousnesses,etc.217]Forfaithsavesbecauseitapprehendsmercy,orthepromiseofgrace,eventhoughourworksareunworthy;and,thusunderstood,namely,thatourworksareunworthy,theantistrophedoesnotinjureus:"Whenyeshallhavebelievedallthings,say,Weareunprofitableservants;"forthatwearesavedbymercy,weteachwiththeentireChurch.218]Butiftheymeantoarguefromthesimilar:Whenyouhavedoneallthings,donottrustinyourworks,soalso,whenyouhavebelievedallthings,donottrustinthedivinepromise,thereisnoconnection.[Theinferenceiswrong:"Worksdonothelp;therefore,faithalsodoesnothelp."Wemustgivetheunculturedmenahomelyillustration:Itdoesnotfollowthatbecauseahalf‐farthingdoesnothelp,thereforeaflorinalsodoesnothelp.Justastheflorinisofmuchhigherdenominationandvaluethanthehalffarthing,soalsoshoulditbeunderstoodthatfaithismuchhigherandmoreefficaciousthanworks.Notthatfaithhelpsbecauseofitsworth,butbecauseittrustsinGod'spromisesandmercy.Faithisstrong,notbecauseofitsworthiness,butbecauseofthedivinepromise.]Fortheyareverydissimilar,asthecausesandobjectsofconfidenceintheformerpropositionarefardissimilartothoseofthelatter.Intheformer,confidenceisconfidenceinourownworks.Inthelatter,confidenceisconfidenceinthedivinepromise.Christ,however,condemnsconfidenceinourworks;HedoesnotcondemnconfidenceinHispromise.HedoesnotwishustodespairofGod'sgraceandmercy.Heaccusesourworksasunworthy,219]butdoesnotaccusethepromisewhichfreelyoffersmercy.AndhereAmbrosesayswell:Graceistobeacknowledged;butnaturemustnotbedisregarded.Wemusttrustinthepromiseofgraceandnot220]inourownnature.Buttheadversariesactinaccordancewiththeircustom,anddistort,againstfaith,221]thejudgmentswhichhavebeengivenonbehalfoffaith.[Hence,Christinthisplaceforbidsmentotrustintheirownworks;fortheycannothelpthem.Ontheotherhand,HedoesnotforbidtotrustinGod'spromise.Yea,HerequiressuchtrustinthepromiseofGodfortheveryreasonthatweareunprofitableservantsandworkscanbeofnohelp.Therefore,theknaveshaveimproperlyappliedtoourtrustinthedivinepromisethewordsofChristwhich

Page55of154

treatoftrustinourownworthiness.Thisclearlyrevealsanddefeatstheirsophistry.MaytheLordChristsoonputtoshamethesophistswhothusmutilateHisholyWord!Amen.]Weleave,however,thesethornypointstotheschools.Thesophistryisplainlypuerilewhentheyinterpret"unprofitableservant,"asmeaningthattheworksareunprofitabletoGod,butareprofitabletous.YetChristspeaksconcerningthatprofitwhichmakesGodadebtorofgracetous,althoughitisoutofplacetodiscusshereconcerningthatwhichisprofitableorunprofitable.For"unprofitableservants"means"insufficient,"becausenoonefearsGodasmuch,andlovesGodasmuch,andbelievesGodasmuch222]asheought.Butletusdismissthesefrigidcavilsoftheadversaries,concerningwhich,ifatanytimetheyarebroughttothelight,prudentmenwilleasilydecidewhattheyshouldjudge.Theyhavefoundaflawinwordswhichareveryplainandclear.Buteveryoneseesthatinthispassageconfidenceinourownworksiscondemned.223]Letus,therefore,holdfasttothiswhichtheChurchconfesses,namely,thatwearesavedbymercy.Andlestanyonemayherethink:"Ifwearetobesavedbymercy,hopewillbeuncertain,ifinthosewhoobtainsalvationnothingprecedesbywhichtheymaybedistinguishedfromthosewhodonotobtainit,"wemustgivehimasatisfactoryanswer.Forthescholastics,movedbythisreason,seemtohavedevisedthemeritumcondigni.224]Forthisconsiderationcangreatlyexercisethehumanmind.Wewillthereforereplybriefly.Fortheveryreasonthathopemaybesure,fortheveryreasonthattheremaybeanantecedentdistinctionbetweenthosewhoobtainsalvation,andthosewhodonotobtainit,itisnecessaryfirmlytoholdthatwearesavedbymercy.Whenthisisexpressedthusunqualifiedly,itseemsabsurd.Forincivilcourtsandinhumanjudgment,thatwhichisofrightorofdebtiscertain,andmercyisuncertain.ButthematterisdifferentwithrespecttoGod'sjudgment;forheremercyhasaclearandcertainpromiseandcommandfromGod.FortheGospelisproperlythatcommandwhichenjoinsustobelievethatGodispropitioustousforChrist'ssake.ForGodsentnotHisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworldthroughHimmightbesaved,John3,17.18.225]Asoften,therefore,asmercyisspoken,of,faithinthepromisemustbeadded;andthisfaithproducessurehope,becauseitreliesupontheWordandcommandofGod.Ifhopewouldrelyuponworks,then,indeed,itwouldbeuncertain,becauseworkscannotpacify226]theconscience,ashasbeensaidabovefrequently.Andthisfaithmakesadistinctionbetweenthosewhoobtainsalvation,andthosewhodonotobtainit.Faithmakesthedistinctionbetweentheworthyandtheunworthy,becauseeternallifehasbeenpromisedtothejustified;andfaithjustifies.227]Buthereagaintheadversarieswillcryoutthatthereisnoneedofgoodworksiftheydonotmeriteternallife.Thesecalumnieswehaverefutedabove.Ofcourse,itisnecessarytodogoodworks.Wesaythat,eternallifehasbeenpromisedtothejustified.Butthosewhowalkaccordingtothefleshretainneitherfaithnorrighteousness.Weareforthisveryendjustified,that,beingrighteous,wemaybegintodogoodworksandtoobeyGod'sLaw.228]WeareregeneratedandreceivetheHolyGhostfortheveryendthatthenewlifemayproducenew229]works,newdispositions,thefearandloveofGod,hatredofconcupiscence,etc.Thisfaithofwhichwespeakarisesinrepentance,andoughttobe,establishedandgrowinthemidstofgoodworks,temptations,anddangers,sothatwemaycontinuallybethemorefirmlypersuadedthatGodforChrist'ssakecaresforus,forgivesus,hearsus.Thisisnotlearnedwithoutmanyandgreatstruggles.Howoftenisconsciencearoused,howoftendoesitinciteeventodespairwhenitbringstoviewsins,eitheroldornew,ortheimpurityofournature!Thishandwritingisnotblottedoutwithoutagreat230]struggle,inwhichexperiencetestifieswhatadifficultmatterfaithis.Andwhilewearecheeredinthemidstoftheterrorsandreceiveconsolation,otherspiritualmovementsatthesametimegrow,theknowledgeofGod,fearof

Page56of154

God,hope,loveofGod;andweareregenerated,asPaulsays,Col.3,10and2Cor.3,18,intheknowledgeofGod,and,beholdingthegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimage,i.e.,wereceivethetrueknowledgeofGod,231]sothatwetrulyfearHim,trulytrustthatwearecaredfor,andthatweareheardbyHim.Thisregenerationis,asitwere,thebeginningofeternallife,asPaulsays,Rom.8,10:IfChristbeinyou,232]thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin;buttheSpiritislifebecauseofrighteousness.And2Cor.5,2.3:Weareclothedupon,ifsobethat,beingclothed,weshallnotbefoundnaked.Fromthesestatementsthecandidreadercanjudgethatwecertainlyrequiregoodworks,sinceweteachthatthisfaitharisesinrepentance,andinrepentanceoughtcontinuallytoincrease;andinthesemattersweplaceChristianandspiritualperfection,ifrepentanceandfaithgrowtogetherinrepentance.Thiscanbebetterunderstoodbythegodlythan233]thosethingswhicharetaughtbytheadversariesconcerningcontemplationorperfection.Justas,however,justificationpertainstofaith,soalsolifeeternalpertainstofaith.AndPetersays,1Pet.1,9:Receivingtheend,orfruit,ofyourfaith,thesalvationofyoursouls.Fortheadversariesconfess234]thatthejustifiedarechildrenofGodandcoheirsofChrist.Afterwardsworks,becauseonaccountoffaiththeypleaseGod,meritotherbodilyandspiritualrewards.Fortherewillbedistinctionsinthegloryofthesaints.235]Butheretheadversariesreplythateternallifeiscalledareward,andthatthereforeitismeriteddecondignobygoodworks.Wereplybrieflyandplainly:Paul,Rom.6,23,callseternallifeagift,becausebytherighteousnesspresentedforChrist'ssake,wearemadeatthesametimesonsofGodandcoheirsofChrist,asJohnsays,3,36:HethatbelievethontheSonhatheverlastinglife.AndAugustinesays,asalsodoverymanyotherswhofollowhim:GodcrownsHisgiftsinus.Elsewhereindeed,Luke6,23,itiswritten:Yourrewardisgreatinheaven.Ifthesepassagesseemtotheadversaries236]toconflict,theythemselvesmayexplainthem.Buttheyarenotfairjudges;fortheyomitthewordgift.Theyomitalsothesourcesoftheentirematter[thechiefpart,howwearejustifiedbeforeGod,alsothatChristremainsatalltimestheMediator],andtheyselectthewordreward,andmostharshlyinterpretthisnotonlyagainstScripture,butalsoagainsttheusageofthelanguage.Hencetheyinferthatinasmuchasitiscalledareward,ourworks,therefore,aresuchthattheyoughttobeapriceforwhicheternallifeisdue.Theyare,therefore,worthyofgraceandlifeeternal,anddonotstandinneedofmercy,orofChristasMediator,237]oroffaith.Thislogicisaltogethernew;wehearthetermreward,andthereforearetoinferthatthereisnoneedofChristasMediator,oroffaithhavingaccesstoGodforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofourworks!Whodoesnotseethattheseareanacoluthons?Wedonotcontendconcerningthetermreward.Wedisputeconcerningthismatter,namely,whethergoodworksareofthemselvesworthyofgraceandofeternallife,orwhethertheypleaseonlyonaccountoffaith,whichapprehendsChristasMediator.239]Ouradversariesnotonlyascribethistoworks,namely,thattheyareworthyofgraceandofeternallife,buttheyalsostatefalselythattheyhavesuperfluousmerits,whichtheycangranttoothers,andbywhichtheycanjustifyothers,aswhenmonkssellthemeritsoftheirorderstoothers.ThesemonstrositiestheyheapupinthemannerofChrysippus,wherethisonewordrewardisheard,namely:"Itiscalledareward,andthereforewehaveworkswhichareapriceforwhicharewardisdue;thereforeworkspleasebythemselves,andnotforthesakeofChristasMediator.Andsinceonehasmoremeritsthananother,thereforesomehavesuperfluousmerits.Andthosewhomeritthemcanbestowthesemeritsuponothers."240]Stop,reader;youhavenotthewholeofthissorites.Forcertainsacramentsofthisdonationmustbeadded;thehoodisplaceduponthedead.[AstheBarefootedmonksandotherordershaveshamelesslydoneinplacingthehoodsoftheirordersupondeadbodies.]BysuchaccumulationstheblessingsbroughtusinChrist,andtherighteousnessoffaithhavebeenobscured.[Theseareacuteandstrongarguments,allofwhichtheycanspinfromthesinglewordreward,wherebytheyobscureChristandfaith.]

Page57of154

241]Wearenotagitatinganidlelogomachyconcerningthetermreward(butthisgreat,exalted,mostimportantmatter,namely,whereChristianheartsaretofindtrueandcertainconsolation;again,whetherourworkscangiveconsciencesrestandpeace;again,whetherwearetobelievethatourworksareworthyofeternallife,orwhetherthatisgivenusforChrist'ssake.Thesearetherealquestionsregardingthesematters;ifconsciencesarenotrightlyinstructedconcerningthese,theycanhavenocertaincomfort.However,wehavestatedclearlyenoughthatgoodworksdonotfulfiltheLaw,thatweneedthemercyofGod,thatbyfaithweareacceptedwithGod,thatgoodworks,betheyeversoprecious,eveniftheyweretheworksofSt.Paulhimself,cannotbringresttotheconscience.FromallthisitfollowsthatwearetobelievethatweobtaineternallifethroughChristbyfaith,notonaccountofourworks,oroftheLaw.ButwhatdowesayoftherewardwhichScripturementions?]IftheadversarieswillconcedethatweareaccountedrighteousbyfaithbecauseofChrist,andthatgoodworkspleaseGodbecauseoffaith,wewillnotafterwardscontendmuchconcerningthetermreward.Weconfessthateternallifeisareward,becauseitissomethingdueonaccountofthepromise,notonaccountofourmerits.Forthejustificationhasbeenpromised,whichwehaveaboveshowntobeproperlyagiftofGod;andtothisgifthasbeenaddedthepromiseofeternallife,accordingtoRom.8,30:WhomHejustified,them242]Healsoglorified.HerebelongswhatPaulsays,2Tim.4,8:Thereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therighteousJudge,shallgiveme.Forthecrownisduethejustified243]becauseofthepromise.Andthispromisesaintsshouldknow,notthattheymaylaborfortheirownprofit,fortheyoughttolaborforthegloryofGod;butinorderthattheymaynotdespairinafflictions,theyshouldknowGod'swill,thatHedesirestoaid,todeliver,toprotectthem.[Justastheinheritanceandallpossessionsofafatheraregiventotheson,asarichcompensationandrewardforhisobedience,andyetthesonreceivestheinheritance,notonaccountofhismerit,butbecausethefather,forthereasonthatheishisfather,wantshimtohaveit.Thereforeitisasufficientreasonwhyeternallifeiscalledareward,becausetherebythetribulationswhichwesuffer,andtheworksoflovewhichwedo,arecompensated,althoughwehavenotdeservedit.Fortherearetwokindsofcompensation:one,whichweareobliged,theother,whichwearenotobliged,torender.E.g.,whentheemperorgrantsaservantaprincipality,hetherewithcompensatestheservant'swork;andyettheworkisnotworththeprincipality,buttheservantacknowledgesthathehasreceivedagraciouslien.ThusGoddoesnotoweuseternallife,still,whenHegrantsittobelieversforChrist'ssake,thatisacompensationforoursufferingsandworks.]Althoughtheperfecthearthementionofpenaltiesandrewardsinoneway,andtheweakhearitinanotherway;fortheweaklaborforthesakeoftheirownadvantage.244]Andyetthepreachingofrewardsandpunishmentsisnecessary.InthepreachingofpunishmentsthewrathofGodissetforth,andthereforethispertainstothepreachingofrepentance.Inthepreachingofrewards,graceissetforth.AndjustasScripture,inthementionofgoodworks,oftenembracesfaith,—foritwishesrighteousnessofthehearttobeincludedwiththefruits,—sosometimesitoffersgracetogetherwithotherrewards,asinIs.58,8f,andfrequentlyinotherplacesintheprophets.245]Wealsoconfesswhatwehaveoftentestified,that,althoughjustificationandeternallifepertaintofaith,neverthelessgoodworksmeritotherbodilyandspiritualrewards(whicharerenderedbothinthislifeandafterthislife;forGoddefersmostrewardsuntilHeglorifiessaintsafterthislife,becauseHewishestheminthislifetobeexercisedinmortifyingtheoldman]anddegreesofrewards,accordingto1Cor.3,8:Everymanshallreceivehisownrewardaccordingtohisownlabor.(Fortheblessedwillhavereward,onehigherthantheother.Thisdifferencemeritmakes,accordingasitpleasesGod;anditismerit,becausetheydothesegoodworkswhomGodhasadoptedaschildrenandheirs.Forthustheyhavemerit,whichistheirownandpeculiar,asonechildwithrespecttoanother.)FortherighteousnessoftheGospel,whichhastodowiththepromiseofgrace,freelyreceivesjustificationandquickening.ButthefulfillingoftheLaw,whichfollowsfaith,hastodowiththe

Page58of154

Law,inwhicharewardisofferedandisdue,notfreely,butaccordingtoourworks.ButthosewhomeritthisarejustifiedbeforetheydotheLaw.Therefore,asPaulsays,Col.1,13;Rom.8,17,theyhavebeforebeentranslatedintothekingdomofGod'sSon,andbeenmadejoint‐heirswithChrist.246]Butasoftenasmentionismadeofmerit,theadversariesimmediatelytransferthematterfromotherrewardstojustification,althoughtheGospelfreelyoffersjustificationonaccountofChrist'smeritsandnotofourown;andthemeritsofChristarecommunicatedtousbyfaith.Butworksandafflictionsmerit,notjustification,butotherremunerations,astherewardisofferedfortheworksinthesepassages:Hewhichsowethsparinglyshallreapalsosparingly,andhewhichsowethbountifullyshallreapalsobountifully,2Cor.9,6.Hereclearlythemeasureoftherewardisconnectedwiththemeasureofthework.Honorthyfatherandthymother,thatthydaysmaybelongupontheland,Ex.20,12.AlsoheretheLawoffersarewardtoacertainwork.247]Although,therefore,thefulfillingoftheLawmeritsareward,forarewardproperlypertainstotheLaw,yetweoughttobemindfuloftheGospel,whichfreelyoffersjustificationforChrist'ssake.WeneitherobservetheLaw,norcanobserveit,beforewehavebeenreconciledtoGod,justified,andregenerated.NeitherwouldthisfulfillingoftheLawpleaseGod,unlesswewouldbeacceptedonaccountoffaith.Andbecausemenareacceptedonaccountoffaith,forthisveryreasontheinchoatefulfillingoftheLawpleases,andhasarewardinthislifeandafterthislife.248]Concerningthetermreward,verymanyotherremarksmightherebemade,derivedfromthenatureoftheLaw,which,astheyaretooextensive,mustbeexplainedinanotherconnection.249]Buttheadversariesurgethatitistheprerogativeofgoodworkstomeriteternallife,becausePaulsays,Rom.2,6:Whowillrendertoeveryoneaccordingtohisworks.Likewise2,10:Glory,honor,andpeacetoeverymanthatworkethgood.John5,29:Theythathavedonegood[shallcomeforth]untotheresurrectionoflife.Matt.25,35:IwasanhungeredandyegaveMemeat,etc.250]IntheseandallsimilarpassagesinwhichworksarepraisedintheScriptures,itisnecessarytounderstandnotonlyoutwardworks,butalsothefaithoftheheart,becauseScripturedoesnotspeakofhypocrisy,butoftherighteousnessoftheheartwithitsfruits.251]Moreover,asoftenasmentionismadeoftheLawandofworks,wemustknowthatChristasMediatorisnottobeexcluded.ForHeistheendoftheLaw,andHeHimselfsays,John15,5:WithoutMeyecandonothing.Accordingtothisrulewehavesaidabovethatallpassagesconcerningworkscanbejudged.Wherefore,wheneternallifeisgrantedtoworks,itisgrantedtothosewhohavebeenjustified,becausenomenexceptjustifiedmen,whoareledbytheSpiritofChrist,candogoodworks;andwithoutfaithandChrist,asMediator,goodworksdonotplease,accordingtoHeb.11,6:WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod.252]WhenPaulsays:Hewillrendertoeveryoneaccordingtohisworks,notonlytheoutwardworkoughttobeunderstood,butallrighteousnessorunrighteousness.So:Glorytohimthatworkethgood,i.e.,totherighteous.YegaveMemeat,iscitedasthefruitandwitnessoftherighteousnessoftheheartandoffaith,andthereforeeternallifeisrendered253]torighteousness.[ThereitmustcertainlybeacknowledgedthatChristmeansnotonlytheworks,butthatHedesirestohavetheheart,whichHewishestoesteemGodaright,andtobelievecorrectlyconcerningHim,namely,thatitisthroughmercythatitispleasingtoGod.ThereforeChristteachesthateverlastinglifewillbegiventherighteous,asChristsays:Therighteousshallgointoeverlastinglife.]InthiswayScripture,atthesametimewiththefruits,embracestherighteousnessoftheheart.Anditoftennamesthefruits,inorderthatitmaybebetterunderstoodbytheinexperienced,andtosignifythatanewlifeandregeneration,andnothypocrisy,arerequired.Butregenerationoccurs,byfaith,inrepentance.254]Nosanemancanjudgeotherwise;neitherdowehereaffectanyidlesubtilty,soastoseparatethefruitsfromtherighteousnessoftheheart;iftheadversarieswouldonlyhave

Page59of154

concededthatthefruitspleasebecauseoffaith,andofChristasMediator,andthatbythemselvestheyarenotworthyofgraceandofeternallife.255]Forinthedoctrineoftheadversarieswecondemnthis,thatinsuchpassagesofScripture,understoodeitherinaphilosophicaloraJewishmanner,theyabolishtherighteousnessoffaith,andexcludeChristasMediator.Fromthesepassagestheyinferthatworksmeritgrace,sometimesdecongruo,andatothertimesdecondigno,namely,whenloveisadded;i.e.,thattheyjustify,andbecausetheyarerighteousnesstheyareworthyofeternallife.This,errormanifestlyabolishestherighteousness,offaith,whichbelievesthatwehaveaccesstoGodforChrist'ssake,notforthesakeof,ourworks,andthatthroughChrist,asPriestandMediator,weareledtotheFather,andhaveareconciledFather,256]ashasbeensufficientlysaidabove.AndthisdoctrineconcerningtherighteousnessoffaithisnottobeneglectedintheChurchofChrist,becausewithoutittheofficeofChristcannotbeconsidered,andthedoctrineofjustificationthatisleftisonlyadoctrineoftheLaw.ButweshouldretaintheGospel,andthedoctrineconcerningthepromise,grantedforChrist'ssake. [Weareherenotseekinganunnecessarysubtilty,butthereisagreatreasonwhywemusthaveareliableaccountasregardsthesequestions.Forassoonasweconcedetotheadversariesthatworksmeriteternallife,theyspinfromthisconcessiontheawkwardteachingthatweareabletokeeptheLawofGod,thatwearenotinneedofmercy,thatwearerighteousbeforeGod,thatis,acceptedwithGodbyourworks,notforthesakeofChrist,thatwecanalsodoworksofsupererogations,namely,morethantheLawrequires.Thustheentireteachingconcerningfaithissuppressed.However,ifthereistobeandabideaChristianChurch,thepureteachingconcerningChrist,concerningtherighteousnessoffaith,mustsurelybepreserved.Thereforewemustfightagainstthesegreatpharisaicalerrors,inorderthatweredeemthenameofChristandthehonoroftheGospelandofChrist,andpreserveforChristianheartsatrue,permanent,certainconsolation.Forhowisitpossiblethataheartorconsciencecanobtainrest,orhopeforsalvation,wheninafflictionsandintheanguishofdeathourworksinthejudgmentandsightofGodutterlybecomedust,unlessitbecomescertainbyfaiththatmenaresavedbymercy,forChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeoftheirworks,theirfulfillingoftheLaw?And,indeed,St.Laurentius,whenplacedonthegridiron,andbeingtorturedforChrist'ssake,didnotthinkthatbythisworkhewasperfectlyandabsolutelyfulfillingtheLaw,thathewaswithoutsin,thathedidnotneedChristasMediatorandthemercyofGod.Herestedhiscase,indeed,withtheprophet,whosays:EnternotintojudgmentwithThyservant;forinThysightshallnomanlivingbejustified,Ps.143,2.NordidSt.Bernardboastthathisworkswereworthyofeternallife,whenhesays:Perditevixi,Ihaveledasinfullife,etc.Butheboldlycomfortshimself,clingstothepromiseofgrace,andbelievesthathehasremissionofsinsandlifeeternalforChrist'ssake,justasPsalm32,1teaches:Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforgiven,whosesiniscovered.AndPaulsays,Rom.4,6:DavidalsodescribeththeblessednessofthemantowhomGodimputethrighteousnesswithoutworks.Paul,then,saysthatheisblessedtowhomrighteousnessisimputedthroughfaithinChrist,eventhoughhehavenotperformedanygoodworks.Thatisthetrue,permanentconsolation,bywhichheartsandconsciencescanbeconfirmedandencouraged,namely,thatforChrist'ssake,throughfaith,theremissionofsins,righteousness,andlifeeternalaregivenus.Now,ifpassageswhichtreatofworksareunderstoodinsuchamannerastocomprisefaith,theyarenotopposedtoourdoctrine.And,indeed,itisnecessaryalwaystoaddfaith,soasnottoexcludeChristasMediator.ButthefulfilmentoftheLawfollowsfaith;fortheHolyGhostispresent,whorenewslife.Letthissufficeconcerningthisarticle.]257]Wearenot,therefore,onthistopiccontendingwiththeadversariesconcerningasmallmatter.Wearenotseekingoutidlesubtiltieswhenwefindfaultwiththemforteachingthatwe

Page60of154

meriteternallifebyworks,whilethatfaithisomitted258]whichapprehendsChristasMediator.ForofthisfaithwhichbelievesthatforChrist'ssaketheFatherispropitioustousthereisnotasyllableinthescholastics.Everywheretheyholdthatweareacceptedandrighteousbecauseofourworks,wroughteitherfromreason,orcertainlywroughtbytheinclination259]ofthatloveconcerningwhichtheyspeak.Andyettheyhavecertainsayings,maxims,asitwere,260]oftheoldwriters,whichtheydistortininterpreting.Intheschoolstheboastismadethatgoodworkspleaseonaccountofgrace,andthatconfidencemustbeputinGod'sgrace.HeretheyinterpretgraceasahabitbywhichweloveGod,asthough,indeed,theancientsmeanttosaythatweoughttotrustinourlove,ofwhichwecertainlyexperiencehowsmallandhowimpureitis.Althoughitisstrangehowtheybidustrustinlove,sincetheyteachusthatwearenotabletoknowwhetheritbepresent.Whydotheynotheresetforththegrace,themercyofGodtowardus?Andasoftenasmentionismadeofthis,theyoughttoaddfaith.ForthepromiseofGod'smercy,reconciliation,andlovetowardsusisnotapprehendedunlessbyfaith.Withthisviewtheywouldberightinsayingthatweoughttotrustingrace,261]thatgoodworkspleasebecauseofgrace,whenfaithapprehendsgrace.IntheschoolstheboastisalsomadethatourgoodworksavailbyvirtueofChrist'spassion.Wellsaid!butwhyaddnothingconcerningfaith?ForChristisapropitiation,asPaul,Rom.3,25,says,throughfaith.Whentimidconsciencesarecomfortedbyfaith,andareconvincedthatoursinshavebeenblottedoutbythedeathofChrist,andthatGodhasbeenreconciledtousonaccountofChrist'ssuffering,then,indeed,thesufferingofChristprofitsus.Ifthedoctrineconcerningfaithbeomitted,itissaidinvainthatworksavailbyvirtueofChrist'spassion.262]Andverymanyotherpassagestheycorruptintheschoolsbecausetheydonotteachtherighteousnessoffaith,andbecausetheyunderstandbyfaithmerelyaknowledgeofthehistoryorofdogmas,anddonotunderstandbyitthatvirtuewhichapprehendsthepromiseofgraceandofrighteousness,andwhichquickensheartsintheterrorsofsinandofdeath.263]WhenPaulsays,Rom.10,10:Withtheheartmanbelievethuntorighteousness,andwiththemouthconfessionismadeuntosalvation,wethinkthattheadversariesacknowledgeherethatconfessionjustifiesorsaves,notexopereoperato,butonlyonaccountofthefaithoftheheart.AndPaulthussaysthatconfessionsaves,inordertoshowwhatsortoffaithobtainseternallife;namely,thatwhichisfirmand264]active.Thatfaith,however,whichdoesnotmanifestitselfinconfessionisnotfirm.Thusothergoodworkspleaseonaccountoffaith,asalsotheprayersoftheChurchaskthatallthingsmaybeacceptedforChrist'ssake.TheylikewiseaskallthingsforChrist'ssake.Foritismanifestthatatthecloseofprayers265]thisclauseisalwaysadded:ThroughChrist,ourLord.Accordingly,weconcludethatwearejustifiedbeforeGod,arereconciledtoGodandregeneratedbyfaith,whichinrepentanceapprehendsthepromiseofgrace,andtrulyquickenstheterrifiedmind,andisconvincedthatforChrist'ssakeGodisreconciledandpropitioustous.Andthroughthisfaith,1Peter1,5says,wearekeptuntosalvation,readytoberevealed.266]TheknowledgeofthisfaithisnecessarytoChristians,andbringsthemostabundantconsolationinallafflictions,anddisplaystoustheofficeofChrist,becausethosewhodenythatmenarejustifiedbyfaith,anddenythatChristisMediatorandPropitiator,denythepromiseofgraceandtheGospel.TheyteachonlythedoctrineeitherofreasonoroftheLawconcerningjustification.267]Wehaveshowntheoriginofthiscase,sofarascanherebedone,andhaveexplainedtheobjectionsoftheadversaries.Goodmen,indeed,willeasilyjudgethesethings,iftheywillthink,asoftenasapassageconcerningloveorworksiscited,thattheLawcannotbeobservedwithoutChristandthatwecannotbejustifiedfromtheLaw,butfrom268]theGospel,thatis,fromthepromiseofthegracepromisedinChrist.Andwehopethatthisdiscussion,althoughbrief,willbeprofitabletogoodmenforstrengtheningfaith,andteachingandcomfortingconscience.ForweknowthatthosethingswhichwehavesaidareinharmonywiththepropheticandapostolicScriptures,

Page61of154

withtheholyFathers,Ambrose,Augustine,andverymanyothers,andwiththewholeChurchofChrist,whichcertainlyconfessesthatChristisPropitiatorandJustifier.269]NorareweimmediatelytojudgethattheRomanChurchagreeswitheverythingthatthePope,orcardinals,orbishops,orsomeofthetheologians,ormonksapprove.ForitismanifestthattomostofthepontiffstheirownauthorityisofgreaterconcernthantheGospelofChrist.AndithasbeenascertainedthatmostofthemareopenlyEpicureans.ItisevidentthattheologianshavemingledwithChristiandoctrinemoreofphilosophy270]thanwassufficient.Noroughttheirinfluencetoappearsogreatthatitwillneverbelawfultodissentfromtheirdisputations,becauseatthesametimemanymanifesterrorsarefoundamongthem,suchas,thatweareablefrompurelynaturalpowerstoloveGodaboveallthings.Thisdogma,althoughitismanifestlyfalse,hasproducedmanyothererrors.271]FortheScriptures,theholyFathers,andthejudgmentsofallthegodlyeverywheremakereply.Therefore,eventhoughPopes,orsometheologians,andmonksintheChurchhavetaughtustoseekremissionofsins,grace,andrighteousnessthroughourownworks,andtoinventnewformsofworship,whichhaveobscuredtheofficeofChrist,andhavemadeoutofChristnotaPropitiatorandJustifier,butonlyaLegislator,272]neverthelesstheknowledgeofChristhasalwaysremainedwithsomegodlypersons.Scripture,moreover,haspredictedthattherighteousnessoffaithwouldbeobscuredinthiswaybyhumantraditionsandthedoctrineofworks.JustasPauloftencomplains(cf.Gal.4,9;5,7;Col.2,8,16sq.;1Tim.4,2sq.,etc.)thattherewereevenatthattimethosewho,insteadoftherighteousnessoffaith,taughtthatmenwerereconciledtoGodandjustifiedbytheirownworksandownactsofworship,andnotbyfaithforChrist'ssake;becausemen273]judgebynaturethatGodoughttobeappeasedbyworks.NordoesreasonseearighteousnessotherthantherighteousnessoftheLaw,understoodinacivilsense.Accordingly,therehavealwaysexistedintheworldsomewhohavetaughtthiscarnalrighteousnessalonetotheexclusionoftherighteousnessoffaith;andsuchteacherswillalsoalwaysexist.274]ThesamehappenedamongthepeopleofIsrael.Thegreaterpartofthepeoplethoughtthattheymeritedremissionofsinsbytheirworks;theyaccumulatedsacrificesandactsofworship.Onthecontrary,theprophets,incondemnationofthisopinion,taughttherighteousnessoffaith.AndtheoccurrencesamongthepeopleofIsraelareillustrationsofthosethingswhich275]weretooccurintheChurch.Therefore,letthemultitudeoftheadversaries,whocondemnourdoctrine,notdisturbgodlyminds.Fortheirspiritcaneasilybejudged,becauseinsomearticlestheyhavecondemnedtruththatissoclearandmanifestthattheirgodlessnessappearsopenly.276]ForthebullofLeoXcondemnedaverynecessaryarticle,whichallChristiansshouldholdandbelieve,namely,thatweoughttotrustthatwehavebeenabsolvednotbecauseofourcontrition,butbecauseofChrist'sword,Matt.16,19:277]Whatsoeverthoushaltbind,etc.Andnow,inthisassembly,theauthorsoftheConfutationhaveinclearwordscondemnedthis,namely,thatwehavesaidthatfaithisapartofrepentance,bywhichweobtainremissionofsins,andovercometheterrorsofsin,andconscienceisrenderedpacified.Who,however,doesnotseethatthisarticle,thatbyfaithweobtaintheremissionofsins,ismosttrue,mostcertain,andespeciallynecessarytoallChristians?Whotoallposterity,hearingthatsuchadoctrinehasbeencondemned,willjudgethattheauthorsofthiscondemnationhadanyknowledgeofChrist?278]Andconcerningtheirspirit,aconjecture,canbemadefromtheunheard‐ofcruelty,whichitisevidentthattheyhavehithertoexercisedtowardsmostgoodmen.Andinthisassemblywehaveheardthatareverendfather,whenopinionsconcerningourConfessionwereexpressed,saidinthesenateoftheEmpirethatnoplanseemedtohimbetterthantomakeareplywritteninbloodtotheConfessionwhichwehadpresentedwritteninink.WhatmorecruelwouldPhalarissay?Thereforesomeprincesalsohavejudgedthisexpressionunworthytobespoken

Page62of154

insuchameeting.Wherefore,279]althoughtheadversariesclaimforthemselvesthenameoftheChurch,neverthelessweknowthattheChurchofChristiswiththosewhoteachtheGospelofChrist,notwiththosewhodefendwicked,opinionscontrarytotheGospel,astheLordsays,John10,27:MysheephearMyvoice.AndAugustinesays:Thequestionis,WhereistheChurch?What,therefore,arewetodo?ArewetoseekitinourownwordsorinthewordsofitsHead,ourLordJesusChrist?Ithinkthatweoughttoseekitinthewords,ofHimwhoisTruth,andwhoknowsHisownbodybest.Hencethejudgmentsofouradversarieswillnotdisturbus,sincetheydefendhumanopinionscontrarytotheGospel,contrarytotheauthorityoftheholyFathers,whohavewrittenintheChurch,andcontrarytothetestimoniesofgodlyminds.Backtotop

ArticlesVIIandVIII:OftheChurch.1]TheSeventhArticleofourConfession,inwhichwesaidthattheChurchisthecongregationofsaints,theyhavecondemned,andhaveaddedalongdisquisition,thatthewickedarenottobeseparatedfromtheChurchsinceJohnhascomparedtheChurchtoathreshing‐flooronwhichwheatandchaffareheapedtogether,Matt.3,12,andChristhascomparedittoanetinwhich2]therearebothgoodandbadfishes,Matt.13,47.Itis,verily,atruesaying,namely,thatthereisnoremedyagainsttheattacksoftheslanderer.Nothingcanbespokenwithsuchcarethatitcanescapedetraction.3]ForthisreasonwehaveaddedtheEighthArticle,lestanyonemightthinkthatweseparatethewickedandhypocritesfromtheoutwardfellowshipoftheChurch,orthatwedenyefficacytoSacramentsadministeredbyhypocritesorwickedmen.Thereforethereisnoneedhereofalongdefenseagainstthisslander.TheEighthArticleissufficienttoexculpateus.ForwegrantthatinthislifehypocritesandwickedmenhavebeenmingledwiththeChurch,andthattheyaremembersoftheChurchaccordingtotheoutwardfellowshipofthesignsoftheChurch,i.e.,ofWord,profession,andSacraments,especiallyiftheyhavenotbeenexcommunicated.4]NeitheraretheSacramentswithoutefficacyforthereasonthattheyareadministeredbywickedmen;yea,wecanevenberightinusingtheSacramentsadministeredbywickedmen.ForPaulalsopredicts,2Thess.2,4,thatAntichristwillsitinthetempleofGod,i.e.,hewillruleandbearofficeintheChurch.5]ButtheChurchisnotonlythefellowshipofoutwardobjectsandrites,asothergovernments,butitisoriginallyafellowshipoffaithandoftheHolyGhostinhearts.[TheChristianChurchconsistsnotaloneinfellowshipofoutwardsigns,butitconsistsespeciallyininwardcommunionofeternalblessingsintheheart,asoftheHolyGhost,offaith,ofthefearandloveofGod];whichfellowshipneverthelesshasoutwardmarkssothatitcanberecognized,namely,thepuredoctrineoftheGospel,andtheadministrationoftheSacramentsinaccordancewiththeGospelofChrist.[Namely,whereGod'sWordispure,andtheSacramentsareadministeredinconformitywiththesame,therecertainlyistheChurch,andthereareChristians.]AndthisChurchaloneiscalledthebodyofChrist,whichChristrenews[ChristisitsHead,and]sanctifiesandgovernsbyHisSpirit,asPaultestifies,Eph.1,22sq.,whenhesays:AndgaveHimtobetheHeadoverallthingstotheChurch,whichisHisbody,6]thefulnessofHimthatfillethallinall.Wherefore,thoseinwhomChristdoesnotact[throughHisSpirit]arenotthemembersofChrist.This,too,theadversariesacknowledge,namely,thatthewickedaredeadmembersoftheChurch.Thereforewewonderwhytheyhavefoundfaultwithourdescription[ourconclusionconcerningtheChurch]7]whichspeaksoflivingmembers.Neitherhavewesaidanythingnew.PaulhasdefinedtheChurchpreciselyinthesameway,Eph.5,25f,thatitshouldbecleansedinordertobeholy.Andheaddstheoutwardmarks,theWordandSacraments.Forhesaysthus:

Page63of154

ChristalsolovedtheChurch,andgaveHimselfforit,thatHemightsanctifyandcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheWord,thatHemightpresentittoHimselfagloriousChurch,nothavingspot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing,butthatitshouldbeholyandwithoutblemish.IntheConfessionwehavepresentedthissentencealmostintheverywords.ThusalsotheChurchisdefinedbythearticleintheCreedwhichteachesustobelievethatthereisaholyCatholicChurch.8]ThewickedindeedarenotaholyChurch.Andthatwhichfollows,namely,thecommunionofsaints,seemstobeaddedinordertoexplainwhattheChurchsignifies,namely,thecongregationofsaints,whohavewitheachotherthefellowshipofthesameGospelordoctrine[whoconfessoneGospel,havethesameknowledgeofChrist]andofthesameHolyGhost,whorenews,sanctifies,andgovernstheirhearts.9]Andthisarticlehasbeenpresentedforanecessaryreason.[ThearticleoftheChurchCatholicorUniversal,whichisgatheredtogetherfromeverynationunderthesun,isverycomfortingandhighlynecessary.]WeseetheinfinitedangerswhichthreatenthedestructionoftheChurch.IntheChurchitself,infiniteisthemultitudeofthewickedwhooppressit[despise,bitterlyhate,andmostviolentlypersecutetheWord,as,e.g.,theTurks,Mohammedans,othertyrants,heretics,etc.ForthisreasonthetrueteachingandtheChurchareoftensoutterlysuppressedanddisappear,asiftherewerenoChurch,whichhashappenedunderthepapacy;itoftenseemsthattheChurchhascompletelyperished].Therefore,inorderthatwemaynotdespair,butmayknowthattheChurchwillneverthelessremain[untiltheendoftheworld],likewisethatwemayknowthat,howevergreatthemultitudeofthewickedis,yettheChurch[whichisChrist'sbride]exists,andthatChristaffordsthosegiftswhichHehaspromisedtotheChurch,toforgivesins,tohearprayer,togivetheHolyGhost,thisarticleintheCreedpresentsustheseconsolations.10]AnditsaysChurchCatholic,inorderthatwemaynotunderstandtheChurchtobeanoutwardgovernmentofcertainnations[thattheChurchislikeanyotherexternalpolity,boundtothisorthatland,kingdom,ornation,asthePopeofRomewillsay],butrathermenscatteredthroughoutthewholeworld[hereandthereintheworld,fromtherisingtothesettingofthesun],whoagreeconcerningtheGospel,andhavethesameChrist,thesameHolyGhost,andthesameSacraments,whethertheyhavethesame11]ordifferenthumantraditions.AndtheglossupontheDecreessaysthattheChurchinitswidesenseembracesgoodandevil;likewise,thatthewickedareintheChurchonlyinname,notinfact;butthatthegoodareintheChurchbothinfactandinname.AndtothiseffecttherearemanypassagesintheFathers.ForJeromesays:Thesinner,therefore,whohasbeensoiledwithanyblotchcannotbecalledamemberoftheChurchofChrist,neitherhimhebesaidtobesubjecttoChrist.12]Although,therefore,hypocritesandwickedmenaremembersofthistrueChurchaccordingtooutwardrites[titlesandoffices],yetwhentheChurchisdefined,itisnecessarytodefinethatwhichisthelivingbodyofChrist,andwhichisinnameandinfacttheChurch[whichiscalledthebodyofChrist,andhasfellowshipnotaloneinoutwardsigns,buthasgiftsintheheart,namely,theHolyGhostandfaith].13]Andforthistherearemanyreasons.Foritisnecessarytounderstandwhatitisthatprincipallymakesusmembers,andthat,livingmembers,oftheChurch.IfwewilldefinetheChurchonlyasanoutwardpolityofthegoodandwicked,menwillnotunderstandthatthekingdomofChristisrighteousnessofheartandthegiftoftheHolyGhost[thatthekingdomofChristisspiritual,asneverthelessitis;thatthereinChristinwardlyrules,strengthens,andcomfortshearts,andimpartstheHolyGhostandvariousspiritualgifts],buttheywilljudgethatitisonlytheoutwardobservanceofcertainformsofworshipandrites.14]Likewise,whatdifferencewilltherebebetweenthepeopleoftheLawandtheChurchiftheChurchisanoutwardpolity?ButPauldistinguishestheChurchfromthepeopleoftheLawthus,thattheChurchisaspiritualpeople,i.e.,thatithasbeendistinguishedfromtheheathen

Page64of154

notbycivilrites[notinthepolityandcivilaffairs],butthatitisthetruepeopleofGod,regeneratedbytheHolyGhost.AmongthepeopleoftheLaw,apartfromthepromiseofChrist,alsothecarnalseed[allthosewhobynaturewerebornJewsandAbraham'sseed]hadpromisesconcerningcorporealthings,ofgovernment,etc.AndbecauseoftheseeventhewickedamongthemwerecalledthepeopleofGod,becauseGodhadseparatedthiscarnalseedfromothernationsbycertainoutwardordinancesandpromises;andyet,15]thesewickedpersonsdidnotpleaseGod.ButtheGospel[whichispreachedintheChurch]bringsnotmerelytheshadowofeternalthings,buttheeternalthingsthemselves,theHolyGhostandrighteousness,bywhichwearerighteousbeforeGod.[ButeverytrueChristianisevenhereuponearthpartakerofeternalblessings,evenofeternalcomfort,ofeternallife,andoftheHolyGhost,andofrighteousnesswhichisfromGod,untilhewillbecompletelysavedintheworldtocome.]16]Therefore,onlythosearethepeople,accordingtotheGospel,whoreceivethispromiseoftheSpirit.Besides,theChurchisthekingdomofChrist,distinguishedfromthekingdomofthedevil.Itiscertain,however,thatthewickedareinthepowerofthedevil,andmembersofthekingdomofthedevil,asPaulteaches,Eph.2,2,whenhesaysthatthedevilnowworkethinthechildrenofdisobedience.AndChristsaystothePharisees,whocertainlyhadoutwardfellowshipwiththeChurch,i.e.,withthesaintsamongthepeopleoftheLaw(fortheyheldoffice,sacrificed,andtaught):Yeareofyourfather,thedevil,John8,44.Therefore,theChurch,whichistrulythekingdomofChrist,isproperlythecongregationofsaints.Forthewickedareruledbythedevil,andarecaptivesofthedevil;theyarenotruledbytheSpiritofChrist.17]Butwhatneedisthereofwordsinamanifestmatter?[However,theadversariescontradicttheplaintruth.]IftheChurch,whichistrulythekingdomofChrist,isdistinguishedfromthekingdomofthedevil,itfollowsnecessarilythatthewicked,sincetheyareinthekingdomofthedevil,arenottheChurch;althoughinthislife,becausethekingdomofChristhasnotyetbeenrevealed;theyaremingledwiththeChurch,andholdoffices[asteachers,andotheroffices]intheChurch.18]NeitherarethewickedthekingdomofChrist,forthereasonthattherevelationhasnotyetbeenmade.ForthatisalwaysthekingdomwhichHequickensbyHisSpirit,whetheritberevealedorbecoveredbythecross;justasHewhohasnowbeenglorifiedisthesameChristwhowasbeforeafflicted.19]AndwiththisclearlyagreetheparablesofChrist,whosays,Matt.13,38,thatthegoodseedarethechildrenofthekingdom,butthetaresarethechildrenoftheWickedOne.Thefield,Hesays,istheworld,nottheChurch.ThusJohn[Matt.3,12:HewillthroughlypurgeHisfloor,andgatherHiswheatintothegarner;butHewillburnupthechaff]speaksconcerningthewholeraceoftheJews,andsaysthatitwillcometopassthatthetrueChurchwillbeseparatedfromthatpeople.Therefore,thispassageismoreagainsttheadversariesthaninfavorofthem,becauseitshowsthatthetrueandspiritualpeopleistobeseparatedfromthecarnalpeople.ChristalsospeaksoftheoutwardappearanceoftheChurchwhenHesays,Matt.13,47:Thekingdomofheavenislikeuntoanet,likewise,totenvirgins;andHeteachesthattheChurchhasbeencoveredbyamultitudeofevils,inorderthatthisstumbling‐blockmaynotoffendthepious;likewise,inorderthatwemayknowthattheWordandSacramentsareefficaciousevenwhenadministeredbythewicked.AndmeanwhileHeteachesthatthesegodlessmen,althoughtheyhavethefellowshipofoutwardsigns,areneverthelessnotthetruekingdomofChristandmembersofChrist;20]fortheyaremembersofthekingdomofthedevil.Neither,indeed,arewedreamingofaPlatonicstate,assomewickedlycharge,butwesaythatthisChurchexists,namely,thetrulybelievingandrighteousmenscatteredthroughoutthewholeworld.[WearespeakingnotofanimaginaryChurch,whichistobefoundnowhere;butwesayandknowcertainlythatthisChurch,wherein

Page65of154

saintslive,isandabidestrulyuponearth;namely,thatsomeofGod'schildrenarehereandthereinalltheworld,invariouskingdoms,islands,lands,andcities,fromtherisingofthesuntoitssetting,whohavetrulylearnedtoknowChristandHisGospel.]Andweaddthemarks:thepuredoctrineoftheGospel[theministryortheGospel]andtheSacraments.AndthisChurchisproperlythepillarofthetruth,1Tim.3,15.ForitretainsthepureGospel,and,asPaulsays,1Cor.3,11[:"Otherfoundationcannomanlaythanthatislaid,whichisJesusChrist"],thefoundation,i.e.,thetrueknowledgeofChristandfaith.Althoughamongthese[inthebodywhichisbuiltuponthetruefoundation,i.e.,uponChristandfaith]therearealsomanyweakpersons,whobuilduponthefoundationstubblethatwillperish,i.e.,certainunprofitableopinions[somehumanthoughtsandopinions],which,nevertheless,becausetheydonotoverthrowthefoundation,arebothforgiventhem21]andalsocorrected.AndthewritingsoftheholyFatherstestifythatsometimeseventheybuiltstubbleuponthefoundation,butthatthisdidnotoverthrowtheirfaith.Butmostofthoseerrorswhichouradversariesdefend,overthrowfaith,as,theircondemnationofthearticleconcerningtheremissionofsins,inwhichwesaythattheremissionofsinsisreceivedbyfaith.LikewiseitisamanifestandperniciouserrorwhentheadversariesteachthatmenmerittheremissionofsinsbylovetoGod,priortograce.[IntheplaceofChristtheysetuptheirworks,orders,masses,justastheJews,theheathen,andtheTurksintendtobesavedbytheirworks.]Forthisalsoistoremove"thefoundation,"i.e.,Christ.Likewise,whatneedwilltherebeoffaithiftheSacramentsjustifyexopereoperato,22]withoutagooddispositiononthepartoftheoneusingthem?[withoutfaith.Now,apersonthatdoesnotregardfaithasnecessaryhasalreadylostChrist.Again,theysetuptheworshipofsaints,callupontheminsteadofChrist,theMediator,etc.]ButjustastheChurchhasthepromisethatitwillalwayshavetheHolyGhost,soithasalsothethreateningsthattherewillbewickedteachersandwolves.ButthatistheChurchinthepropersensewhichhastheHolyGhost.Althoughwolvesandwickedteachersbecomerampant[rageanddoinjury]intheChurch,yettheyarenotproperlythekingdomofChrist.JustasLyraalsotestifies,whenhesays:TheChurchdoesnotconsistofmenwithrespecttopower,orecclesiasticalorseculardignity,becausemanyprincesandarchbishopsandothersoflowerrankhavebeenfoundtohaveapostatizedfromthefaith.Therefore,theChurchconsistsofthosepersonsinwhomthereisatrueknowledgeandconfessionoffaithandtruth.WhatelsehavewesaidinourConfessionthanwhatLyraheresays[intermssoclearthathecouldnothavespokenmoreclearly]?23]Buttheadversariesperhapsrequire[anewRomandefinition],thattheChurchbedefinedthus,namely,thatitisthesupremeoutwardmonarchyofthewholeworld,inwhichtheRomanpontiffnecessarilyhasunquestionedpower,whichnooneispermittedtodisputeorcensure[nomatterwhetherheusesitrightly,ormisusesit],toframearticlesoffaith;toabolish,accordingtohispleasure,theScriptures[topervertandinterpretthemcontrarytoalldivinelaw,contrarytohisowndecretals,contrarytoallimperialrights,asoften,toasgreatanextent,andwheneveritpleaseshim;tosellindulgencesanddispensationsformoney];toappointritesofworshipandsacrifices;likewise,toframesuchlawsashemaywish,andtodispenseandexemptfromwhateverlawshemaywish,divine,canonical,orcivil;andthatfromhim[asfromthevicegerentofChrist]theEmperorandallkingsreceive,accordingtothecommandofChrist,thepowerandrighttoholdtheirkingdoms,fromwhom,sincetheFatherhassubjectedallthingstoHim,itmustbeunderstood,thisrightwastransferredtothePope;thereforethePopemustnecessarilybe[aGodonearth,thesupremeMajesty,]lordofthewholeworld,ofallthekingdomsoftheworld,ofallthingsprivateandpublic,andmusthaveabsolutepowerintemporalandspiritualthings,andbothswords,thespiritualandtemporal.24]Besides,thisdefinition,notoftheChurchofChrist,butofthepapalkingdom,hasasitsauthorsnotonlythecanonists,butalsoDaniel11,36ff[Daniel,theprophet,representsAntichristinthisway.]

Page66of154

25]Now,ifwewoulddefinetheChurchinthisway[thatitissuchpomp,asisexhibitedinthePope'srule],wewouldperhapshavefairerjudges.FortherearemanythingsextantwrittenextravagantlyandwickedlyconcerningthepowerofthePopeofRome,onaccountofwhichnoonehaseverbeenarraigned.Wealoneareblamed,becauseweproclaimthebeneficenceofChrist[andwriteandpreachtheclearwordandteachingoftheapostles],thatbyfaithinChristweobtainremissionofsins,andnotby[hypocrisyorinnumerable]ritesofworshipdevisedbythePope.26]Moreover,Christ,theprophets,andtheapostlesdefinetheChurchofChristfarotherwisethanasthepapalkingdom.27]NeithermustwetransfertothePopeswhatbelongstothetrueChurch,namely,thattheyarepillarsofthetruth,thattheydonoterr.ForhowmanyofthemcarefortheGospel,orjudgethatit[onelittlepage,oneletterofit]isworthbeingread?Many[inItalyandelsewhere]evenpubliclyridiculeallreligions,or,iftheyapproveanything,theyapprovesuchthingsonlyasareinharmonywithhumanreason,andregardtherestfabulous28]andlikethetragediesofthepoets.Whereforewehold,accordingtotheScriptures,thattheChurch,properlysocalled,isthecongregationofsaints[ofthosehereandthereintheworld],whotrulybelievetheGospelofChrist,andhavetheHolyGhost.Andyetweconfessthatinthislifemanyhypocritesandwickedmen,mingledwiththese,havethefellowshipofoutwardsigns,whoaremembersoftheChurchaccordingtothisfellowshipofoutwardsigns,andaccordinglybearofficesintheChurch[preach,administertheSacraments,andbearthetitleandnameofChristians].NeitherdoesthefactthattheSacramentsareadministeredbytheunworthydetractfromtheirefficacy,because,onaccountofthecalloftheChurch,theyrepresentthepersonofChrist,anddonotrepresenttheirownpersons,asChristtestifies,Luke10,16:HethathearethyouhearethMe.[ThusevenJudaswassenttopreach.]WhentheyoffertheWordofGod,whentheyoffertheSacraments,theyoffertheminthesteadandplaceofChrist.ThosewordsofChristteachusnottobeoffendedbytheunworthinessoftheministers.29]ButconcerningthismatterwehavespokenwithsufficientclearnessintheConfessionthatwecondemntheDonatistsandWyclifites,whothoughtthatmensinnedwhentheyreceivedtheSacramentsfromtheunworthyintheChurch.Thesethingsseem,forthepresent,tobesufficientforthedefenseofthedescriptionoftheChurchwhichwehavepresented.Neitherdoweseehow,whentheChurch,properlysocalled,isnamedthebodyofChrist,itshouldbedescribedotherwisethanwehavedescribedit.Foritisevidentthatthewickedbelongtothekingdomandbodyofthedevil,whoimpelsandholdscaptivethewicked.Thesethingsareclearerthanthelightofnoonday;however,iftheadversariesstillcontinuetopervertthem,wewillnothesitatetoreplyatgreaterlength.30]TheadversariescondemnalsothepartoftheSeventhArticleinwhichwesaidthat"totheunityoftheChurchitissufficienttoagreeconcerningthedoctrineoftheGospelandtheadministrationoftheSacraments;norisitnecessarythathumantraditions,rites,orceremoniesinstitutedbymenshouldbealikeeverywhere."Heretheydistinguishbetweenuniversalandparticularrites,andapproveourarticleifitbeunderstoodconcerningparticularrites;theydonotreceiveitconcerninguniversalrites.[Thatisafine,clumsydistinction!]31]Wedonotsufficientlyunderstandwhattheadversariesmean.Wearespeakingoftrue,i.e.,ofspiritualunity[wesaythatthoseareoneharmoniousChurchwhobelieveinoneChrist;whohaveoneGospel,oneSpirit,onefaith,thesameSacraments;andwearespeaking,therefore,ofspiritualunity],withoutwhichfaithintheheart,orrighteousnessofheartbeforeGod,cannotexist.Forthiswesaythatsimilarityofhumanrites,whetheruniversalorparticular,isnotnecessary,becausetherighteousnessoffaithisnotarighteousnessboundtocertaintraditions[outwardceremoniesofhumanordinances]astherighteousnessoftheLawwasboundtotheMosaic

Page67of154

ceremonies,becausethisrighteousnessoftheheartisamatterthatquickenstheheart.Tothisquickening,humantraditions,whethertheybeuniversalorparticular,contributenothing;neitheraretheyeffectsoftheHolyGhost,asarechastity,patience,thefearofGod,lovetoone'sneighbor,andtheworks,oflove.32]Neitherwerethereasonstriflingwhywepresentedthisarticle.Foritisevidentthatmany[greaterrorsand]foolishopinionsconcerningtraditionshadcreptintotheChurch.Somethoughtthathumantraditionswerenecessaryservicesformeritingjustification[thatwithoutsuchhumanordinancesChristianholinessandfaithareofnoavailbeforeGod;alsothatnoonecanbeaChristianunlessheobservesuchtraditions,althoughtheyarenothingbutanoutwardregulation].AndafterwardstheydisputedhowitcametopassthatGodwasworshipedwithsuchvariety,asthough,indeed,theseobservanceswereactsofworship,andnotratheroutwardandpoliticalordinances,pertaininginnorespecttorighteousnessofheartortheworshipofGod,whichvary,accordingtothecircumstances,forcertainprobablereasons,sometimesinoneway,andatothertimesinanother[asinworldlygovernmentsonestatehascustomsdifferentfromanother].LikewisesomeChurcheshaveexcommunicatedothersbecauseofsuchtraditions,astheobservanceofEaster,pictures,andthelike.Hencetheignoranthavesupposedthatfaith,ortherighteousnessoftheheartbeforeGod,cannotexist[andthatnoonecanbeaChristian]withouttheseobservances.FormanyfoolishwritingsoftheSummistsandofothersconcerningthismatterareextant.33]ButjustasthedissimilarlengthofdayandnightdoesnotinjuretheunityoftheChurch,sowebelievethatthetrueunityoftheChurchisnotinjuredbydissimilarritesinstitutedbymen;althoughitispleasingtousthat,forthesakeoftranquillity[unityandgoodorder],universalritesbeobserved,justasalsointhechurcheswewillinglyobservetheorderoftheMass,theLord'sDay,andothermoreeminentfestivaldays.Andwithaverygratefulmindweembracetheprofitableandancientordinances,especiallysincetheycontainadisciplinebywhichitisprofitabletoeducateandtrainthepeopleandthosewhoareignorant[theyoungpeople].34]Butnowwearenotdiscussingthequestionwhetheritbeofadvantagetoobservethemonaccountofpeaceorbodilyprofit.Anothermatteristreatedof.Forthequestionatissueis,whethertheobservancesofhumantraditionsareactsofworshipnecessaryforrighteousnessbeforeGod.Thisisthepointtobejudgedinthiscontroversy,andwhenthisisdecided,itcanafterwardsbejudgedwhethertothetrueunityoftheChurchitisnecessarythathumantraditionsshouldeverywherebealike.ForifhumantraditionsbenotactsofworshipnecessaryforrighteousnessbeforeGod,itfollowsthatalsotheycanberighteousandbethesonsofGodwhohavenotthetraditionswhichhavebeenreceivedelsewhere.F.i.,ifthestyleofGermanclothingisnotworshipofGod,necessaryforrighteousnessbeforeGod,itfollowsthatmencanberighteousandsonsofGodandtheChurchofChrist,eventhoughtheyuseacostumethatisnotGerman,butFrench.35]PaulclearlyteachesthistotheColossians,2,16.17:Letnoman,therefore,judgeyouinmeat,orindrink,orinrespectofanholy‐day,orofthenewmoon,oroftheSabbathdays,whichareashadowofthingstocome;butthebodyisofChrist.Likewise,2,20‐23sqq.:IfyebedeadwithChristfromtherudimentsoftheworld,why,asthoughlivingintheworld,areyesubjecttoordinances(touchnot;tastenot;handlenot;whichallaretoperishwiththeusing),afterthecommandmentsanddoctrinesofmen?Whichthingshave,indeed,ashowofwisdominwill‐worshipandhumility.36]Forthemeaningis:Sincerighteousnessoftheheartisaspiritualmatter,quickeninghearts,anditisevidentthathumantraditionsdonotquickenhearts,andarenoteffectsoftheHolyGhost,asarelovetoone'sneighbor,chastity,etc.,andarenotinstrumentsthroughwhichGodmovesheartstobelieve,asarethedivinelygivenWordand

Page68of154

Sacraments,butareusageswithregardtomattersthatpertaininnorespecttotheheart,whichperishwiththeusing,wemustnotbelievethattheyarenecessaryforrighteousnessbeforeGod.[Theyarenothingeternal;hence,theydonotprocureeternallife,butareanexternalbodilydiscipline,whichdoesnotchangetheheart.]Andtothesameeffecthesays,Rom.14,17:ThekingdomofGodisnotmeatanddrink,butrighteousness37]andpeaceandjoyintheHolyGhost.Butthereisnoneedtocitemanytestimonies,sincetheyareeverywhereobviousintheScriptures,andinourConfessionwehavebroughttogetherverymanyofthem,inthelatterarticles.Andthepointtobedecidedinthiscontroversymustberepeatedafterawhile,namely,whetherhumantraditionsbeactsofworshipnecessaryforrighteousnessbeforeGod.Therewewilldiscussthismattermorefully.38]Theadversariessaythatuniversaltraditionsaretobeobservedbecausetheyaresupposedtohavebeenhandeddownbytheapostles.Whatreligiousmentheyare!Theywishthattheritesderivedfromtheapostlesberetained;theydonotwishthedoctrineoftheapostlestoberetained.39]Theymustjudgeconcerningtheseritesjustastheapostlesthemselvesjudgeintheirwritings.Fortheapostlesdidnotwishustobelievethatthroughsuchriteswearejustified,thatsuchritesarenecessaryforrighteousnessbeforeGod.Theapostlesdidnotwishtoimposesuchaburdenuponconsciences;theydidnotwishtoplacerighteousnessandsinintheobservanceofdays,food,andthelike.40]Yea,Paulcallssuchopinionsdoctrinesofdevils,1Tim.4,1.Thereforethewillandadviceoftheapostlesoughttobederivedfromtheirwritings;itisnotenoughtomentiontheirexample.Theyobservedcertaindays,notbecausethisobservancewasnecessaryforjustification,butinorderthatthepeoplemightknowatwhattimetheyshouldassemble.Theyobservedalsocertainotherritesandordersoflessonswhenevertheyassembled.Thepeople[InthebeginningoftheChurchtheJewswhohadbecomeChristians]retainedalsofromthecustomsoftheFathers[fromtheirJewishfestivalsandceremonies],asiscommonlythecase,certainthingswhich,beingsomewhatchanged,theapostlesadaptedtothehistoryoftheGospel,asthePassover,Pentecost,sothatnotonlybyteaching,butalsothroughtheseexamplestheymighthanddowntoposteritythememory41]ofthemostimportantsubjects.Butifthesethingswerehandeddownasnecessaryforjustification,whyafterwardsdidthebishopschangemanythingsintheseverymatters?For,iftheyweremattersofdivineright,itwasnotlawfultochangethembyhumanauthority.42]BeforetheSynodofNice,someobservedEasteratonetimeandothersatanothertime.Neitherdidthiswantofuniformityinjurefaith.AfterwardtheplanwasadoptedbywhichourPassover[Easter]didnotfallatthesametimeasthatoftheJewishPassover.ButtheapostleshadcommandedtheChurchestoobservethePassoverwiththebrethrenwhohadbeenconvertedfromJudaism.Therefore,aftertheSynodofNice,certainnationstenaciouslyheldtothecustomofobservingtheJewishtime.Buttheapostles,bythisdecree,didnotwishtoimposenecessityupontheChurches,asthewordsofthedecreetestify.Foritbidsnoonetobetroubled,eventhoughhisbrethren,inobservingEaster,donotcomputethetimearight.ThewordsofthedecreeareextantinEpiphanius:Donotcalculate,butcelebrateitwheneveryourbrethrenofthecircumcisiondo;celebrateitatthesametimewiththem,andeventhoughtheymayhaveerred,letnotthisbeacaretoyou.EpiphaniuswritesthatthesearethewordsoftheapostlespresentedinadecreeconcerningEaster,inwhichthediscreetreadercaneasilyjudgethattheapostleswishedtofreethepeoplefromthefoolishopinionofafixedtime,whentheyprohibitthemfrombeingtroubled,43]eventhoughamistakeshouldbemadeinthecomputation.Some,moreover,intheEast,whowerecalled,fromtheauthorofthedogma,Audians,contended,onaccountofthisdecreeoftheapostles,thatthePassovershouldbeobservedwiththeJews.Epiphanius,inrefutingthem,praisesthedecree,andsaysthatitcontainsnothingwhichdeviatesfromthefaithorruleoftheChurch,andblamestheAudiansbecausetheydonotunderstandarighttheexpression,andinterpretsitinthesenseinwhich

Page69of154

weinterpretit,becausetheapostlesdidnotconsideritofanyimportanceatwhattimethePassovershouldbeobserved,butbecauseprominentbrethrenhadbeenconvertedfromtheJews,whoobservedtheircustom,and,forthesakeof44]harmony,wishedtheresttofollowtheirexample.AndtheapostleswiselyadmonishedthereaderneithertoremovethelibertyoftheGospel,nortoimposenecessityuponconsciences,becausetheyaddthattheyshouldnotbetroubledeventhoughthereshouldbeanerrorinmakingthecomputation.45]Manythingsofthisclasscanbegatheredfromthehistories,inwhichitappearsthatawantofuniformityinhumanobservancesdoesnotinjuretheunityoffaith[separatenoonefromtheuniversalChristianChurch].Although,whatneedisthereofdiscussion?Theadversariesdonotatallunderstandwhattherighteousnessoffaithis,whatthekingdomofChristis,whentheyjudgethatuniformityofobservancesinfood,days,clothing,andthelike,whichdonothavethecommandofGod,isnecessary.46]Butlookatthereligiousmen,ouradversaries.FortheunityoftheChurchtheyrequireuniformhumanobservances,althoughtheythemselveshavechangedtheordinanceofChristintheuseoftheSupper,whichcertainlywasauniversalordinancebefore.Butifuniversalordinancesaresonecessary,whydotheythemselveschangetheordinanceofChrist'sSupper,whichisnothuman,butdivine?Butconcerningthisentirecontroversyweshallhavetospeakatdifferenttimesbelow.47]TheentireEighthArticlehasbeenapproved,inwhichweconfessthathypocritesandwickedpersonshavebeenmingledwiththeChurch,andthattheSacramentsareefficaciouseventhoughdispensedbywickedministers,becausetheministersactintheplaceofChrist,anddonotrepresenttheirownpersons,accordingto48]Luke10,16:HethathearethyouhearethMe.Impiousteachersaretobedeserted[arenottobereceivedorheard],becausethesedonotactanylongerintheplaceofChrist,butareantichrists.AndChristsaysMatt.7,15:Bewareoffalseprophets.AndPaul,Gal.1,9:Ifanymanpreachanyothergospeluntoyou,lethimbeaccursed49]Moreover,ChristhaswarnedusinHisparablesconcerningtheChurch,thatwhenoffendedbytheprivatevices,whetherofpriestsorpeople,weshouldnotexciteschisms,astheDonatistshavewickedlydone.50]Astothose,however,whohaveexcitedschisms,becausetheydeniedthatpriestsarepermittedtoholdpossessionsandproperty,weholdthattheyarealtogetherseditious.Fortoholdpropertyisacivilordinance.Itislawful,however,forChristianstousecivilordinances,justastheyusetheair,thelight,food,drink.ForasthisorderoftheworldandfixedmovementsoftheheavenlybodiesaretrulyGod'sordinancesandthesearepreservedbyGod,solawfulgovernmentsaretrulyGod'sordinances,andarepreservedanddefendedbyGodagainstthedevil.Backtotop

ArticleIX:OfBaptism.51]TheNinthArticlehasbeenapproved,inwhichweconfessthatBaptismisnecessarytosalvation,andthatchildrenaretobebaptized,andthatthebaptismofchildrenisnotinvain,butisnecessaryandeffectualtosalvation.52]AndsincetheGospelistaughtamonguspurelyanddiligently,byGod'sfavorwereceivealsofromitthisfruit,thatinourChurchesnoAnabaptistshavearisen[havenotgainedgroundinourChurches],becausethepeoplehavebeenfortifiedbyGod'sWordagainstthewickedandseditiousfactionoftheserobbers.AndaswecondemnquiteanumberofothererrorsoftheAnabaptists,wecondemnthisalso,thatthey

Page70of154

disputethatthebaptismoflittlechildrenisunprofitable.Foritisverycertainthatthepromiseofsalvationpertainsalsotolittlechildren[thatthedivinepromisesofgraceandoftheHolyGhostbelongnotalonetotheold,butalsotochildren].Itdoesnot,however,pertaintothosewhoareoutsideofChrist'sChurch,wherethereisneitherWordnorSacraments,becausethekingdomofChristexistsonlywiththeWordandSacraments.Thereforeitisnecessarytobaptizelittlechildren,thatthepromiseofsalvationmaybeappliedtothem,accordingtoChrist'scommand,Matt.28,19:Baptizeallnations.Justasheresalvationisofferedtoall,soBaptismisofferedtoall,tomen,women,children,infants.Itclearlyfollows,therefore,thatinfantsaretobebaptized,becausewithBaptismsalvation[theuniversalgraceandtreasureoftheGospel]isoffered.53]Secondly,itismanifestthatGodapprovesofthebaptismoflittlechildren.ThereforetheAnabaptists,whocondemnthebaptismoflittlechildren,believewickedly.ThatGod,however,approvesofthebaptismoflittlechildrenisshownbythis,namely,thatGodgivestheHolyGhosttothosethusbaptized[tomanywhohavebeenbaptizedinchildhood].Forifthisbaptismwouldbeinvain,theHolyGhostwouldbegiventonone,nonewouldbesaved,andfinallytherewouldbenoChurch.[FortherehavebeenmanyholymenintheChurchwhohavenotbeenbaptizedotherwise.]Thisreason,eventakenalone,cansufficientlyestablishgoodandgodlymindsagainstthegodlessandfanaticalopinionsoftheAnabaptists.Backtotop

ArticleX:OftheHolySupper.54]TheTenthArticlehasbeenapproved,inwhichweconfessthatwebelieve,thatintheLord'sSupperthebodyandbloodofChristaretrulyandsubstantiallypresent,andaretrulytendered,withthosethingswhichareseen,breadandwine,tothosewhoreceivetheSacrament.Thisbeliefweconstantlydefend,asthesubjecthasbeencarefullyexaminedandconsidered.ForsincePaulsays,1Cor.10,16,thatthebreadisthecommunionoftheLord'sbody,etc.,itwouldfollow,iftheLord'sbodywerenottrulypresent,thatthebreadisnotacommunionofthebody,butonlyofthespiritofChrist.55]AndwehaveascertainedthatnotonlytheRomanChurchaffirmsthebodilypresenceofChrist,buttheGreekChurchalsobothnowbelieves,andformerlybelieved,thesame.ForthecanonoftheMassamongthemtestifiestothis,inwhichthepriestclearlypraysthatthebreadmaybechangedandbecometheverybodyofChrist.AndVulgarius,whoseemstoustobenotasillywriter,saysdistinctlythatbreadisnotamerefigure,but56]istrulychangedintoflesh.AndthereisalongexpositionofCyrilonJohn15,inwhichheteachesthatChristiscorporeallyofferedusintheSupper.Forhesaysthus:Nevertheless,wedonotdenythatwearejoinedspirituallytoChristbytruefaithandsincerelove.ButthatwehavenomodeofconnectionwithHim,accordingtotheflesh,thisindeedweentirelydeny.Andthis,wesay,isaltogetherforeigntothedivineScriptures.ForwhohasdoubtedthatChristisinthismanneravine,andwethebranches,derivingthencelifeforourselves?HearPaulsaying1Cor.10,17;Rom.12,5;Gal.3,28:WeareallonebodyinChrist;althoughwearemany,weare,nevertheless,oneinHim;forweare,allpartakersofthatonebread.Doesheperhapsthinkthatthevirtueofthemysticalbenedictionisunknowntous?Sincethisisinus,doesitnotalso,bythecommunicationofChrist'sflesh,causeChristtodwellinusbodily?Andalittleafter:WhencewemustconsiderthatChristisinusnotonlyaccordingtothehabit,whichwecalllove,57]butalsobynaturalparticipation,etc.Wehavecitedthesetestimonies,nottoundertakeadiscussionhereconcerningthissubject,forHisImperialMajestydoesnotdisapproveofthisarticle,butinorderthatallwhomayreadthemmaythemoreclearlyperceivethatwedefendthedoctrinereceivedintheentireChurch,thatintheLord'sSupperthebodyandbloodofChristaretrulyandsubstantiallypresent,andaretruly

Page71of154

tenderedwiththosethingswhichareseen,breadandwine.AndwespeakofthepresenceofthelivingChrist[livingbody];forweknowthatdeathhathnomoredominionoverHim,Rom.6,9.Backtotop

ArticleXI:OfConfession.58]TheEleventhArticle,OfRetainingAbsolutionintheChurch,isapproved.Buttheyaddacorrectioninreferencetoconfession,namely,thattheregulationheaded,OmnisUtriusque,beobserved,andthatbothannualconfessionbemade,and,althoughallsinscannotbeenumerated,neverthelessdiligencebeemployedinorderthattheyberecollected,andthosewhichcanberecalled,berecounted.Concerningthisentirearticle,wewillspeakatgreaterlengthafterawhile,whenwewillexplainourentireopinionconcerningrepentance.59]Itiswellknownthatwehavesoelucidatedandextolled[thatwehavepreached,written,andtaughtina,mannersoChristian,correct,andpure]thebenefitofabsolutionandthepowerofthekeysthatmanydistressedconscienceshavederivedconsolationfromourdoctrine;aftertheyheardthatitisthecommandofGod,nay,rathertheveryvoiceoftheGospel,thatweshouldbelievetheabsolution,andregarditascertainthattheremissionofsinsisfreelygrantedusforChrist'ssake;andthatweshouldbelievethatbythisfaithwearetrulyreconciledtoGod[asthoughweheardavoicefromheaven].Thisbeliefhasencouragedmanygodlyminds,and,inthebeginning,broughtLutherthehighestcommendationfromallgoodmen,sinceitshowsconsciencessureandfirmconsolation;becausepreviouslytheentirepowerofabsolution[entirenecessarydoctrineofrepentance]hadbeenkeptsuppressedbydoctrinesconcerningworks,sincethesophistsandmonkstaughtnothingoffaithandfreeremission[butpointedmentotheirownworks,fromwhichnothingbutdespairentersalarmedconsciences].60]Butwithrespecttothetime,certainlymostmeninourchurchesusetheSacraments,absolutionandtheLord'sSupper,frequentlyinayear.AndthosewhoteachoftheworthandfruitsoftheSacramentsspeakinsuchamannerastoinvitethepeopletousetheSacramentsfrequently.Forconcerningthissubjecttherearemanythingsextantwrittenbyourtheologiansinsuchamannerthattheadversaries,iftheyaregoodmen,willundoubtedlyapproveand61]praisethem.Excommunicationisalsopronouncedagainsttheopenlywicked[thosewholiveinmanifestvices,fornication,adultery,etc.]andthedespisersoftheSacraments.ThesethingsarethusdonebothaccordingtotheGospelandaccordingto62]theoldcanons.Butafixedtimeisnotprescribed,becauseallarenotreadyinlikemanneratthesametime.Yea,ifallaretocomeatthesametime,theycannotbeheardandinstructedinorder[sodiligently].AndtheoldcanonsandFathersdonotappointafixedtime.Thecanonspeaksonlythus:IfanyentertheChurchandbefoundnevertocommune,letthembeadmonishedthat,iftheydonotcommune,theycometorepentance.Iftheycommune[iftheywishtoberegardedasChristians],letthemnotbeexpelled;iftheyfailtodoso,letthembeexcommunicated.Christ[Paul]says,1Cor.11,29,thatthosewhoeatunworthilyeatjudgmenttothemselves.Thepastors,accordingly,donotcompelthosewhoarenotqualifiedtousetheSacraments.63]Concerningtheenumerationofsinsinconfession,menaretaughtinsuchawayasnottoensnaretheirconsciences.Althoughitisofadvantagetoaccustominexperiencedmentoenumeratesomethings[whichworrythem],inorderthattheymaybethemorereadilytaught,yetwearenowdiscussingwhatisnecessaryaccordingtodivineLaw.Therefore,theadversariesoughtnottociteforustheregulationOmnisUtriusque,whichisnotunknowntous,buttheyoughttoshowfromthedivineLawthatanenumerationofsinsisnecessaryfor

Page72of154

obtainingtheirremission.64]TheentireChurch,throughoutallEurope,knowswhatsortofsnaresthispointoftheregulation,whichcommandsthatallsinsbeconfessed,hascastuponconsciences.NeitherhasthetextbyitselfasmuchdisadvantageaswasafterwardsaddedbytheSummists,whocollectthecircumstancesofthesins.Whatlabyrinthswerethere!Howgreatatortureforthebestminds!Forthelicentiousandprofanewereinnowaymovedbytheseinstrumentsofterror.65]Afterwards,whattragedies[whatjealousyandhatred]didthequestionsconcerningone'sownpriestexciteamongthepastorsandbrethren[monksofvariousorders],whothenwerebynomeansbrethrenwhentheywerewarringconcerningjurisdictionofconfessions![Forallbrotherliness,allfriendship,ceased,whenthequestionwasconcerningauthorityandconfessor'sfees.]We,therefore,believethat,accordingtodivineLaw,theenumerationofsinsisnotnecessary.ThisalsoispleasingtoPanormitanusandverymanyotherlearnedjurisconsults.NordowewishtoimposenecessityupontheconsciencesofourpeoplebytheregulationOmnisUtriusque,ofwhichwejudge,justasofotherhumantraditions,thattheyarenotactsofworshipnecessaryforjustification.Andthisregulationcommandsanimpossiblematter,thatweshouldconfessallsins.Itisevident,however,thatmostsinsweneitherremembernorunderstand[nordoweindeedevenseethegreatestsins],accordingtoPs.19,13:Whocanunderstandhiserrors?66]Ifthepastorsaregoodmen,theywillknowhowfaritisofadvantagetoexamine[theyoungandotherwise]inexperiencedpersons;butwedonotwishtosanctionthetorture[thetyrannyofconsciences]oftheSummists,whichnotwithstandingwouldhavebeenlessintolerableiftheyhadaddedonewordconcerningfaith,whichcomfortsandencouragesconsciences.Now,concerningthisfaith,whichobtainstheremissionofsins,thereisnotasyllableinsogreatamassofregulations,glosses,summaries,booksofconfession.Christisnowherereadthere.[NobodywilltherereadawordbywhichhecouldlearntoknowChrist,orwhatChristis.]Onlythelistsofsinsareread[totheendofgatheringandaccumulatingsins;andthiswouldbeofsomevalueiftheyunderstoodthosesinswhichGodregardsassuch].Andthegreaterpartisoccupiedwithsinsagainsthumantraditions,67]andthisismostvain.Thisdoctrinehasforcedtodespairmany,godlyminds,whichwerenotabletofindrest,becausetheybelievedthatbydivineLawanenumerationwasnecessary,andyettheyexperiencedthatitwasimpossible.Butotherfaultsofnolessmomentinhereinthedoctrineoftheadversariesconcerningrepentance,whichwewillnowrecount.Backtotop

ArticleXII(V):OfRepentance.1]IntheTwelfthArticletheyapproveofthefirstpart,inwhichwesetforththatsuchashavefallenafterbaptismmayobtainremissionofsinsatwhatevertime,andasoftenastheyareconverted.Theycondemnthesecondpart,inwhichwesaythatthepartsofrepentancearecontritionandfaith[apenitent,contriteheart,andfaith,namely,thatIreceivetheforgivenessofsinsthroughChrist].[Hear,now,whatitisthattheadversariesdeny.]They[withoutshame]denythatfaithisthesecondpart2]ofrepentance.Whatarewetodohere,OCharles,thoumostinvincibleEmperor?TheveryvoiceoftheGospelisthis,thatbyfaithweobtaintheremissionofsins.[Thiswordisnotourword,butthevoiceandwordofJesusChrist,ourSavior.]ThisvoiceoftheGospelthesewritersoftheConfutationcondemn.We,therefore,caninnowayassenttotheConfutation.WecannotcondemnthevoiceoftheGospel,sosalutaryandaboundinginconsolation.WhatelseisthedenialthatbyfaithweobtainremissionofsinsthantotreatthebloodanddeathofChristwithscorn?3]Wethereforebeseechthee,O

Page73of154

Charles,mostinvincibleEmperor,patientlyanddiligentlytohearandexaminethismostimportantsubject,whichcontainsthechieftopicoftheGospel,andthetrueknowledgeofChrist,andthetrueworshipofGod[thesegreat,mostexaltedandimportantmatterswhichconcernourownsoulsandconsciences,yea,alsotheentirefaithofChristians,theentireGospel,theknowledgeofChrist,andwhatishighestandgreatest,notonlyinthisperishable,butalsointhefuturelife:theeverlastingwelfareorperditionofusallbeforeGod].Forallgoodmenwillascertainthatespeciallyonthissubjectwehavetaughtthingsthataretrue,godly,salutary,andnecessaryforthewholeChurchofChrist[thingsofthegreatestsignificancetoallpiousheartsintheentireChristianChurch,onwhichtheirwholesalvationandwelfaredepends,andwithoutinstructiononwhichtherecanbeorremainnoministry,noChristianChurch].TheywillascertainfromthewritingsofourtheologiansthatverymuchlighthasbeenaddedtotheGospel,andmanyperniciouserrorshavebeencorrected,bywhich,throughtheopinionsofthescholasticsandcanonists,thedoctrineofrepentancewaspreviouslycovered.4]Beforewecometothedefenseofourposition,wemustsaythisfirst:Allgoodmenofallranks,andalsoofthetheologicalrank,undoubtedlyconfessthatbeforethewritingsofLutherappeared,thedoctrineofrepentancewasverymuchconfused.5]ThebooksoftheSententiariesareextant,inwhichthereareinnumerablequestionswhichnotheologianswereeverabletoexplainsatisfactorily.Thepeoplewereableneithertocomprehendthesumofthematter,nortoseewhatthingsespeciallywererequiredinrepentance,wherepeaceofconsciencewastobesoughtfor.6]Letanyoneoftheadversariescomeforthandtelluswhenremissionofsinstakesplace.OgoodGod,whatdarknessthereis!Theydoubtwhetheritisinattritionorincontritionthatremissionofsinsoccurs.Andifitoccursonaccountofcontrition,whatneedisthereofabsolution,whatdoesthepowerofthekeyseffect,ifsinshavebeenalreadyremitted?Here,indeed,theyalsolabormuchmore,andwickedlydetractfromthepowerofthekeys.7]Somedreamthatbythepowerofthekeysguiltisnotremitted,butthateternalpunishmentsarechangedintotemporal.Thusthemostsalutarypowerwouldbetheministry,notoflifeandtheSpirit,butonlyofwrathandpunishments.Others,namely,themorecautious,imaginethatbythepowerofthekeyssinsareremittedbeforetheChurchandnotbeforeGod.Thisalsoisaperniciouserror.ForifthepowerofthekeysdoesnotconsoleusbeforeGod,what,then,willpacifytheconscience?8]Stillmoreinvolvediswhatfollows.Theyteachthatbycontritionwemeritgrace.Inreferencetowhich,ifanyoneshouldaskwhySaulandJudasandsimilarpersons,whoweredreadfullycontrite,didnotobtaingrace,theanswerwastobetakenfromfaithandaccordingtotheGospel,thatJudasdidnotbelieve,thathedidnotsupporthimselfbytheGospelandpromiseofChrist.ForfaithshowsthedistinctionbetweenthecontritionofJudasandofPeter.ButtheadversariestaketheiranswerfromtheLaw,thatJudasdidnotloveGod,butfearedthepunishments.[Isnotthisteachinguncertainandimproperthingsconcerningrepentance?]9]When,however,willaterrifiedconscience,especiallyinthoseserious,true,andgreatterrorswhicharedescribedinthepsalmsandtheprophets,andwhichthosecertainlytastewhoaretrulyconverted,beabletodecidewhetheritfearsGodforHisownsake[outofloveitfearsGod,asitsGod],orisfleeingfrometernalpunishments?[Thesepeoplemaynothaveexperiencedmuchoftheseanxieties,becausetheyjugglewordsandmakedistinctionsaccordingtotheirdreams.Butintheheart,whenthetestisapplied,thematterturnsoutquitedifferently,andtheconsciencecannotbesetatrestwithpaltrysyllablesandwords.]Thesegreatemotionscanbedistinguishedinlettersandterms;theyarenotthusseparatedinfact,asthesesweetsophistsdream.Hereweappealtothejudgmentsofallgoodandwisemen[whoalsodesiretoknowthetruth].Theyundoubtedlywillconfessthatthesediscussionsinthewritingsoftheadversariesareveryconfusedandintricate.Andneverthelessthemostimportantsubjectisatstake,thechieftopicoftheGospel,theremissionofsins.Thisentiredoctrineconcerningthesequestionswhichwehavereviewed,

Page74of154

is,inthewritingsoftheadversaries,fulloferrorsandhypocrisy,andobscuresthebenefitofChrist,thepowerofthekeys,andtherighteousnessoffaith[toinexpressibleinjuryofconscience].11]Thesethingsoccurinthefirstact.Whatwhentheycometoconfession?Whataworkthereisintheendlessenumerationofsins,whichisnevertheless,ingreatpart,devotedtothoseagainsthumantraditions!Andinorderthatgoodmindsmaybythismeansbethemoretortured,theyfalselyassertthatthis12]enumerationisofdivineright.Andwhiletheydemandthisenumerationunderthepretextofdivineright,inthemeantimetheyspeakcoldlyconcerningabsolution,whichistrulyofdivineright.TheyfalselyassertthattheSacramentitselfconfersgraceexopereoperato,withoutagooddispositiononthepartoftheoneusingit;nomentionismadeoffaithapprehendingtheabsolutionandconsolingtheconscience.Thisistrulywhatisgenerallycalledajpievnaipro;tw'nmusthrivwn,departingbeforethemysteries.[SuchpeoplearecalledgenuineJews.]13]Thethirdact[ofthisplay]remains,concerningsatisfactions.Butthiscontainsthemostconfuseddiscussions.Theyimaginethateternalpunishmentsarecommutedtothepunishmentsofpurgatory,andteachthatapartoftheseisremittedbythepowerofthekeys,andthatapartistoberedeemedbymeansofsatisfactions.14]Theyaddfurtherthatsatisfactionsoughttobeworksofsupererogation,andtheymaketheseconsistofmostfoolishobservances,suchaspilgrimages,rosaries,orsimilarobservanceswhich15]donothavethecommandofGod.Then,justastheyredeempurgatorybymeansofsatisfactions,soaschemeofredeemingsatisfactionswhichwasmostabundantinrevenue[whichbecamequiteaprofitable,lucrativebusinessandagrandfair]wasdevised.Fortheysell[withoutshame]indulgenceswhichtheyinterpretasremissionsofsatisfactions.Andthisrevenue[thistrafficking,thisfair,conductedsoshamelessly]isnotonlyfromtheliving,butismuchmoreamplefromthedead.Nordotheyredeemthesatisfactionsofthedeadonlybyindulgences,butalsobythesacrificeoftheMass.16]Inaword,thesubjectofsatisfactionsisinfinite.Amongthesescandals(forwecannotenumerateallthings)anddoctrinesofdevilsliesburiedthedoctrineoftherighteousnessoffaithinChristandthebenefitofChrist.Wherefore,allgoodmenunderstandthatthedoctrineofthesophistsandcanonistsconcerningrepentancehasbeencensuredforausefulandgodlypurpose.Forthefollowingdogmasareclearlyfalse,andforeignnotonlytoHolyScripture,butalsototheChurchFathers:—17]I.Thatfromthedivinecovenantwemeritgracebygoodworkswroughtwithoutgrace.18]II.Thatbyattritionwemeritgrace.19]III.Thatfortheblottingoutofsinthemeredetestationofthecrimeissufficient.20]IV.Thatonaccountofcontrition,andnotbyfaithinChrist,weobtainremissionofsins.21]V.Thatthepowerofthekeysavailsfortheremissionofsins,notbeforeGod,butbeforetheChurch.22]VI.ThatbythepowerofthekeyssinsarenotremittedbeforeGod,butthatthepowerofthekeyshasbeeninstitutedtocommuteeternaltotemporalpunishments,toimposeuponconsciencescertainsatisfactions,toinstitutenewactsofworship,andtoobligateconsciencestosuchsatisfactionsandactsofworship.

Page75of154

23]VII.Thataccordingtodivinerighttheenumerationofoffensesinconfession,concerningwhichtheadversariesteach,isnecessary.24]VIII.Thatcanonicalsatisfactionsarenecessaryforredeemingthepunishmentofpurgatory,ortheyprofitasacompensationfortheblottingoutofguilt.Forthusuninformedpersonsunderstandit.[For,althoughintheschoolssatisfactionsaremadetoapplyonlytothepunishment,everybodythinksthatremissionofguiltistherebymerited.]25]IX.Thatthereceptionofthesacramentofrepentanceexopereoperato,withoutagooddispositiononthepartoftheoneusingit,i.e.,withoutfaithinChrist,obtainsgrace.26]X.Thatbythepowerofthekeysoursoulsarefreedfrompurgatorythroughindulgences.27]XI.Thatinthereservationofcasesnotonlycanonicalpunishment,buttheguiltalso,oughttobereservedinreferencetoonewhoistrulyconverted.28]Inorder,therefore,todeliverpiousconsciencesfromtheselabyrinthsofthesophists,wehaveascribedtorepentance[orconversion]thesetwoparts,namely,contritionandfaith.Ifanyonedesirestoaddathird,namely,fruitsworthyofrepentance,i.e.,achangeoftheentirelifeandcharacterforthebetter[goodworkswhichshallandmustfollowconversion],29]wewillnotmakeanyopposition.Fromcontritionweseparatethoseidleandinfinitediscussions,astowhenwegrievefromloveofGod,andwhenfromfearofpunishment.[Forthesearenothingbutmerewordsandauselessbabblingofpersonswhohaveneverexperiencedthestateofmindofaterrifiedconscience.]Butwesaythatcontritionisthetrueterrorofconscience,whichfeelsthatGodisangrywithsin,andwhichgrievesthatithassinned.AndthiscontritiontakesplaceinthismannerwhensinsarecensuredbytheWordofGod,becausethesumofthepreachingoftheGospelisthis,namely,toconvictofsin,andtoofferforChrist'ssaketheremissionofsinsandrighteousness,andtheHolyGhost,andeternallife,andthatasregeneratemenweshoulddogoodworks.30]ThusChristcomprisesthesumoftheGospelwhenHesaysinLuke24,47:ThatrepentanceandremissionofsinsshouldbepreachedinMynameamongallnations.31]AndoftheseterrorsScripturespeaks,asPs.38,4.8:Formineiniquitiesaregoneoverminehead,asaheavyburdentheyaretooheavyforme....Iamfeebleandsorebroken;Ihaveroaredbyreasonofthedisquietnessofmyheart.AndPs.6,2.3:Havemercyuponme,OLord;forIamweak;OLord,healme;formybonesarevexed.Mysoulisalsosorevexed;butThou,OLord,howlong?AndIs.38,10.13:Isaidinthecuttingoffofmydays,Ishaltgotothegatesofthegrave:Iamdeprivedoftheresidueofmyyears...Ireckonedtillmorning,that,asalion,sowillHebreakallmybones.[Again,10,14:Mineeyesfailwithlookingupward;OLord,Iamoppressed.]32]Intheseterrors,consciencefeelsthewrathofGodagainstsin,whichisunknowntosecuremenwalkingaccordingtotheflesh[asthesophistsandtheirlike].Itseestheturpitudeofsin,andseriouslygrievesthatithassinned;meanwhileitalsofleesfromthedreadfulwrathofGod,becausehuman33]nature,unlesssustainedbytheWordofGod,cannotendureit.ThusPaulsays,Gal.2,19:IthroughtheLawamdeadtotheLaw.34]FortheLawonlyaccusesandterrifiesconsciences.Intheseterrorsouradversariessaynothingoffaith;theypresentonlytheWord,whichconvictsofsin.Whenthisistaughtalone,itisthedoctrineoftheLaw,notoftheGospel.Bythesegriefsandterrors,theysay,menmeritgrace,providedtheyloveGod.ButhowwillmenloveGodintrueterrorswhentheyfeeltheterribleandinexpressiblewrathofGod?Whatelsethandespairdothoseteachwho,intheseterrors,displayonlytheLaw?35]Wethereforeaddasthesecondpartofrepentance,OfFaithinChrist,thatintheseterrors

Page76of154

theGospelconcerningChristoughttobesetforthtoconsciences,inwhichGospeltheremissionofsinsisfreelypromisedconcerningChrist.Therefore,theyoughttobelievethatforChrist'ssake36]sinsarefreelyremittedtothem.Thisfaithcheers,sustains,andquickensthecontrite,accordingtoRom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod.Thisfaithobtainstheremissionofsins.ThisfaithjustifiesbeforeGod,asthesamepassagetestifies:Beingjustifiedbyfaith.ThisfaithshowsthedistinctionbetweenthecontritionofJudasandPeter,ofSaulandofDavid.ThecontritionofJudasorSaulisofnoavail,forthereasonthattothisthereisnotaddedthisfaith,whichapprehendstheremissionofsins,bestowedasagiftforChrist'ssake.Accordingly,thecontritionofDavidorPeteravails,becausetoitthereisaddedfaith,whichapprehendstheremissionofsinsgrantedforChrist'ssake.37]Neitherislovepresentbeforereconciliationhasbeenmadebyfaith.ForwithoutChristtheLaw[God'sLawortheFirstCommandment]isnotperformed,accordingto[Eph.2,18;3,12]Rom.5,2:ByChristwehaveaccesstoGod.Andthisfaithgrowsgraduallyandthroughouttheentirelife,struggleswithsin[istestedbyvarioustemptations]inordertoovercomesinanddeath.38]Butlovefollowsfaith,aswehavesaidabove.Andthusfilialfearcanbeclearlydefinedassuchanxietyashasbeenconnectedwithfaith,i.e.,wherefaithconsolesandsustainstheanxiousheart.Itisservilefearwhenfaithdoesnotsustaintheanxiousheart[fearwithoutfaith,wherethereisnothingbutwrathanddoubt].39]Moreover,thepowerofthekeysadministersandpresentstheGospelthroughabsolution,which[proclaimspeacetomeand]isthetruevoiceoftheGospel.Thuswealsocompriseabsolutionwhenwespeakoffaith,becausefaithcomethbyhearing,asPaulsaysRom.10,17.ForwhentheGospelisheard,andtheabsolution[i.e.,thepromiseofdivinegrace]isheard,theconscienceisencouragedandreceivesconsolation.40]AndbecauseGodtrulyquickensthroughtheWord,thekeystrulyremitsinsbeforeGod[hereonearthsinsaretrulycanceledinsuchamannerthattheyarecanceledalsobeforeGodinheaven]accordingtoLuke10,16:HethathearethyouhearethMe.Whereforethevoiceoftheoneabsolving41]mustbebelievednototherwisethanwewouldbelieveavoicefromheaven.Andabsolution[thatblessedwordofcomfort]properlycanbecalledasacramentofrepentance,asalsothemorelearnedscholastictheologiansspeak.42]Meanwhilethisfaithisnourishedinamanifoldwayintemptations,throughthedeclarationsoftheGospel[thehearingofsermons,reading]andtheuseoftheSacraments.Fortheseare[sealsand]signsof[thecovenantandgracein]theNewTestament,i.e.,signsof[propitiationand]theremissionofsins.Theyoffer,therefore,theremissionofsins,asthewordsoftheLord'sSupperclearlytestify,Matt.26,26.28:ThisisMybody,whichisgivenforyou.ThisisthecupoftheNewTestament,etc.Thusfaithisconceivedandstrengthenedthroughabsolution,throughthehearingoftheGospel,throughtheuseoftheSacraments,sothatitmaynotsuccumbwhileitstruggles43]withtheterrorsofsinanddeath.Thismethodofrepentanceisplainandclear,andincreasestheworthofthepowerofthekeysandoftheSacraments,andilluminesthebenefitofChrist,andteachesustoavailourselvesofChristasMediatorandPropitiator.44]ButastheConfutationcondemnsusforhavingassignedthesetwopartstorepentance,wemustshowthat[notwe,but]Scriptureexpressestheseasthechiefpartsinrepentanceorconversion.ForChristsays,Matt.11,28:ComeuntoMe,allyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.Heretherearetwomembers.Thelaborandtheburdensignifythecontrition,anxiety,andterrorsofsinandofdeath.TocometoChrististobelievethatsinsareremittedforChrist'ssake;whenwebelieve,ourheartsarequickenedbytheHolyGhost45]throughtheWordofChrist.Here,therefore,therearethesetwochiefparts,contritionandfaith.AndinMark1,15Christsays:RepentyeandbelievetheGospel,whereinthefirstmemberHe

Page77of154

convictsofsins;inthelatterHeconsolesus,andshowstheremissionofsins.FortobelievetheGospelisnotthatgeneralfaithwhichdevilsalsohave[isnotonlytobelievethehistoryoftheGospel],butinthepropersenseitistobelievethattheremissionofsinshasbeengrantedforChrist'ssake.ForthisisrevealedintheGospel.Youseealsoherethatthetwopartsarejoined,contritionwhensinsarereproved,andfaith,whenitissaid:BelievetheGospel.IfanyoneshouldsayherethatChristincludesalsothefruitsofrepentanceortheentirenewlife,weshallnotdissent.Forthissufficesus,thatcontritionandfaitharenamedasthechiefparts.46]Paulalmosteverywhere,whenhedescribesconversionorrenewal,designatesthesetwoparts,mortificationandquickening,asinCol.2,11:Inwhomalsoyearecircumcisedwiththecircumcisionmadewithouthands,namely,byputtingoffthebodyofthesinsoftheflesh.Andafterward,2,12:WhereinalsoyearerisenwithHimthroughthefaithoftheoperationofGod.Herearetwoparts.[OfthesetwopartshespeaksplainlyRom.6,2.4.11,thatwearedeadtosin,whichtakesplacebycontritionanditsterrors,andthatweshouldriseagainwithChrist,whichtakesplacewhenbyfaithweagainobtainconsolationandlife.Andsincefaithistobringconsolationandpeaceintotheconscience,accordingtoRom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeace,itfollowsthatthereisfirstterrorandanxietyintheconscience.Thuscontritionandfaithgosidebyside.]Oneisputtingoffthebodyofsins;theotheristherisingagainthroughfaith.Neitheroughtthesewords,mortification,quickening,puttingoffthebodyofsins,risingagain,tobeunderstoodinaPlatonicway,concerningafeignedchange;47]butmortificationsignifiestrueterrors,suchasthoseofthedying,whichnaturecouldnotsustainunlessitweresupportedbyfaith.Sohenamesthatastheputtingoffofthebodyofsinswhichweordinarilycallcontrition,becauseinthesegriefsthenaturalconcupiscenceispurgedaway.AndquickeningoughtnottobeunderstoodasaPlatonicfancy,butasconsolationwhichtrulysustainslifethatisescapingincontrition.Here,therefore,aretwoparts:contritionandfaith.Forasconsciencecannotbepacifiedexceptbyfaith,thereforefaithalonequickens,accordingtothedeclaration,Hab.2,4;Rom.1,17:Thejustshalllivebyfaith48]AndtheninCol.2,14itissaidthatChristblotsoutthehandwritingwhichthroughtheLawisagainstus.Herealsotherearetwoparts,thehandwritingandtheblottingoutofthehandwriting.Thehandwriting,however,isconscience,convictingandcondemningus.TheLaw,moreover,isthewordwhichreprovesandcondemnssins.Therefore,thisvoicewhichsays,IhavesinnedagainsttheLord,asDavidsays,2Sam.12,13,isthehandwriting.Andwickedandsecuremendonotseriouslygiveforththisvoice.Fortheydonotsee,theydonotreadthesentenceoftheLawwrittenintheheart.Intruegriefsandterrorsthissentenceisperceived.Thereforethehandwritingwhichcondemnsusiscontritionitself.Toblotoutthehandwritingistoexpungethissentencebywhichwedeclarethatweshallbecondemned,andtoengravethesentenceaccordingtowhichweknowthatwehavebeenfreedfromthiscondemnation.Butfaithisthenewsentence,whichreversestheformersentence,andgivespeaceandlifetotheheart.49]However,whatneedistheretocitemanytestimoniessincetheyareeverywhereobviousintheScriptures?Ps.118,18:TheLordhathchastenedmesore,butHehathnotgivenmeoveruntodeath.Ps.119,28:Mysoulmeltethforheaviness;strengthenThoumeaccordinguntoThyword.Here,inthefirstmember,contritioniscontained,andinthesecondthemodeisclearlydescribedhowincontritionwearerevived,namely,bytheWordofGod,which50]offersgrace.Thissustainsandquickenshearts.And1Sam.2,6:TheLordkillethandmakethalive;Hebringethdowntothegraveandbringethup.Byoneofthese,contritionissignified;51]bytheother,faithissignified.AndIs.28,21:TheLordshallbewraththatHemaydoHiswork,Hisstrangework,andbringtopassHisact,Hisstrangeact.Hecallsitthestrangework

Page78of154

oftheLordwhenHeterrifies,becausetoquickenandconsoleisGod'sownwork.[Otherworks,as,toterrifyandtokill,arenotGod'sownworks,forGodonlyquickens.]ButHeterrifies,hesays,forthisreason,namely,thattheremaybeaplaceforconsolationandquickening,becauseheartsthataresecureanddonotfeelthewrathofGodloatheconsolation.52]InthismannerScriptureisaccustomedtojointhesetwo,theterrorsandtheconsolation,inordertoteachthatinrepentancetherearethesechiefmembers,contrition,andfaiththatconsolesandjustifies.Neitherdoweseehowthenatureofrepentancecanbepresentedmoreclearlyandsimply.[WeknowwithcertaintythatGodthusworksinHisChristians,intheChurch.)53]ForthetwochiefworksofGodinmenarethese,toterrify,andtojustifyandquickenthosewhohavebeenterrified.IntothesetwoworksallScripturehasbeendistributed.TheonepartistheLaw,whichshows,reproves,andcondemnssins.TheotherpartistheGospel,i.e.,thepromiseofgracebestowedinChrist,andthispromiseisconstantlyrepeatedinthewholeofScripture,firsthavingbeendeliveredtoAdam[Iwillputenmity,etc.,Gen.3,15],afterwardstothepatriarchs;then,stillmoreclearlyproclaimedbytheprophets;lastly,preachedandsetforthamongtheJewsbyChrist,anddisseminatedovertheentireworldbytheapostles.54]Forallthesaintswerejustifiedbyfaithinthispromise,andnotbytheirownattritionorcontrition.55]Andtheexamples[howthesaintsbecamegodly]showlikewisethesetwoparts.AfterhissinAdamisreprovedandbecomesterrified;thiswascontrition.AfterwardGodpromisesgrace,andspeaksofafutureseed(theblessedseed,i.e.,Christ),bywhichthekingdomofthedevil,death,andsinwillbedestroyed;thereHeofferstheremissionofsins.Thesearethechiefthings.Foralthoughthepunishmentisafterwardsadded,yetthispunishmentdoesnotmerittheremissionofsin.Andconcerningthiskindofpunishmentweshallspeakafterawhile.56]SoDavidisreprovedbyNathan,and,terrified,hesays,2Sam.12,13:IhavesinnedagainsttheLord.Thisiscontrition.Afterwardhehearstheabsolution:TheLordalsohathputawaythysin;thoushaltnotdie.ThisvoiceencouragesDavid,andbyfaithsustains,justifies,andquickenshim.Hereapunishmentisalsoadded,butthispunishmentdoesnotmerittheremissionofsins.57]Norarespecialpunishmentsalwaysadded,butinrepentancethesetwothingsoughtalwaystoexist,namely,contritionandfaith,asLuke7,37.38.Thewoman,whowasasinner,cametoChristweeping.Bythesetearsthecontritionisrecognized.Afterwardshehearstheabsolution:Thysinsareforgiven;thyfaithhathsavedthee;goinpeace.Thisisthesecondpartofrepentance,namely,faith,which58]encouragesandconsolesher.Fromalltheseitisapparenttogodlyreadersthatweassigntorepentancethosepartswhichproperlybelongtoitinconversion,orregeneration,andtheremissionofsin.Worthyfruitsandpunishments[likewise,patiencethatwebewillingtobearthecross,andpunishments,whichGodlaysupontheoldAdam]followregenerationandtheremissionofsin.Forthisreasonwehavementionedthesetwoparts,inorderthatthefaithwhichwerequireinrepentance[ofwhichthesophistsandcanonistshaveallbeensilent]mightbethebetterseen.AndwhatthatfaithiswhichtheGospelproclaimscanbebetterunderstoodwhenitissetoveragainstcontritionandmortification.59]Butastheadversariesexpresslycondemnourstatementthatmenobtaintheremissionofsinsbyfaith,weshalladdafewproofsfromwhichitwillbeunderstoodthattheremissionofsinsisobtainednotexopereoperatobecauseofcontrition,butbythatspecialfaithbywhichanindividualbelievesthatsinsareremittedtohim.Forthisisthechiefarticleconcerningwhichwearecontendingwithouradversaries,andtheknowledgeofwhichweregardespeciallynecessarytoallChristians.As,however,itappearsthatwehavespokensufficientlyaboveconcerningthesamesubject,weshallherebebriefer.Forverycloselyrelatedarethetopicsof

Page79of154

thedoctrineofrepentanceandthedoctrineofjustification.60]Whentheadversariesspeakoffaith,andsaythatitprecedesrepentance,theyunderstandbyfaith,notthatwhichjustifies,butthatwhich,inageneralway,believesthatGodexists,thatpunishmentshavebeenthreatenedtothewicked[thatthereisahell],etc.Inadditiontothisfaithwerequirethateachonebelievethathissinsareremittedtohim.Concerningthisspecialfaithwearedisputing,andweopposeittotheopinionwhichbidsustrustnotinthepromiseofChrist,butintheopusoperatumofcontrition,confession,andsatisfactions,etc.Thisfaithfollowsterrorsinsuchamannerastoovercomethem,andrendertheconsciencepacified.Tothisfaithweascribejustificationandregeneration,inasmuchasitfreesfromterrors,andbringsforthintheheartnotonlypeaceandjoy,butalsoanewlife.Wemaintain[withthehelpofGodweshalldefendtoeternityandagainstallthegatesofhell]thatthisfaithistrulynecessaryfortheremissionofsins,andaccordinglyplaceitamongthepartsofrepentance.NordoestheChurchofChristbelieveotherwise,althoughouradversaries[likemaddogs]contradictus.61]Moreover,tobeginwith,weasktheadversarieswhethertoreceiveabsolutionisapartofrepentance,ornot.Butiftheyseparateitfromconfession,astheyaresubtileinmakingthedistinction,wedonotseeofwhatbenefitconfessioniswithoutabsolution.If,however,theydonotseparatethereceivingofabsolutionfromconfession,itisnecessaryforthemtoholdthatfaithisapartofrepentance,becauseabsolutionisnotreceivedexceptbyfaith.Thatabsolution,however,isnotreceivedexceptbyfaithcanbeprovedfromPaul,whoteaches,Rom.4,16,thatthepromisecannotbereceivedexceptbyfaith.Butabsolutionisthepromiseoftheremissionofsins[nothingelsethantheGospel,thedivinepromiseofGod'sgraceandfavor].62]Therefore,itnecessarilyrequiresfaith.Neitherdoweseehowhewhodoesnotassenttoitmaybesaidtoreceiveabsolution.AndwhatelseistherefusaltoassenttoabsolutionbutchargingGodwithfalsehood?Iftheheartdoubts,itregardsthosethingswhichGodpromisesasuncertainandofnoaccount.Accordingly,in1John5,10itiswritten:HethatbelievethnotGodhathmadeHimaliar,becausehebelievethnottherecordthatGodgaveofHisSon63]Secondly,wethinkthattheadversariesacknowledgethattheremissionofsinsiseitherapart,ortheend,or,tospeakintheirmanner,theterminusadquemofrepentance.[Forwhatdoesrepentancehelpiftheforgivenessofsinsbenotobtained?]Thereforethatbywhichtheremissionofsinsisreceivediscorrectlyaddedtotheparts[mustcertainlybethemostprominentpart]ofrepentance.Itisverycertain,however,thateventhoughallthegatesofhellcontradictus,yettheremissionofsinscannotbereceivedexceptbyfaithalone,whichbelievesthatsinsareremittedforChrist'ssake,accordingtoRom.3,25:WhomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinHisblood.LikewiseRom.5,2:Bywhomalsowehaveaccessbyfaithunto64]grace,etc.ForaterrifiedconsciencecannotsetagainstGod'swrathourworksorourlove,butitisatlengthpacifiedwhenitapprehendsChristasMediator,andbelievesthepromisesgivenforHissake.ForthosewhodreamthatwithoutfaithinChristheartsbecomepacified,donotunderstandwhattheremissionofsinsis,orhowitcametous.65]1Peter2,6,citesfromIs.49,23,and28,16:HethatbelievethonHimshallnotbeconfounded.Itisnecessary,therefore,thathypocritesbeconfounded,whoareconfidentthattheyreceivetheremissionofsinsbecauseoftheirownworks,andnotbecauseofChrist.PeteralsosaysinActs10,43:ToHimgivealltheprophetswitnessthatthroughHisname,whosoeverbelievethinHim,shallreceiveremissionofsins.Whathesays,throughHisname,couldnotbeexpressedmoreclearly,andheadds:WhosoeverbelievethinHim.Thus,therefore,wereceivetheremissionofsinsonlythroughthenameofChrist,i.e.,forChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofanymeritsandworksofourown.Andthisoccurswhenwebelievethatsinsare

Page80of154

remittedtousforChrist'ssake.66]OuradversariescryoutthattheyaretheChurch,thattheyarefollowingtheconsensusoftheChurch[whattheChurchcatholic,universal,holds].ButPeteralsoherecitesinourissuetheconsensusoftheChurch:ToHimgivealltheprophetswitness,thatthroughHisname,whosoeverbelievethinHim,shallreceiveremissionofsins,etc.TheconsensusoftheprophetsisassuredlytobejudgedastheconsensusoftheChurchuniversal.[Iverilythinkthatifalltheholyprophetsareunanimouslyagreedinadeclaration(sinceGodregardsevenasingleprophetasaninestimabletreasure),itwouldalsobeadecree,adeclaration,andaunanimousstrongconclusionoftheuniversal,catholic,Christian,holyChurch,andwouldbejustlyregardedassuch.]WeconcedeneithertothePopenortotheChurchthepowertomakedecreesagainstthisconsensusoftheprophets.67]ButthebullofLeoopenlycondemnsthisarticle,OftheRemissionofSins,andtheadversariescondemnitintheConfutation.FromwhichitisapparentwhatsortofaChurchwemustjudgethatofthesementobe,whonotonlybytheirdecreescensurethedoctrinethatweobtaintheremissionofsinsbyfaith,notonaccountofourworks,butonaccountofChrist,butwhoalsogivethecommandbyforceandtheswordtoabolishit,andbyeverykindofcruelty[likebloodhounds]toputtodeathgoodmenwhothusbelieve.68]Buttheyhaveauthorsofagreatname,Scotus,Gabriel,andthelike,andpassagesoftheFatherswhicharecitedinamutilatedforminthedecrees.Certainly,ifthetestimoniesaretobecounted,theywin.ForthereisaverygreatcrowdofmosttriflingwritersupontheSententiae,who,asthoughtheyhadconspired,defendthesefigmentsconcerningthemeritofattritionandofworks,andotherthingswhichwehaveaboverecounted.[Aye,itistrue,theyareallcalledteachersandauthors,butbytheirsingingyoucantellwhatsortofbirdstheyare.Theseauthorshavetaughtnothingbutphilosophy,andhaveknownnothingofChristandtheworkofGod;theirbooksshowthisplainly.]69]Butlestanyonebemovedbythemultitudeofcitations,thereisnogreatweightinthetestimoniesofthelaterwriters,whodidnotoriginatetheirownwritings,butonly,bycompilingfromthewritersbeforethem,transferredtheseopinionsfromsomebooksintoothers.Theyhaveexercisednojudgment,butjustlikepettyjudgessilentlyhaveapprovedtheerrorsoftheirsuperiors,whichtheyhavenotunderstood.Letusnot,therefore,hesitatetoopposethisutteranceofPeter,whichcitestheconsensusoftheprophets,70]toeversomanylegionsoftheSententiaries.71]AndtothisutteranceofPeterthetestimonyoftheHolyGhostisadded.Forthetextspeaksthus,Acts10,44:WhilePeteryetspokethesewords,theHolyGhostfellonallthemwhich72]heardtheWord.Therefore,letpiousconsciencesknowthatthecommandofGodisthis,thattheybelievethattheyarefreelyforgivenforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofourworks.AndbythiscommandofGodletthemsustainthemselvesagainstdespair,and73]againsttheterrorsofsinandofdeath.Andletthemknowthatthisbeliefhasexistedamongsaintsfromthebeginningoftheworld.[Ofthistheidlesophistsknowlittle;andtheblessedproclamation,theGospel,whichproclaimstheforgivenessofsinsthroughtheblessedSeed,thatis,Christ,hasfromthebeginningoftheworldbeenthegreatestconsolationandtreasuretoallpiouskings,allprophets,allbelievers.FortheyhavebelievedinthesameChristinwhomwebelieve;forfromthebeginningoftheworldnosainthasbeensavedinanyotherwaythanthroughthefaithofthesameGospel.]ForPeterclearlycitestheconsensusoftheprophets,andthewritingsoftheapostlestestifythattheybelievethesamething.NoraretestimoniesoftheFatherswanting.ForBernardsaysthesamethinginwordsthatareinnowayobscure:ForitisnecessaryfirstofalltobelievethatyoucannothaveremissionofsinsexceptbytheindulgenceofGod,butaddyetthatyoubelievealsothis,namely,thatthroughHimsinsareforgiventhee.ThisisthetestimonywhichtheHolyGhostassertsinyourheart,saying:"Thysinsareforgiventhee."Forthustheapostlejudges

Page81of154

thatmanisjustifiedfreelythroughfaith.74]ThesewordsofBernardshedawonderfullightuponourcause,becausehenotonlyrequiresthatweinageneralwaybelievethatsinsareremittedthroughmercy,buthebidsusaddspecialfaith,bywhichwebelievethatsinsareremittedeventous;andheteacheshowwemayberenderedcertainconcerningtheremissionofsins,namely,whenourheartsareencouragedbyfaith,andbecometranquilthroughtheHolyGhost.Whatmoredotheadversariesrequire?[Buthownow,yeadversaries?IsSt.Bernardalsoaheretic?]Dotheystilldaredenythatbyfaithweobtaintheremissionofsins,orthatfaithisapartofrepentance?75]Thirdly,theadversariessaythatsinisremitted,becauseanattriteorcontritepersonelicitsanactoflovetoGod[ifweundertakefromreasontoloveGod],andbythisactmeritstoreceivetheremissionofsins.ThisisnothingbuttoteachtheLaw,theGospelbeingblottedout,andthepromiseconcerningChristbeingabolished.FortheyrequireonlytheLawandourworks,becausetheLawdemandslove.Besides,theyteachustobeconfidentthatweobtainremissionofsinsbecauseofcontritionandlove.Whatelseisthisthantoputconfidenceinourworks,notintheWordandpromiseofGodconcerningChrist?ButiftheLawbesufficientforobtainingtheremissionofsins,whatneedisthereoftheGospel?WhatneedisthereofChristifweobtainremissionofsinsbecauseofourownwork?76]We,ontheotherhand,callconsciencesawayfromtheLawtotheGospel,andfromconfidenceintheirownworkstoconfidenceinthepromiseandChrist,becausetheGospelpresentstousChrist,andpromisesfreelytheremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake.Inthispromiseitbidsustrust,namely,thatforChrist'ssakewearereconciledtotheFather,andnotforthesakeofourowncontritionorlove.ForthereisnootherMediatororPropitiatorthanChrist.NeithercanwedotheworksoftheLawunlesswehavefirstbeenreconciledthroughChrist.Andifwewoulddoanything,yetwemustbelievethatnotforthesakeoftheseworks,butforthesakeofChrist,asMediatorandPropitiator,weobtaintheremissionofsins.77]Yea,itisareproachtoChristandarepealoftheGospeltobelievethatweobtaintheremissionofsinsonaccountoftheLaw,orotherwisethanbyfaithinChrist.ThismethodalsowehavediscussedaboveinthechapterOfJustification,wherewedeclaredwhyweconfessthatmenarejustifiedbyfaith,notbylove.78]Thereforethedoctrineoftheadversaries,whentheyteachthatbytheirowncontritionandlovemenobtaintheremissionofsins,andtrustinthiscontritionandlove,ismerelythedoctrineoftheLaw,andofthat,too,asnotunderstood[whichtheydonotunderstandwithrespecttothekindoflovetowardsGodwhichitdemands],justastheJewslookedupontheveiledfaceofMoses.Forletusimaginethatloveispresent,letusimaginethatworksarepresent,yetneitherlovenorworkscanbeapropitiationforsin[orbeofasmuchvalueasChrist].AndtheycannotevenbeopposedtothewrathandjudgmentofGod,accordingtoPs.143,2:EnternotintojudgmentwithThyservant;forinThysightshallnomanlivingbejustified.NeitheroughtthehonorofChristtobetransferredtoourworks.79]ForthesereasonsPaulcontendsthatwearenotjustifiedbytheLaw,andheopposestotheLawthepromiseoftheremissionofsins,whichisgrantedforChrist'ssake,andteachesthatwefreelyreceivetheremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake.PaulcallsusawayfromtheLawtothispromise.Uponthispromisehebidsuslook[andregardtheLordChristourtreasure],whichcertainlywillbevoidifwearejustifiedbytheLawbeforewearejustifiedthroughthepromise,orifweobtaintheremissionofsinsonaccountofourownrighteousness.80]ButitisevidentthatthepromisewasgivenusandChristwastenderedtousfortheveryreasonthatwecannotdotheworksoftheLaw.ThereforeitisnecessarythatwearereconciledbythepromisebeforewedotheworksoftheLaw.Thepromise,however,isreceivedonlybyfaith.ThereforeitisnecessaryforcontritepersonstoapprehendbyfaiththepromiseoftheremissionofsinsgrantedforChrist'ssake,andtobeconfidentthatfreelyforChrist'ssaketheyhaveareconciled

Page82of154

Father.81]ThisisthemeaningofPaul,Rom.4,16,wherehesays:Thereforeitisoffaiththatitmightbebygrace,totheendthepromisemightbesure.AndGal.3,22:TheScripturehathconcludedallundersin,thatthepromisebyfaithofJesusChristmightbegiventhemthatbelieve,i.e.,allareundersin,neithercantheybefreedotherwisethanbyapprehendingbyfaiththepromiseoftheremissionofsins.82]ThereforewemustbyfaithaccepttheremissionofsinsbeforewedotheworksoftheLaw;although,ashasbeensaidabove,lovefollowsfaith,becausetheregeneratereceivetheHolyGhost,andaccordinglybegin[tobecomefriendlytotheLawand]todotheworksoftheLaw.83]WewouldcitemoretestimoniesiftheywerenotobvioustoeverygodlyreaderintheScriptures.Andwedonotwishtobetooprolix,inorderthat84]thiscasemaybethemorereadilyseenthrough.Neither,indeed,isthereanydoubtthatthemeaningofPauliswhatwearedefending,namely,thatbyfaithwereceivetheremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake,thatbyfaithweoughttoopposetoGod'swrathChristasMediator,andnotourworks.Neitherletgodlymindsbedisturbed,eventhoughtheadversariesfindfaultwiththejudgmentsofPaul.Nothingissaidsosimplythatitcannotbedistortedbycaviling.WeknowthatwhatwehavementionedisthetrueandgenuinemeaningofPaul;weknowthatthisourbeliefbringstogodlyconsciences[inagonyofdeathandtemptation]surecomfort,withoutwhichnoonecanstandinGod'sjudgment.85]Thereforeletthesepharisaicopinionsoftheadversariesberejected,namely,thatwedonotreceivebyfaiththeremissionofsins,butthatitoughttobemeritedbyourloveandworks;thatweoughttoopposeourloveandourworkstothewrathofGod.NotoftheGospel,butoftheLawisthisdoctrine,whichfeignsthatmanisjustifiedbytheLawbeforehehasbeenreconciledthroughChristtoGod,sinceChristsays,John15,5:WithoutMeHecandonothing;likewise:IamthetrueVine;yearethebranches.86]Buttheadversariesfeignthatwearebranches,notofChrist,butofMoses.FortheywishtobejustifiedbytheLaw,andtooffertheirloveandworkstoGodbeforetheyarereconciledtoGodthroughChrist,beforetheyarebranchesofChrist.Paul,ontheotherhand[whoiscertainlyamuchgreaterteacherthantheadversaries],contendsthattheLawcannotbeobservedwithoutChrist.Accordingly,inorderthatwe[thosewhotrulyfeelandhaveexperiencedsinandanguishofconsciencemustclingtothepromiseofgrace,inorderthatthey]maybereconciledtoGodforChrist'ssake,thepromisemustbereceivedbeforewedotheworksoftheLaw.87]Wethinkthatthesethingsaresufficientlycleartogodlyconsciences.Andhencetheywillunderstandwhywehavedeclaredabovethatmenarejustifiedbyfaith,notbylove,becausewemustopposetoGod'swrathnotourloveorworks(ortrustinourloveandworks),butChristasMediator[forallourability,allourdeedsandworks,arefartooweaktoremoveandappeaseGod'swrath].AndwemustapprehendthepromiseoftheremissionofsinsbeforewedotheworksoftheLaw.88]Lastly,whenwillconsciencebepacifiedifwereceiveremissionofsinsonthegroundthatwelove,orthatwedotheworksoftheLaw?FortheLawwillalwaysaccuseus,becauseweneversatisfyGod'sLaw.JustasPaulsays,Rom.4,15:TheLawworkethwrath.Chrysostomasksconcerningrepentance,Whencearewemadesurethatoursinsareremittedus?Theadversariesalso,intheir"Sentences,"askconcerningthesamesubject.[Thequestion,verily,isworthasking;blessedthemanthatreturnstherightanswer.]Thiscannotbeexplained,consciencescannotbemadetranquil,unlesstheyknowthatitisGod'scommandandtheveryGospelthattheyshouldbefirmlyconfidentthatforChrist'ssakesinsareremittedfreely,andthattheyshouldnotdoubtthattheseareremittedtothem.Ifanyonedoubts,hecharges,as1John5,10says,thedivinepromisewithfalsehood.WeteachthatthiscertaintyoffaithisrequiredintheGospel.Theadversariesleaveconsciencesuncertainandwavering.89]

Page83of154

Consciences,however,donothingfromfaithwhentheyperpetuallydoubtwhethertheyhaveremission.[Foritisnotpossiblethatthereshouldberest,oraquietandpeacefulconscience,iftheydoubtwhetherGodbegracious.ForiftheydoubtwhethertheyhaveagraciousGod,whethertheyaredoingright,whethertheyhaveforgivenessofsins,howcan,etc.]HowcantheyinthisdoubtcalluponGod,howcantheybeconfidentthattheyareheard?ThustheentirelifeiswithoutGod[faith]andwithoutthetrueworshipofGod.ThisiswhatPaulsays,Rom.14,23:Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin.Andbecausetheyareconstantlyoccupiedwiththisdoubt,theyneverexperiencewhatfaith[GodorChrist]is.Thusitcomestopassthattheyrushatlastintodespair[dieindoubt,withoutGod,withoutallknowledgeofGod].Suchisthedoctrineoftheadversaries,thedoctrineoftheLaw,theannullingoftheGospel,thedoctrineofdespair.[WherebyChristissuppressed,menareledintooverwhelmingsorrowandtortureofconscience,andfinally,whentemptationcomes,intodespair.LetHisImperialMajestygraciouslyconsiderandwellexaminethismatter;itdoesnotconcerngoldorsilver,butsoulsandconsciences.]Now90]wearegladtorefertoallgoodmenthejudgmentconcerningthistopicofrepentance(forithasnoobscurity),inorderthattheymaydecidewhetherweortheadversarieshavetaughtthosethingswhicharemoregodlyandhealthfultoconsciences.Indeed,thesedissensionsintheChurchdonotdelightus;wherefore,ifwedidnothavegreatandnecessaryreasonsfordissentingfromtheadversarieswewouldwiththegreatestpleasurebesilent.Butnow,sincetheycondemnthemanifesttruth,itisnotrightforustodesertacausewhichisnotourown,butisthatofChristandtheChurch.[WecannotwithfidelitytoGodandconsciencedenythisblesseddoctrineanddivinetruth,fromwhichweexpectatlast,whenthispoortemporallifeceasesandallhelpofcreaturesfails,theonlyeternal,highestconsolation:norwillweinanythingrecedefromthiscause,whichisnotonlyours,butthatofallChristendom,andconcernsthehighesttreasure,JesusChrist.]91]Wehavedeclaredforwhatreasonsweassignedtorepentancethesetwoparts,contritionandfaith.AndwehavedonethisthemorereadilybecausemanyexpressionsconcerningrepentancearepublishedwhicharecitedinamutilatedformfromtheFathers[AugustineandtheotherancientFathers],andwhichtheadversarieshavedistortedinordertoputfaithoutofsight.Suchare:Repentanceistolamentpastevils,andnottocommitagaindeedsthatoughttobelamented.Again:Repentanceisakindofvengeanceofhimwhogrieves,thuspunishinginhimselfwhatheissorryforhavingcommitted.Inthesepassagesnomentionismadeoffaith.Andnotevenintheschools,whentheyinterpret,isanything92]addedconcerningfaith.Therefore,inorderthatthedoctrineoffaithmightbethemoreconspicuous,wehaveenumerateditamongthepartsofrepentance.Fortheactualfactshowsthatthosepassageswhichrequirecontritionorgoodworks,andmakenomentionofjustifyingfaith,93]aredangerous[asexperienceproves].Andprudencecanjustlybedesiredinthosewhohavecollectedthesecentosofthe"Sentences"anddecrees.ForsincetheFathersspeakinsomeplacesconcerningonepart,andinotherplacesconcerninganotherpartofrepentance,itwouldhavebeenwelltoselectandcombinetheirjudgmentsnotonlyconcerningonepartbutconcerningboth,i.e.,concerningcontritionandfaith.94]ForTertullianspeaksexcellentlyconcerningfaith,dwellingupontheoathintheprophet,Ezek.33,11:AsIlive,saiththeLordGod,Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked,butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive.ForasGodswearsthatHedoesnotwishthedeathofasinner,Heshowsthatfaithisrequired,inorderthatwemaybelievetheoneswearing,andbefirmlyconfidentthatHeforgivesus.Theauthorityofthedivinepromisesoughtbyitselftobegreatinourestimation.Butthispromisehasalsobeenconfirmedbyanoath.Therefore,ifanyonebenotconfidentthatheisforgiven,hedeniesthatGodhasswornwhatistrue,thanwhichamorehorribleblasphemycannotbeimagined.ForTertullianspeaksthus:Heinvitesby

Page84of154

rewardtosalvation,evensweating.Saying,"Ilive,"HedesiresthatHebebelieved.Oh,blessedwe,forwhosesakeGodswears!Oh,mostmiserableifwebelievenottheLordevenwhenHeswears!95]ButherewemustknowthatthisfaithoughttobeconfidentthatGodfreelyforgivesusforthesakeofChrist,forthesakeofHisownpromise,notforthesakeofourworks,contrition,confession,orsatisfactions.Foriffaithreliesupontheseworks,itimmediatelybecomesuncertain,becausetheterrifiedconscienceseesthatthese96]worksareunworthy.Accordingly,Ambrosespeaksadmirablyconcerningrepentance:Thereforeitisproperforustobelieveboththatwearetorepent,andthatwearetobepardoned,butsoastoexpectpardonasfromfaith,whichobtainsitasfromahandwriting.Again:Itisfaithwhichcoversoursins.97]Therefore,therearesentencesextantintheFathers,notonlyconcerningcontritionandworks,butalsoconcerningfaith.Buttheadversaries,sincetheyunderstandneitherthenatureofrepentancenorthelanguageoftheFathers,selectpassagesconcerningapartofrepentance,namely,concerningworks;theypassoverthedeclarationsmadeelsewhereconcerningfaith,sincetheydonotunderstandthem.Backtotop

ArticleVI:OfConfessionandSatisfaction.1]Goodmencaneasilyjudgethatitisofthegreatestimportancethatthetruedoctrineconcerningtheabove‐mentionedparts,namelycontritionandfaith,bepreserved.[Forthegreatfraudofindulgences,etc.,andthepreposterousdoctrinesofthesophistshavesufficientlytaughtuswhatgreatvexationanddangerarisetherefromifafoulstrokeisheremade.HowmanyagodlyconscienceunderthePapacysoughtwithgreatlaborthetrueway,andinthemidst,ofsuchdarknessdidnotfindit!]Therefore,wehavealwaysbeenoccupiedmorewiththeelucidationofthesetopics,andhavedisputednothingasyetconcerningconfessionandsatisfaction.2]Forwealsoretainconfession,especiallyonaccountoftheabsolution,asbeingthewordofGodwhich,bydivineauthority,thepowerofthekeyspronouncesuponindividuals.3]ThereforeitwouldbewickedtoremoveprivateabsolutionfromtheChurch.4]Neitherdotheyunderstandwhattheremissionofsinsorthepowerofthekeysis,ifthereareanywhodespiseprivateabsolution.5]Butinreferencetotheenumerationofoffensesinconfession,wehavesaidabovethatweholdthatitisnot6]necessarybydivineright.Fortheobjection,madebysome,thatajudgeoughttoinvestigateacasebeforehepronouncesuponit,pertainsinnowaytothissubject;becausetheministryofabsolutionisfavororgrace,itisnotalegalprocess,orlaw.[ForGodistheJudge,whohascommittedtotheapostles,nottheofficeofjudges,buttheadministrationofgrace,namely,toacquitthosewhodesire,etc.]ThereforeministersintheChurchhavethecommandtoremitsin;theyhavenotthecommandtoinvestigatesecret8]sins.Andindeed,theyabsolvefromthosethatwedonotremember;forwhichreasonabsolution,whichisthevoiceoftheGospelremittingsinsandconsolingconsciences,doesnotrequirejudicialexamination.9]AnditisridiculoustotransferhitherthesayingofSolomon,Prov.27,23:Bethoudiligenttoknowthestateofthyflocks.ForSolomonsaysnothingofconfession,butgivestothefatherofafamilyadomesticprecept,thatheshouldusewhatishisown,andabstainfromwhatisanother's;andhecommandshimtotakecareofhisownpropertydiligently,yetinsuchawaythat,withhismindoccupiedwiththeincreaseofhisresources,heshouldnotcastawaythefearofGod,orfaithorcareinGod'sWord.Butouradversaries,byawonderfulmetamorphosis,transformpassagesofScripturetowhatevermeaningtheyplease.[TheyproducefromtheScripturesblackandwhite,astheyplease,contrarytothenaturalmeaningoftheclearwords.]

Page85of154

Heretoknowsignifieswiththemtohearconfessions,thestate,nottheoutwardlife,butthesecretsofconscience;andtheflockssignifymen.[Stable,wethink,meansaschoolwithinwhichtherearesuchdoctorsandorators.ButithashappenedarighttothosewhothusdespisetheHolyScripturesandallfineartsthattheymakegrossmistakesingrammar.]Theinterpretationisassuredlyneat,andisworthyofthesedespisersofthepursuitsofeloquence.ButifanyonedesiresbyasimilitudetotransferapreceptfromafatherofafamilytoapastorofaChurch,heoughtcertainlytointerpret"state"[V.vultus,countenance]asapplyingtotheoutwardlife.Thissimilitudewillbemoreconsistent.10]Butletusomitsuchmattersasthese.AtdifferenttimesinthePsalmsmentionismadeofconfession,as,Ps.32,5:Isaid,IwillconfessmytransgressionsuntotheLord;andThouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin.SuchconfessionofsinwhichismadetoGodiscontritionitself.ForwhenconfessionismadetoGod,itmustbemadewiththeheart,notalonewiththevoice,asismadeonthestagebyactors.Therefore,suchconfessioniscontrition,inwhich,feelingGod'swrath,weconfessthatGodisjustlyangry,andthatHecannotbeappeasedbyourworks,and,nevertheless,weseekformercybecauseofGod'spromise.11]Suchisthefollowingconfession,Ps.51,4:AgainstTheeonlyhaveIsinned,thatThoumightestbejustified,andbeclearwhenThoujudgest,i.e.,"IconfessthatIamasinner,andhavemeritedeternalwrath,norcanIsetmyrighteousnesses,mymerits,againstThywrath;accordingly,IdeclarethatThouartjustwhenThoucondemnestandpunishestus;IdeclarethatThouartclearwhenhypocritesjudgeTheetobeunjustinpunishingthemorincondemningthewelldeserving.Yea,ourmeritscannotbeopposedtoThyjudgment;butweshallthusbejustified,namely,ifThoujustifiestus,ifthroughThymercyThouaccountestusrighteous."12]PerhapssomeonemayalsociteJas.5,16:Confessyourfaultsonetoanother.Butherethereferenceisnottoconfessionthatistobemadetothepriests,but,ingeneral,concerningthereconciliationofbrethrentoeachother.Foritcommandsthattheconfessionbemutual.13]Again,ouradversarieswillcondemnmanymostgenerallyreceivedteachersiftheywillcontendthatinconfessionanenumerationofoffensesisnecessaryaccordingtodivineLaw.Foralthoughweapproveofconfession,andjudgethatsomeexaminationisofadvantage,inorderthatmenmaybethebetterinstructed[youngandinexperiencedpersonsbequestioned],yetthemattermustbesocontrolledthatsnaresarenotcastuponconsciences,whichneverwillbetranquiliftheythinkthattheycannotobtaintheremissionofsins,unlessthispreciseenumerationbemade.14]ThatwhichtheadversarieshaveexpressedintheConfutationiscertainlymostfalse,namely,thatafullconfessionisnecessaryforsalvation.Forthisisimpossible.Andwhatsnarestheyherecastupontheconsciencewhentheyrequireafullconfession!Forwhenwillconsciencebesurethattheconfessioniscomplete?15]IntheChurch‐writersmentionismadeofconfession,buttheydonotspeakofthisenumerationofsecretoffenses,butoftheriteofpublicrepentance.Forasthefallenornotorious[thoseguiltyofpubliccrimes]werenotreceivedwithoutfixedsatisfactions[withoutapublicceremonyorreproof],theymadeconfessiononthisaccounttothepresbyters,inorderthatsatisfactionsmightbeprescribedtothemaccordingtothemeasureoftheiroffenses.Thisentiremattercontainednothingsimilartotheenumerationconcerningwhichwearedisputing.Thisconfessionwasmade,notbecausetheremissionofsinsbeforeGodcouldnotoccurwithoutit,butbecausesatisfactionscouldnotbeprescribedunlessthekindofoffensewerefirstknown.Fordifferentoffenseshaddifferentcanons.16]Andfromthisriteofpublicrepentancetherehasbeenlefttheword"satisfaction."FortheholyFatherswereunwillingtoreceivethefallenorthenotorious,unless,asfarasitwaspossible,theirrepentancehadbeenfirstexaminedintoandexhibitedpublicly.Andthereseem

Page86of154

tohavebeenmanycausesforthis.Fortochastisethosewhohadfallenservedasanexample,justasalsotheglossuponthedecreesadmonishes,anditwasimproperimmediatelytoadmitnotoriousmentothecommunion[withouttheirbeingtested].Thesecustomshavelongsincegrownobsolete.Neitherisitnecessarytorestorethem,becausetheyarenotnecessaryfortheremissionofsinsbeforeGod.17]NeitherdidtheFathersholdthis,namely,thatmenmerittheremissionofsinsthroughsuchcustomsorsuchworks,althoughthesespectacles(suchoutwardceremonies]usuallyleadastraytheignoranttothinkthatbytheseworkstheymerittheremissionofsinsbeforeGod.Butifanyonethusholds,heholdstothefaithofaJewandheathen.Foralsotheheathenhadcertainexpiationsforoffensesthroughwhichtheyimagined18]tobereconciledtoGod.Now,however,althoughthecustomhasbecomeobsolete,thenamesatisfactionstillremains,andatraceofthecustomalsoremainsofprescribinginconfessioncertainsatisfactions,whichtheydefineasworksthatarenotdue.Wecallthemcanonicalsatisfactions.19]Ofthesewehold,justasoftheenumeration,thatcanonicalsatisfactions(thesepublicceremonies]arenotnecessarybydivineLawfortheremissionofsins;justasthoseancientexhibitionsofsatisfactionsinpublicrepentancewerenotnecessarybydivineLawfortheremissionofsins.Forthebeliefconcerningfaithmustberetained,thatbyfaithweobtainremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofourworksthatprecedeorfollow[whenweareconvertedorbornanewinChrist].Andforthisreasonwehavediscussedespeciallythequestionofsatisfactions,thatbysubmittingtothemtherighteousnessoffaithbenotobscured,ormenthinkthatforthesakeoftheseworkstheyobtainremissionofsins.20]Andmanysayingsthatarecurrentintheschoolsaidtheerror,suchasthatwhichtheygiveinthedefinitionofsatisfaction,namely,thatitiswroughtforthepurposeofappeasingthedivinedispleasure.21]But,nevertheless,theadversariesacknowledgethatsatisfactionsareofnoprofitfortheremissionofguilt.Yettheyimaginethatsatisfactionsareofprofitinredeemingfromthepunishments,whetherofpurgatoryorotherpunishments.Forthustheyteachthatintheremissionofsins,God[withoutmeans,alone]remitstheguilt,andyet,becauseitbelongstodivinejusticetopunishsin,thatHecommuteseternalintotemporalpunishment.Theyaddfurtherthatapartofthistemporalpunishmentisremittedbythepowerofthekeys,butthattherestisredeemedbymeansofsatisfactions.Neithercanitbeunderstoodofwhatpunishmentsapartisremittedbythepowerofthekeys,unlesstheysaythatapartofthepunishmentsofpurgatoryisremitted,fromwhichitwouldfollowthatsatisfactionsareonlypunishmentsredeemingfrompurgatory.Andthesesatisfactions,theysay,availeventhoughtheyarerenderedbythosewhohaverelapsedintomortalsin,asthoughindeedthedivinedispleasurecouldbeappeasedbythosewhoareinmortalsin.22]Thisentirematterisfictitious,andrecentlyfabricatedwithouttheauthorityofScriptureandtheoldwritersoftheChurch.AndnotevenLongobardusspeaksinthiswayofsatisfactions.23]ThescholasticssawthatthereweresatisfactionsintheChurch;andtheydidnotnoticethattheseexhibitionshadbeeninstitutedbothforthepurposeofexample,andfortestingthosewhodesiredtobereceivedbytheChurch.Inaword,theydidnotseethatitwasadiscipline,andentirelyasecularmatter.Accordingly,theysuperstitiouslyimaginedthattheseavailnotfordisciplinebeforetheChurch,butforappeasingGod.Andjustasinotherplacestheyfrequently,withgreatinaptness,haveconfoundedspiritualandcivilmatters[thekingdomofChrist,whichisspiritual,andthekingdomoftheworld,andexternaldiscipline],thesamehappensalsowithregardtosatisfactions.24]Buttheglossonthecanonsatvariousplacestestifiesthattheseobservanceswereinstitutedforthesakeofchurchdiscipline[shouldservealoneforanexamplebeforetheChurch].25]Letussee,moreover,howintheConfutationwhichtheyhadthepresumptiontoobtrudeuponHisImperialMajesty,theyprovethesefigmentsoftheirs.TheycitemanypassagesfromtheScriptures,inordertoimposeupontheinexperienced,asthoughthissubjectwhichwas

Page87of154

unknowneveninthetimeofLongobard,hadauthorityfromtheScriptures.Theybringforwardsuchpassagesasthese:Bringforth,therefore,fruitsmeetforrepentance,Matt.3,8;Mark1,15.Again:Yieldyourmembersservantstorighteousness,Rom.6,19.Again,Christpreachesrepentance,Matt.4,17:Repent.Again,ChristLuke24,47,commandstheapostlestopreachrepentance,andPeterpreachesrepentance,Acts2,38.AfterwardtheycitecertainpassagesoftheFathersandthecanons,andconcludethatsatisfactionsintheChurcharenottobeabolishedcontrarytotheplainGospelandthedecreesoftheCouncilsandFathers[againstthedecisionoftheHolyChurch];nay,eventhatthosewhohavebeenabsolvedbythepriestoughttobringtoperfectiontherepentancethathasbeenenjoined,followingthedeclarationofPaul,Titus2,14:WhogaveHimselfforusthatHemightredeemusfromalliniquity,andpurifyuntoHimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.26]MayGodputtoconfusionthesegodlesssophistswhosowickedlydistortGod'sWordtotheirownmostvaindreams!Whatgoodmanistherewhoisnotmovedbysuchindignity?"Christsays,Repent,theapostlespreachrepentance;thereforeeternalpunishmentsarecompensatedbythepunishmentsofpurgatory;thereforethekeyshavethepowertoremitpartofthepunishmentsofpurgatory;thereforesatisfactionsredeemthepunishmentsofpurgatory"!Whohastaughttheseassessuchlogic?Yetthisisneitherlogicnorsophistry,butcunningtrickery.Accordingly,theyappealtotheexpressionrepentinsuchawaythat,whentheinexperiencedhearsuchapassagecitedagainstus,theymayderivetheopinionthatwedenytheentirerepentance.Bytheseartstheyendeavortoalienatemindsandtoenkindlehatred,sothattheinexperiencedmaycryoutagainstus[Crucify!crucify!],thatsuchpestilenthereticsasdisapproveofrepentanceshouldheremovedfromtheirmidst.[Thustheyarepubliclyconvictedofbeingliarsinthismatter.]27]Butwehopethatamonggoodmenthesecalumnies[andmisrepresentationsofHolyScripture]maymakelittleheadway.AndGodwillnotlongenduresuchimpudenceandwickedness.[TheywillcertainlybeconsumedbytheFirstandSecondCommandments.]NeitherhasthePopeofRomeconsultedwellforhisowndignityinemployingsuchpatrons,becausehehasentrustedamatterofthegreatestimportancetothejudgmentofthesesophists.ForsinceweincludeintheConfessionalmostthesumoftheentireChristiandoctrine,judgesshouldhavebeenappointedtomakeadeclarationconcerningmatterssoimportantandsomanyandvarious,whoselearningandfaithwouldhavebeenmoreapprovedthanthatofthesesophistswhohavewrittenthisConfutation.28]Itwasparticularlybecomingforyou,OCampegius,inaccordancewithyourwisdom,tohavetakencarethatinregardtomattersofsuchimportancetheyshouldwritenothingwhicheitheratthistimeorwithposteritymightseemtobeabletodiminishregardfortheRomanSee.IftheRomanSeejudgesitrightthatallnationsshouldacknowledgeherasmistressofthefaith,sheoughttotakepainsthatlearnedanduncorruptmenmakeinvestigationconcerningmattersofreligion.Forwhatwilltheworldjudgeifatanytimethewritingoftheadversariesbebroughttolight?Whatwillposterityjudgeconcerningthesereproachfuljudicialinvestigations?29]Yousee,OCampegius,thatthesearethelasttimes,inwhichChristpredictedthattherewouldbethegreatestdangertoreligion.You,therefore,whoought,asitwere,tositonthewatch‐towerandcontrolreligiousmatters,shouldinthesetimesemployunusualwisdomanddiligence.Therearemanysignswhich,unlessyouheedthem,threatenachangetotheRomanstate.30]AndyoumakeamistakeifyouthinkthatChurchesshouldberetainedonlybyforceandarms.Menasktobetaughtconcerningreligion.Howmanydoyousupposethereare,notonlyinGermany,butalsoinEngland,inSpain,inFrance,inItaly,andfinallyeveninthecityofRome,who,sincetheyseethatcontroversieshavearisenconcerningsubjectsofthegreatestimportance,arebeginninghereandtheretodoubt,andtobesilentlyindignantthatyourefusetoinvestigate

Page88of154

andjudgearightsubjectsofsuchweightasthese;thatyoudonotdeliverwaveringconsciences;thatyouonlybidusbeoverthrownandannihilatedbyarms?31]Therearemanygoodmentowhomthisdoubtismorebitterthandeath.Youdonotconsidersufficientlyhowgreatasubjectreligionis,ifyouthinkthatgoodmenareinanguishforaslightcausewhenevertheybegintodoubtconcerninganydogma.Andthisdoubtcanhavenoothereffectthantoproducethegreatestbitternessofhatredagainstthosewho,whentheyoughttohealconsciences,plantthemselvesinthewayoftheexplanationofthesubject.32]WedonotheresaythatyououghttofearGod'sjudgment.Forthehierarchsthinkthattheycaneasilyprovideagainstthis,forsincetheyholdthekeys,ofcoursetheycanopenheavenforthemselveswhenevertheywish.Wearespeakingofthejudgmentsofmenandthesilentdesiresofallnations,which,indeed,atthistimerequirethatthesemattersbeinvestigatedanddecidedinsuchamannerthatgoodmindsmaybehealedandfreedfromdoubt.For,inaccordancewithyourwisdom,youcaneasilydecidewhatwilltakeplaceifatanytimethishatredagainstyoushouldbreakforth.Butbythisfavoryouwillbeabletobindtoyourselfallnations,asallsanemenregarditasthehighestandmostimportantmatter,ifyouhealdoubting33]consciences.WehavesaidthesethingsnotbecausewedoubtconcerningourConfession.Forweknowthatitistrue,godly,andusefultogodlyconsciences.Butitislikelythattherearemanyinmanyplaceswhowaverconcerningmattersofnolightimportance,andyetdonothearsuchteachersasareabletohealtheirconsciences.34]Butletusreturntothemainpoint.TheScripturescitedbytheadversariesspeakinnowayofcanonicalsatisfactions,andoftheopinionsofthescholastics,sinceitisevidentthatthelatterwereonlyrecentlyborn.ThereforeitispureslanderwhentheydistortScripturetotheirownopinions.Wesaythatgoodfruits,goodworksineverykindoflife,oughttofollowrepentance,i.e.,conversionorregeneration[therenewaloftheHolyGhostintheheart].Neithercantherebetrueconversionortruecontritionwheremortificationsofthefleshandgoodfruitsdonotfollow[ifwedonotexternallyrendergoodworksandChristianpatience].Trueterrors,truegriefsofmind,donotallowthebodytoindulgeinsensualpleasures,andtruefaithisnotungratefultoGod,neitherdoesitdespiseGod'scommandments.35]Inaword,thereisnoinnerrepentanceunlessitalsoproducesoutwardlymortificationsoftheflesh.WesayalsothatthisisthemeaningofJohnwhenhesays,Matt.3,8:Bringforth,therefore,fruitsmeetforrepentance.LikewiseofPaulwhenhesays,Rom.6,19:Yieldyourmembersservantstorighteousness;justashelikewisesayselsewhere,Rom.12,1:Presentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,etc.AndwhenChristsays,Matt.4,17:Repent,Hecertainlyspeaksoftheentirerepentance,oftheentirenewnessoflifeanditsfruits;Hedoesnotspeakofthosehypocriticalsatisfactionswhich,thescholasticsimagine,availforcompensatingthepunishmentofpurgatoryorotherpunishmentswhentheyaremadebythosewhoareinmortalsin.36]Manyarguments,likewise,canbecollectedtoshowthatthesepassagesofScripturepertaininnowaytoscholasticsatisfactions.Thesemenimaginethatsatisfactionsareworksthatarenotdue[whichwearenotobligedtodo);butScripture,inthesepassages,requiresworksthataredue[whichweareobligedtodo].ForthiswordofChrist,37]Repent,isthewordofacommandment.Likewisetheadversarieswritethatifanyonewhogoestoconfessionshouldrefusetoundertakesatisfactions,hedoesnotsin,butwillpaythesepenaltiesinpurgatory.Nowthefollowingpassagesare,withoutcontroversy,preceptspertainingtothislife:Repent;Bringforthfruitsmeetforrepentance;Yieldyourmembersservantstorighteousness.Thereforetheycannotbedistortedtothesatisfactionswhichitispermittedtorefuse.FortorefuseGod'scommandmentsisnotpermitted.[ForGod'scommandsarenotthuslefttoourdiscretion.]38]Thirdly,indulgencesremitthesesatisfactions,asistaughtbytheChapter,DePoenitentiisetRemissione,beginningQuumexeo,etc.Butindulgencesdonotfreeusfromthecommandments:Repent;Bringforthfruitsmeetforrepentance.Thereforeitismanifestthat

Page89of154

thesepassagesofScripturehavebeenwickedlydistortedtoapplytocanonicalsatisfactions.39]Seefurtherwhatfollows.Ifthepunishmentsofpurgatoryaresatisfactions,orsatispassions[sufferingssufficient],orifsatisfactionsarearedemptionofthepunishmentsofpurgatory,dothepassagesalsogivecommandmentthatsoulsbepunishedinpurgatory?[Theabove‐citedpassagesofChristandPaulmustalsoshowandprovethatsoulsenterpurgatoryandtheresufferpain.]Sincethismustfollowfromtheopinionsoftheadversaries,thesepassagesshouldbeinterpretedinanewway[thesepassagesshouldputonnewcoats]:Bringforthfruitsmeetforrepentance;Repent,i.e.,sufferthepunishmentsofpurgatoryafterthislife.40]Butwedonotcareaboutrefutinginmorewordstheseabsurditiesoftheadversaries.ForitisevidentthatScripturespeaksofworksthataredue,oftheentirenewness,oflife,andnotoftheseobservancesofworksthatarenotdue,ofwhichtheadversariesspeak.Andyet,bythesefigmentstheydefendorders[ofmonks],thesaleofMassesandinfiniteobservances,namely,asworkswhich,iftheydonotmakesatisfactionforguilt,yetmakesatisfactionforpunishment.41]Since,therefore,thepassagesofScriptureciteddonotsaythateternalpunishmentsaretobecompensatedbyworksthatarenotdue,theadversariesarerashinaffirmingthatthesesatisfactionsarecompensatedbycanonicalsatisfactions.Nordothekeyshavethecommandtocommutesomepunishments,andlikewisetoremitapartofthepunishments.Forwherearesuchthings[dreamsandlies]readintheScriptures?ChristspeaksoftheremissionofsinswhenHesays,Matt.18,18:Whatsoeveryeshallloose,etc.[i.e.],sinbeingforgiven,deatheternalistakenaway,andlifeeternalbestowed.NordoesWhatsoeveryeshallbindspeakoftheimposingofpunishments,butofretainingthesinsofthosewhoarenotconverted.42]Moreover,thedeclarationofLongobardconcerningremittingapartofthepunishmentshasbeentakenfromthecanonicalpunishments;apartofthesethepastorsremitted.Although,therefore,weholdthatrepentanceoughttobringforthgoodfruitsforthesakeofGod'sgloryandcommand,andgoodfruits,truefastings,trueprayers,truealms,etc.,havethecommandsofGod,yetintheHolyScriptureswenowherefindthis,namely,thateternalpunishmentsarenotremittedexceptonaccountofthepunishmentofpurgatoryorcanonicalsatisfactions,i.e.,onaccountofcertainworksnotdue,orthatthepowerofthekeyshasthecommandtocommutetheirpunishmentsortoremitaportion.Thesethingstheadversariesweretoprove.[Thistheywillnotattempt.]43]Besides,thedeathofChristisasatisfactionnotonlyforguilt,butalsoforeternaldeath,accordingtoHos.13,14:Odeath,Iwillbethydeath.Howmonstrous,therefore,itistosaythatthesatisfactionofChristredeemedfromtheguilt,andourpunishmentsredeemfrometernaldeath;astheexpression,Iwillbethydeath,oughtthentobeunderstood,notconcerningChrist,butconcerningourworks,and,indeed,notconcerningtheworkscommandedbyGod,butconcerningsomefrigidobservancesdevisedbymen!Andthesearesaidtoabolishdeath,44]evenwhentheyarewroughtinmortalsin.Itisincrediblewithwhatgriefwerecitetheseabsurditiesoftheadversaries,whichcannotbutcauseonewhoconsidersthemtobeenragedagainstsuchdoctrinesofdemons,whichthedevilhasspreadintheChurchinordertosuppresstheknowledgeoftheLawandGospel,ofrepentanceandquickening,andthebenefits45]ofChrist.ForoftheLawtheyspeakthus:"God,condescendingtoourweakness,hasgiventomanameasureofthosethingstowhichofnecessityheisbound;andthisistheobservanceofprecepts,sothatfromwhatisleft,i.e.,fromworksofsupererogation,hecanrendersatisfactionwithreferencetooffensesthathavebeencommitted."HeremenimaginethattheycanobservetheLawofGodinsuchamannerastobeabletodoevenmorethantheLawexacts.ButScriptureeverywhereexclaimsthatwearefardistantfromtheperfectionwhichtheLawrequires.YetthesemenimaginethattheLawofGodhasbeencomprisedinoutwardandcivilrighteousness;theydonotseethatitrequirestruelovetoGod"withthewholeheart,"etc.,andcondemnstheentireconcupiscenceinthenature.Thereforenoone

Page90of154

doesasmuchastheLawrequires.Hencetheirimaginationthatwecandomoreisridiculous.ForalthoughwecanperformoutwardworksnotcommandedbyGod'sLaw[whichPaulcallsbeggarlyordinances],yettheconfidencethatsatisfactionisrenderedGod'sLaw[yea,thatmoreisdonethanGoddemands]isvainandwicked.46]Andtrueprayers,truealms,truefastings,haveGod'scommand;andwheretheyhaveGod'scommand,theycannotwithoutsinbeomitted.Buttheseworks,insofarastheyhavenotbeencommandedbyGod'sLaw,buthaveafixedformderivedfromhumanrule,areworksofhumantraditionsofwhichChristsays,Matt.15,9:InvaintheydoworshipMewiththecommandmentsofmen,suchascertainfastsappointednotforrestrainingtheflesh,butthat,bythiswork,honormaybegiventoGod,asScotussays,andeternaldeathbemadeupfor;likewise,afixednumberofprayers,afixedmeasureofalmswhentheyaretenderedinsuchawaythatthismeasureisaworshipexopereoperato,givinghonortoGod,andmakingupforeternaldeath.Fortheyascribesatisfactiontotheseexopereoperato,becausetheyteachthattheyavaileveninthosewhoare47]inmortalsin.ThereareworkswhichdepartstillfartherfromGod'scommands,as[rosariesand]pilgrimages;andofthesethereisagreatvariety:onemakesajourney[toSt.Jacob]cladinmail,andanotherwithbarefeet.Christcallsthese"vainactsofworship,"andhencetheydonotservetoappeaseGod'sdispleasure,astheadversariessay.Andyettheyadorntheseworkswithmagnificenttitles;theycallthemworksofsupererogation;tothemthehonorisascribedofbeingapricepaidinsteadofeternaldeath.48]ThustheyarepreferredtotheworksofGod'scommandments[thetrueworksexpresslymentionedintheTenCommandments].InthiswaytheLawofGodisobscuredintwoways,one,becausesatisfactionisthoughttoberenderedGod'sLawbymeansofoutwardandcivilworks,theother,becausehumantraditionsareadded,whoseworksarepreferredtotheworksofthedivineLaw.49]Inthesecondplace,repentanceandgraceareobscured.Foreternaldeathisnotatonedforbythiscompensationofworks,becauseitisidle,anddoesnotinthepresentlifetasteofdeath.Somethingelsemustbe,opposedtodeathwhenittriesus.ForjustasthewrathofGodisovercomebyfaithinChrist,sodeathisovercomebyfaithin,Christ.JustasPaulsays,1Cor.15,57:ButthanksbetoGodwhichgivethusthevictorythroughourLordJesusChrist.Hedoesnotsay:"Whogivethusthevictoryifweopposeoursatisfactionsagainstdeath."50]Theadversariestreatofidlespeculationsconcerningtheremissionofguilt,anddonotseehow,intheremissionofguilt,theheartisfreedbyfaithinChristfromGod'sangerandeternaldeath.Since,therefore,thedeathofChristisasatisfactionforeternaldeath,andsincetheadversariesthemselvesconfessthattheseworksofsatisfactionsareworksthatarenotdue,butareworksofhumantraditions,ofwhichChristsays,Matt.15,9,thattheyarevainactsofworship,wecansafelyaffirmthatcanonicalsatisfactionsarenotnecessarybydivineLawfortheremissionofguilt,oreternalpunishment,orthepunishmentofpurgatory.51]Buttheadversariesobjectthatvengeanceorpunishmentisnecessaryforrepentance,becauseAugustinesaysthatrepentanceisvengeancepunishing,etc.Wegrantthatvengeanceorpunishmentisnecessaryinrepentance,yetnotasmeritorprice,astheadversariesimaginethatsatisfactionsare.Butvengeanceisinrepentanceformally,i.e.,becauseregenerationitselfoccursbyaperpetualmortificationoftheoldnessoflife.ThesayingofScotusmayindeedbeverybeautiful,thatpoenitentiaissocalledbecauseitis,asitwere,poenaetenentia,holdingtopunishment.Butofwhatpunishment,ofwhatvengeance,doesAugustinespeak?Certainlyoftruepunishment,oftruevengeance,namely,ofcontrition,oftrueterrors.Nordowehereexcludetheoutwardmortificationsofthebody,which52]followtruegriefofmind.Theadversariesmakeagreatmistakeiftheyimaginethatcanonicalsatisfactions[theirjuggler'stricks,rosaries,pilgrimages,andsuchlike]aremoretrulypunishmentsthanaretrueterrorsintheheart.Itismostfoolishtodistortthenameofpunishmenttothesefrigidsatisfactions,andnottoreferthemtothosehorribleterrorsofconscienceofwhichDavidsays,

Page91of154

Ps.18,4;2Sam.22,5:Thesorrowsofdeathcompassedme.Whowouldnotrather,cladinmailandequipped,seekthechurchofJames,thebasilicaofPeter,etc.,thanbearthatineffableviolenceofgriefwhichexistseveninpersonsofordinarylives,iftherebetruerepentance?53]ButtheysaythatitbelongstoGod'sjusticetopunishsin.Hecertainlypunishesitincontrition,whenintheseterrorsHeshowsHiswrath.JustasDavidindicateswhenheprays,Ps.6,1:OLord,rebukemenotinThineanger.AndJeremiah,10,24:OLord,correctme,butwithjudgment;notinThineanger,lestThoubringmetonothing.Hereindeedthemostbitterpunishmentsarespokenof.Andtheadversariesacknowledgethatcontritioncanbesogreatthatsatisfactionisnotrequired.54]Contritionisthereforemoretrulyapunishmentthanissatisfaction.Besides,saintsaresubjecttodeath,andallgeneralafflictions,as1Peter4,17says:ForthetimeiscomethatjudgmentmustbeginatthehouseofGod;andifitfirstbeginatus,whatshalltheendbeofthemthatobeynottheGospelofGod?Andalthoughtheseafflictionsareforthemostpartthepunishmentsofsin,yetinthegodlytheyhaveabetterend,namely,toexercisethem,thattheymaylearnamidsttrialstoseekGod'said,toacknowledgethedistrustoftheirownhearts,etc.,asPaulsaysofhimself,2Cor.1,9:Butwehadthesentenceofdeathinourselves,thatweshouldnottrustinourselves,butinGodwhichraiseththedead.AndIsaiahsays,26,16:TheypouredoutprayerwhenThychasteningwasuponthem,i.e.,afflictionsareadiscipline55]bywhichGodexercisesthesaints.Likewiseafflictionsareinflictedbecauseofpresentsin,sinceinthesaintstheymortifyandextinguishconcupiscence,sothattheymayberenewedbytheSpirit,asPaulsays,Rom.8,10:Thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin,i.e.,itismortified[moreandmoreeveryday]becauseofpresentsinwhichisstillleftintheflesh.56]Anddeathitselfservesthispurpose,namely,toabolishthisfleshofsin,thatwemayriseabsolutelynew.Neitheristherenowinthedeathofthebeliever,sincebyfaithhehasovercometheterrorsofdeath,thatstingandsenseofwrathofwhichPaulspeaks1Cor.15,56:Thestingofdeathissin;andthestrengthofsinistheLaw.Thisstrengthofsin,thissenseofwrath,istrulyapunishmentaslongasitispresent;withoutthissenseofwrath,57]deathisnotproperlyapunishment.Moreover,canonicalsatisfactionsdonotbelongtothesepunishments;astheadversariessaythatbythepowerofthekeysapartofthepunishmentsisremitted.Likewise,accordingtotheseverymen,thekeysremitthesatisfactions,andthepunishmentsonaccountofwhichthesatisfactionsaremade.Butitisevidentthatthecommonafflictionsarenotremovedbythepowerofthekeys.Andiftheywishtobeunderstoodconcerningthesepunishments,whydotheyaddthatsatisfactionistoberenderedinpurgatory?58]TheyopposetheexampleofAdam,andalsoofDavid,whowaspunishedforhisadultery.Fromtheseexamplestheyderivetheuniversalrulethatpeculiartemporalpunishmentsintheremissionofsinscorrespondtoindividualsins.59]Ithasbeensaidbeforethatsaintssufferpunishments,whichareworksofGod;theysuffercontritionorterrors,theyalsosufferothercommonafflictions.Thus,forexample,somesufferpunishmentsoftheirownthathavebeenimposedbyGod.Andthesepunishmentspertaininnowaytothekeys,becausethekeysneithercanimposenorremitthem,butGod,withouttheministryofthekeys,imposesandremitsthem[asHewill]. Neitherdoestheuniversalrulefollow:UponDavidapeculiarpunishmentwasimposed,therefore,inadditiontocommonafflictions,thereisanotherpunishmentofpurgatory,inwhicheachdegreecorrespondstoeachsin.60]WheredoesScriptureteachthatwecannotbefreedfrometernaldeathexceptbythecompensationofcertainpunishmentsinadditiontocommonafflictions?But,ontheotherhand,itmostfrequentlyteachesthattheremissionofsinsoccurs

Page92of154

freelyforChrist'ssake,thatChrististheVictorofsinanddeath.Thereforethemeritofsatisfactionisnottobepatcheduponthis.Andalthoughafflictionsstillremain,yetScriptureinterpretstheseasthemortificationsofpresentsin[tokillandhumbletheoldAdam],andnotasthecompensationsofeternaldeathoraspricesforeternaldeath.61]Jobisexcusedthathewasnotafflictedonaccountofpastevildeeds;thereforeafflictionsarenotalwayspunishmentsorsignsofwrath.Yea,terrifiedconsciencesaretobetaughtthatotherendsofafflictionsaremoreimportant[thattheyshouldlearntoregardtroublesfardifferently,namely,assignsofgrace],lesttheythinkthattheyarerejectedbyGodwheninafflictionstheyseenothingbutGod'spunishmentandanger.Theothermoreimportantendsaretobeconsidered,namely,thatGodisdoingHisstrangeworksothatHemaybeabletodoHisownwork,etc.,asIsaiah28teachesinalongdiscourse.62]Andwhenthedisciplesaskedconcerningtheblindmanwhosinned,John9,2.3,Christrepliesthatthecauseofhisblindnessisnotsin,butthattheworksofGodshouldbemademanifestinhim.AndinJeremiah,49,12,itissaid:Theywhosejudgmentwasnottodrinkofthecuphaveassuredlydrunken.ThustheprophetsandJohntheBaptistandothersaintswerekilled.63]Thereforeafflictionsarenotalwayspunishmentsforcertainpastdeeds,buttheyaretheworksofGod,intendedforourprofit,andthatthepowerofGodmightbemademoremanifestinourweakness[howHecanhelpinthemidstofdeath].ThusPaulsays,2Cor.12,5.9:ThestrengthofGodismadeperfectinmyweakness.Therefore,becauseofGod'swill,ourbodiesoughttobesacrifices,todeclareourobedience[andpatience],andnottocompensateforeternaldeath.forwhichGodhasanotherprice,namely,64]thedeathofHisownSon.AndinthissenseGregoryinterpretseventhepunishmentofDavidwhenhesays:IfGodonaccountofthatsinhadthreatenedthathe,wouldthusbehumbledbyhisson,why,whenthesinwasforgiven,didHefulfilthatwhichHehadthreatenedagainsthim?Thereplyisthatthisremissionwasmadethatmanmightnotbehinderedfromreceivingeternallife,butthattheexampleofthethreateningfollowed,inorderthatthepietyofthemanmightbeexercisedandtestedeveninthishumility.ThusalsoGodinflicteduponmandeathofbodyonaccountofsin,andaftertheremissionofsinsHedidnotremoveit,forthesakeofexercisingjustice,namely,inorderthattherighteousnessofthosewhoaresanctifiedmightbeexercisedandtested.65]Nor,indeed,arecommoncalamities[aswar,famine,andsimilarcalamities],properlyspeaking,removedbytheseworksofcanonicalsatisfactions,i.e.,bytheseworksofhumantraditions,which,theysay,availexopereoperato,insuchawaythat,eventhoughtheyarewroughtinmortalsin,66]yettheyredeemfromthepunishments.[Andtheadversariesthemselvesconfessthattheyimposesatisfactions,notonaccountofsuchcommoncalamities,butonaccountofpurgatory;hence,theirsatisfactionsarepureimaginationsanddreams.]AndwhenthepassageofPaul,1Cor.11,31,iscitedagainstus:Ifwewouldjudgeourselves,weshouldnotbejudgedbytheLord[theyconcludetherefromthat,ifweimposepunishmentuponourselves,Godwilljudgeusthemoregraciously],thewordtojudgeoughttobeunderstoodoftheentirerepentanceandduefruits,notofworkswhicharenotdue.OuradversariespaythepenaltyfordespisinggrammarwhentheyunderstandtojudgetobethesameastomakeapilgrimagecladinmailtothechurchofSt.James,orsimilarworks.Tojudgesignifiestheentirerepentance;itsignifiestocondemnsins.67]Thiscondemnationtrulyoccursincontritionandthechangeoflife.Theentirerepentance,contrition,faith,thegoodfruits,obtainthemitigationofpublicandprivatepunishmentsandcalamities,asIsaiah1,17‐19teaches:Ceasetodoevil;learntodowell,etc.Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbewhiteassnow.Ifyebewillingandobedient,68]yeshalleatthegoodoftheland.Neithershouldamostimportantand

Page93of154

salutarymeaningbetransferredfromtheentirerepentance,andfromworksdueorcommandedbyGod,tothesatisfactionsandworksofhumantraditions.Andthisitisprofitabletoteach,thatcommonevilsaremitigatedbyourrepentanceandbythetruefruitsofrepentance,bygoodworkswroughtfromfaith,not,asthesemenimagine,wroughtinmortalsin.69]AndherebelongstheexampleoftheNinevites,Jonah3,10,whobytheirrepentance(wespeakoftheentirerepentance)werereconciledtoGod,andobtainedthefavorthattheircitywasnotdestroyed.70]Moreover,themakingmention,bytheFathers,ofsatisfaction,andtheframingofcanonsbythecouncils,wehavesaidabove,wasamatterofchurch‐disciplineinstitutedonaccountoftheexample.Nordidtheyholdthatthisdisciplineisnecessaryfortheremissioneitheroftheguiltorofthepunishment.Forifsomeofthemmadementionofpurgatory,theyinterpretitnotascompensationforeternalpunishment[whichonlyChristmakes],notassatisfaction,butaspurificationofimperfectsouls.JustasAugustinesaysthatvenial[daily]offensesareconsumed,i.e.,distrusttowardsGodandother71]similardispositionsaremortified.Nowandthenthewriterstransferthetermsatisfactionfromtheriteitselforspectacle,tosignifytruemortification.ThusAugustinesays:Truesatisfactionistocutoffthecausesofsin,i.e.,tomortifytheflesh,likewisetorestraintheflesh,notinorderthateternalpunishmentsmaybecompensatedfor,butsothatthefleshmaynotalluretosin.72]Thusconcerningrestitution,Gregorysaysthatrepentanceisfalseifitdoesnotsatisfythosewhosepropertywehavetaken.Forhewhostillstealsdoesnottrulygrievethathehasstolenorrobbed.Forheisathieforrobber,solongasheistheunjustpossessorofthepropertyofanother.Thiscivilsatisfactionisnecessary,becauseitiswrittenEph.4,28:Lethimthatstole,73]stealnomore.LikewiseChrysostomsays:Intheheart,contrition;inthemouth,confession;inthework,entirehumility.Thisamountstonothingagainstus.Goodworksoughttofollowrepentance;itoughttoberepentance,notsimulation,butachangeoftheentirelifeforthebetter.74]Likewise,theFatherswrotethatitissufficientifonceinlifethispublicorceremonialpenitenceoccur,aboutwhichthecanonsconcerningsatisfactionshavebeenmade.Thereforeitcanbeunderstoodthattheyheldthatthesecanonsarenotnecessaryfortheremissionofsins.Forinadditiontothisceremonialpenitence,theyfrequentlywishthatpenitenceberenderedotherwise,wherecanonsofsatisfactionswerenotrequired.75]ThecomposersoftheConfutationwritethattheabolitionofsatisfactionscontrarytotheplainGospelisnottobeendured.We,therefore,havethusfarshownthatthesecanonicalsatisfactions,i.e.,worksnotdue,andthataretobeperformedinordertocompensateforpunishment,havenot76]thecommandoftheGospel.Thesubjectitselfshowsthis.Ifworksofsatisfactionareworkswhicharenotdue,whydotheycitetheplainGospel?ForiftheGospelwouldcommandthatpunishmentsbecompensatedforbysuchworks,theworkswouldalreadybedue.Butthustheyspeakinordertoimposeupontheinexperienced,andtheycitetestimonieswhichspeakofworksthataredue,althoughtheythemselvesintheirownsatisfactionsprescribeworksthatarenotdue.Yea,intheirschoolstheythemselvesconcedethatsatisfactionscanberefusedwithout[mortal]sin.ThereforetheyherewritefalselythatwearecompelledbytheplainGospeltoundertakethesecanonicalsatisfactions.77]Butwehavealreadyfrequentlytestifiedthatrepentanceoughttoproducegoodfruits;andwhatthegoodfruitsarethe[Ten]Cornmandmentsteach,namely,[trulyandfromtheheartmosthighlytoesteem,fear,andloveGod,joyfullytocalluponHiminneed],prayer,thanksgiving,theconfessionoftheGospel[hearingthisWord],toteachtheGospel,toobey

Page94of154

parentsandmagistrates,tobefaithfultoone'scalling,nottokill,nottoretainhatred,buttobeforgiving[tobeagreeableandkindtoone'sneighbor],togivetotheneedy,sofaraswecanaccordingto,ourmeans,nottocommitfornicationoradultery,buttorestrainandbridleandchastisetheflesh,notforacompensationofeternalpunishment,butsoasnottoobeythedevil,oroffendtheHolyGhost;likewise,tospeakthetruth.ThesefruitshaveGod'sinjunction,andoughttobebroughtforthforthesakeofGod'sgloryandcommand;andtheyhavetheirrewardsalso.Butthateternalpunishmentsarenotremittedexcept,onaccountofthecompensationrenderedby,certaintraditionsorbypurgatory,Scripturedoesnotteach.78]Indulgenceswereformerlyremissionofthesepublicobservances,sothatmenshouldnotbeexcessivelyburdened.Butif,byhumanauthority,satisfactionsandpunishmentscanberemitted,thiscompensation,therefore,isnotnecessarybydivineLaw;foradivineLawisnotannulledbyhumanauthority.Furthermore,sincethecustomhasnowofitselfbecomeobsoleteandthebishopshavepasseditbyinsilence,thereisnonecessityfortheseremissions.Andyetthenameindulgencesremained.Andjustassatisfactionswereunderstoodnotwithreferencetoexternaldiscipline,butwithreferencetothecompensationofpunishment,soindulgenceswereincorrectlyunderstoodtofreesoulsfrompurgatory.79]Butthekeyshavenotthepowerofbindingandloosingexceptuponearth,accordingtoMatt.16,19:Whatsoever,thoushaltbindonearthshallbeboundinheaven,andwhatsoeverthoushaltlooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.Although,aswehavesaidabove,thekeyshavenotthepowertoimposepenalties,ortoinstituteritesofworship,butonlythecommandtoremitsinstothosewhoareconverted,andtoconvictandexcommunicatethosewhoareunwillingtobeconverted.Forjustastoloosesignifiestoremitsins,sotobindsignifiesnottoremitsins.ForChristspeaksofaspiritualkingdom.AndthecommandofGodisthattheministersoftheGospelshouldabsolvethosewhoareconverted,accordingto2Cor.10,8:TheauthoritywhichtheLordhathgivenusforedification.Therefore80]thereservationofcasesisasecularaffair.Foritisareservationofcanonicalpunishment;itisnotareservationofguiltbeforeGodinthosewhoaretrulyconverted.Thereforetheadversariesjudgearightwhentheyconfessthatinthearticleofdeaththereservationofcasesoughtnottohinderabsolution.81]Wehavesetforththesumofourdoctrineconcerningrepentance,whichwecertainlyknowisgodlyandsalutarytogoodminds[andhighlynecessary].Andifgoodmenwillcompareour[yea,Christ'sandHisapostles']doctrinewiththeveryconfuseddiscussionsofouradversaries,theywillperceivethattheadversarieshaveomittedthedoctrine[withoutwhichnoonecanteachorlearnanythingthatissubstantialandChristian]concerningfaithjustifyingandconsolinggodlyhearts.Theywillalsoseethattheadversariesinventmanythingsconcerningthemeritsofattrition,concerningtheendlessenumerationofoffenses,concerningsatisfactions;theysaythings(thattouchneitherearthnorheaven]agreeingneitherwithhumannordivinelaw,andwhichnoteventheadversariesthemselvescansatisfactorilyexplain.Backtotop

ArticleXIII.(VII):OftheNumberandUseoftheSacraments.1]IntheThirteenthArticletheadversariesapproveourstatementthattheSacramentsarenotonlymarksofprofessionamongmen,assomeimagine,butthattheyarerathersignsandtestimoniesofGod'swilltowardus,throughwhichGodmoves2]heartstobelieve[arenotmeresignswherebymenmayrecognizeeachother,asthewatchwordinwar,livery,etc.,butareefficacioussignsandsuretestimonies,etc.].Butheretheybidusalsocountsevensacraments.Weholdthatitshouldbemaintainedthatthemattersandceremoniesinstitutedin

Page95of154

theScriptures,whateverthenumber,benotneglected.Neitherdowebelieveittobeofanyconsequence,though,forthepurposeofteaching,differentpeoplereckondifferently,providedtheystillpreservearightthemattershandeddowninScripture.Neitherhavetheancientsreckonedinthesamemanner.[Butconcerningthisnumberofsevensacraments,thefactisthattheFathershavenotbeenuniformintheirenumeration;thusalsothesesevenceremoniesarenotequallynecessary.]3]IfwecallSacramentsriteswhichhavethecommandofGod,andtowhichthepromiseofgracehasbeenadded,itiseasytodecidewhatareproperlySacraments.ForritesinstitutedbymenwillnotinthiswaybeSacramentsproperlysocalled.Foritdoesnotbelongtohumanauthoritytopromisegrace.ThereforesignsinstitutedwithoutGod'scommandarenotsuresignsofgrace,eventhoughtheyperhapsinstructtherude[childrenortheuncultivated],oradmonishastosomething[asapaintedcross].4]ThereforeBaptism,theLord'sSupper,andAbsolution,whichistheSacramentofRepentance,aretrulySacraments.FortheseriteshaveGod'scommandandthepromiseofgrace,whichispeculiartotheNewTestament.Forwhenwearebaptized,whenweeattheLord'sbody,whenweareabsolved,ourheartsmustbefirmlyassuredthatGodtrulyforgivesus5]forChrist'ssake.AndGod,atthesametime,bytheWordandbytherite,movesheartstobelieveandconceivefaith,justasPaulsays,Rom.10,17:Faithcomethbyhearing.ButjustastheWordenterstheearinordertostrikeourheart,sotheriteitselfstrikestheeye,inordertomovetheheart.TheeffectoftheWordandoftheriteisthesame,asithasbeenwellsaidbyAugustinethataSacramentisavisibleword,becausetheriteisreceivedbytheeyes,andis,asitwere,apictureoftheWord,signifyingthesamethingastheWord.Thereforetheeffectofbothisthesame.6]ConfirmationandExtremeUnctionareritesreceivedfromtheFatherswhichnoteventheChurchrequiresasnecessarytosalvation,becausetheydonothaveGod'scommand.Thereforeitisnotuselesstodistinguishtheseritesfromtheformer,whichhaveGod'sexpresscommandandaclearpromiseofgrace.7]TheadversariesunderstandpriesthoodnotoftheministryoftheWord,andadministeringtheSacramentstoothers,buttheyunderstanditasreferringtosacrifice;asthoughintheNewTestamentthereoughttobeapriesthoodliketheLevitical,tosacrificeforthepeople,andmerittheremissionofsinsforothers.8]WeteachthatthesacrificeofChristdyingonthecrosshasbeensufficientforthesinsofthewholeworld,andthatthereisnoneed,besides,ofothersacrifices,asthoughthiswerenotsufficientforoursins.Men,accordingly,arejustifiednotbecauseofanyothersacrifices,butbecauseofthisonesacrificeofChrist,iftheybelievethattheyhavebeenredeemedbythissacrifice.9]Theyareaccordinglycalledpriests,notinordertomakeanysacrificesforthepeopleasintheLaw,sothatbythesetheymaymeritremissionofsinsforthepeople;buttheyarecalledtoteachtheGospelandadministertheSacramentstothepeople.10]NordowehaveanotherpriesthoodliketheLevitical,11]astheEpistletotheHebrewssufficientlyteaches.ButifordinationbeunderstoodasapplyingtotheministryoftheWord,wearenotunwillingtocallordinationasacrament.FortheministryoftheWordhasGod'scommandandgloriouspromises,Rom.1,16:TheGospelisthepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth.Likewise,Is.55,11:SoshallMyWordbethatgoethforthoutofMymouth;itshallnotreturnuntoMevoid,butitshallaccomplishthatwhichIplease.12]Ifordinationbeunderstoodinthisway,neitherwillwerefusetocalltheimpositionofhandsasacrament.FortheChurchhasthecommandtoappointministers,whichshouldbemostpleasingtous,becauseweknowthatGodapprovesthisministry,andispresentintheministry[thatGodwillpreachandworkthroughmenandthosewhohavebeenchosenbymen].13]Anditisofadvantage,sofarascanbedone,toadorntheministryoftheWordwitheverykind

Page96of154

ofpraiseagainstfanaticalmen,whodreamthattheHolyGhostisgivennotthroughtheWord,butbecauseofcertainpreparationsoftheirown,iftheysitunoccupiedandsilentinobscureplaces,waitingforillumination,astheEnthusiastsformerlytaught,andtheAnabaptistsnowteach.14]MatrimonywasnotfirstinstitutedintheNewTestament,butinthebeginning,immediatelyonthecreationofthehumanrace.Ithas,moreover,God'scommand;ithasalsopromises,notindeedproperlypertainingtotheNewTestament,butpertainingrathertothebodilylife.Wherefore,ifanyoneshouldwishtocallitasacrament,heoughtstilltodistinguishitfromthoseprecedingones[thetwoformerones],whichareproperlysignsoftheNewTestament,andtestimoniesofgraceandtheremissionofsins.15]ButifmarriagewillhavethenameofsacramentforthereasonthatithasGod'scommand,otherstatesorofficesalso,whichhaveGod'scommand,maybecalledsacraments,as,forexample,themagistracy.16]Lastly,ifamongtheSacramentsallthingsoughttobenumberedwhichhaveGod'scommand,andtowhichpromiseshavebeenadded,whydowenotaddprayer,whichmosttrulycanbecalledasacrament?ForithasbothGod'scommandandverymanypromises;andifplacedamongtheSacraments,asthoughinamoreeminentplace,itwouldinvitementopray.17]Almscouldalsobereckonedhere,andlikewiseafflictions,whichare,eventhemselvessigns,towhichGodhasaddedpromises.Butletusomitthesethings.Fornoprudentmanwillstrivegreatlyconcerningthenumberortheterm,ifonlythoseobjectsstillberetainedwhichhaveGod'scommandandpromises.18]ItisstillmoreneedfultounderstandhowtheSacramentsaretobeused.Herewecondemnthewholecrowdofscholasticdoctors,whoteachthattheSacramentsconfergraceexopereoperato,withoutagooddispositiononthepartoftheoneusingthem,providedhedonotplaceahindranceintheway.ThisisabsolutelyaJewishopinion,toholdthatwearejustifiedbyaceremony,withoutagooddispositionoftheheart,i.e.,withoutfaith.Andyetthisimpiousandperniciousopinion19]istaughtwithgreatauthoritythroughouttheentirerealmofthePope.Paulcontradictsthis,anddenies,Rom.4,9,thatAbrahamwasjustifiedbycircumcision,butassertsthatcircumcisionwasasignpresentedforexercisingfaith.ThusweteachthatintheuseoftheSacramentsfaithoughttobeadded,whichshouldbelievethesepromises,andreceivethepromisedthings,thereofferedintheSacrament.20]Andthereasonisplainandthoroughlygrounded.[ThisisacertainandtrueuseoftheholySacrament,onwhichChristianheartsandconsciencesmayrisktorely.]Thepromiseisuselessunlessitisreceivedbyfaith.ButtheSacramentsarethesigns[andseals]ofthepromises.Therefore,intheuseoftheSacramentsfaithoughttobeadded,sothat,ifanyoneusetheLord'sSupper,heuseitthus.BecausethisisaSacramentoftheNewTestament,asChristclearlysays,heoughtforthisveryreasontobeconfidentthatwhatispromisedintheNewTestament,namely,thefreeremissionofsins,isofferedhim.Andlethimreceivethisbyfaith,lethimcomforthisalarmedconscience,andknowthatthesetestimoniesarenotfallacious,butassureasthough[andstillsurerthanif]GodbyanewmiraclewoulddeclarefromheaventhatitwasHiswilltograntforgiveness.Butofwhatadvantagewouldthesemiraclesandpromisesbetoanunbeliever?21]Andherewespeakofspecialfaithwhichbelievesthepresentpromise,notonlythatwhichingeneralbelievesthatGodexists,butwhichbelievesthattheremissionofsinsisoffered.22]ThisuseoftheSacramentconsolesgodlyandalarmedminds.23]Moreover,noonecanexpressinwordswhatabusesintheChurchthisfanaticalopinionconcerningtheopusoperatum,withoutagooddispositiononthepartoftheoneusingtheSacraments,hasproduced.HencetheinfiniteprofanationoftheMasses;butofthisweshall

Page97of154

speakbelow.Neithercanasingleletterbeproducedfromtheoldwriterswhichinthismatterfavorsthescholastics.Yea,Augustinesaysthecontrary,thatthefaithoftheSacrament,andnottheSacrament,justifies.AndthedeclarationofPauliswellknown,Rom.10,10:Withtheheartmanbelievethuntorighteousness.Backtotop

ArticleXIV:OfEcclesiasticalOrder.24]TheFourteenthArticle,inwhichwesaythatintheChurchtheadministrationoftheSacramentsandWordoughttobeallowednooneunlessheberightlycalled,theyreceive,butwiththeprovisothatweemploycanonicalordination.Concerningthissubjectwehavefrequentlytestifiedinthisassemblythatitisourgreatestwishtomaintainchurch‐polityandthegradesintheChurch[oldchurch‐regulationsandthegovernmentofbishops],eventhoughtheyhavebeenmadebyhumanauthority[providedthebishopsallowourdoctrineandreceiveourpriests].ForweknowthatchurchdisciplinewasinstitutedbytheFathers,inthemannerlaiddownintheancientcanons,withagoodandusefulintention.25]Butthebishopseithercompelourprieststorejectandcondemnthiskindofdoctrinewhichwehaveconfessed,or,byanewandunheard‐ofcruelty,theyputtodeaththepoorinnocentmen.Thesecauseshinderourpriestsfromacknowledgingsuchbishops.Thusthecrueltyofthebishopsisthereasonwhythecanonicalgovernment,whichwegreatlydesiredtomaintain,isinsomeplacesdissolved.LetthemseetoithowtheywillgiveanaccounttoGodfordispersing26]theChurch.Inthismatterourconsciencesarenotindanger,becausesinceweknowthatourConfessionistrue,godly,andcatholic,weoughtnottoapprovethecrueltyofthosewhopersecutethisdoctrine.27]AndweknowthattheChurchisamongthosewhoteachtheWordofGodaright,andadministertheSacramentsaright,andnotwiththosewhonotonlybytheiredictsendeavortoeffaceGod'sWord,butalsoputtodeaththosewhoteachwhatisrightandtrue;28]towardswhom,eventhoughtheydosomethingcontrarytothecanons,yettheverycanonsaremilder.Furthermore,wewishhereagaintotestifythatwewillgladlymaintainecclesiasticalandcanonicalgovernment,providedthebishopsonlyceasetorageagainstourChurches.ThisourdesirewillclearusbothbeforeGodandamongallnationstoallposterityfromtheimputationagainstusthattheauthorityofthebishopsisbeingundermined,whenmenreadandhearthat,althoughprotestingagainsttheunrighteouscrueltyofthebishops,wecouldnotobtainjustice.Backtotop

ArticleXV(VIII):OfHumanTraditionsintheChurch.

1]IntheFifteenthArticletheyreceivethefirstpart,inwhichwesaythatsuchecclesiasticalritesaretobeobservedascanbeobservedwithoutsin,andareofprofitintheChurchfortranquillityandgoodorder.Theyaltogethercondemnthesecondpart,inwhichwesaythathumantraditionsinstitutedtoappeaseGod,tomeritgrace,andmakesatisfactionsforsinsarecontrarytotheGospel.2]AlthoughintheConfessionitself,whentreatingofthedistinctionofmeats,wehavespokenatsufficientlengthconcerningtraditions,yetcertainthingsshouldbebrieflyrecountedhere.3]Althoughwesupposedthattheadversarieswoulddefendhumantraditionsonothergrounds,yetwedidnotthinkthatthiswouldcometopass,namely,thattheywouldcondemnthisarticle:thatwedonotmerittheremissionofsinsorgracebytheobservanceofhumantraditions.

Page98of154

Since,therefore,thisarticlehasbeencondemned,4]wehaveaneasyandplaincase.TheadversariesarenowopenlyJudaizing,areopenlysuppressingtheGospelbythedoctrinesofdemons.ForScripturecallstraditionsdoctrinesofdemons,whenitistaughtthatreligiousritesareserviceabletomerittheremissionofsinsandgrace.FortheyarethenobscuringtheGospel,thebenefitofChrist,and5]therighteousnessoffaith.[FortheyarejustasdirectlycontrarytoChristandtotheGospelasarefireandwatertooneanother.]TheGospelteachesthatbyfaithwereceivefreely,forChrist'ssake,theremissionofsinsandarereconciledtoGod.Theadversaries,ontheotherhand,appointanothermediator,namely,thesetraditions.Onaccountofthesetheywishtoacquireremissionofsins;onaccountofthesetheywishtoappeaseGod'swrath.ButChristclearlysays,Matt.15,9:InvaindotheyworshipMe,teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen.6]WehaveabovediscussedatlengththatmenarejustifiedbyfaithwhentheybelievethattheyhaveareconciledGod,notbecauseofourworks,butgratuitously,forChrist'ssake.ItiscertainthatthisisthedoctrineoftheGospel,becausePaulclearlyteaches,Eph.2,8.9:Bygraceareyesaved,throughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod;7]notofworks.Nowthesemensaythatmenmerittheremissionofsinsbythesehumanobservances.Whatelseisthisthantoappointanotherjustifier,amediatorotherthanChrist?8]PaulsaystotheGalatians,5,4:Christhasbecomeofnoeffectuntoyou,whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbytheLaw;i.e.,ifyouholdthatbytheobservanceoftheLawyoumerittobeaccountedrighteousbeforeGod,Christwillprofityounothing;forwhatneedofChristhavethosewhoholdthattheyarerighteousbytheirownobservance9]oftheLaw?GodhassetforthChristwiththepromisethatonaccountofthisMediator,andnotonaccountofourrighteousness,Hewishestobepropitioustous.ButthesemenholdthatGodisreconciledandpropitiousbecauseofthetraditions,andnotbecauseofChrist.ThereforetheytakeawayfromChristthehonorofMediator.10]Neither,sofarasthismatterisconcerned,isthereanydifferencebetweenourtraditionsandtheceremoniesofMoses.PaulcondemnstheceremoniesofMoses,justashecondemnstraditions,forthereasonthattheywereregardedasworkswhichmeritrighteousnessbeforeGod.ThustheofficeofChristandtherighteousnessoffaithwereobscured.Therefore,theLawbeingremoved,andtraditionsbeingremoved,hecontendsthattheremissionofsinshasbeenpromisednotbecauseofourworks,butfreely,becauseofChrist,ifonlybyfaithwereceiveit.Forthepromiseisnotreceived11]exceptbyfaith.Since,therefore,byfaithwereceivetheremissionofsins,sincebyfaithwehaveapropitiousGodforChrist'ssake,itisanerrorandimpietytodeclarethatbecauseoftheseobservanceswemerittheremissionofsins.12]Ifanyoneshouldsayherethatwedonotmerittheremissionofsins,butthatthosewhohavealreadybeenjustifiedbythesetraditionsmeritgrace,Paulagainreplies,Gal.2,17,thatChristwouldbetheministerofsinifafterjustificationwemustholdthathenceforthwearenotaccountedrighteousforChrist'ssake,butweoughtfirst,byotherobservances,tomeritthatwebeaccountedrighteous.LikewiseGal.3,15:Thoughitbebutaman'scovenant,nomanaddeththereto.Therefore,neithertoGod'scovenant,whopromisesthatforChrist'ssakeHewillbepropitioustous,oughtwetoaddthatwemustfirstthroughtheseobservancesattainsuchmeritastoberegardedasacceptedandrighteous.13]However,whatneedisthereofalongdiscussion?NotraditionwasinstitutedbytheholyFatherswiththedesignthatitshouldmerittheremissionofsins,orrighteousness,buttheyhavebeeninstitutedforthesake,ofgoodorderintheChurchand14]forthesake,oftranquillity.Andwhenanyonewishestoinstitutecertainworkstomerittheremissionofsins,orrighteousness,howwillheknowthattheseworkspleaseGodsincehehasnotthetestimonyofGod'sWord?How,withoutGod'scommandandWord,willherendermencertainofGod'swill?DoesHenoteverywhereintheprophetsprohibitmenfrominstituting,withoutHis

Page99of154

commandment,peculiarritesofworship?InEzek.20,18.19itiswritten:Walkyenotinthestatutesofyourfathers,neitherobservetheirjudgments,nordefileyourselveswiththeiridols:IamtheLord,yourGod.WalkinMystatutes,andkeepMyjudgments,anddothem.15]Ifmenareallowedtoinstitutereligiousrites,andthroughtheseritesmeritgrace,thereligiousritesofalltheheathenwillhavetobeapproved,andtheritesinstitutedbyJeroboam,1Kings12,26f,andbyothers,outsideoftheLaw,willhavetobeapproved.Forwhat,differencedoesitmake?Ifwehavebeenallowedtoinstitutereligiousritesthatareprofitableformeritinggrace,orrighteousness,whywasthesamenotallowedtheheathenandtheIsraelites?16]ButthereligiousritesoftheheathenandtheIsraeliteswererejectedfortheveryreasonthattheyheldthatbythesetheymeritedremissionofsinsandrighteousness,andyet17]didnotknow[thehighestserviceofGod]therighteousnessoffaith.Lastly,whencearewerenderedcertainthatritesinstitutedbymenwithoutGod'scommandjustify,inasmuchasnothingcanbeaffirmedofGod'swillwithoutGod'sWord?WhatifGoddoesnotapprovetheseservices?How,therefore,dotheadversariesaffirmthattheyjustify?WithoutGod'sWordandtestimonythiscannotbeaffirmed.AndPaulsays,Rom.14,23:Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin.ButastheseserviceshavenotestimonyofGod'sWord,consciencemustdoubtastowhethertheypleaseGod.18]Andwhatneedisthereofwordsonasubjectsomanifest?Iftheadversariesdefendthesehumanservicesasmeritingjustification,grace,andtheremissionofsins,theysimplyestablishthekingdomofAntichrist.ForthekingdomofAntichristisanewserviceofGod,devisedbyhumanauthorityrejectingChrist,justasthekingdomofMahomethasservicesandworksthroughwhichitwishestobejustifiedbeforeGod;nordoesitholdthatmenaregratuitouslyjustifiedbeforeGodbyfaith,forChrist'ssake.ThusthePapacyalsowillbeapartofthekingdomofAntichristifitthusdefendshumanservicesasjustifying.ForthehonoristakenawayfromChristwhentheyteachthatwearenotjustifiedgratuitouslybyfaith,forChrist'ssake,butbysuchservices;especiallywhentheyteachthatsuchservicesarenotonlyusefulforjustification,butarealsonecessary,astheyholdaboveinArt.VII,wheretheycondemnusforsayingthatuntotrueunityoftheChurchitisnotnecessarythatritesinstitutedbymenshouldeverywherebealike.19]Daniel,11,38,indicatesthatnewhumanserviceswillbetheveryformandconstitutionofthekingdomofAntichrist.Forhesaysthus:Butinhisestateshallhehonorthegodofforces;andagodwhomhisfathersknewnotshallhehonorwithgoldandsilverandpreciousstones.Herehedescribesnewservices,becausehesaysthatsuchagodshallbeworshipedas20]thefatherswereignorantof.ForalthoughtheholyFathersthemselveshadbothritesandtraditions,yettheydidnotholdthatthesemattersareusefulornecessaryforjustification;theydidnotobscurethegloryandofficeofChrist,buttaughtthatwearejustifiedbyfaithforChrist'ssake,andnotforthesakeofthesehumanservices.Buttheyobservedhumanritesforthesakeofbodilyadvantage,thatthepeoplemightknowatwhattimetheyshouldassemble;that,forthesakeofexampleallthingsinthechurchesmightbedoneinorderandbecomingly;lastly,thatthecommonpeoplemightreceiveasortoftraining.Forthedistinctionsoftimesandthevarietyofritesareofserviceinadmonishingthecommonpeople.21]TheFathershadthesereasonsformaintainingtherites,andforthesereasonswealsojudgeittoherightthattraditions[goodcustoms]bemaintained.Andwearegreatlysurprisedthattheadversaries[contrarytotheentireScripturesoftheApostles,contrarytotheOldandNewTestaments]contendforanotherdesignoftraditions,namely,thattheymaymerittheremissionofsins,grace,orjustification.WhatelseisthisthantohonorGodwithgoldandsilverandpreciousstones[asDanielsays],i.e.,toholdthatGodbecomesreconciledbyavarietyinclothing,ornaments,andbysimilarrites[manykindsofchurchdecorations,banners,tapers],asareinfiniteinhumantraditions?22]PaulwritestotheColossians,2,23,thattraditionshaveashowofwisdom.Andtheyindeedhave.ForthisgoodorderisverybecomingintheChurch,andforthisreasonisnecessary.But

Page100of154

humanreason,becauseitdoesnotunderstandtherighteousnessoffaith,naturallyimaginesthatsuchworksjustifymenbecause23]theyreconcileGod,etc.ThusthecommonpeopleamongtheIsraelitesthought,andbythisopinionincreasedsuchceremonies,justasamongustheyhavegrowninthemonasteries[asinourtimeonealtarafteranotherandonechurchafteranotherisfounded].24]Thushumanreasonjudgesalsoofbodilyexercises,offasts;althoughtheendoftheseistorestraintheflesh,reasonfalselyaddsthattheyareserviceswhichjustify.AsThomaswrites:Fastingavailsfortheextinguishingandthepreventionofguilt.ThesearethewordsofThomas.Thusthesemblanceofwisdomandrighteousnessinsuchworksdeceivesmen.Andtheexamplesofthesaintsareadded[whentheysay:St.Francisworeacap,etc.];andwhenmendesiretoimitatethese,theyimitate,forthemostpart,theoutwardexercises;theirfaiththeydonotimitate.25]Afterthissemblanceofwisdomandrighteousnesshasdeceivedmen,theninfiniteevilsfollow;theGospelconcerning,therighteousnessoffaithinChristisobscured,andvainconfidenceinsuchworkssucceeds.ThenthecommandmentsofGodareobscured;theseworksarrogatetothemselvesthetitleofaperfectandspirituallife,andarefarpreferredtotheworksofGod'scommandments[thetrue,holy,goodworks],as,theworksofone'sowncalling,theadministrationofthestate,themanagementofafamily,marriedlife,thebringingupofchildren.26]Comparedwiththoseceremonies,thelatterarejudgedtobeprofane,sothattheyareexercisedbymanywithsomedoubtofconscience.Foritisknownthatmanyhaveabandonedtheadministrationofthestateandmarriedlife,inordertoembracetheseobservancesasbetterandholier[havegoneintocloistersinordertobecomeholyandspiritual].27]Noristhisenough.Whenthepersuasionhastakenpossessionofmindsthatsuchobservancesarenecessarytojustification,consciencesareinmiserableanxietybecausetheycannotexactlyfulfilallobservances.Forhowmanyaretherewhocouldenumeratealltheseobservances?Thereareimmensebooks,yea,wholelibraries,containingnotasyllableconcerningChrist,concerningfaithinChrist,concerningthegoodworksofone'sowncalling,butwhichonlycollectthetraditionsandinterpretationsbywhichtheyaresometimesrenderedquiterigorousand28]sometimesrelaxed.[Theywriteofsuchpreceptsasoffastingforfortydays,thefourcanonicalhoursforprayer,etc.]Howthatmostexcellentman,Gerson,istorturedwhilebesearchesforthegradesandextentoftheprecepts!Nevertheless,heisnotabletofixejpieivkeian[mitigation]inadefinitegrade[andyetcannotfindanysuregradewherehecouldconfidentlypromisetheheartassuranceandpeace].Meanwhile,hedeeplydeploresthedangerstogodlyconscienceswhichthisrigidinterpretationofthetraditionsproduces.29]Againstthissemblanceofwisdomandrighteousnessinhumanrites,whichdeceivesmen,letusthereforefortifyourselvesbytheWordofGod,andletusknow,firstofall,thattheseneithermeritbeforeGodtheremissionofsinsorjustification,norarenecessaryforjustification.30]Wehaveabovecitedsometestimonies.AndPaulisfullofthem.TotheColossians,2,16.17,heclearlysays:Letnoman,therefore,judgeyouinmeatorindrink,orinrespectofanholyday,orofthenewmoon,oroftheSabbath‐days,whichareashadowofthingstocome;butthebodyisofChrist.HerenowheembracesatthesametimeboththeLawofMosesandhumantraditions,inorderthattheadversariesmaynoteludethesetestimonies,accordingtotheircustom,uponthegroundthatPaulisspeakingonlyoftheLawofMoses.Butheclearlytestifiesherethatheisspeakingofhumantraditions.However,theadversariesdonotseewhattheyaresaying;iftheGospelsaysthattheceremoniesofMoses,whichweredivinelyinstituted,donotjustify,howmuchlessdohumantraditionsjustify!31]Neitherhavethebishopsthepowertoinstituteservices,asthoughtheyjustified,orwere

Page101of154

necessaryforjustification.Yea,theapostles,Acts15,10,say:WhytemptyeGodtoputayoke,etc.,wherePeterdeclaresthispurposetoburdentheChurchagreatsin.AndPaulforbidstheGalatians,5,1,32]tobeentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondage.Therefore,itisthewilloftheapostlesthatthislibertyremainintheChurch,thatnoservicesoftheLaworoftraditionsbejudgedasnecessary(justasintheLawceremonieswereforatimenecessary),lesttherighteousnessoffaithbeobscured,ifmenjudgethattheseservicesmeritjustification,orarenecessaryforjustification.33]Manyseekintraditionsvariousejpieikeiva"[mitigations]inordertohealconsciences;andyettheydonotfindanysuregradesbywhichtofreeconsciencesfromthesechains.34]ButjustasAlexanderonceforallsolvedtheGordianknotbycuttingitwithhisswordwhenhecouldnotdisentangleit,sotheapostlesonceforallfreeconsciencesfromtraditions,especiallyiftheyaretaughttomeritjustification.Theapostlescompelustoopposethisdoctrinebyteachingandexamples.Theycompelustoteachthattraditionsdonotjustify;thattheyarenotnecessaryforjustification;thatnooneought35]toframeorreceivetraditionswiththeopinionthattheymeritjustification.Then,eventhoughanyoneshouldobservethem,lethimobservethemwithoutsuperstitionascivilcustoms,justaswithoutsuperstitionsoldiersareclothedinoneway36]andscholarsinanother[asIregardmywearingofaGermancostumeamongtheGermansandaFrenchcostumeamongtheFrenchasanobservanceoftheusageoftheland,andnotforthepurposeofbeingsavedthereby].TheapostlesviolatetraditionsandareexcusedbyChrist;fortheexamplewastobeshownthePhariseesthatthese37]servicesareunprofitable.Andifourpeopleneglectsometraditionsthatareoflittleadvantage,theyarenowsufficientlyexcused,whenthesearerequiredasthoughtheymeritjustification.Forsuchanopinionwithregardtotraditionsisimpious[anerrornottobeendured].38]Butwecheerfullymaintaintheoldtraditions[as,thethreehighfestivals,theobservanceofSunday,andthelike]madeintheChurchforthesakeofusefulnessandtranquillity;andweinterprettheminamoremoderateway,39]totheexclusionoftheopinionwhichholdsthattheyjustify.Andourenemiesfalselyaccuseusofabolishinggoodordinancesandchurch‐discipline.Forwecantrulydeclarethatthepublicformofthechurchesismorebecomingwithusthanwiththeadversaries(thatthetrueworshipofGodisobservedinourchurchesinamoreChristian,honorableway].Andifanyonewillconsideritaright,weconformtothecanonsmoretrulythandotheadversaries.[Fortheadversaries,withoutshame,treadunderfootthemosthonorablecanons,justastheydoChristandtheGospel.]40]Withtheadversaries,unwillingcelebrants,andthosehiredforpay,andveryfrequentlyonlyforpay,celebratetheMasses.Theysingpsalms,notthattheymaylearnorpray[forthegreaterpartdonotunderstandaverseinthepsalms],butforthesakeoftheservice,asthoughthisworkwereaservice,or,atleast,forthesakeofreward.[Allthistheycannotdeny.Somewhoareuprightamongthemareevenashamedofthistraffic,anddeclarethattheclergyisinneedofreformation.]WithusmanyusetheLord'sSupper[willinglyandwithoutconstraint]everyLord'sDay,butafterhavingbeenfirstinstructed,examined[whethertheyknowandunderstandanythingoftheLord'sPrayer,theCreed,andtheTenCommandments],andabsolved.Thechildrensingpsalmsinorderthattheymaylearn[becomefamiliarwithpassagesofScripture];thepeoplealsosing[LatinandGermanpsalms],inorderthattheymayeitherlearnorpray.With41]theadversariesthereisnocatechizationofthechildrenwhatever,concerningwhicheventhecanonsgivecommands.Withusthepastorsandministersofthechurchesarecompelledpublicly[andprivately]toinstructandheartheyouth;andthisceremonyproducesthebestfruits.[AndtheCatechismisnotamerechildishthing,asisthebearingofbannersandtapers,butaveryprofitableinstruction.]42]Amongtheadversaries,inmanyregions[asinItalyandSpain],duringtheentireyearnosermonsaredelivered,exceptinLent.[Heretheyoughttocryoutandjustlymakegrievouscomplaint;forthismeansatoneblowtooverthrowcompletelyallworship.Forofallactsof

Page102of154

worshipthatisthegreatest,mostholy,mostnecessary,andhighest,whichGodhasrequiredasthehighestintheFirstandtheSecondCommandment,namely,topreachtheWordofGod.FortheministryisthehighestofficeintheChurch.Now,ifthisworshipisomitted,howcantherebeknowledgeofGod,thedoctrineofChrist,ortheGospel?]ButthechiefserviceofGodistoteachtheGospel.Andwhentheadversariesdopreach,theyspeakofhumantraditions,oftheworshipofsaints[ofconsecratedwater],andsimilartrifles,whichthepeoplejustlyloathe;thereforetheyaredesertedimmediatelyinthebeginning,afterthetextoftheGospelhasbeenrecited.[Thispractisemayhavestartedbecausethepeopledidnotwishtoheartheotherlies.]Afewbetteronesbeginnowtospeakofgoodworks;butoftherighteousnessoffaith,offaithinChrist,oftheconsolationofconsciences,theysaynothing;yea,thismostwholesomepartoftheGospeltheyrailatwiththeirreproaches.[Thisblesseddoctrine,thepreciousholyGospel,theycallLutheran.]43]Onthecontrary,inourchurchesallthesermonsareoccupiedwithsuchtopicsasthese:ofrepentance;ofthefearofGod;offaithinChrist,oftherighteousnessoffaith,oftheconsolationofconsciencesbyfaith,oftheexercisesoffaith;ofprayer,whatitsnatureshouldbe,andthatweshouldbefullyconfidentthatitisefficacious,thatitisheard;ofthecross;oftheauthorityofmagistratesandallcivilordinances[likewise,howeachoneinhisstationshouldliveinaChristianmanner,and,outofobediencetothecommandoftheLordGod,shouldconducthimselfinreferencetoeveryworldlyordinanceandlaw];ofthedistinctionbetweenthekingdomofChrist,orthespiritualkingdom,andpoliticalaffairs;ofmarriage;oftheeducationandinstructionofchildren;ofchastity;ofalltheofficesoflove.44]Fromthisconditionofthechurchesitmaybejudgedthatwediligentlymaintainchurchdisciplineandgodlyceremoniesandgoodchurch‐customs.45]Andofthemortificationofthefleshanddisciplineofthebodywethusteach,justastheConfessionstates,thatatrueandnotafeignedmortificationoccursthroughthecrossandafflictionsbywhichGodexercisesus(whenGodbreaksourwill,inflictsthecrossandtrouble].InthesewemustobeyGod'swill,asPaulsays,Rom.12,1:Presentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice.Andthesearethespiritualexercisesoffearandfaith.46]Butinadditiontothismortificationwhichoccursthroughthecross[whichdoesnotdependuponourwill]thereisalsoavoluntarykindofexercisenecessary,ofwhichChristsays,Luke21,34:Takeheedtoyourselveslestatanytimeyourheartsbeoverchargedwithsurfeiting.AndPaul,1Cor.9,27:Ikeepundermybody,andbringitintosubjection,etc.47]Andtheseexercisesaretobeundertakennotbecausetheyareservicesthatjustify,butinordertocurbtheflesh,lestsatietymayoverpowerus,andrenderussecureandindifferent,theresultofwhichisthatmenindulgeandobeythedispositionsoftheflesh.Thisdiligenceoughttobeperpetual,48]becauseithastheperpetualcommandofGod.Andthisprescribedformofcertainmeatsandtimesdoesnothing[asexperienceshows]towardscurbingtheflesh.Foritismoreluxuriousandsumptuousthanotherfeasts[fortheywereatgreaterexpense,andpractisedgreatergluttonywithfishandvariousLentenmeatsthanwhenthefastswerenotobserved],andnoteventheadversariesobservetheformgiveninthecanons.49]Thistopicconcerningtraditionscontainsmanyanddifficultquestionsofcontroversy,andwehaveactuallyexperiencedthattraditionsaretrulysnaresofconsciences.Whentheyareexactedasnecessary,theytortureinwonderfulwaystheconscienceomittinganyobservance[asgodlyhearts,indeed,experiencewheninthecanonicalhourstheyhaveomittedacompline,oroffendedagainsttheminasimilarway].Againtheirabrogationhasitsownevilsanditsown50]questions.[Ontheotherhand,toteachabsolutefreedomhasalsoitsdoubtsandquestions,becausethecommonpeopleneedoutwarddisciplineandinstruction.]Butwehaveaneasyandplaincase,becausetheadversariescondemnusforteachingthathumantraditionsdonotmerittheremissionofsins.Likewisetheyrequireuniversaltraditions,astheycallthem,asnecessary

Page103of154

forjustification[andplacetheminChrist'sstead].HerewehavePaulasaconstantchampion,whoeverywherecontendsthattheseobservancesneitherjustifynorarenecessaryinadditiontotherighteousnessoffaith.51]Andneverthelessweteachthatinthesematterstheuseoflibertyistobesocontrolledthattheinexperiencedmaynotbeoffended,and,onaccountoftheabuseofliberty,maynotbecomemorehostiletothetruedoctrineoftheGospel,orthatwithoutareasonablecausenothingincustomaryritesbechanged,butthat,inordertocherishharmony,sucholdcustomsbeobservedascanbeobservedwithoutsinorwithoutgreatinconvenience.52]Andinthisveryassemblywehaveshownsufficientlythatforlove'ssakewedonotrefusetoobserveadiaphorawithothers,eventhoughtheyshouldhavesomedisadvantage;butwehavejudgedthatsuchpublicharmonyascouldindeedbeproducedwithoutoffensetoconsciencesoughttobepreferredtoallotheradvantages[allotherlessimportantmatters].Butconcerningthisentiresubjectweshallspeakafterawhile,whenweshalltreatofvowsandecclesiasticalpower.Backtotop

ArticleXVI:OfPoliticalOrder.53]TheSixteenthArticletheadversariesreceivewithoutanyexception,inwhichwehaveconfessedthatitislawfulfortheChristiantobearciviloffice,sitinjudgment,determinemattersbytheimperiallaws,andotherlawsinpresentforce,appointjustpunishments,engageinjustwars,actasasoldier,makelegalcontracts,holdproperty,takeanoath,whenmagistratesrequireit,contractmarriage;finally,thatlegitimatecivilordinancesaregoodcreaturesofGodanddivineordinances,whichaChristiancanusewithsafety.54]ThisentiretopicconcerningthedestructionbetweenthekingdomofChristandapoliticalkingdomhasbeenexplainedtoadvantage[totheremarkablygreatconsolationofmanyconsciences]intheliteratureofourwriters,[namely]thatthekingdomofChristisspiritual[inasmuchasChristgovernsbytheWordandbypreaching],towit,beginninginthehearttheknowledgeofGod,thefearofGodandfaith,eternalrighteousness,andeternallife;meanwhileitpermitsusoutwardlytouselegitimatepoliticalordinancesofeverynationinwhichwelive,justasitpermitsustousemedicineor55]theartofbuilding,orfood,drink,air.NeitherdoestheGospelbringnewlawsconcerningthecivilstate,butcommandsthatweobeypresentlaws,whethertheyhavebeenframedbyheathenorbyothers,andthatinthisobedienceweshouldexerciselove.ForCarlstadtwasinsaneinimposinguponusthejudiciallawsofMoses.56]Concerningthesesubjects,ourtheologianshavewrittenmorefully,becausethemonksdiffusedmanyperniciousopinionsintheChurch.TheycalledacommunityofpropertythepolityoftheGospel;theysaidthatnottoholdproperty,nottovindicateone'sselfatlaw[nottohavewifeandchild],wereevangelicalcounsels.TheseopinionsgreatlyobscuretheGospelandthespiritualkingdom[sothatitwasnotunderstoodatallwhattheChristianorspiritualkingdomofChristis;theyconcoctedthesecularkingdomwiththespiritual,whencemuchtroubleandseditions,harmfulteachingresulted],andaredangeroustothecommonwealth.57]FortheGospeldoesnotdestroytheStateorthefamily[buying,selling,andothercivilregulations],butmuchratherapprovesthem,andbidsusobeythemasadivineordinance,notonlyonaccountofpunishment,butalsoonaccountofconscience.58]JuliantheApostate,Celsus,andverymanyothersmadetheobjectiontoChristiansthattheGospelwouldrendasunderstates,becauseitprohibitedlegalredress,andtaughtcertainotherthingsnotatallsuitedtopoliticalassociation.AndthesequestionswonderfullyexercisedOrigen,Nazianzen,andothers,although,indeed,theycanbemostreadilyexplained,ifwe

Page104of154

keepinmindthefactthattheGospeldoesnotintroducelawsconcerningthecivilstate,butistheremissionofsinsandthebeginningofanewlifeintheheartsofbelievers;besides,itnotonlyapprovesoutwardgovernments,butsubjectsustothem,Rom.13,1,justaswehavebeennecessarilyplacedunderthelawsofseasons,thechangesofwinterandsummer,asdivineordinances.[Thisisnoobstacletothespiritualkingdom.]59]TheGospelforbidsprivateredress[inorderthatnooneshouldinterferewiththeofficeofthemagistrate],andChristinculcatesthissofrequentlywiththedesignthattheapostlesshouldnotthinkthattheyoughttoseizethegovernmentsfromthosewhoheldotherwise,justastheJewsdreamedconcerningthekingdomoftheMessiah,butthattheymightknowtheyoughttoteachconcerningthespiritualkingdomthatitdoesnotchangethecivilstate.Thereforeprivateredressisprohibitednotbyadvice,butbyacommand,Matt.5,39;Rom.12,19.Publicredress,whichismadethroughtheofficeofthemagistrate,isnotadvisedagainst,butiscommanded,andisaworkofGod,accordingtoPaul,Rom.13,1sqq.Nowthedifferentkindsofpublicredressarelegaldecisions,60]capitalpunishment,wars,militaryservice.Itismanifesthowincorrectlymanywritershavejudgedconcerningthesematters[someteachershavetaughtsuchperniciouserrorsthatnearlyallprinces,lords,knights,servantsregardedtheirproperestateassecular,ungodly,anddamnable,etc.Norcanitbefullyexpressedinwordswhatanunspeakableperilanddamagehasresultedfromthistosoulsandconsciences],becausetheywereintheerrorthattheGospelisanexternal,new,andmonasticformofgovernment,anddidnotseethattheGospelbringseternalrighteousnesstohearts[teacheshowapersonisredeemed,beforeGodandinhisconscience,fromsin,hell,andthedevil],whileitoutwardlyapprovesthecivilstate.61]ItisalsoamostvaindelusionthatitisChristianperfectionnottoholdproperty.ForChristianperfectionconsistsnotinthecontemptofcivilordinances,butindispositionsoftheheart,ingreatfearofGod,ingreatfaith,justasAbraham,David,Daniel,eveningreatwealthandwhileexercisingcivilpower,werenoless62]perfectthananyhermits.Butthemonks[especiallytheBarefootmonks]havespreadthisoutwardhypocrisybeforetheeyesofmen,sothatitcouldnotbeseeninwhatthingstrueperfectionexists.Withwhatpraiseshavetheybroughtforwardthiscommunionofproperty,asthoughitwere63]evangelical!Butthesepraiseshavethegreatestdanger,especiallysincetheydiffermuchfromtheScriptures.ForScripturedoesnotcommandthatpropertybecommon,buttheLawoftheDecalog,whenitsays,Ex.20,15:Thoushaltnotsteal,distinguishesrightsofownership,andcommandseachonetoholdwhatishisown.Wyclifmanifestlywasragingwhenhesaidthatpriestswerenotallowedtoholdproperty.64]Thereareinfinitediscussionsconcerningcontracts,inreferencetowhichgoodconsciencescanneverbesatisfiedunlesstheyknowtherulethatitislawfulforaChristiantomakeuseofcivilordinancesandlaws.ThisruleprotectsconscienceswhenitteachesthatcontractsarelawfulbeforeGodjusttotheextentthatthemagistratesorlawsapprovethem.65]Thisentiretopicconcerningcivilaffairshasbeensoclearlysetforthbyourtheologiansthatverymanygoodmenoccupiedinthestateandinbusinesshavedeclaredthattheyhavebeengreatlybenefited,whobefore,troubledbytheopinionofthemonks,wereindoubtastowhethertheGospelallowedthesecivilofficesandbusiness.Accordingly,wehaverecountedthesethingsinorderthatthosewithoutalsomayunderstandthatbythekindofdoctrinewhichwefollow,theauthorityofmagistratesandthedignityofallcivilordinancesarenotundermined,butareallthemorestrengthened[andthatitisonlythisdoctrinewhichgivestrueinstructionastohoweminentlygloriousanoffice,fullofgoodChristianworks,theofficeofrulersis].Theimportanceofthesematterswasgreatlyobscuredpreviouslybythosesillymonasticopinions,whichfarpreferredthehypocrisyofpovertyandhumilitytothestateandthefamily,althoughthesehaveGod'scommand,whilethisPlatoniccommunion[monasticism]hasnotGod'scommand.

Page105of154

Backtotop

ArticleXVII:OfChrist'sReturntoJudgment.66]TheSeventeenthArticletheadversariesreceivewithoutexception,inwhichweconfessthatattheconsummationoftheworldChristshallappear,andshallraiseupallthedead,andshallgivetothegodlyeternallifeand,eternaljoys,butshallcondemntheungodlytobepunishedwiththedevilwithoutend.Backtotop

ArticleXVIII:OfFreeWill.

67]TheEighteenthArticle,OfFreeWill,theadversariesreceive,althoughtheyaddsometestimoniesnotatalladaptedtothiscase.Theyaddalsoadeclamationthatneither,withthePelagians,istoomuchtobegrantedtothefreewill,nor,withtheManicheans,isallfreedomtobedeniedit.68]Verywell;butwhatdifferenceistherebetweenthePelagiansandouradversaries,sincebothholdthatwithouttheHolyGhostmencanloveGodandperformGod'scommandmentswithrespecttothesubstanceoftheacts,andcanmeritgraceandjustificationbyworkswhichreasonperformsbyitself,withouttheHolyGhost?69]HowmanyabsurditiesfollowfromthesePelagianopinions,whicharetaughtwithgreatauthorityintheschools!TheseAugustine,followingPaul,refuteswithgreatemphasis,whosejudgmentwehaverecountedaboveinthearticleOfJustification.(see119,1and153,106.)70]Nor,indeed,dowedenylibertytothehumanwill.Thehumanwillhaslibertyinthechoiceofworksandthingswhichreasoncomprehendsbyitself.Itcantoacertainextentrendercivilrighteousnessortherighteousnessofworks;itcanspeakofGod,offertoGodacertainservicebyanoutwardwork,obeymagistrates,parents;inthechoiceofanoutwardworkitcanrestrainthebandsfrommurder,fromadultery,fromtheft.Sincethereisleftinhumannaturereasonandjudgmentconcerningobjectssubjectedtothesenses,choicebetweenthesethings,thelibertyandpowertorendercivilrighteousness,arealsoleft.ForScripturecallsthistherighteousnessofthefleshwhichthecarnalnature,i.e.,reason,rendersbyitself,71]withouttheHolyGhost.Althoughthepowerofconcupiscenceissuchthatmenmorefrequentlyobeyevildispositionsthansoundjudgment.Andthedevil,whoisefficaciousinthegodless,asPaulsays,Eph.2,2,doesnotceasetoincitethisfeeblenaturetovariousoffenses.Thesearethereasonswhyevencivilrighteousnessisrareamongmen,asweseethatnoteventhephilosophersthemselves,whoseem72]tohaveaspiredafterthisrighteousness,attainedit.Butitisfalsetosaythathewhoperformstheworksofthecommandmentswithoutgracedoesnotsin.Andtheyaddfurtherthatsuch,worksalsomeritdecongruotheremissionofsinsandjustification.ForhumanheartswithouttheHolyGhostarewithoutthefearofGod;withouttrusttowardGod,theydonotbelievethattheyareheard,forgiven,helped,andpreservedbyGod.Thereforetheyaregodless.Forneithercanacorrupttreebringforthgoodfruit,Matt.7,18.AndwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,Heb.11,6.73]Therefore,althoughweconcedetofreewillthelibertyandpowertoperformtheoutwardworksoftheLaw,yetwedonotascribetofreewillthesespiritualmatters,namely,trulytofearGod,trulytobelieveGod,trulytobeconfidentandholdthatGodregardsus,hearsus,forgivesus,etc.ThesearethetrueworksoftheFirstTable,whichtheheartcannotrenderwithoutthe

Page106of154

HolyGhost,asPaulsays,1Cor.2,14:Thenaturalman,i.e.,manusingonlynaturalstrength,receivethnotthethings74]oftheSpiritofGod.(Thatis,apersonwhoisnotenlightenedbytheSpiritofGoddoesnot,byhisnaturalreason,receiveanythingofGod'swillanddivinematters.]AndthiscanbedecidedifmenconsiderwhattheirheartsbelieveconcerningGod'swill,whethertheyaretrulyconfidentthattheyareregardedandheardbyGod.Evenforsaintstoretainthisfaith[and,asPetersays(1Pet.1,8),toriskandcommithimselfentirelytoGod,whomhedoesnotsee,toloveChrist,andesteemHimhighly,whomhedoesnotsee]isdifficult,sofarisitfromexistinginthegodless.Butitisconceived,aswehavesaidabove,whenterrifiedheartsheartheGospelandreceiveconsolation[whenwearebornanewoftheHolyGhost].75]ThereforesuchadistributionisofadvantageinwhichcivilrighteousnessisascribedtothefreewillandspiritualrighteousnesstothegoverningoftheHolyGhostintheregenerate.Forthustheoutwarddisciplineisretained,becauseallmenoughttoknowequally,boththatGodrequiresthiscivilrighteousness[Godwillnottolerateindecentwild,recklessconduct],andthat,inameasure,wecanaffordit.Andyetadistinctionisshownbetweenhumanandspiritualrighteousness,betweenphilosophicaldoctrineandthedoctrineoftheHolyGhost,anditcanbeunderstoodforwhatthereisneedoftheHolyGhost.76]Norhasthisdistributionbeeninventedbyus,butScripturemostclearlyteachesit.Augustinealsotreatsofit,andrecentlyithasbeenwelltreatedofbyWilliamofParis,butithasbeenwickedlysuppressedbythosewhohavedreamtthatmencanobeyGod'sLawwithouttheHolyGhost,butthattheHolyGhostisgiveninorderthat,inaddition,itmaybeconsideredmeritorious.

ArticleXIX:OftheCauseofSin.77]TheNineteenthArticletheadversariesreceive,inwhichweconfessthat,althoughGodonlyandalonehasframedallnature,andpreservesallthingswhichexist,yet(Heisnotthecauseofsin,but]thecauseofsinisthewillinthedevilandmenturningitselfawayfromGod,accordingtothesayingofChristconcerningthedevil,John8,44:Whenhespeakethahe,hespeakethofhisown

ArticleXX:OfGoodWorks.78]IntheTwentiethArticletheydistinctlylaydownthesewords,namely,thattheyrejectandcondemnourstatementthatmendonotmerittheremissionofsinsbygoodworks.[Markthiswell!]Theyclearlydeclarethattheyrejectandcondemnthisarticle.Whatistobesaidonasubjectsomanifest?79]HeretheframersoftheConfutationopenlyshowbywhatspirittheyareled.ForwhatintheChurchismorecertainthanthattheremissionofsinsoccursfreelyforChrist'ssake,thatChrist,andnotourworks,isthepropitiationforsins,asPetersays,Acts10,43:ToHimgivealltheprophetswitnessthatthroughHisname,whosoeverbelievethonHim,shallreceiveremissionofsins?[ThisstrongtestimonyofalltheholyprophetsmaydulybecalledadecreeofthecatholicChristianChurch.ForevenasingleprophetisveryhighlyesteemedbyGodandatreasureworththewholeworld.]TothisChurchoftheprophetswewouldratherassentthantotheseabandonedwritersoftheConfutation,whosoimpudentlyblasphemeChrist.80]ForalthoughtherewerewriterswhoheldthataftertheremissionofsinsmenarejustbeforeGod,notbyfaith,butbyworksthemselves,yettheydidnotholdthis,namely,thattheremissionofsinsitselfoccursonaccountofourworks,andnotfreelyforChrist'ssake.

Page107of154

81]ThereforetheblasphemyofascribingChrist'shonortoourworksisnottobeendured.ThesetheologiansarenowentirelywithoutshameiftheydaretobringsuchanopinionintotheChurch.NordowedoubtthatHisMostExcellentImperialMajestyandverymanyoftheprinceswouldnothaveallowedthispassagetoremainintheConfutationiftheyhadbeenadmonishedofit.82]HerewecouldciteinfinitetestimoniesfromScriptureandfromtheFathers[thatthisarticleiscertainlydivineandtrue,andthisisthesacredanddivinetruth.Forthereishardlyasyllable,hardlyaleafintheBible,intheprincipalbooksoftheHolyScriptures,wherethisisnotclearlystated.]Butalsoabovewehavesaidenoughonthissubject.AndthereisnoneedofmoretestimoniesforonewhoknowswhyChristhasbeengiventous,whoknowsthatChrististhepropitiationforoursins.[Godfearing,piousheartsthatknowwellwhyChristhasbeengiven,whoforallthepossessionsandkingdomsoftheworldwouldnotbewithoutChristasouronlyTreasure,ouronlyMediatorandRedeemer,mustherebeshockedandterrifiedthatGod'sholyWordandTruthshouldbesoopenlydespisedandcondemnedbypoormen.]Isaiahsays,53,6:TheLordhathlaidonHimtheiniquitiesofusall.Theadversaries,ontheotherhand,(accuseIsaiahandtheentireBibleoflyingand]teachthatGodlaysouriniquitiesnotonChrist,butonour[beggarly]works.Neitherarewedisposedtomentionherethesortofworks[rosaries,pilgrimages,andthelike]whichtheyteach.83]Weseethatahorribledecreehasbeenpreparedagainstus,whichwouldterrifyusstillmoreifwewerecontendingconcerningdoubtfulortriflingsubjects.Now,sinceourconsciencesunderstandthatbytheadversariesthemanifesttruthiscondemned,whosedefenseisnecessaryfortheChurchandincreasesthegloryofChrist,weeasilydespisetheterrorsoftheworld,andwithastrongspiritwillbearwhateveristobesufferedforthegloryofChristandtheadvantageoftheChurch.84]WhowouldnotrejoicetodieintheconfessionofsucharticlesasthatweobtaintheremissionofsinsbyfaithfreelyforChrist'ssake,thatwedonotmerittheremissionofsinsbyourworks?85][Experienceshows—andthemonksthemselvesmustadmitit—that]Theconsciencesofthepiouswillhavenosufficientlysureconsolationagainsttheterrorsofsinandofdeath,andagainstthedevilsolicitingtodespair[andwhoinamomentblowsawayallourworkslikedust],iftheydonotknowthattheyoughttobeconfidentthattheyhavetheremissionofsinsfreelyforChrist'ssake.Thisfaithsustainsandquickensheartsinthatmostviolentconflictwithdespair[inthegreatagonyofdeath,inthegreatanguish,whennocreaturecanhelp,yea,whenwemustdepartfromthisentirevisiblecreationintoanotherstateandworld,andmustdie].86]Thereforethecauseisonewhichisworthythatforitssakeweshouldrefusenodanger.WhosoeveryouarethathasassentedtoourConfession,"donotyieldtothewicked,but,onthecontrary,goforwardthemoreboldly,"whentheadversariesendeavor,bymeansofterrorsandtorturesandpunishments,todriveawayfromyouthatconsolationwhichhasbeentenderedtotheentireChurchinthisarticleofours[butwithallcheerfulnessrelyconfidentlyandgladlyonGodandtheLordJesus,andjoyfullyconfessthismanifesttruthinoppositiontothetyranny,wrath,threatening,andterrorsofalltheworld,yea,inoppositiontothedailymurdersandpersecution,oftyrants.Forwhowouldsuffertohavetakenfromhimthisgreat,yea,everlastingconsolationonwhichtheentiresalvationofthewholeChristianChurchdepends?Any,onewhopicksuptheBibleandreadsit,earnestlywillsoonobservethatthisdoctrinehasitsfoundationeverywhereintheBible].87]TestimoniesofScripturewillnotbewantingtooneseekingthem,whichwillestablishhismind.ForPaulatthetopofhisvoice,asthesayingis,criesout,Rom.3,24f.,and4,16,thatsinsarefreelyremittedforChrist'ssake.Itisoffaith,hesays,thatitmightbebygrace,totheendthepromisemightbesure.Thatis,ifthepromisewoulddependuponourworks,itwouldnotbesure.Ifremissionofsinswouldbegivenonaccountofourworks,whenwouldweknowthatwehadobtainedit,whenwouldaterrifiedconsciencefindaworkwhichitwouldconsidersufficienttoappeaseGod'swrath?88]

Page108of154

Butwespokeoftheentirematterabove.Thenceletthereaderderivetestimonies.Fortheunworthytreatmentofthesubjecthasforcedfromusthepresent,notdiscussion,butcomplaintthatonthistopictheyhavedistinctlyrecordedthemselvesasdisapprovingofthisarticleofours,thatweobtainremissionofsinsnotonaccountofourworks,butbyfaithandfreelyonaccountofChrist.89]Theadversariesalsoaddtestimoniestotheirowncondemnation,anditisworthwhiletoreciteseveralofthem.Theyquotefrom2Pet.1,10:Givediligencetomakeyourcallingsure,etc.Nowyousee,reader,thatouradversarieshavenotwastedlaborinlearninglogic,buthavetheartofinferringfromtheScriptureswhateverpleasesthem[whetheritisinharmonywiththeScripturesoroutofharmony;whetheritiscorrectlyorincorrectlyconcluded.Fortheyconcludethus:]"Makeyourcallingsurebygoodworks."Thereforeworksmerittheremissionofsins.Averyagreeablemodeofreasoning,ifonewouldarguethusconcerningapersonsentencedtocapitalpunishment,whosepunishmenthasbeenremitted:"Themagistratecommandsthathereafteryouabstainfromthatwhichbelongstoanother.Thereforeyouhavemeritedtheremissionofthepenalty,becauseyouarenowabstainingfromwhatbelongstoanother."90]Thustoargueistomakeacauseoutofthatwhichisnotacause.ForPeterspeaksofworksfollowingtheremissionofsins,andteacheswhytheyshouldbedone,namely,thatthecallingmaybesure,i.e.,lesttheymayfallfromtheircallingiftheysinagain.Dogoodworksthatyoumaypersevereinyourcalling,thatyou[donotfallawayagain,growcoldand]maynotlosethegiftsofyourcalling,whichweregivenyoubefore,andnotonaccountofworksthatfollow,andwhichnowareretainedbyfaith;forfaithdoesnotremaininthosewholosetheHolyGhost,whorejectrepentance,justaswehavesaidabove(253,1)thatfaithexistsinrepentance.91]Theyaddothertestimoniescoheringnobetter.Lastlytheysaythatthisopinionwascondemnedathousandyearsbefore,inthetimeofAugustine.Thisalsoisquitefalse.FortheChurchofChristalwaysheldthattheremissionofsinsisobtainedfreely.Yea,thePelagianswerecondemned,whocontendedthatgraceisgivenonaccountofourworks.92]Besides,wehaveaboveshownsufficientlythatweholdthatgoodworksoughtnecessarilytofollowfaith.ForwedonotmakevoidtheLaw,saysPaul,Rom.3,31;yea,weestablishtheLaw,becausewhenbyfaithwehavereceivedtheHolyGhost,thefulfillingoftheLawnecessarilyfollows,bywhichlove,patience,chastity,andotherfruitsoftheSpiritgraduallygrow.Backtotop

ArticleXXI(IX):OftheInvocationofSaints.1]TheTwenty‐firstArticletheyabsolutelycondemn,becausewedonotrequiretheinvocationofsaints.Noronanytopicdotheyspeakmoreeloquentlyandwithmoreprolixity.Neverthelesstheydonoteffectanythingelsethanthatthesaintsshouldbehonored;likewise,thatthesaintswholiveprayforothers;asthough,indeed,theinvocationofdeadsaintswereonthataccountnecessary.2]TheyciteCyprian,becauseheaskedCorneliuswhileyetalivetoprayforhisbrotherswhendeparting.Bythisexampletheyprovetheinvocationofthedead.TheyquotealsoJeromeagainstVigilantius."Onthisfield"[inthismatter],theysay,"elevenhundredyearsago,JeromeovercameVigilantius."Thustheadversariestriumph,asthoughthewarwerealreadyended.NordothoseassesseethatinJerome,againstVigilantius,thereisnotasyllableconcerninginvocation.Hespeaksconcerninghonorsforthesaints,notconcerninginvocation.3]NeitherhavetherestoftheancientwritersbeforeGregorymadementionofinvocation.Certainlythisinvocation,withtheseopinionswhichtheadversariesnowteachconcerningtheapplicationofmerits,hasnotthetestimoniesoftheancientwriters.

Page109of154

4]OurConfessionapproveshonorstothesaints.Forhereathreefoldhonoristobeapproved.Thefirstisthanksgiving.ForweoughttogivethankstoGodbecauseHehasshownexamplesofmercy;becauseHehasshownthatHewishestosavemen;becauseHehasgiventeachersorothergiftstotheChurch.Andthesegifts,astheyarethegreatest,shouldbeamplified,andthesaintsthemselvesshouldbepraised,whohavefaithfullyusedthesegifts,justasChristpraisesfaithfulbusinessmen,5]Matt.25,21.23.Thesecondserviceisthestrengtheningofourfaith;whenweseethedenialforgivenPeter,wealsoareencouragedtobelievethemorethatgrace6]trulysuperaboundsoversin,Rom.5,20.Thethirdhonoristheimitation,first,offaith,thenoftheothervirtues,whicheveryoneshouldimitateaccordingtohiscalling.7]Thesetruehonorstheadversariesdonotrequire.Theydisputeonlyconcerninginvocation,which,eventhoughitwouldhavenodanger,neverthelessisnotnecessary.8]Besides,wealsograntthattheangelsprayforus.ForthereisatestimonyinZech.1,12,whereanangelprays:OLordofhosts,howlongwiltThounothavemercyon9]Jerusalem?Althoughconcerningthesaintsweconcedethat,justas,whenalive,theyprayfortheChurchuniversalingeneral,soinheaventheyprayfortheChurchingeneral,albeitnotestimonyconcerningtheprayingofthedeadisextantintheScriptures,exceptthedreamtakenfromtheSecondBookofMaccabees,15,14.Moreover,evensupposingthatthesaintsprayfortheChurcheversomuch,10]yetitdoesnotfollowthattheyaretobeinvoked;althoughourConfessionaffirmsonlythis,thatScripturedoesnotteachtheinvocationofthesaints,orthatwearetoaskthesaintsforaid.Butsinceneitheracommand,norapromise,noranexamplecanbeproducedfromtheScripturesconcerningtheinvocationofsaints,itfollowsthatconsciencecanhavenothingconcerningthisinvocationthatiscertain.Andsinceprayeroughttobemadefromfaith,howdoweknowthatGodapprovesthisinvocation?WhencedoweknowwithoutthetestimonyofScripturethatthesaintsperceivetheprayersofeachone?11]Someplainlyascribedivinitytothesaints,namely,thattheydiscernthesilentthoughtsofthemindsinus.Theydisputeconcerningmorningandeveningknowledge,perhapsbecausetheydoubtwhethertheyhearusinthemorningortheevening.Theyinventthesethings,notinordertotreatthesaintswithhonor,buttodefendlucrativeservices.12]Nothingcanbeproducedbytheadversariesagainstthisreasoning,that,sinceinvocationdoesnothaveatestimonyfromGod'sWord,itcannotbeaffirmedthatthesaintsunderstandourinvocation,or,eveniftheyunderstandit,thatGodapprovesit.Therefore13]theadversariesoughtnottoforceustoanuncertainmatter,becauseaprayerwithoutfaithisnotprayer.ForwhentheycitetheexampleoftheChurch,itisevidentthatthisisanewcustomintheChurch;foralthoughtheoldprayersmakementionofthesaints,yettheydonotinvokethesaints.AlthoughalsothisnewinvocationintheChurchisdissimilartotheinvocationofindividuals.14]Again,theadversariesnotonlyrequireinvocationintheworshipofthesaints,butalsoapplythemeritsofthesaintstoothers,andmakeofthesaintsnotonlyintercessors,butalsopropitiators.Thisisinnowaytobeendured.ForherethehonorbelongingonlytoChristisaltogethertransferredtothesaints.Fortheymakethemmediatorsandpropitiators,andalthoughtheymakeadistinctionbetweenmediatorsofintercessionandmediators[theMediator]ofredemption,yettheyplainlymakeofthesaintsmediatorsofredemption.15]ButeventhattheyaremediatorsofintercessiontheydeclarewithoutthetestimonyofScripture,which,beitsaideversoreverently,neverthelessobscuresChrist'soffice,andtransferstheconfidenceofmercydueChristtothesaints.FormenimaginethatChristismoresevereandthesaintsmoreeasilyappeased,andtheytrustrathertothemercyofthesaintsthantothe

Page110of154

mercyofChrist,andfleeingfromChrist[asfromatyrant],theyseekthesaints.Thustheyactuallymakeofthemmediatorsofredemption.16]Thereforeweshallshowthattheytrulymakeofthesaints,notonlyintercessors,butpropitiators,i.e.,mediatorsofredemption.Herewedonotasyetrecitetheabusesofthecommonpeople[howmanifestidolatryispractisedatpilgrimages].WearestillspeakingoftheopinionsoftheDoctors.Asregardstherest,eventheinexperienced[commonpeople]canjudge.17]Inapropitiatorthesetwothingsconcur.Inthefirstplace,thereoughttobeawordofGodfromwhichwemaycertainlyknowthatGodwishestopity,andhearkento,thosecallinguponHimthroughthispropitiator.ThereissuchapromiseconcerningChrist,John16,23:WhatsoeveryeshallasktheFatherinMyname,Hewillgiveityou.Concerningthesaintsthereisnosuchpromise.Thereforeconsciencescannotbefirmlyconfidentthatbytheinvocationofsaintsweareheard.Thisinvocation,therefore,18]isnotmadefromfaith.ThenwehavealsothecommandtocalluponChrist,accordingtoMatt.11,28:ComeuntoMe,allyethatlabor,etc.,whichcertainlyissaidalsotous.AndIsaiahsays,11,10:InthatdaythereshallbearootofJesse,whichshallstandforanensigntothepeople;toitshalltheGentilesseek.AndPs.45,12:EventherichamongthepeopleshallentreatThyfavor.AndPs.72,11.15:Yea,allkingsshallfalldownbeforeHim.Andshortlyafter:PrayeralsoshallbemadeforHimcontinually.AndinJohn5,23Christsays:ThatallmenshouldhonortheSonevenastheyhonortheFather.AndPaul,2Thess.2,16.17,says,praying:NowourLordJesusChristHimself,andGod,evenourFather,...comfortyourheartsandstablishyou.(AllthesepassagesrefertoChrist.]Butconcerningtheinvocationofsaints,whatcommandment,whatexamplecantheadversariesproducefromtheScriptures?19]Thesecondmatterinapropitiatoris,thathismeritshavebeenpresentedasthosewhichmakesatisfactionforothers,whicharebestowedbydivineimputationonothers,inorderthatthroughthese,justasbytheirownmerits,theymaybeaccountedrighteous.Aswhenanyfriendpaysadebtforafriend,thedebtorisfreedbythemeritofanother,asthoughitwerebyhisown.ThusthemeritsofChristarebestoweduponus,inorderthat,whenwebelieveinHim,wemaybeaccountedrighteousbyourconfidenceinChrist'smeritsasthoughwehadmeritsofourown.20]Andfromboth,namely,fromthepromiseandthebestowmentofmerits,confidenceinmercyarises[uponbothpartsmustaChristianprayerbefounded].Suchconfidenceinthedivinepromise,andlikewiseinthemeritsofChrist,oughttobebroughtforwardwhenwepray.Forweoughttobetrulyconfident,boththatforChrist'ssakeweareheard,andthatbyHismeritswehaveareconciledFather.21]Heretheadversariesfirstbidusinvokethesaints,althoughtheyhaveneitherGod'spromise,noracommand,noranexamplefromScripture.AndyettheycausegreaterconfidenceinthemercyofthesaintstobeconceivedthaninthatofChrist,althoughChristbadeuscometoHim22]andnottothesaints.Secondly,theyapplythemeritsofthesaints,justasthemeritsofChrist,toothers;theybidustrustinthemeritsofthesaintsasthoughwewereaccountedrighteousonaccountofthemeritsofthesaints,inlikemannerasweareaccountedrighteousbythemeritsofChrist.Herewefabricatenothing.23]Inindulgencestheysaythattheyapplythemeritsofthesaints[assatisfactionsforoursins].AndGabriel,theinterpreterofthecanonoftheMass,confidentlydeclares:AccordingtotheorderinstitutedbyGod,weshouldbetakeourselvestotheaidofthesaints,inorderthatwemaybesavedbytheirmeritsandvows.ThesearethewordsofGabriel.Andnevertheless,inthebooksandsermonsoftheadversariesstillmoreabsurdthingsarereadhereandthere.Whatisittomake

Page111of154

propitiatorsifthisisnot?TheyarealtogethermadeequaltoChristifwemusttrustthatwearesavedbytheirmerits.24]Butwherehasthisarrangement,towhichhereferswhenhesaysthatweoughttoresorttotheaidofthesaints,beeninstitutedbyGod?LethimproduceanexampleorcommandfromtheScriptures.Perhapstheyderivethisarrangementfromthecourtsofkings,wherefriendsmustbeemployedasintercessors.Butifakinghasappointedacertainintercessor,hewillnotdesirethatcasesbebroughttohimthroughothers.Thus,sinceChristhasbeenappointedIntercessorandHighPriest,whydoweseekothers?[Whatcantheadversariessayinreplytothis?]25]Hereandtherethisformofabsolutionisused:ThepassionofourLordJesusChrist,themeritsofthemostblessedVirginMaryandofallthesaints,betotheefortheremissionofsins.HeretheabsolutionispronouncedonthesuppositionthatwearereconciledandaccountedrighteousnotonlybythemeritsofChrist,butalsobythemeritsoftheothersaints.26]Someofushaveseenadoctoroftheologydying,forconsolingwhomacertaintheologian,amonk,wasemployed.Hepressedonthedyingmannothingbutthisprayer:Motherofgrace,protectusfromtheenemy;receiveusinthehourofdeath27]GrantingthattheblessedMarypraysfortheChurch,doesshereceivesoulsindeath,doessheconquerdeath[thegreatpowerofSatan],doesshequicken?WhatdoesChristdoiftheblessedMarydoesthesethings?Althoughsheismostworthyofthemostamplehonors,neverthelessshedoesnotwishtobemadeequaltoChrist,butratherwishesustoconsiderandfollowherexample[theexampleofherfaithandherhumility].28]ButthesubjectitselfdeclaresthatinpublicopiniontheblessedVirginhassucceededaltogethertotheplaceofChrist.Menhaveinvokedher,havetrustedinhermercythroughherhavedesiredtoappeaseChrist,asthoughHewerenotaPropitiator,but,onlyadreadfuljudgeandavenger.29]Webelieve,however,thatwemustnottrustthatthemeritsofthesaintsareappliedtous,thatonaccountoftheseGodisreconciledtous,oraccountsusjust,orsavesus.ForweobtainremissionofsinsonlybythemeritsofChrist,whenwebelieveinHim.Oftheothersaintsithasbeensaid,1Cor.3,8:Everymanshallreceivehisownrewardaccordingtohisownlabor,i.e.,theycannotmutuallybestowtheirownmerits,theoneupontheother,asthemonkssellthemeritsoftheirorders.30]EvenHilarysaysofthefoolishvirgins:Andasthefoolishvirginscouldnotgoforthwiththeirlampsextinguished,theybesoughtthosewhowereprudenttolendthemoil;towhomtheyrepliedthattheycouldnotgiveitbecauseperadventuretheremightnotbeenoughforall;i.e.,noonecanbeaidedbytheworksandmeritsofanother,becauseitisnecessaryforeveryonetobuyoilforhisownlamp.[Herehepointsoutthatnoneofuscanaidanotherbyotherpeople'sworksormerits.]31]Since,therefore,theadversariesteachustoplaceconfidenceintheinvocationofsaints,althoughtheyhaveneithertheWordofGodnortheexampleofScripture[oftheOldoroftheNewTestament];sincetheyapplythemeritsofthesaintsonbehalfofothersnototherwisethantheyapplythemeritsofChrist,andtransferthehonorbelongingonlytoChristtothesaints,wecanreceiveneithertheiropinionsconcerningtheworshipofthesaints,northepractiseofinvocation.ForweknowthatconfidenceistobeplacedintheintercessionofChrist,becausethisalonehasGod'spromise.WeknowthatthemeritsofChristaloneareapropitiationforus.OnaccountofthemeritsofChristweareaccountedrighteouswhenwebelieveinHim,asthetextsays,Rom.9,33(cf.1Pet.2,6andIs.28,16):WhosoeverbelievethonHimshallnotbeconfounded.NeitherarewetotrustthatweareaccountedrighteousbythemeritsoftheblessedVirginoroftheothersaints.

Page112of154

32]Withthelearnedthiserroralsoprevails,namely,thattoeachsaintaparticularadministrationhasbeencommitted,thatAnnabestowsriches[protectsfrompoverty],Sebastiankeepsoffpestilence,Valentinehealsepilepsy,Georgeprotectshorsemen.Theseopinionshaveclearlysprungfromheathenexamples.Forthus,amongtheRomans,Junowasthoughttoenrich,Febristokeepofffever,CastorandPolluxtoprotecthorsemen,etc.33]Eventhoughweshouldimaginethattheinvocationofsaintsweretaughtwiththegreatestprudence,yetsincetheexampleismostdangerous,whyisitnecessarytodefenditwhenithasnocommandortestimonyfromGod'sWord?Aye,ithasnoteventhetestimonyoftheancientwriters.34]Firstbecause,asIhavesaidabove,whenothermediatorsaresoughtinadditiontoChrist,andconfidenceisputinothers,theentireknowledgeofChristissuppressed.Thesubjectshowsthis.Inthebeginning,mentionofthesaintsseemstohavebeenadmittedwithadesignthatisendurable,asintheancientprayers.Afterwardsinvocationfollowed,andabusesthatareprodigiousandmorethanheathenishfollowedinvocation.Frominvocationthenextstepwastoimages;thesealsowereworshiped,andavirtuewassupposedtoexistinthese,justasmagiciansimaginethatavirtueexistsinimagesoftheheavenlybodiescarvedataparticulartime.Inacertainmonasterywe[someofus]haveseenastatueoftheblessedVirgin,whichmovedautomaticallybyatrick[withinbyastring],soastoseemeithertoturnawayfrom[thosewhodidnotmakealargeoffering]ornodtothosemakingrequest.35]Stillthefabulousstoriesconcerningthesaints,whicharepubliclytaughtwithgreatauthority,surpassthemarveloustalesofthestatuesandpictures.Barbara,amidsthertorments,asksfortherewardthatnoonewhowouldinvokehershoulddiewithouttheEucharist.Another,standingononefoot,reciteddailythewholepsaltery.Somewisemanpainted[forchildren]Christophorus[whichinGermanmeansBearerofChrist],inorderbytheallegorytosignifythatthereoughttobegreatstrengthofmindinthosewhowouldbearChrist,i.e.,whowouldteachorconfesstheGospel,becauseitisnecessarytoundergothegreatestdangers[fortheymustwadebynightthroughthegreatsea,i.e.,endureallkindsoftemptationsanddangers].ThenthefoolishmonkstaughtamongthepeoplethattheyoughttoinvokeChristophorus,asthoughsuchaPolyphemus(suchagiantwhoboreChristthroughthesea]hadonceexisted.Andalthough36]thesaintsperformedverygreatdeeds,eitherusefultothestateoraffordingprivateexamples,theremembranceofwhichwouldconducemuchbothtowardstrengtheningfaithandtowardfollowingtheirexampleintheadministrationofaffairs,noonehassearchedforthesefromtruenarratives.[AlthoughGodAlmightythroughHissaints,asapeculiarpeople,haswroughtmanygreatthingsinbothrealms,intheChurchandinworldlytransactions;althoughtherearemanygreatexamplesinthelivesofthesaintswhichwouldbeveryprofitabletoprincesandlords,totruepastorsandguardiansofsouls,forthegovernmentbothoftheworldandoftheChurch,especiallyforstrengtheningfaithinGod,yettheyhavepassedtheseby,andpreachedthemostinsignificantmattersconcerningthesaints,concerningtheirhardbeds,theirhairshirts,etc.,which,forthegreaterpart,arefalsehoods.]Yetindeeditisofadvantagetohearhowholymenadministeredgovernments[asintheHolyScripturesitisnarratedofthekingsofIsraelandJudah],whatcalamities,whatdangerstheyunderwent,howholymenwereofaidtokingsingreatdangers,howtheytaughttheGospel,whatencounterstheyhadwithheretics.Examplesofmercyarealsoofservice,aswhenweseethedenialforgivenPeter,whenweseeCyprianforgivenforhavingbeenamagician,whenweseeAugustine,havingexperiencedthepoweroffaithinsickness,steadilyaffirmingthatGodtrulyhearstheprayersofbelievers.Itwasprofitablethatsuchexamplesasthese,whichcontainadmonitionsforeitherfaithorfearortheadministrationofthestate,berecited.37]Butcertaintriflers,endowedwithnoknowledgeeitheroffaithorforgoverningstates,haveinventedstoriesinimitationofpoems,inwhichtherearenothingbutsuperstitiousexamplesconcerning

Page113of154

certainprayers,certainfastings,andcertainadditionsofserviceforbringingingain[wheretherearenothingbutexamplesastohowthesaintsworehairshirts,howtheyprayedatthesevencanonicalhours,howtheyliveduponbreadandwater].Sucharethemiraclesthathavebeeninventedconcerningrosariesandsimilarceremonies.Noristhereneedheretoreciteexamples.Forthelegends,astheycallthem,andthemirrorsofexamples,andtherosaries,inwhichthereareverymanythingsnotunlikethetruenarrativesofLucian,areextant.38]Thebishops,theologians,andmonksapplaudthesemonstrousandwickedstories[thisabominationsetupagainstChrist,thisblasphemy,thesescandalous,shamelesslies,theselyingpreachers;andtheyhavepermittedthemsolong,tothegreatinjuryofconsciences,thatitisterribletothinkofit]becausetheyaidthemtotheirdailybread.Theydonottolerateus,who,inorderthatthehonorandofficeofChristmaybemoreconspicuous,donotrequiretheinvocationofsaints,andcensuretheabusesintheworship,ofsaints.39]Andalthough[eventheirowntheologians],allgoodmeneverywhere[alongtimebeforeDr.Lutherbegantowrite]inthecorrectionoftheseabuses,greatlylongedforeithertheauthorityofthebishopsorthediligenceofthepreachers,neverthelessouradversariesintheConfutationaltogetherpass,overvicesthatareevenmanifest,asthoughtheywish,bythereceptionoftheConfutation,tocompelustoapproveeventhemostnotoriousabuses.40]ThustheConfutationhasbeendeceitfullywritten,notonlyonthistopic,butalmosteverywhere.[Theypretendthattheyareaspureasgold,thattheyhavenevermuddledthewater.]Thereisnopassageinwhichtheymakeadistinctionbetweenthemanifestabusesandtheirdogmas.Andnevertheless,ifthereareanyofsoundermindamongthem,theyconfessthatmanyfalseopinionsinhereinthedoctrineofthescholasticsandcanonists,and,besides,thatinsuchignoranceandnegligenceofthepastorsmanyabusescreptintotheChurch.41]ForLutherwasnot(theonlyonenor]thefirsttocomplainof[innumerable]publicabuses.ManylearnedandexcellentmenlongbeforethesetimesdeploredtheabusesoftheMass,confidenceinmonastic,observances,servicestothesaintsintendedtoyieldarevenue,theconfusionofthedoctrineconcerningrepentance[concerningChrist],whichoughttobeasclearandplainintheChurchaspossible[withoutwhichtherecannotbenorremainaChristianChurch].Weourselveshaveheardthatexcellenttheologiansdesiremoderationinthescholasticdoctrine,whichcontainsmuchmoreforphilosophicalquarrelsthanforpiety.Andnevertheless,amongthesetheolderonesaregenerallynearerScripturethanarethemorerecent.Thustheirtheologydegeneratedmoreandmore.Neitherhadmanygoodmen,whofromtheveryfirstbegantobefriendlytoLuther,anyotherreasonthanthattheysawthathewasfreeingthemindsofmenfromtheselabyrinthsofmostconfusedandinfinitediscussionswhichexistamongthescholastictheologiansandcanonists,andwasteachingthingsprofitableforgodliness.42]Theadversaries,therefore,havenotactedcandidlyinpassingovertheabuseswhentheywishedustoassenttotheConfutation.AndiftheywishedtocarefortheinterestsoftheChurch[andofafflictedconsciences,andnotrathertomaintaintheirpompandavarice],especiallyonthattopic,atthisoccasion,theyoughttoexhortourmostexcellentEmperortotakemeasuresforthecorrectionofabuses[whichfurnishgroundsforderisionamongtheTurks,theJews,andallunbelievers],asweobserveplainlyenoughthatheismostdesirousofhealingandwell‐establishingtheChurch.ButtheadversariesdonotactsoastoaidthemosthonorableandmostholywilloftheEmperor,butsoasineverywaytocrush(thetruthand]us.43]ManysignsshowthattheyhavelittleanxietyconcerningthestateoftheChurch.[TheyloselittlesleepfromconcernthatChristiandoctrineandthepureGospelbepreached.]TheytakenopainsthatthereshouldbeamongthepeopleasummaryofthedogmasoftheChurch.[The

Page114of154

officeoftheministrytheypermittobequitedesolate.)Theydefendmanifestabuses[theycontinueeverydaytoshedinnocentblood]bynewandunusualcruelty.Theyallownosuitableteachersinthechurches.Goodmencaneasilyjudgewhitherthesethingstend.ButinthiswaytheyhavenoregardtotheinteresteitheroftheirownauthorityoroftheChurch.Forafterthegoodteachershavebeenkilledandsounddoctrinesuppressed,fanaticalspiritswillriseup,whomtheadversarieswillnotbeabletorestrain,whobothwilldisturbtheChurchwithgodlessdogmas,andwilloverthrowtheentireecclesiasticalgovernment,whichweareverygreatlydesirousofmaintaining.44]Therefore,mostexcellentEmperorCharles,forthesakeofthegloryofChrist,whichwehavenodoubtthatyoudesiretopraiseandmagnify,webeseechyounottoassenttotheviolentcounselsofouradversaries,buttoseekotherhonorablewaysofsoestablishingharmonythatgodlyconsciencesarenotburdened,thatnocrueltyisexercisedagainstinnocentmen,aswehavehithertoseen,andthatsounddoctrineisnotsuppressedintheChurch.ToGodmostofallyouowetheduty[asfarasthisispossibletoman]tomaintainsounddoctrineandhanditdowntoposterity,andtodefendthosewhoteachwhatisright.ForGoddemandsthiswhenHehonorskingswithHisownnameandcallsthemgods,saying,Ps.82,6:Ihavesaid,Yearegods,namely,thattheyshouldattendtothepreservationandpropagationofdivinethings,i.e.,theGospelofChrist,ontheearth,and,asthevicarsofGod,shoulddefendthelifeandsafetyoftheinnocent[trueChristianteachersandpreachers].Backtotop

ArticleXXII(X):OfBothKindsIntheLord'sSupper.1]ItcannotbedoubtedthatitisgodlyandinaccordancewiththeinstitutionofChristandthewordsofPaultousebothpartsintheLord'sSupper.ForChristinstitutedbothparts,andinstitutedthemnotforapartoftheChurch,butfortheentireChurch.Fornotonlythepresbyters,buttheentireChurchusestheSacramentbytheauthorityofChrist,andnotbyhumanauthority;andthis,2]wesuppose,theadversariesacknowledge.Now,ifChristhasinstituteditfortheentireChurch,whyisonekinddeniedtoapartoftheChurch?Whyistheuseoftheotherkindprohibited?WhyistheordinanceofChristchanged,especiallywhenHeHimselfcallsitHistestament?Butifitisnotallowabletoannulman'stestament,muchlesswillitbeallowabletoannulthetestamentofChrist.3]AndPaulsays,1Cor.11,23ff,thathehadreceivedoftheLordthatwhichhedelivered.Buthehaddeliveredtheuseofbothkinds,asthetext,1Cor.11,clearlyshows.Thisdo[inremembranceofMe],hesaysfirstconcerningHisbody;afterwardsherepeatsthesamewordsconcerningthecup[thebloodofChrist].Andthen:Letamanexaminehimself,andsolethimeatofthatbreadanddrinkofthatcup.[Herehenamesboth.]ThesearethewordsofHimwhohasinstitutedtheSacrament.And,indeed,hesaysbeforethatthosewhowillusetheLord'sSuppershoulduseboth.4]Itisevident,therefore,thattheSacramentwasinstitutedfortheentireChurch.AndthecustomstillremainsintheGreekchurches,andalsoonceobtainedintheLatinchurches,asCyprianandJerometestify.ForthusJeromesaysonZephaniah:ThepriestswhoadministertheEucharist,anddistributetheLord'sbloodtothepeople,etc.TheCouncilofToledogivesthesametestimony.Norwoulditbedifficulttoaccumulateagreatmultitudeoftestimonies.5]Hereweexaggeratenothing;webutleavetheprudentreadertodeterminewhatshouldbeheldconcerningthedivineordinance[whetheritispropertoprohibitandchangeanordinanceandinstitutionofChrist].

Page115of154

6]TheadversariesintheConfutationdonotendeavorto[comforttheconsciencesor]excusetheChurch,towhichonepartoftheSacramenthasbeendenied.Thiswouldhavebeenbecomingtogoodandreligiousmen.ForastrongreasonsforexcusingtheChurch,andinstructingconsciencestowhomonlyapartoftheSacramentcouldbegranted,shouldhavebeensought.Nowtheseverymenmaintainthatitisrighttoprohibittheotherpart,andforbidthattheuseofbothpartsbeallowed.7]First,theyimaginethat,inthebeginningoftheChurch,itwasthecustomatsomeplacesthatonlyonepartwasadministered.Neverthelesstheyarenotabletoproduceanyancientexampleofthismatter.Buttheycitethepassagesinwhichmentionismadeofbread,asinLuke24,35,whereitiswrittenthatthedisciplesrecognizedChristinthebreakingofbread.Theyquotealsootherpassages,Acts2,42.46;20,7,concerningthebreakingofbread.ButalthoughwedonotgreatlyopposeifsomereceivethesepassagesasreferringtotheSacrament,yetitdoesnotfollowthatonepartonlywasgiven,because,accordingtotheordinaryusageoflanguage,bythenamingofoneparttheotherisalsosignified.8]TheyreferalsotoLayCommunion,whichwasnottheuseofonlyonekind,butofboth;andwheneverpriestsarecommandedtouseLayCommunion[forapunishmentarenottoconsecratethemselves,buttoreceiveCommunion,however,ofbothkinds,fromanother],itismeantthattheyhavebeenremovedfromtheministryofconsecration.Neitheraretheadversariesignorantofthis,buttheyabusetheignoranceoftheunlearned,who,whentheyhearofLayCommunion,immediatelydreamofthecustomofourtime,bywhichonlyapartoftheSacramentisgiventothelaymen.9]Andconsidertheirimpudence.Gabrielrecountsamongotherreasonswhybothpartsarenotgiventhatadistinctionshouldbemadebetweenlaymenandpresbyters.Anditiscrediblethatthechiefreasonwhytheprohibitionoftheonepartisdefendedisthis,namely,thatthedignityoftheordermaybethemorehighlyexaltedbyareligiousrite.Tosaynothingmoresevere,thisisahumandesign;andwhitherthistendscaneasilybejudged.10]IntheConfutationtheyalsoquoteconcerningthesonsofElithat,afterthelossofthehigh‐priesthood,theyweretoseektheonepartpertainingtothepriests,1Sam.2,36(thetextreads:Everyonethatisleftinthinehouseshallcomeandcrouchtohimforapieceofsilverandamorselofbread,andshallsay,Putme,Ipraythee,intooneofthepriest'soffices(German:Lieber,lamichzueinemPriesterteil)thatImayeatapieceofbread].Heretheysaythattheuseofonekindwassignified.Andtheyadd:"Thus,therefore,ourlaymenoughtalsotobecontent,withonepartpertainingtothepriests,withonekind."Theadversaries[themastersoftheConfutationarequiteshameless,rudeasses,and]areclearlytriflingwhentheyaretransferringthehistoryoftheposterityofElitotheSacrament.ThepunishmentofEliistheredescribed.Willtheyalsosaythis,thatasapunishmentthelaymenhavebeenremovedfromtheotherpart?[Theyarequitefoolishandmad.]TheSacramentwasinstitutedtoconsoleandcomfortterrifiedminds,whentheybelievethatthefleshofChrist,givenforthelifeoftheworld,isfood,whentheybelievethat,beingjoinedtoChrist[throughthisfood],theyaremadealive.Buttheadversariesarguethatlaymenareremovedfromtheotherpartasapunishment."Theyought,"theysay,"tobecontent."11]Thisissufficientforadespot.[That,surely,soundsproudanddefiantenough.]But[mylords,mayweaskthereason]whyoughtthey?"Thereasonmustnotbeasked,butletwhateverthetheologianssaybelaw."[Iswhateveryouwishandwhateveryousaytobesheertruth?Seenowandbeastonishedhowshamelessandimpudenttheadversariesare:theydaretosetuptheirownwordsassheercommandsoflords;theyfranklysay:Thelaymenmustbecontent.Butwhatiftheymustnot?]ThisisaconcoctionofEck.Forwerecognizethosevaingloriouswords,whichifwewouldwishtocriticize,therewouldbenowantoflanguage.Foryouseehowgreattheimpudenceis.Hecommands,asatyrantinthetragedies:"Whethertheywishornot,12]theymustbecontent."Willthereasonswhichhecitesexcuse,inthejudgmentofGod,thosewhoprohibitapartoftheSacrament,andrageagainst

Page116of154

menusinganentireSacrament?[AretheytotakecomfortinthefactthatitisrecordedconcerningthesonsofEli:Theywillgobegging?ThatwillbeashufflingexcuseatthejudgmentseatofGod.]13]Iftheymaketheprohibitioninorderthatthereshouldbeadistinguishingmarkoftheorder,thisveryreasonoughttomoveusnottoassenttotheadversaries,eventhoughwewouldbedisposedinotherrespectstocomplywiththeircustom.Thereareotherdistinguishingmarksoftheorderofpriestsandofthepeople,butitisnotobscurewhatdesigntheyhavefordefendingthisdistinctionsoearnestly.Thatwemaynotseemtodetractfromthetrueworthoftheorder,wewillnotsaymoreconcerningthisshrewddesign.14]Theyalsoallegethedangerofspillingandcertainsimilarthings,whichdonothaveforcesufficient15]tochangetheordinanceofChrist.[Theyallegemoredreamslikethese,forthesakeofwhichitwouldbeimpropertochangetheordinanceofChrist.]And,indeed,ifweassumethatwearefreetouseeitheronepartorboth,howcantheprohibition[tousebothkinds]bedefended?AlthoughtheChurchdoesnotassumetoitselfthelibertytoconverttheordinancesofChristinto16]mattersofindifference.WeindeedexcusetheChurchwhichhasbornetheinjury[thepoorconscienceswhichhavebeendeprivedofonepartbyforce],sinceitcouldnotobtainbothparts;buttheauthorswhomaintainthattheuseoftheentireSacramentisjustlyprohibited,andwhonownotonlyprohibit,butevenexcommunicateandviolentlypersecutethoseusinganentireSacrament,wedonotexcuse.LetthemseetoithowtheywillgiveanaccounttoGodfortheirdecisions.17]NeitherisittobejudgedimmediatelythattheChurchdeterminesorapproveswhateverthepontiffsdetermine,especiallysinceScriptureprophesiesconcerningthebishopsandpastorstoeffectthisasEzekiel7,26says:TheLawshallperishfromthepriest[therewillbepriestsorbishopswhowillknownocommandorlawofGod].Backtotop

ArticleXXIII(XI):OftheMarriageofPriests.1]Despitethegreatinfamyoftheirdefiledcelibacy,theadversarieshavethepresumptionnotonlytodefendthepontificallawbythewickedandfalsepretextofthedivinename,buteventoexhorttheEmperorandprinces,tothedisgraceandinfamyoftheRomanEmpire,nottotoleratethemarriageofpriests.Forthustheyspeak.[Althoughthegreat,unheard‐oflewdness,fornication,andadulteryamongpriests,monks,etc.,atthegreatabbeys,inotherchurchesandcloisters,hasbecomesonotoriousthroughouttheworldthatpeoplesingandtalkaboutit,stilltheadversarieswhohavepresentedtheConfutationaresoblindandwithoutshamethattheydefendthelawofthePopebywhichmarriageisprohibited,andthat,withthespeciousclaimthattheyaredefendingaspiritualstate.Moreover,althoughitwouldbeproperforthemtobeheartilyashamedoftheexceedinglyshameful,lewd,abandoned,looselifeofthewretchesintheirabbeysandcloisters,althoughonthisaccountalonetheyshouldnothavethecouragetoshowtheirfaceinbroaddaylight,althoughtheirevil,restlessheartandconscienceoughttocausethemtotremble,tostandaghast,andtobeafraidtolifttheireyestoourexcellentEmperor,wholovesuprightness,stilltheyhavethecourageofthehangman,theyactliketheverydevilandlikeallreckless,wantonpeople,proceedinginblinddefianceandforgetfulofallhonoranddecency.Andthesepure,chastegentlemendaretoadmonishHisImperialMajesty,theElectorsandPrincesnottotoleratethemarriageofpriestsadinfamiametignominiamimperii,thatis,towardoffshameanddisgracefromtheRomanEmpire.Forthesearetheirwords,asiftheirshamefullifewereagreathonorandglorytotheChurch.]

Page117of154

2]Whatgreaterimpudencehaseverbeenreadofinanyhistorythanthisoftheadversaries?[SuchshamelessadvocatesbeforeaRomanEmperorwillnoteasilybefound.Ifalltheworlddidnotknowthem,ifmanygodly,uprightpeopleamongthem,theirowncanonicalbrethren,hadnotcomplainedlongagooftheirshameful,lewd,indecentconduct,iftheirvile,abominable,ungodly,lewd,heathenish,Epicureanlife,andthedregsofallfilthinessatRomewerenotquitemanifest,onemightthinkthattheirgreatpurityandtheirinviolatevirginchastitywerethereasonwhytheycouldnotbeartohearthewordwomanormarriagepronounced,andwhytheybaptizeholymatrimony,whichthePopehimselfcallsasacrament,infamiamimperii.]Fortheargumentswhichtheyuseweshallafterwardsreview.Nowletthewisereaderconsiderthis,namely,whatshamethesegood‐for‐nothingmenhavewhosaythatmarriages[whichtheHolyScripturespraisemosthighlyandcommand]produceinfamyanddisgracetothegovernment,asthough,indeed,thispublicinfamyofflagitiousandunnaturallustswhichglowamongtheseveryholyfathers,whofeignthattheyareCuriiandlivelikebacchanals,wereagreatornamenttotheChurch!Andmostthingswhichthesemendowiththegreatestlicensecannotevenbenamedwithoutabreachofmodesty.3]Andthesetheirluststheyaskyoutodefendwithyourchasterighthand,EmperorCharles(whomevencertainancientpredictionsnameasthekingofmodestface;forthesayingappearsconcerningyou:"Onemodestinfaceshallreigneverywhere").Fortheyaskthat,contrarytodivinelaw,contrarytothelawofnations,contrarytothecanonsofCouncils,yousundermarriages,inordertoimposemerelyforthesakeofmarriageatrociouspunishmentsuponinnocentmen,toputtodeathpriests,whomevenbarbariansreverentlyspare,todriveintoexilebanishedwomenandfatherlesschildren.Suchlawstheybringtoyou,mostexcellentandmostchasteEmperor,towhichnobarbarity,howevermonstrousand4]cruel,couldlenditsear.Butbecausethestainofnodisgraceorcrueltyfallsuponyourcharacter,wehopethatyouwilldealwithusmildlyinthismatter,especiallywhenyouhavelearnedthatwehavetheweightiestreasonsforourbelief,derivedfromtheWordofGod,towhichtheadversariesopposethemosttriflingandvainopinions.5]Andneverthelesstheydonotseriouslydefendcelibacy.Fortheyarenotignoranthowfewtherearewhopractisechastity,but[theysticktothatcomfortingsayingwhichisfoundintheirtreatise,Sinoncaste,tamencaute(Ifnotchastely,atleastcautiously),and]theydeviseashamofreligionfortheirdominion,whichtheythinkthatcelibacyprofits,inorderthatwemayunderstandPetertohavebeenrightinadmonishing,2Pet.2,1,thattherewillbefalseteacherswhowilldeceivemenwithfeignedwords.Fortheadversariessay,write,ordonothingtruly[theirwordsaremerelyanargumentadhominem],frankly,andcandidlyinthisentirecase,buttheyactuallycontendonlyconcerningthedominionwhichtheyfalselythinktobeimperiled,andwhichtheyendeavortofortifywithawickedpretenseofgodliness[theysupporttheircasewithnothingbutimpious,hypocriticallies;accordingly,itwillendureaboutaswellasbutterexposedtothesun).6]Wecannotapprovethislawconcerningcelibacywhichtheadversariesdefend,becauseitconflictswithdivineandnaturallaw,andisatvariancewiththeverycanonsoftheCouncils.Andthatitissuperstitiousanddangerousisevident.Foritproducesinfinitescandals,sins,andcorruptionofpublicmorals[asisseenintherealtownsofpriests,or,astheyarecalled,theirresidences].Ourothercontroversiesneedsomediscussionbythedoctors;inthisthesubjectissomanifesttobothpartiesthatitrequiresnodiscussion.ItonlyrequiresasjudgeamanthatishonestandfearsGod.Andalthoughthemanifesttruthisdefendedbyus,yettheadversarieshavedevisedcertainreproachesforsatirizingourarguments.7]First.Gen.1,28teachesthatmenwerecreatedtobefruitful,andthatonesexinaproper

Page118of154

wayshoulddesiretheother.Forwearespeakingnotofconcupiscence,whichissin,butofthatappetitewhichwastohavebeeninnatureinitsintegrity[whichwouldhaveexistedinnatureevenifithadremaineduncorrupted],whichtheycallphysicallove.Andthisloveofonesexfortheotheristrulyadivineordinance.ButsincethisordinanceofGodcannotberemovedwithoutanextraordinaryworkofGod,itfollowsthattherighttocontractmarriagecannotberemovedbystatutesorvows.8]Theadversariescavilatthesearguments;theysaythatinthebeginningthecommandmentwasgiventoreplenishtheearth,butthatnowsincetheearthhasbeenreplenished,marriageisnotcommanded.Seehowwiselytheyjudge!ThenatureofmenissoformedbythewordofGodthatitisfruitfulnotonlyinthebeginningofthecreation,butaslongasthisnatureofourbodieswillexist;justastheearthbecomesfruitfulbythewordGen.1,11:Lettheearthbringforthgrass,yieldingseed.Becauseofthisordinancetheearthnotonlycommencedinthebeginningtobringforthplants,butthefieldsareclothedeveryyearaslongasthisnaturalorderwillexist.Therefore,justasbyhumanlawsthenatureoftheearthcannotbechanged,so,withoutaspecialworkofGod,thenatureofahumanbeingcanbechangedneitherbyvowsnorbyhumanlaw[thatawomanshouldnotdesireaman,noramanawoman].9]Secondly.Andbecausethiscreationordivineordinanceinmanisanaturalright,juristshaveaccordinglysaidwiselyandcorrectlythattheunionofmaleandfemalebelongstonaturalright.Butsincenaturalrightisimmutable,therighttocontractmarriagemustalwaysremain.Forwherenaturedoesnotchange,thatordinancealsowithwhichGodhasendowednaturedoesnotchange,andcannotberemovedbyhumanlaws.10]Thereforeitisridiculousfortheadversariestopratethatmarriagewascommandedinthebeginning,butisnotnow.Thisisthesameasiftheywouldsay:Formerly,whenmenwereborn,theybroughtwiththemsex;nowtheydonot.Formerly,whentheywereborn,theybroughtwiththemnaturalright;nowtheydonot.Nocraftsman(Faber)couldproduceanythingmorecraftythantheseabsurdities,whichweredevisedtoeludearightofnature.11]ThereforeletthisremaininthecasewhichbothScriptureteachesandthejuristsayswisely,namely,thattheunionofmaleandfemalebelongstonaturalright.12]Moreover,anaturalrightistrulyadivineright,becauseitisanordinancedivinelyimpresseduponnature.ButinasmuchasthisrightcannotbechangedwithoutanextraordinaryworkofGod,itisnecessarythattherighttocontractmarriageremains,becausethenaturaldesireofsexforsexisanordinanceofGodinnature,andforthisreasonisaright;otherwise,whywouldbothsexeshavebeencreated?13]Andwearespeaking,asithasbeensaidabove,notofconcupiscence,whichissin,butofthatdesirewhichtheycallphysicallove[whichwouldhaveexistedbetweenmanandwomaneventhoughtheirnaturehadremainedpure],whichconcupiscencehasnotremovedfromnature,butinflames,sothatnowithasgreaterneedofaremedy,andmarriageisnecessarynotonlyforthesakeofprocreation,butalsoasaremedy[toguardagainstsins].Thesethingsareclear,andsowellestablishedthattheycaninnowaybeoverthrown.14]Thirdly.Paulsays,1Cor.7,2:Toavoidfornication,leteverymanhavehisownwife.Thisnowisanexpresscommandpertainingtoallwhoarenotfitforcelibacy.15]Theadversariesaskthatacommandmentbeshownthemwhichcommandsprieststomarry.Asthoughpriestsarenotmen!Wejudgeindeedthatthethingswhichwemaintainconcerninghumannatureingeneralpertainalsotopriests.16]DoesnotPaulherecommandthosewhohavenotthegiftofcontinencetomarry?Forheinterpretshimselfalittleafterwhenhesays,7,9:Itisbettertomarrythantoburn.AndChristhasclearlysaid,Matt.19,11:Allmencannotreceivethissaying,savetheytowhomitisgiven.Becausenow,sincesin[sincethefallofAdam],thesetwothingsconcur,namely,naturalappetiteandconcupiscence,whichinflamesthenatural

Page119of154

appetite,sothatnowthereismoreneedofmarriagethaninnatureinitsintegrity,Paulaccordinglyspeaksofmarriageasaremedy,andonaccountoftheseflamescommandstomarry.Neithercananyhumanauthority,anylaw,anyvowsremovethisdeclaration:Itisbettertomarrythantoburn,becausetheydonotremovethenatureorconcupiscence.17]Thereforeallwhoburn,retaintherighttomarry.BythiscommandmentofPaul:Toavoidfornication,leteverymanhavehisownwife,allareheldboundwhodonottrulykeepthemselvescontinent;thedecisionconcerningwhichpertainstotheconscienceofeachone.18]ForastheyheregivethecommandtoseekcontinenceofGod,andtoweakenthebodybylaborsandhunger,whydotheynotproclaimthesemagnificentcommandmentstothemselves?But,aswehavesaidabove,theadversariesareonlyplaying;theyaredoingnothingseriously.19]Ifcontinencewerepossibletoall,itwouldnotrequireapeculiargift.ButChristshowsthatithasneedofapeculiargift;thereforeitdoesnotbelongtoall.GodwishestheresttousethecommonlawofnaturewhichHehasinstituted.ForGoddoesnotwishHisordinances,Hiscreationstobedespised.Hewishesmentobechasteinthisway,thattheyusetheremedydivinelypresented,justasHewishestonourishourlifeinthisway,20]thatweusefoodanddrink.Gersonalsotestifiesthattherehavebeenmanygoodmenwhoendeavoredtosubduethebody,andyetmadelittleprogress.Accordingly,Ambroseisrightinsaying:Virginityisonlyathingthatcanberecommended,butnotcommanded;21]itisamatterofvowratherthanofprecept.IfanyoneherewouldraisetheobjectionthatChristpraisesthosewhichhavemadethemselveseunuchsforthekingdomofheaven'ssake,Matt.19,12,lethimalsoconsiderthis,thatHeispraisingsuchashavethegiftofcontinence;foronthisaccountHeadds:Hethatisabletoreceiveit,lethimreceiveit.22]Foranimpurecontinence[suchasthereisinmonasteriesandcloisters]doesnotpleaseChrist.Wealsopraisetruecontinence.Butnowwearedisputingconcerningthelaw,andconcerningthosewhodonothavethegiftofcontinence.Thematteroughttobeleftfree,andsnaresoughtnottobecastupontheweakthroughthislaw.23]Fourthly.ThepontificallawdiffersalsofromthecanonsoftheCouncils.Fortheancientcanonsdonotprohibitmarriage,neitherdotheydissolvemarriagesthathavebeencontracted,eveniftheyremovefromtheadministrationoftheirofficethosewhohavecontractedthemintheministry.Atthosetimesthisdismissalwasanactofkindness[ratherthanapunishment].Butthenewcanons,whichhavenotbeenframedintheSynods,buthavebeenmadeaccordingtotheprivatejudgmentofthePopes,bothprohibitthecontractionofmarriages,anddissolvethemwhencontracted;andthisistobedoneopenly,contrarytothecommandofChrist,Matt.19,6:WhatGodhathjoinedtogether,letnotman24]putasunder.IntheConfutationtheadversariesexclaimthatcelibacyhasbeencommandedbytheCouncils.WedonotfindfaultwiththedecreesoftheCouncils;forunderacertainconditiontheseallowmarriage;butwefindfaultwiththelawswhich,sincetheancientSynods,thePopesofRomehaveframedcontrarytotheauthorityoftheSynods.25]ThePopesdespisetheauthorityoftheSynods,justasmuchastheywishittoappearholytoothers[underperilofGod'swrathandeternaldamnation].Thereforethislawconcerningperpetualcelibacyispeculiartothisnewpontificaldespotism.Norisitwithoutareason.ForDaniel,11,37,ascribestothekingdomofAntichristthismark,namely,thecontemptofwomen.26]Fifthly.Althoughtheadversariesdonotdefendthelawbecauseofsuperstition,[notbecauseofitssanctity,asfromignorance],sincetheyseethatitisnotgenerallyobserved,neverthelesstheydiffusesuperstitiousopinions,whiletheygiveapretextofreligion.Theyproclaimthattheyrequirecelibacybecauseitispurity.Asthoughmarriagewereimpurityandasin,orasthoughcelibacymeritedjustificationmorethandoesmarriage!27]Andtothisend

Page120of154

theycitetheceremoniesoftheMosaicLaw,because,since,undertheLaw,thepriests,atthetimeofministering,wereseparatedfromtheirwives,thepriestintheNewTestament,inasmuchasheoughtalwaystopray,oughtalwaystopractisecontinence.Thissillycomparisonispresentedasaproofwhichshouldcompelprieststoperpetualcelibacy,although,indeed,inthisverycomparisonmarriageisallowed,onlyinthetimeofministeringitsuseisinterdicted.Anditisonethingtopray:another,tominister.Thesaintsprayedevenwhentheydidnotexercisethepublicministry;nordidconjugalintercoursehinderthemfrompraying.28]Butyeshallreplyinordertothesefigments.Inthefirstplace,itisnecessaryfortheadversariestoacknowledgethis,namely,thatinbelieversmarriageispurebecauseithasbeensanctifiedbytheWordofGod,i.e.,itisamatterthatispermittedandapprovedbytheWordofGod,asScriptureabundantlytestifies.29]ForChristcallsmarriageadivineunion,whenHesays,Matt.19,6:What30]Godhathjoinedtogether[letnotmanputasunder.HereChristsaysthatmarriedpeoplearejoinedtogetherbyGod.Accordingly,itisapure,holy,noble,praiseworthyworkofGod].AndPaulsaysofmarriage,ofmeatsandsimilarthings,1Tim.4,5:ItissanctifiedbytheWordofGodandprayer,i.e.,bytheWord,bywhichconsciencesbecomecertainthatGodapproves;andbyprayer,i.e.,byfaith,whichusesitwiththanksgiving31]asagiftofGod.Likewise,1Cor.7,14:Theunbelievinghusbandissanctifiedbythewife,etc.,i.e.theuseofmarriageispermittedandholyonaccountoffaithinChrist,justasitispermittedtousemeat,etc.Likewise,32]1Tim.2,15:Sheshallbesavedinchildbearing[iftheycontinueinfaith],etc.Iftheadversariescouldproducesuchapassageconcerningcelibacy,thenindeedtheywouldcelebrateawonderfultriumph.Paulsaysthatwomanissavedbychildbearing.Whatmorehonorablecouldbesaidagainstthehypocrisyofcelibacythanthatwomanissavedbytheconjugalworksthemselves,byconjugalintercourse,bybearingchildrenandtheotherduties?ButwhatdoesSt.Paulmean?Letthereaderobservethatfaithisadded,andthatdomesticdutieswithoutfaitharenotpraised.Iftheycontinue,hesays,infaith.Forhespeaksofthewholeclassofmothers.Thereforeherequiresespeciallyfaith[thattheyshouldhaveGod'sWordandbebelieving],bywhichwomanreceivestheremissionofsinsandjustification.Thenheaddsaparticularworkofthecalling,justasineverymanagoodworkofaparticularcallingoughttofollowfaith.ThisworkpleasesGodonaccountoffaith.ThusthedutiesofthewomanpleaseGodonaccountoffaith,andthebelievingwomanissavedwhoinsuchdutiesdevoutlyserveshercalling.33]Thesetestimoniesteachthatmarriageisalawful[aholyandChristian]thing.IfthereforepuritysignifiesthatwhichisallowedandapprovedbeforeGod,marriagesarepure,becausetheyhavebeenapprovedbytheWordofGod.34]AndPaulsaysoflawfulthings,Titus1,15:Untothepureallthingsarepure,i.e.,tothosewhobelieveinChristandarerighteousbyfaith.Therefore,asvirginityisimpureinthegodless,sointhegodlymarriageispureonaccountoftheWordofGodandfaith.35]Again,ifpurityisproperlyopposedtoconcupiscence,itsignifiespurityofheart,i.e.,mortifiedconcupiscence,becausetheLawdoesnotprohibitmarriage,butconcupiscence,adultery,fornication.Thereforecelibacyisnotpurity.Fortheremaybegreaterpurityofheartinamarriedman,asinAbrahamorJacob,thaninmostofthosewhoareeventrulycontinent[whoeven,accordingtobodilypurity,reallymaintaintheirchastity].36]Lastly,iftheyunderstandthatcelibacyispurityinthesensethatitmeritsjustificationmorethandoesmarriage,wemostemphaticallycontradictit.Forwearejustifiedneitheronaccountofvirginitynoronaccountofmarriage,butfreelyforChrist'ssake,whenwebelievethatforHissake37]Godispropitioustous.Hereperhapstheywillexclaimthat,accordingtothemanner

Page121of154

ofJovinian,marriageismadeequaltovirginity.But,onaccountofsuchclamorsweshallnotrejectthetruthconcerningtherighteousness38]offaith,whichwehaveexplainedabove.Neverthelesswedonotmakevirginityandmarriageequal.Forjustasonegiftsurpassesanother,asprophecysurpasseseloquence,thescienceofmilitaryaffairssurpassesagriculture,andeloquencesurpassesarchitecture,sovirginityisamoreexcellentgiftthan39]marriage.Andnevertheless,justasanoratorisnotmorerighteousbeforeGodbecauseofhiseloquencethananarchitectbecauseofhisskillinarchitecture,soavirgindoesnotmeritjustificationbyvirginitymorethanamarriedpersonmeritsitbyconjugalduties,buteachoneoughtfaithfullytoserveinhisowngift,andtobelievethatforChrist'ssakehereceivestheremissionofsinsandbyfaithisaccountedrighteousbeforeGod.40]NeitherdoesChristorPaulpraisevirginitybecauseitjustifies,butbecauseitisfreerandlessdistractedwithdomesticoccupations,inpraying,teaching,[writing,]serving.ForthisreasonPaulsays,1Cor.7,32:HethatisunmarriedcarethforthethingswhichbelongtotheLord.Virginity,therefore,ispraisedonaccountofmeditationandstudy.ThusChristdoesnotsimplypraisethosewhomakethemselveseunuchs,butadds,forthekingdomofheaven'ssake,i.e.,thattheymayhaveleisuretolearnorteachtheGospel;forHedoesnotsaythatvirginitymeritstheremissionofsinsorsalvation.41]TotheexamplesoftheLeviticalpriestswehaverepliedthattheydonotestablishthedutyofimposingperpetualcelibacyuponthepriests.Furthermore,theLeviticalimpuritiesarenottobetransferredtous.[ThelawofMoses,withtheceremonialstatutesconcerningwhatiscleanorunclean,donotatallconcernusChristians.]ThenintercoursecontrarytotheLawwasanimpurity.Nowitisnotimpurity,becausePaulsays,Titus1,15:Untothepureallthingsarepure.FortheGospelfreesusfromthese42]Leviticalimpurities[fromalltheceremoniesofMoses,andnotalonefromthelawsconcerninguncleanness].AndifanyonedefendsthelawofcelibacywiththedesigntoburdenconsciencesbytheseLeviticalobservances,wemuststriveagainstthis,justastheapostlesinActs15,10sqq.stroveagainstthosewhorequiredcircumcisionandendeavoredtoimposetheLawofMosesuponChristians.43]Yet,inthemeanwhile,goodmenwillknowhowtocontroltheuseofmarriage,especiallywhentheyareoccupiedwithpublicoffices,whichoften,indeed,givegoodmensomuchlaborastoexpelalldomesticthoughtsfromtheirminds.[Fortobeburdenedwithgreataffairsandtransactions,whichconcerncommonwealthsandnations,governmentsandchurches,isagoodremedytokeeptheoldAdamfromlustfulness.]Goodmenknowalsothis,thatPaul,1Thess.4,4,commandsthateveryonepossesshisvesselinsanctification[andhonor,notinthelustofconcupiscence].Theyknowlikewisethattheymustsometimesretire,inorderthattheremaybeleisureforprayer;butPauldoesnotwishthis44]tobeperpetual,1Cor.7,5.Nowsuchcontinenceiseasytothosewhoaregoodandoccupied.Butthisgreatcrowdofunemployedpriestswhichisinthefraternitiescannotafford,inthisvoluptuousness,eventhisLeviticalcontinence,asthefactsshow.[Ontheotherhand,whatsortofchastitycantherebeamongsomanythousandsofmonksandpriestswholivewithoutworryinallmannerofdelights,beingidleandfull,and,moreover,havenottheWordofGod,donotlearnit,andhavenoregardforit.Suchconditionsbringonallmannerofinchastity.SuchpeoplecanobserveneitherLeviticalnorperpetualchastity.]Andthelinesarewellknown:Theboyaccustomedtopursueaslothfullifehatesthosewhoarebusy45]ManyhereticsunderstandingtheLawofMosesincorrectlyhavetreatedmarriagewithcontempt,forwhom,nevertheless,celibacyhasgainedextraordinaryadmiration.AndEpiphaniuscomplainsthat,bythiscommendationespecially,theEncratitescapturedtheminds

Page122of154

oftheunwary.TheyabstainedfromwineevenintheLord'sSupper;theyabstainedfromthefleshofallanimals,inwhichtheysurpassedtheDominicanbrethren,wholiveuponfish.Theyabstainedalsofrommarriage;andjustthisgainedthechiefadmiration.Theseworks,theseservices,theythought,meritedgracemorethantheuseofwineandflesh,andthanmarriage,whichseemedtobeaprofaneanduncleanmatter,andwhichscarcelycouldpleaseGod,eventhoughitwerenotaltogethercondemned.46]PaultotheColossians,2,18,greatlydisapprovestheseangelicformsofworship.Forwhenmenbelievethattheyarepureandrighteousonaccountofsuchhypocrisy,theysuppresstheknowledgeofChrist,andsuppressalsotheknowledgeofGod'sgiftsandcommandments.ForGodwishes47]ustouseHisgiftsinagodlyway.Andwemightmentionexampleswherecertaingodlyconsciencesweregreatlydisturbedonaccountofthelawfuluseofmarriage.Thisevilwasderivedfromtheopinionsofmonkssuperstitiouslypraisingcelibacy[andproclaimingthemarriedestateasalifethatwouldbeagreatobstacletosalvation,andfullofsins].48]Neverthelesswedonotfindfaultwithtemperanceorcontinence,butwehavesaidabovethatexercisesandmortificationsofthebodyarenecessary.Weindeeddenythatconfidenceshouldbeplacedincertainobservances,asthoughtheymaderighteous.49]AndEpiphaniushaselegantlysaidthattheseobservancesoughttobepraiseddia;th;nejgkravteiankai;dia;th;npoliteivan,i.e.,forrestrainingthebodyoronaccountofpublicmorals;justascertainriteswereinstitutedforinstructingtheignorant,andnotasservicesthatjustify.50]Butitisnotthroughsuperstitionthatouradversariesrequirecelibacy,fortheyknowthatchastityisnotordinarilyrendered[thatatRome,alsoinalltheirmonasteries,thereisnothingbutundisguised,unconcealedinchastity.Nordotheyseriouslyintendtoleadchastelives,butknowinglypractisehypocrisybeforethepeople].Buttheyfeignsuperstitiousopinions,soastodeludetheignorant.TheyarethereforemoreworthyofhatredthantheEncratites,whoseemtohaveerredbyshowofreligion;theseSardanapali[Epicureans]designedlymisusethepretext,ofreligion.51]Sixthly.Althoughwehavesomanyreasonsfordisapprovingthelawofperpetualcelibacy,yet,besidesthese,dangerstosoulsandpublicscandalsalsoareadded,whicheven,thoughthelawwerenotunjust,oughttodetergoodmenfromapprovingsuchaburdenashasdestroyedinnumerablesouls.52]Foralongtimeallgoodmen[theirownbishopsandcanons)havecomplainedofthisburden,eitherontheirownaccount,oronaccountofotherswhomtheysawtobeindanger.ButnoPopesgiveeartothesecomplaints.Neitherisitdoubtfulhowgreatlyinjurioustopublicmoralsthislawis,andwhatvicesandshamefullustsithasproduced.TheRomansatiresareextant.IntheseRomestillrecognizesandreadsitsownmorals.53]ThusGodavengesthecontemptofHisowngiftandordinanceinthosewhoprohibitmarriage.Butsincethecustominregardtootherlawswasthattheyshouldbechangedifmanifestutilitywouldadviseit,whyisthesamenotdonewithrespecttothislaw,inwhichsomanyweightyreasonsconcur,especiallyintheselasttimes,whyachangeoughttobemade?Natureisgrowingoldandisgraduallybecomingweaker,andvicesareincreasing;whereforetheremedies54]divinelygivenshouldhavebeenemployed.WeseewhatviceitwaswhichGoddenouncedbeforetheFlood,whatHedenouncedbeforetheburningofthefivecities.Similarviceshaveprecededthedestructionofmanyothercities,asofSybarisandRome.Andinthesetherehasbeenpresentedanimageofthetimeswhichwillbenexttotheendofthings.55]Accordingly,atthistime,marriageoughttohavebeenespeciallydefendedbythemost

Page123of154

severelawsandwarningexamples,andmenoughttohavebeeninvitedtomarriage.Thisdutypertainstothemagistrates,whooughttomaintainpublicdiscipline.[Godhasnowsoblindedtheworldthatadulteryandfornicationarepermittedalmostwithoutpunishment;onthecontrary,punishmentisinflictedonaccountofmarriage.Isnotthisterribletohear?]MeanwhiletheteachersoftheGospelshoulddoboth;theyshouldexhortincontinentmentomarriage,andshouldexhortothersnottodespisethegiftofcontinence.56]ThePopesdailydispenseanddailychangeotherlawswhicharemostexcellent,yet,inregardtothisonelawofcelibacy,theyareasironandinexorable,although,indeed,itismanifestthatthisissimplyofhumanright.57]Andtheyarenowmakingthislawmoregrievousinmanyways.Thecanonbidsthemsuspendpriests;theseratherunfriendlyinterpreterssuspendthemnotfromoffice,butfromtrees.Theycruellykillmanymenfornothingbutmarriage.[Itistobefeared,therefore,thatthebloodofAbelwillcrytoheavensoloudlyasnottobeendured,andthatweshallhavetotremblelikeCain.]58]Andtheseveryparricidesshowthatthislawisadoctrineofdemons.Forsincethedevilisamurderer,hedefendshislawbytheseparricides.59]Weknowthatthereissomeoffenseinregardtoschism,becauseweseemtohaveseparatedfromthosewhoarethoughttoberegularbishops.Butourconsciencesareverysecure,sinceweknowthat,thoughwemostearnestlydesiretoestablishharmony,wecannotpleasetheadversariesunlesswecastawaymanifesttruth,andthenagreewiththeseverymeninbeingwillingtodefendthisunjustlaw,todissolvemarriagesthathavebeencontracted,toputtodeathpriestsiftheydonotobey,todrivepoorwomenandfatherlesschildrenintoexile.ButsinceitiswellestablishedthattheseconditionsaredispleasingtoGod,wecaninnowaygrievethatwehavenoalliancewiththemultitudeofmurderersamongtheadversaries.60]Wehaveexplainedthereasonswhywecannotassentwithagoodconsciencetotheadversarieswhentheydefendthepontificallawconcerningperpetualcelibacy,becauseitconflictswithdivineandnaturallawandisatvariancewiththecanonsthemselves,andissuperstitiousandfullofdanger,and,lastly,becausethewholeaffairisinsincere.Forthelawisenactednotforthesakeofreligion[notforholiness'sake,orbecausetheydonotknowbetter;theyknowverywellthateverybodyiswellacquaintedwiththeconditionofthegreatcloisters,whichweareabletoname],butforthesakeofdominion,andthisiswickedlygiventhepretextofreligion.Neithercananythingbeproducedbysanemenagainstthese61]mostfirmlyestablishedreasons.TheGospelallowsmarriagetothosetowhomitisnecessary.Nevertheless,itdoesnotcompelthosetomarrywhocanbecontinent,providedtheybetrulycontinent.Weholdthatthislibertyshouldalsobeconcededtothepriests,nordowewishtocompelanyonebyforcetocelibacy,nortodissolvemarriagesthathavebeencontracted.62]Wehavealsoindicatedincidentally,whilewehaverecountedourarguments,howtheadversariescavilatseveralofthese;andwehaveexplainedawaythesefalseaccusations.Nowweshallrelateasbrieflyaspossiblewithwhatimportantreasons63]theydefendthelaw.First,theysaythatithasbeenrevealedbyGod.Youseetheextremeimpudenceofthesesorryfellows.Theydaretoaffirmthatthelawofperpetualcelibacyhasbeendivinelyrevealed,althoughitiscontrarytomanifesttestimoniesofScripture,whichcommandthattoavoidfornicationeachoneshouldhavehisownwife,1Cor.7,2;whichlikewiseforbidtodissolvemarriagesthathavebeencontracted;cf.Matt.5,32;19,6;1Cor.7,27.[Whatcantheknavessayinreply?andhowdaretheywantonlyandshamelesslymisapplythegreat,mostholynameofthedivineMajesty?]Paulremindsuswhatanauthorsuchalawwastohavewhenhecallsitadoctrineofdemons,1Tim.4,1.Andthefruitsshowtheirauthor,namely,somanymonstrouslustsandsomanymurderswhicharenowcommittedunderthepretextofthatlaw[ascanbe

Page124of154

seenatRome].64]Thesecondargumentoftheadversariesisthatthepriestsoughttobepure,accordingtoIs.52,11:BeyecleanthatbearthevesselsoftheLord.Andtheycitemanythingstothiseffect.Thisreasonwhichtheydisplaywehaveaboveremovedasespeciallyspecious.ForwehavesaidthatvirginitywithoutfaithisnotpuritybeforeGod,andmarriage,onaccountoffaith,ispure,accordingtoTitus1,15:Untothepureallthingsarepure.Wehavesaidalsothis,thatoutwardpurityandtheceremoniesoftheLawarenottobetransferredhither,becausetheGospelrequirespurityofheart,anddoesnotrequiretheceremoniesoftheLaw.Anditmayoccurthattheheartofahusband,asofAbrahamorJacob,whowerepolygamists,ispurerandburnslesswithluststhanthatofmanyvirginswhoareeventrulycontinent.ButwhatIsaiahsays:BeyecleanthatbearthevesselsoftheLord,oughttobeunderstoodasreferringtocleannessofheartandtotheentirerepentance.65]Besides,thesaintswillknowintheexerciseofmarriagehowfaritisprofitabletorestrainitsuse,andasPaulsays,1Thess.4,4,66]topossesshisvesselinsanctification.Lastly,sincemarriageispure,itisrightlysaidtothosewhoarenotcontinentincelibacythattheyshouldmarrywivesinordertobepure.Thusthesamelaw:BeyecleanthatbearthevesselsoftheLord,commandsthatimpurecelibatesbecomepurehusbands[impureunmarriedpriestsbecomepuremarriedpriests].67]Thethirdargumentishorrible,namely,thatthemarriageofpriestsistheheresyofJovinian.Fine‐soundingwords![Pityonourpoorsouls,dearsirs;proceedgently!]Thisisanewcrime,thatmarriage[whichGodinstitutedinParadise]isaheresy![Inthatcasealltheworldwouldbechildrenofheretics.]InthetimeofJoviniantheworlddidnotasyetknowthelawconcerningperpetualcelibacy.[Thisouradversariesknowverywell.]ThereforeitisanimpudentfalsehoodthatthemarriageofpriestsistheheresyofJovinian,orthatsuchmarriagewasthencondemnedbytheChurch.68]InsuchpassageswecanseewhatdesigntheadversarieshadinwritingtheConfutation.Theyjudgedthattheignorantwouldbethusmosteasilyexcited,iftheywouldfrequentlyhearthereproachofheresy,iftheypretendthatourcausehadbeendispatchedandcondemnedbymanypreviousdecisionsoftheChurch.ThustheyfrequentlycitefalselythejudgmentoftheChurch.Becausetheyarenotignorantofthis,theywereunwillingtoexhibittousacopyoftheirApology,lestthisfalsehoodandthesereproachesmightbeexposed.Ouropinion,however,asregardsthecaseofJovinian,concerningthecomparisonofvirginity69]andmarriage,wehaveexpressedabove.Forwedonotmakemarriageandvirginityequal,althoughneithervirginitynormarriagemeritsjustification.70]Bysuchfalseargumentstheydefendalawthatisgodlessanddestructivetogoodmorals.BysuchreasonstheysetthemindsofprincesfirmlyagainstGod'sjudgment[theprincesandbishopswhobelievethisteachingwillseewhethertheirreasonswillendurethetest,whenthehourofdeatharrives],inwhichGodwillcallthemtoaccountastowhytheyhavedissolvedmarriages,andwhytheyhavetortured[floggedandimpaled]andkilledpriests[regardlessofthecries,wails,andtearsofsomanywidowsandorphans].Fordonotdoubtbutthat,asthebloodofdeadAbelcriedout,Gen.4,10,sothebloodofmanygoodmen,againstwhomtheyhaveunjustlyraged,willalsocryout.AndGodwillavengethiscruelty;thereyouwilldiscoverhowemptyarethesereasonsoftheadversaries,andyouwillperceivethatinGod'sjudgmentnocalumniesagainstGod'sWordremainstanding,asIsaiahsays,40,6:Allfleshisgrass,andallthegoodlinessthereofisastheflowerofthefield[thattheirargumentsarestrawandhay,andGodaconsumingfire,beforewhomnothingbutGod'sWordcanabide,1Pet.1,24].71]Whatevermayhappen,ourprinceswillbeabletoconsolethemselveswiththe

Page125of154

consciousnessofrightcounsels,becauseeventhoughthepriestswouldhavedonewrongincontractingmarriages,yetthisdisruptionofmarriages,theseproscriptions,andthiscrueltyaremanifestlycontrarytothewillandWordofGod.Neitherdoesnoveltyordissentdelightourprinces,butespeciallyinamatterthatisnotdoubtfulmoreregardhadtobepaidtotheWordofGodthantoallotherthings.Backtotop

ArticleXXIV(XII):OftheMass.Attheoutsetwemustagainmakethepreliminarystatementthatwe1]donotabolishtheMass,butreligiouslymaintainanddefendit.ForamongusmassesarecelebratedeveryLord'sDayandontheotherfestivals,inwhichtheSacramentisofferedtothosewhowishtouseit,aftertheyhavebeenexaminedandabsolved.Andtheusualpublicceremoniesareobserved,theseriesoflessons,ofprayers,vestments,andotherlikethings.2]TheadversarieshavealongdeclamationconcerningtheuseoftheLatinlanguageintheMass,inwhichtheyabsurdlytrifleastohowitprofits[whatagreatmeritisachievedby]anunlearnedhearertohearinthefaithoftheChurchaMasswhichhedoesnotunderstand.Theyevidentlyimaginethatthemereworkofhearingisaservice,thatitprofitswithoutbeingunderstood.3]Weareunwillingtomalignantlypursuethesethings,butweleavethemtothejudgmentofthereader.Wementionthemonlyforthepurposeofstating,inpassing,thatalsoamongustheLatinlessonsandprayersareretained.Sinceceremonies,however,oughttobeobservedbothtoteachmenScripture,andthatthoseadmonishedbytheWordmayconceivefaithandfear[ofGod,andobtaincomfort],andthusalsomaypray(forthesearethedesignsofceremonies),weretaintheLatinlanguageonaccountofthosewhoarelearningandunderstandLatin,andweminglewithitGermanhymns,inorderthatthepeoplealsomayhavesomethingtolearn,andbywhichfaithandfear4]maybecalledforth.Thiscustomhasalwaysexistedinthechurches.Foralthoughsomemorefrequently,andothersmorerarely,introducedGermanhymns,neverthelessthepeoplealmosteverywheresangsomethingintheirown5]tongue.[Therefore,thisisnotsuchanewdeparture.]Ithas,however,nowherebeenwrittenorrepresentedthattheactofhearinglessonsnotunderstoodprofitsmen,orthatceremoniesprofit,notbecausetheyteachoradmonish,butexopereoperato,becausetheyarethusperformedorarelookedupon.Awaywithsuchpharisaicopinions![Yesophistsoughttobeheartilyashamedofsuchdreams!]6]ThefactthatweholdonlyPublicorCommonMass[atwhichthepeoplealsocommune,notPrivateMass]isnooffenseagainsttheChurchcatholic.ForintheGreekchurcheseventodayprivateMassesarenotheld,butthereisonlyapublicMass,andthatontheLord'sDayandfestivals.InthemonasteriesdailyMassisheld,butthisisonlypublic.Thesearethetracesofformercustoms.FornowheredotheancientwritersbeforeGregorymakemention7]ofprivateMasses.Wenowomitnoticingthenatureoftheirorigin.Itisevidentthatafterthemendicantmonksbegantoprevail,frommostfalseopinionsandonaccountofgaintheyweresoincreasedthatallgoodmenforalongtimedesiredsomelimittothisthing.AlthoughSt.Franciswishedtoprovidearightforthismatter,ashedecidedthateachfraternityshouldbecontentwithasinglecommonMassdaily,afterwardsthiswaschanged,eitherbysuperstitionorforthesakeofgain.Thus,8]whereitisofadvantage,theythemselveschangetheinstitutionsoftheFathers;andafterwardstheyciteagainstustheauthorityoftheFathers.Epiphaniuswritesthat

Page126of154

inAsiatheCommunionwascelebratedthreetimesaweek,andthattherewerenodailyMasses.Andindeedhesaysthatthiscustomwashandeddownfromtheapostles.Forhespeaksthus:AssembliesforCommunionwereappointedbytheapostlestobeheldonthefourthday,onSabbatheve,andtheLord'sDay9]Moreover,althoughtheadversariescollectmanytestimoniesonthistopictoprovethattheMassisasacrifice,yetthisgreattumultofwordswillbequietedwhenthesinglereplyisadvancedthatthislineofauthorities,reasonsandtestimonies,howeverlong,doesnotprovethattheMassconfersgraceexopereoperato,orthat,whenappliedonbehalfofothers,itmeritsforthemtheremissionofvenialandmortalsins,ofguiltandpunishment.Thisonereplyoverthrowsallobjectionsoftheadversaries,notonlyinthisConfutation,butinallwritingswhichtheyhavepublishedconcerningtheMass.10]Andthisistheissue[theprincipalquestion]ofthecaseofwhichourreadersaretobeadmonished,asAeschinesadmonishedthejudgesthatjustasboxerscontendwithoneanotherfortheirposition,sotheyshouldstrivewiththeiradversaryconcerningthecontrovertedpoint,andnotpermithimtowanderbeyondthecase.Inthesamemannerouradversariesoughttobeherecompelledtospeakonthesubjectpresented.Andwhenthecontrovertedpointhasbeenthoroughlyunderstood,adecisionconcerningtheargumentsonbothsideswillbeveryeasy.11]ForinourConfessionwehaveshownthatweholdthattheLord'sSupperdoesnotconfergraceexopereoperato,andthat,whenappliedonbehalfofothers,aliveordead,itdoesnotmeritforthemexopereoperatotheremissionofsins,ofguiltorofpunishment.12]Andofthispositionaclearandfirmproofexistsinthatitisimpossibletoobtaintheremissionofoursinsonaccountofourownworkexopereoperato[evenwhenthereisnotagoodthoughtintheheart],buttheterrorsofsinanddeathmustbeovercomebyfaithwhenwecomfortourheartswiththeknowledgeofChrist,andbelievethatforChrist'ssakeweareforgiven,andthatthemeritsandrighteousnessofChristaregrantedus,Rom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeace.Thesethingsaresosureandsofirmthattheycanstandagainstallthegatesofhell.13]Ifwearetosayonlyasmuchasisnecessary,thecasehasalreadybeenstated.Fornosanemancanapprovethatpharisaicandheathenopinionconcerningtheopusoperatum.Andneverthelessthisopinioninheresinthepeople,andhasincreasedinfinitelythenumberofmasses.FormassesarepurchasedtoappeaseGod'swrath,andbythisworktheywishtoobtaintheremissionofguiltandofpunishment;theywishtoprocurewhateverisnecessaryineverykindoflife[health,riches,prosperity,andsuccessinbusiness];theywisheventoliberatethedead.MonksandsophistshavetaughtthispharisaicopinionintheChurch.14]Butalthoughourcasehasalreadybeenstated,yet,becausetheadversariesfoolishlypervertmanypassagesofScripturetothedefenseoftheirerrors,weshalladdafewthingsonthistopic.IntheConfutationtheyhavesaidmanythingsconcerning"sacrifice,"althoughinourConfessionwepurposelyavoidedthistermonaccountofitsambiguity.Wehavesetforthwhatthosepersonswhoseabuseswecondemnnowunderstandasasacrifice.Now,inordertoexplainthepassagesofScripturethathavebeenwickedlyperverted,itisnecessaryinthebeginningtosetforthwhatasacrificeis.15]Alreadyforanentireperiodoftenyearstheadversarieshavepublishedalmostinfinitevolumesconcerningsacrifice,andyetnotoneofthemthusfarhasgivenadefinitionofsacrifice.Theyonlyseizeuponthename"sacrifices"eitherfromtheScripturesortheFathers[andwheretheyfinditinthedancesoftheBible,applyithere,whetheritfitsornot].Afterwardtheyappendtheirowndreams,asthoughindeeda

Page127of154

sacrificesignifieswhateverpleasesthem.WhataSacrificeIs,andWhatAretheSpeciesofSacrifice.

[Now,lestweplungeblindlyintothisbusiness,wemustindicate,inthefirstplace,adistinctionastowhatis,andwhatisnot,asacrifice.ToknowthisisexpedientandgoodforallChristians.]16]Socrates,inthePhaedrusofPlato,saysthatheisespeciallyfondofdivisions,becausewithoutthesenothingcaneitherbeexplainedorunderstoodinspeaking,andifhediscoversanyoneskilfulinmakingdivisions,hesaysthatheattendsandfollowshisfootstepsasthoseofagod.Andheinstructstheonedividingtoseparatethemembersintheirveryjoints,lest,likeanunskilfulcook,hebreaktopiecessomemember.Buttheadversarieswonderfullydespisetheseprecepts,and,accordingtoPlato,aretrulykakoi;mavgeiroi(poorbutchers),sincetheybreakthemembersof"sacrifice,"ascanbeunderstoodwhenwehaveenumeratedthespeciesofsacrifice.17]TheologiansarerightlyaccustomedtodistinguishbetweenaSacramentandasacrifice.Thereforeletthegenuscomprehendingbothofthesebeeither18]aceremonyorasacredwork.ASacramentisaceremonyorworkinwhichGodpresentstousthatwhichthepromiseannexedtotheceremonyoffers;as,Baptismisawork,notwhichweoffertoGod,butinwhichGodbaptizesus,i.e.,aministerintheplaceofGod;andGodhereoffersandpresentstheremissionofsins,etc.,accordingtothepromise,Mark16,16:Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.Asacrifice,onthecontrary,isaceremonyorworkwhichwerenderGodinordertoaffordHimhonor.19]Moreover,theproximatespeciesofsacrificearetwo,andtherearenomore.Oneisthepropitiatorysacrifice,i.e.,aworkwhichmakessatisfactionforguiltandpunishment,i.e.,onethatreconcilesGod,orappeasesGod'swrath,orwhichmeritstheremissionofsinsforothers.Theotherspeciesistheeucharisticsacrifice,whichdoesnotmerittheremissionofsinsorreconciliation,butisrenderedbythosewhohavebeenreconciled,inorderthatwemaygivethanksorreturngratitudefortheremissionofsinsthathasbeenreceived,orforotherbenefitsreceived.20]Thesetwospeciesofsacrificeweoughtespeciallytohaveinviewandplacedbeforetheeyesinthiscontroversy,aswellasinmanyotherdiscussions;andespecialcaremustbetakenlesttheybeconfounded.Butifthelimitsofthisbookwouldsufferit,wewouldaddthereasonsforthisdivision.ForithasmanytestimoniesintheEpistletotheHebrewsandelsewhere.And21]allLeviticalsacrificescanbereferredtothesemembersastotheirownhomes[genera].ForintheLawcertainsacrificeswerenamedpropitiatoryonaccountoftheirsignificationorsimilitude;notbecausetheymeritedtheremissionofsinsbeforeGod,butbecausetheymeritedtheremissionofsinsaccordingtotherighteousnessoftheLaw,inorderthatthoseforwhomtheyweremademightnotbeexcludedfromthatcommonwealth[fromthepeopleofIsrael].Thereforetheywerecalledsin‐offeringsandburntofferingsforatrespass.Whereastheeucharisticsacrificesweretheoblation,thedrink‐offering,thank‐offerings,first‐fruits,tithes.22][ThustherehavebeenintheLawemblemsofthetruesacrifice.]Butinfacttherehasbeenonlyonepropitiatorysacrificeintheworld,namely,thedeathofChrist,astheEpistletotheHebrews10,4teaches:Itisnotpossiblethatthebloodofbullsandofgoatsshouldtakeawaysins.Andalittleafter,ofthe[obedienceand]willofChrist,10,10:Bythewhichwillwearesanctifiedbytheofferingofthebody23]ofJesusChristonceforall.AndIsaiahinterpretstheLaw,inorderthatwemayknowthatthedeathofChrististrulyasatisfactionforoursins,orexpiation,andthattheceremoniesoftheLawarenot;whereforehesays,Is.53,10:WhenThoushaltmakeHissoulanofferingforsin,HewillseeHisseed,etc.Forthewordemployed

Page128of154

here,μca,signifiesavictimfortransgression;whichsignifiedintheLawthatacertainVictimwastocometomakesatisfactionforoursinsandreconcileGod,inorderthatmenmightknowthatGodwishestobereconciledtous,notonaccountofourownrighteousnesses,butonaccountofthemeritsofanother,namely,ofChrist.Paulinterpretsthesamewordμcaassin,Rom.8,3:Forsin(God)condemnedsin,i.e.,Hepunishedsinforsin,i.e.,byaVictimforsin.Thesignificanceofthewordcanbethemoreeasilyunderstoodfromthecustomsoftheheathen,which,wesee,havebeenreceivedfromthemisunderstoodexpressionsoftheFathers.TheLatinscalledavictimthatwhichingreatcalamities,whereGodseemedtobeespeciallyenraged,wasofferedtoappeaseGod'swrath,apiaculum;andtheysometimessacrificedhumanvictims,perhapsbecausetheyhadheardthatahumanvictimwouldappeaseGodfortheentirehumanrace.TheGreekssometimescalledthemkaqavrmataandsometimesperiyhvmata.IsaiahandPaul,therefore,meanthatChristbecameavictim,24]i.e.,anexpiation,thatbyHismerits,andnotbyourown,Godmightbereconciled.Thereforeletthisremainestablishedinthecase,namely,thatthedeathofChristaloneistrulyapropitiatorysacrifice.FortheLeviticalpropitiatorysacrificesweresocalledonlytosignifyafutureexpiation.Onaccountofacertainresemblance,therefore,theyweresatisfactionsredeemingtherighteousnessoftheLaw,lestthosepersonswhosinnedshouldbeexcludedfromthecommonwealth.ButaftertherevelationoftheGospel[andafterthetruesacrificehasbeenaccomplished]theyhadtocease;andbecausetheyhadtoceaseintherevelationoftheGospel,theywerenottrulypropitiations,sincetheGospelwaspromisedforthisveryreason,namely,tosetforthapropitiation.25]Nowtherestareeucharisticsacrifices,whicharecalledsacrificesofpraise,Lev.3,1f.;7,11f.;Ps.56,12f.,namely,thepreachingoftheGospel,faith,prayer,thanksgiving,confession,theafflictionsofsaints,yea,allgoodworksofsaints.Thesesacrificesarenotsatisfactionsforthosemakingthem,orapplicableonbehalfofothers,soastomeritforthese,exopereoperato,theremissionofsinsorreconciliation.Fortheyaremadebythosewhohavebeenreconciled.26]AndsucharethesacrificesoftheNewTestament,asPeterteaches,1Pet.2,5:Anholypriesthood,toofferupspiritualsacrifices.Spiritualsacrifices,however,arecontrastednotonlywiththoseofcattle,butevenwithhumanworksofferedexopereoperato,becausespiritualreferstothemovementsoftheHolyGhostinus.PaulteachesthesamethingRom.12,1:Presentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,holy,acceptable,whichisyourreasonableservice.Reasonableservicesignifies,however,aserviceinwhichGodisknown,andapprehendedbythemind,ashappensinthemovementsoffearandtrusttowardsGod.ThereforeitisopposednotonlytotheLeviticalservice,inwhichcattleareslain,butalsotoaserviceinwhichaworkisimaginedtobeofferedexopereoperato,TheEpistletotheHebrews13,15,teachesthesamething:ByHim,therefore,letusofferthesacrificeofpraisetoGodcontinually;andheaddstheinterpretation,thatis,thefruitofourlips,givingthankstoHisname.Hebidsusofferpraises,i.e.,prayer,thanksgiving,confession,andthelike.Theseavailnotexopereoperato,butonaccountoffaith.Thisistaughtbytheclause:ByHimletusoffer,i.e.,byfaithinChrist.27]Inshort,theworshipoftheNewTestamentisspiritual,i.e.,itistherighteousnessoffaithintheheartandthefruitsoffaith.ItaccordinglyabolishestheLeviticalservices.[IntheNewTestamentnoofferingavailsexopereoperato,sinebonomotuutentis,i.e.,onaccountofthework,withoutagoodthoughtintheheart.]AndChristsays,John4,23.24:TrueworshipersshaltworshiptheFatherinspiritandintruth;fortheFatherseekethsuchtoworshipHim.God

Page129of154

isaSpirit;andtheythatworshipHimmustworshipHiminspiritandintruth[thatis,fromtheheart,withheartfeltfearandcordialfaith].Thispassageclearlycondemns[asabsolutelydevilish,pharisaical,andantichristian]opinionsconcerningsacrificeswhich,theyimagine,availexopereoperato,andteachesthatmenoughttoworshipinspirit,i.e.,withthedispositionsoftheheartandbyfaith.[TheJewsalsodidnotunderstandtheirceremoniesaright,andimaginedthattheywererighteousbeforeGodwhentheyhadwroughtworksexopereoperato.Againstthistheprophetscontendwiththegreatestearnestness.]Accordingly,28]theprophetsalsointheOldTestamentcondemntheopinionofthepeopleconcerningtheopusoperatum,andteachtherighteousnessandsacrificesoftheSpirit.Jer.7,22.23:ForIspokenotuntoyourfathers,norcommandedthem,inthedaythatIbroughtthemoutofthelandofEgypt,concerningburntofferingsorsacrifices;butthisthingcommandedIthem,saying,ObeyMyvoice,andIwillbeyourGod,etc.HowdowesupposethattheJewsreceivedthisarraignment,whichseemstoconflictopenlywithMoses?ForitwasevidentthatGodhadgiventhefatherscommandsconcerningburntofferingsandvictims.ButJeremiahcondemnstheopinionconcerningsacrificeswhichGodhadnotdelivered,namely,thattheseservicesshouldpleaseHimexopereoperato.ButheaddsconcerningfaiththatGodhadcommandedthis:HearMe,i.e.,believeMethatIamyourGod;thatIwishtobecomethusknownwhenIpityandaid;neitherhaveIneedofyourvictims;believethatIwishtobeGodtheJustifierandSavior,notonaccountofworks,butonaccountofMywordandpromise;trulyandfromtheheartseekandexpectaidfromMe.29]Ps.50,13.15,whichrejectsthevictimsandrequiresprayer,alsocondemnstheopinionconcerningtheopusoperatum:WillIeatthefleshofbulls?etc.CalluponHeinthedayoftrouble;Iwilldeliverthee,andthoushaltglorifyMe.ThePsalmisttestifiesthatthisistrueservice,thatthisistruehonor,ifwecalluponHimfromtheheart.LikewisePs.40,6:SacrificeandofferingThoudidstnotdesire;mineearshastThouopened,i.e.,ThouhastofferedtomeThyWordthatImighthearit,andThoudostrequirethatIbelieveThyWordandThypromises,thatThoutrulydesiresttopity,tobringaid,etc.LikewisePs.51,16.17:Thoudelightestnotinburntoffering.ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit;abrokenandacontriteheart,OGod,Thouwiltnotdespise.LikewisePs.4,5:Offerthesacrificesofrighteousness,andputyourtrust[hope,V.]intheLord.Hebidsushope,andsaysthatthisisarighteoussacrifice,signifyingthatothersacrificesarenottrueandrighteoussacrifices.AndPs.116,17:IwilloffertoTheethesacrificesofthanksgiving,andwillcalluponthenameoftheLord.Theycallinvocationasacrificeofthanksgiving.30]ButScriptureisfullofsuchtestimoniesasteachthatsacrificesexopereoperatodonotreconcileGod.AccordinglytheNewTestament,sinceLeviticalserviceshavebeenabrogated,teachesthatnewandpuresacrificeswillbemade,namely,faith,prayer,thanksgiving,confession,andthepreachingoftheGospel,afflictionsonaccountoftheGospel,andthelike.31]AndofthesesacrificesMalachi1,11speaks:FromtherisingofthesunevenuntothegoingdownofthesameMynameshallbegreatamongtheGentiles;andineveryplaceincenseshallbeoffereduntoMynameandapureoffering.TheadversariesperverselyapplythispassagetotheMass,andquotetheauthorityoftheFathers.Areply,however,iseasy,forevenifitspokemostparticularlyoftheMass,itwouldnotfollowthattheMassjustifiesexopereoperato,orthat,whenappliedtoothers,itmeritstheremissionofsins,etc.Theprophetsaysnothingofthosethingswhichthemonksandsophistsimpudentlyfabricate.32]Besides,theverywordsoftheprophetexpresshismeaning.Fortheyfirstsaythis,namely,thatthenameoftheLordwillbegreat.ThisisaccomplishedbythepreachingoftheGospel.Forthroughthisthe

Page130of154

nameofChristismadeknown,andthemercyoftheFather,promisedinChrist,isrecognized.ThepreachingoftheGospelproducesfaithinthosewhoreceivetheGospel.TheycalluponGod,theygivethankstoGod,theybearafflictionsfortheirconfession,theyproducegoodworksforthegloryofChrist.ThusthenameoftheLordbecomesgreatamongtheGentiles.Thereforeincenseandapureofferingsignifynotaceremonyexopereoperato[nottheceremonyoftheMassalone],butallthosesacrificesthroughwhichthenameoftheLordbecomesgreat,namely,faith,invocation,thepreaching33]oftheGospel,confession,etc.Andifanyonewouldhavethistermembracetheceremony[oftheMass],wereadilyconcedeit,providedheneitherunderstandstheceremonyalone,norteachesthattheceremonyprofitsexopereoperato.Forjustasamongthesacrificesofpraise,i.e.,amongthepraisesofGod,weincludethepreachingoftheWord,sothereceptionitselfoftheLord'sSuppercanbepraiseorthanksgiving;butitdoesnotjustifyexopereoperato;neitherisittobeappliedtootherssoastomeritforthemtheremissionofsins.Butafterawhileweshallexplainhowevenaceremonyisasacrifice.Yet,asMalachispeaksofalltheservicesoftheNewTestament,andnotonlyoftheLord'sSupper;likewise,ashedoesnotfavorthepharisaicopinionoftheopusoperatum,heisnotagainstus,butratheraidsus.Forherequiresservicesoftheheart,throughwhichthenameoftheLordbecomestrulygreat.34]AnotherpassagealsoiscitedfromMalachi3,3:AndHeshallpurifythesonsofLevi,andpurgethemasgoldandsilver,thattheymayofferuntotheLordanofferingofrighteousness.Thispassageclearlyrequiresthesacrificesoftherighteous,andhencedoesnotfavortheopinionconcerningtheopusoperatum.ButthesacrificesofthesonsofLevi,i.e.,ofthoseteachingintheNewTestament,arethepreachingoftheGospel,andthegoodfruitsofpreaching,asPaulsays,Rom.15,16:MinisteringtheGospelofGod,thattheofferingupoftheGentilesmightbeacceptable,beingsanctifiedbytheHolyGhost,i.e.,that,theGentilesmightbeofferingsacceptabletoGodbyfaith,etc.ForintheLawtheslayingofvictimssignifiedboththedeathofChristandthepreachingoftheGospel,bywhichthisoldnessoffleshshouldbemortified,andthenewandeternallifebebeguninus.Buttheadversarieseverywhereperverselyapplythenamesacrificetotheceremonyalone.TheyomitthepreachingoftheGospel,faith,prayer,andsimilarthings,althoughtheceremonyhasbeenestablishedonaccountofthese,andtheNewTestamentoughttohavesacrificesoftheheart,andnotceremonialsforsinthataretobeperformedafterthemanneroftheLeviticalpriesthood.35]Theycitealsothedailysacrifice(cf.Ex.29,38f.;Dan.8,11f.;12,11),that,justasintheLawtherewasadailysacrificesotheMassoughttobeadailysacrificeoftheNewTestament.Theadversarieshavemanagedwellifwepermitourselvestobeovercomebyallegories.Itisevident,however,thatallegoriesdonotproducefirmproofs[thatinmatterssohighlyimportantbeforeGodwemusthaveasureandclearwordofGod,andnotintroducebyforceobscureandforeignpassages;suchuncertainexplanationsdonotstandthetestofGod'sjudgment].AlthoughweindeedreadilysuffertheMasstobeunderstoodasadailysacrifice,providedthattheentireMassbeunderstood,i.e.,theceremonywiththepreachingoftheGospel,faith,invocation,andthanksgiving.ForthesejoinedtogetherareadailysacrificeoftheNewTestament,becausetheceremony[oftheMass,ortheLord'sSupper]wasinstitutedonaccountofthesethings;neitherisittobeseparatedfromthese.Paulsaysaccordingly,1Cor.11,26:Asoftenasyeeatthisbreadanddrinkthiscup,yedoshowtheLord'sdeathtillHecome.ButitinnowayfollowsfromthisLeviticaltypethataceremonyjustifyingexopereoperatoisnecessary,oroughttobeappliedonbehalfofothers,thatitmaymeritforthemtheremissionofsins.

Page131of154

36]Andthetypeaptlyrepresentsnotonlytheceremony,butalsothepreachingoftheGospel.InNum.28,4f.threepartsofthatdailysacrificearerepresented,theburningofthelamb,thelibation,andtheoblationofwheatflour.TheLawhadpicturesorshadowsoffuturethings.Accordingly,inthisspectacleChristandtheentireworshipoftheNewTestamentareportrayed.TheburningofthelambsignifiesthedeathofChrist.Thelibationsignifiesthateverywhereintheentireworld,bythepreachingoftheGospel,believersaresprinkledwiththebloodofthatLamb,i.e.,sanctified,asPetersays,1Pet.1,2:ThroughsanctificationoftheSpirit,untoobedienceandsprinklingofthebloodofJesusChrist.Theoblationofwheatfloursignifiesfaith,prayer,andthanksgivinginhearts.37]As,therefore,intheOldTestament,theshadowisperceived,sointheNewthethingsignifiedshouldbesought,andnotanothertype,assufficientforasacrifice.38]Therefore,althoughaceremonyisamemorialofChrist'sdeath,neverthelessitaloneisnotthedailysacrifice;butthememoryitselfisthedailysacrifice,i.e.,preachingandfaith,whichtrulybelievesthat,bythedeathofChrist,Godhasbeenreconciled.Alibationisrequired,i.e.,theeffectofpreaching,inorderthat,beingsprinkledbytheGospelwiththebloodofChrist,wemaybesanctified,asthoseputtodeathandmadealive.Oblationsalsoarerequired,i.e.,thanksgiving,confessions,andafflictions.Thusthepharisaicopinion39]oftheopusoperatumbeingcastaside,letusunderstandthatspiritualworshipandadailysacrificeoftheheartaresignified,becauseintheNewTestamentthesubstanceofgoodthingsshouldbesoughtfor[asPaulsays:IntheOldTestamentistheshadowofthingstocome,butthebodyandthetruthisinChrist],i.e.,theHolyGhost,mortification,andquickening.40]Fromthesethingsitissufficientlyapparentthatthetypeofthedailysacrificetestifiesnothingagainstus,butratherforus,becauseweseekforallthepartssignifiedbythedailysacrifice.[WehaveclearlyshownallthepartsthatbelongedtothedailysacrificeinthelawofMoses,thatitmustmeanatruecordialoffering,notanopusoperatum.]Theadversariesfalselyimaginethattheceremonyaloneissignified,andnotalsothepreachingoftheGospel,mortification,andquickeningofheart,etc.[whichisthebestpartoftheMass,whethertheycallitasacrificeoranythingelse].41]Now,therefore,goodmenwillbeabletojudgereadilythatthecomplaintagainstusthatweabolishthedailysacrificeismostfalse.ExperienceshowswhatsortofAntiochitheyarewhoholdpowerintheChurch;whounderthepretextofreligionassumetothemselvesthekingdomoftheworld,andwhorulewithoutconcernforreligionandtheteachingoftheGospel;whowagewarlikekingsoftheworld,and42]haveinstitutednewservicesintheChurch.ForintheMasstheadversariesretainonlytheceremony,andpubliclyapplythistosacrilegiousgain.Afterwardtheyfeignthatthiswork,asappliedonbehalfofothers,43]meritsforthemgraceandallgoodthings.IntheirsermonstheydonotteachtheGospel,theydonotconsoleconsciences,theydonotshowthatsinsarefreelyremittedforChrist'ssake;buttheysetforththeworshipofsaints,humansatisfactions,humantraditions,andbythesetheyaffirmthatmenarejustifiedbeforeGod.Andalthoughsomeofthesetraditionsaremanifestlygodless,neverthelesstheydefendthembyviolence.Ifanypreacherswishtoberegardedmorelearned,theytreatofphilosophicalquestions,whichneitherthepeoplenoreventhosewhoproposethemunderstand.Lastly,thosewhoaremoretolerableteachtheLaw,andsaynothingconcerningtherighteousnessoffaith.44]TheadversariesintheConfutationmakeagreatadoconcerningthedesolationofchurches,namely,thatthealtarsstandunadorned,withoutcandlesandwithoutimages.These

Page132of154

triflestheyregardasornamentstochurches.[Althoughitisnottruethatweabolishallsuchoutwardornaments;yet,evenifitwereso,DanielisnotspeakingofsuchthingsasarealtogetherexternalanddonotbelongtotheChristianChurch.]Itisafardifferentdesolation45]whichDaniel11,31;12,11,meansnamely,ignoranceoftheGospel.Forthepeople,overwhelmedbythemultitudeandvarietyoftraditionsandopinions,wereinnowayabletoembrace46]thesumofChristiandoctrine.[Fortheadversariespreachmostlyofhumanordinances,wherebyconsciencesareledfromChristtoconfidenceintheirownworks.]Forwhoofthepeopleeverunderstoodthedoctrineofrepentanceofwhichtheadversariestreat?AndyetthisisthechieftopicofChristiandoctrine.Consciencesweretormentedbytheenumerationofoffensesandbysatisfactions.Offaith,bywhichwefreelyreceivetheremissionofsins,nomentionwhateverwasmadebytheadversaries.Concerningtheexercisesoffaith,strugglingwithdespair,andthefreeremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake,allthebooksandallthesermonsoftheadversariesweresilent[worsethanworthless,and,moreover,causeduntolddamage].47]Tothese,thehorribleprofanationofthemassesandmanyothergodlessservicesinthechurcheswereadded.ThisisthedesolationwhichDanieldescribes.48]Onthecontrary,bythefavorofGod,thepriestsamongusattendtotheministryoftheWord,teachtheGospelconcerningtheblessingsofChrist,andshowthattheremissionofsinsoccursfreelyforChrist'ssake.Thisdoctrinebringssureconsolationtoconsciences.Thedoctrineof[theTenCommandmentsand]goodworkswhichGodcommandsisalsoadded.TheworthanduseoftheSacramentsaredeclared.49]ButiftheuseoftheSacramentwouldbethedailysacrifice,neverthelesswewouldretainitratherthantheadversaries,becausewiththempriestshiredforpayusetheSacrament.Withusthereisamorefrequentandmoreconscientioususe.Forthepeopleuseit,butafterhavingfirstbeeninstructedandexamined.FormenaretaughtconcerningthetrueuseoftheSacramentthatitwasinstitutedforthepurposeofbeingasealandtestimonyofthefreeremissionofsins,andthat,accordingly,itoughttoadmonishalarmedconsciencestobetrulyconfidentandbelievethattheirsinsarefreelyremitted.Since,therefore,weretainboththepreachingoftheGospelandthelawfuluseoftheSacrament,thedailysacrificeremainswithus.50]Andifwemustspeakoftheoutwardappearance,attendanceuponchurchisbetteramongusthanamongtheadversaries.Fortheaudiencesareheldbyusefulandclearsermons.Butneitherthepeoplenortheteachershaveeverunderstoodthedoctrineoftheadversaries.[Thereisnothingthatsoattachespeopletothechurchasgoodpreaching.Butouradversariespreachtheirpeopleoutofthechurches;fortheyteachnothingofthenecessarypartsofChristiandoctrine;theynarratethelegendsofsaintsandotherfables.]And51]thetrueadornmentofthechurchesisgodly,useful,andcleardoctrine,thedevoutuseoftheSacraments,ardentprayer,andthelike.Candles,goldenvessels[tapers,altar‐cloths,images),andsimilaradornmentsarebecoming,buttheyarenottheadornmentthatproperlybelongstotheChurch.Butiftheadversariesmakeworshipconsistinsuchmatters,andnotinthepreachingoftheGospel,infaith,andtheconflictsoffaith,theyaretobenumberedamongthosewhomDanieldescribesasworshipingtheirGodwithgoldandsilver,Dan.11,38.52]TheyquotealsofromtheEpistletotheHebrews,5,1:EveryhighpriesttakenfromamongmenisordainedformeninthingspertainingtoGodthathemayofferbothgiftsandsacrificesforsins.Hencetheyconcludethat,sinceintheNewTestamenttherearehighpriestsand

Page133of154

priests,itfollowsthatthereisalsoasacrificeforsins.Thispassageparticularlymakesanimpressionontheunlearned,especiallywhenthepompofthepriesthood[thegarmentsofAaron,sinceintheOldTestamentthereweremanyornamentsofgold,silver,andpurple]andthesacrificesoftheOldTestamentarespreadbeforetheeyes.Thisresemblancedeceivestheignorant,sothattheyjudgethat,accordingtothesamemanner,aceremonialsacrificeoughttoexistamongus,whichshouldbeappliedonbehalfofthesinsofothers,justasintheOldTestament.NeitheristheserviceofthemassesandtherestofthepolityofthePopeanythingelsethanfalsezealinbehalfofthemisunderstoodLeviticalpolity.(TheyhavenotunderstoodthattheNewTestamentisoccupiedwithothermatters,andthat,ifsuchceremoniesareusedforthetrainingoftheyoung,alimitmustbefixedforthem.]53]AndalthoughourbeliefhasitschieftestimoniesintheEpistletotheHebrews,neverthelesstheadversariesdistortagainstusmutilatedpassagesfromthisEpistle,asinthisverypassage,whereitissaidthateveryhighpriestisordainedtooffersacrificesforsins.ScriptureitselfimmediatelyaddsthatChristisHighPriest,Heb.5,5.6.10.TheprecedingwordsspeakoftheLeviticalpriesthood,andsignifythattheLeviticalpriesthoodwasanimageofthepriesthoodofChrist.FortheLeviticalsacrificesforsinsdidnotmerittheremissionofsinsbeforeGod;theywereonlyanimageofthesacrificeofChrist,whichwastobetheonepropitiatorysacrifice,aswehavesaidabove.54]ThereforetheEpistleisoccupiedtoagreatextentwiththetopicthattheancientpriesthoodandtheancientsacrificeswereinstitutednotforthepurposeofmeritingtheremissionofsinsbeforeGodorreconciliation,butonlytosignifythefuturesacrificeofChristalone.55]ForintheOldTestamentitwasnecessaryforsaintstobejustifiedbyfaithderivedfromthepromiseoftheremissionofsinsthatwastobegrantedforChrist'ssake,justassaintsarealsojustifiedintheNewTestament.FromthebeginningoftheworlditwasnecessaryforallsaintstobelievethatChristwouldbethepromisedofferingandsatisfactionforsins,asIsaiah53,10teaches:WhenThoushaltmakeHissoulanofferingforsin56]Since,therefore,intheOldTestament,sacrificesdidnotmeritreconciliation,unlessbyafigure(fortheymeritedcivilreconciliation),butsignifiedthecomingsacrifice,itfollowsthatChrististheonlysacrificeappliedonbehalfofthesinsofothers.Therefore,intheNewTestamentnosacrificeislefttobeappliedforthesinsofothers,excepttheonesacrificeofChristuponthecross.57]TheyaltogethererrwhoimaginethatLeviticalsacrificesmeritedtheremissionofsinsbeforeGod,and,bythisexampleinadditiontothedeathofChrist,requireintheNewTestamentsacrificesthataretobeappliedonbehalfofothers.ThisimaginationabsolutelydestroysthemeritofChrist'spassionandtherighteousnessoffaith,andcorruptsthedoctrineoftheOldandNewTestaments,andinsteadofChristmakesforusothermediatorsandpropitiatorsoutofthepriestsandsacrificers,whodailyselltheirworkinthechurches.58]Therefore,ifanyonewouldthusinferthatintheNewTestamentapriestisneededtomakeofferingforsins,thismustbeconcededonlyofChrist.AndtheentireEpistletotheHebrewsconfirmsthisexplanation.Andif,inadditiontothedeathofChrist,weweretoseekforanyothersatisfactiontobeappliedforthesinsofothersandtoreconcileGod,thiswouldbenothingmorethantomakeothermediatorsinadditiontoChrist.59]Again,asthepriesthoodoftheNewTestamentistheministryoftheSpirit,asPaulteaches2Cor.3,6,it,accordingly,hasbuttheonesacrificeofChrist,whichissatisfactoryandappliedforthesinsofothers.Besides,ithasnosacrificesliketheLevitical,whichcouldbeappliedexopereoperatoonbehalfofothers;butittenderstootherstheGospelandtheSacraments,thatbymeansofthesetheymayconceivefaithandtheHolyGhost,andbemortifiedandquickened,becausetheministry

Page134of154

oftheSpiritconflictswiththeapplicationofanopusoperatum.[For,unlessthereispersonalfaithandalifewroughtbytheHolySpirit,theopusoperatumofanothercannotrendermegodlynorsaveme.]FortheministryoftheSpiritisthatthroughwhichtheHolyGhostisefficaciousinhearts;andthereforethisministryisprofitabletoothers,whenitisefficaciousinthem,andregeneratesandquickensthem.Thisdoesnotoccurbytheapplicationexopereoperatooftheworkofanotheronbehalfofothers.60]WehaveshownthereasonwhytheMassdoesnotjustifyexopereoperato,andwhy,whenappliedonbehalfofothers,itdoesnotmeritremission,becausebothconflictwiththerighteousnessoffaith.Foritisimpossiblethatremissionofsinsshouldoccur,andtheterrorsofdeathandsinbeovercomebyanyworkoranything,exceptbyfaithinChrist,accordingtoRom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeace61]Inaddition,wehaveshownthattheScriptures,whicharecitedagainstus,innowayfavorthegodlessopinionoftheadversariesconcerningtheopusoperatum.Allgoodmenamongallnationscanjudgethis.62]ThereforetheerrorofThomasistoberejected,whowrote:ThatthebodyoftheLord,onceofferedonthecrossfororiginaldebt,iscontinuallyofferedfordailyoffensesonthealtar,inorderthat,inthis,theChurchmighthave63]aservicewherebytoreconcileGodtoherself.Theothercommonerrorsarealsotoberejected,as,thattheMassexopereoperatoconfersgraceupononeemployingit;likewise,thatwhenappliedforothers,evenforwickedpersons,providedtheydonotinterposeanobstacle,itmeritsforthemtheremissionofsins,ofguiltandpunishment.Allthesethingsarefalseandgodless,andlatelyinventedbyunlearnedmonks,andobscurethegloryofChrist'spassionandtherighteousnessoffaith.64]Andfromtheseerrorsinfiniteotherssprang,as,thatthemassesavailwhenappliedformany,justasmuchaswhenappliedindividually.Thesophistshaveparticulardegreesofmerit,justasmoney‐changershavegradesofweightforgoldorsilver.Besides,theyselltheMass,asapriceforobtainingwhateachoneseeks:tomerchants,thatbusinessmaybeprosperous;tohunters,thathuntingmaybesuccessful;andinfiniteotherthings.Lastly,theyapplyitalsotothedead;bytheapplicationoftheSacramenttheyliberatesoulsfromthepainsofpurgatory;althoughwithoutfaiththeMassisofservicenoteventotheliving.65]NeitheraretheadversariesabletoproduceevenonesyllablefromtheScripturesindefenseofthesefableswhichtheyteachwithgreatauthorityintheChurch;neitherdotheyhavethetestimoniesoftheancientChurchnoroftheFathers.[ThereforetheyareimpiousandblindpeoplewhoknowinglydespiseandtrampleunderfoottheplaintruthofGod.]WhattheFathersThoughtconcerningSacrifice.

66]AndsincewehaveexplainedthepassagesofScripturewhicharecitedagainstus,wemustreplyalsoconcerningtheFathers.WearenotignorantthattheMassiscalledbytheFathersasacrifice;buttheydonotmeanthattheMassconfersgraceexopereoperato,andthat,whenappliedonbehalfofothers,itmeritsforthemtheremissionofsins,ofguiltandpunishment.WherearesuchmonstrousstoriestobefoundintheFathers?Buttheyopenlytestifythattheyarespeakingofthanksgiving.Accordinglytheycallitaeucharist.67]Wehavesaidabove,however,thataeucharisticsacrificedoesnotmeritreconciliation,butismadebythosewhohavebeenreconciled,justasafflictionsdonotmeritreconciliation,butareeucharisticsacrificeswhenthosewhohavebeenreconciledendurethem.Andthisreply,ingeneral,tothesayingsoftheFathersdefendsussufficientlyagainsttheadversaries.Foritiscertainthatthesefigmentsconcerningthemeritoftheopusoperatumare

Page135of154

foundnowhereintheFathers.Butinorderthatthewholecasemaybethebetterunderstood,wealsoshallstatethosethingsconcerningtheuseoftheSacramentwhichactuallyharmonizewiththeFathersandScripture.OftheUseoftheSacrament,andofSacrifice.

68]SomeclevermenimaginethattheLord'sSupperwasinstitutedfortworeasons.First,thatitmightbeamarkandtestimonyofprofession,justasaparticularshapeofhoodisthesignofaparticularprofession.ThentheythinkthatsuchamarkwasespeciallypleasingtoChrist,namely,afeasttosignifymutualunionandfriendshipamongChristians,becausebanquetsaresignsofcovenantandfriendship.Butthisisasecularview;neitherdoesitshowthechiefuseofthethingsdeliveredbyGod;itspeaksonlyoftheexerciseoflove,whichmen,howeverprofaneandworldly,understand;itdoesnotspeakoffaith,thenatureofwhichfewunderstand.69]TheSacramentsaresignsofGod'swilltowardus,andnotmerelysignsofmenamongeachother;andtheyarerightindefiningthatSacramentsintheNewTestamentaresignsofgrace.Andbecauseinasacramenttherearetwothings,asignandtheWord,theWord,intheNewTestament,isthepromiseofgraceadded.ThepromiseoftheNewTestamentisthepromiseoftheremissionofsins,asthetext,Luke22,19,says:ThisisMybody,whichisgivenforyou.ThiscupistheNewTestamentinMyblood,whichisshedformanyfortheremissionofsins.70]ThereforetheWordofferstheremissionofsins.Andaceremonyis,asitwere,apictureorseal,asPaul,Rom.4,11,callsit,oftheWord,makingknownthepromise.Therefore,justasthepromiseisuselessunlessitisreceivedbyfaith,soaceremonyisuselessunlesssuchfaithisaddedasistrulyconfidentthattheremissionofsinsishereoffered.Andthisfaithencouragescontriteminds.AndjustastheWordhasbeengiveninordertoexcitethisfaith,sotheSacramenthasbeeninstitutedinorderthattheoutwardappearancemeetingtheeyesmightmovethehearttobelieve[andstrengthenfaith].Forthroughthese,namely,throughWordandSacrament,theHolyGhostworks.71]AndsuchuseoftheSacrament,inwhichfaithquickensterrifiedhearts,isaserviceoftheNewTestament,becausetheNewTestamentrequiresspiritualdispositions,mortificationandquickening.[ForaccordingtotheNewTestamentthehighestserviceofGodisrenderedinwardlyintheheart.]AndforthisuseChristinstitutedit,sinceHecommandedthemthustodoinremembranceofHim.72]FortorememberChristisnottheidlecelebrationofashow[notsomethingthatisaccomplishedonlybysomegesturesandactions],oroneinstitutedforthesakeofexample,asthememoryofHerculesorUlyssesiscelebratedintragedies,butitistorememberthebenefitsofChristandreceivethembyfaith,soastobequickenedbythem.Psalm111,4.5accordinglysays:HehathmadeHiswonderfulworkstoberemembered:theLordisgraciousandfullofcompassion.HehathgivenmeatuntothemthatfearHim.ForitsignifiesthatthewillandmercyofGodshouldbediscernedinthe73]ceremony.Butthatfaithwhichapprehendsmercyquickens.AndthisistheprincipaluseoftheSacrament,inwhichitisapparentwhoarefitfortheSacrament,namely,terrifiedconsciences,andhowtheyoughttouseit.74]Thesacrifice[thankofferingorthanksgiving]alsoisadded.Forthereareseveralendsforoneobject.Afterconscienceencouragedbyfaithhasperceivedfromwhatterrorsitisfreed,thenindeeditferventlygivesthanksforthebenefitandpassionofChrist,andusestheceremonyitselftothepraiseofGod,inorderbythisobediencetoshowitsgratitude;andtestifiesthatitholdsinhighesteemthegiftsofGod.Thustheceremonybecomesasacrificeofpraise.

Page136of154

75]AndtheFathers,indeed,speakofatwo‐foldeffect,ofthecomfortofconsciences,andofthanksgiving,orpraise.Theformeroftheseeffectspertainstothenature[therightuse]oftheSacrament;thelatterpertainstothesacrifice.OfconsolationAmbrosesays:GotoHimandbeabsolved,becauseHeistheremissionofsins.DoyouaskwhoHeis?HearHimwhenHesays,John6,35:IamtheBreadoflife;hethatcomethtoMeshallneverhunger;andhethatbelievethonHeshallneverthirst.ThispassagetestifiesthatintheSacramenttheremissionofsinsisoffered;italsotestifiesthatthisoughttobereceivedbyfaith.InfinitetestimoniestothiseffectarefoundintheFathers,allofwhichtheadversariesperverttotheopusoperatum,andtoaworktobeappliedonbehalfofothers;althoughtheFathersclearlyrequirefaith,andspeakoftheconsolationbelongingtoeveryone,andnotoftheapplication.76]Besidesthese,expressionsarealsofoundconcerningthanksgiving,suchasthatmostbeautifullysaidbyCyprianconcerningthosecommuninginagodlyway.Piety,sayshe,inthankingtheBestowerofsuchabundantblessing,makesadistinctionbetweenwhathasbeengivenandwhathasbeenforgiven,i.e.,pietyregardsbothwhathasbeengivenandwhathasbeenforgiven,i.e.,itcomparesthegreatnessofGod'sblessingsandthegreatnessofourevils,sinanddeath,witheachother,andgivesthanks,etc.AndhencethetermeucharistaroseintheChurch.77]Norindeedistheceremonyitself,thegivingofthanksexopereoperato,tobeappliedonbehalfofothers,inordertomeritforthemtheremissionofsins,etc.,inordertoliberatethesoulsofthedead.Thesethingsconflictwiththerighteousnessoffaith;asthough,withoutfaith,aceremonycanprofiteithertheoneperformingitorothers.OftheTermMass.

78]Theadversariesalsoreferustophilology.FromthenamesoftheMasstheyderiveargumentswhichdonotrequirealongdiscussion.ForeventhoughtheMassbecalledasacrifice,itdoesnotfollowthatitmustconfergraceexopereoperato,or,whenappliedonbehalfofothers,meritforthemtheremissionofsins,etc.79]Leitourgiva,theysay,signifiesasacrifice,andtheGreekscalltheMass,liturgy.Whydotheyhereomittheoldappellationsynaxis,whichshowsthattheMasswasformerlythecommunionofmany?Butletusspeakofthewordliturgy.Thisworddoesnotproperlysignifya,sacrifice,butratherthepublicministry,andagreesaptlywithourbelief,namely,thatoneministerwhoconsecratestendersthebodyandbloodoftheLordtotherestofthepeople,justasoneministerwhopreachestenderstheGospeltothepeople,asPaulsays,1Cor.4,1:LetamansoaccountofusasoftheministersofChristandstewardsofthemysteriesofGod,i.e.,oftheGospelandtheSacraments.And2Cor.5,20:WeareambassadorsforChrist,as81]thoughGoddidbeseechyoubyus;weprayyouinChrist'sstead,BeyereconciledtoGod.Thusthetermleitourgivaagreesaptlywiththeministry.Foritisanoldword,ordinarilyemployedinpublicciviladministrations,andsignifiedtotheGreekspublicburdens,astribute,theexpenseofequippingafleet,orsimilarthings,astheorationofDemosthenes,ForLeptines,testifies,allofwhichisoccupiedwiththediscussionofpublicdutiesandimmunities:Fhvseide;ajnaxivou"tinaV"ajnqrwvpou"euJromevnou"ajtevleianejkdedukevnaita;"leitourgiva",i.e.:Hewillsaythatsomeunworthymen,havingfoundanimmunity,havewithdrawnfrompublicburdens.AndthustheyspokeinthetimeoftheRomans,astherescriptofPertinax,DeIureImmunitatis,l.Semper,shows:Eijkai;mh;pasw'nleitourgiw'ntou;:patevra"oJtw'ntevknwnajriqmo;"ajnei'tai,Eventhoughthenumberofchildrendoesnotliberateparentsfromallpublicburdens.AndtheCommentaryuponDemosthenesstatesthatleitourgivaisakindoftribute,theexpenseofthegames,theexpenseofequippingvessels,ofattendingtothegymnasiaandsimilarpublicoffices.82]AndPaulin2Cor.9,12employsitforacollection.Thetakingofthecollectionnotonlysuppliesthosethingswhicharewantingtothesaints,butalsocausesthemtogivemorethanksabundantlytoGod,

Page137of154

etc.AndinPhil.2,25hecallsEpaphroditusaleitourgov",onewhoministeredtomywants,83]whereassuredlyasacrificercannotbeunderstood.Butthereisnoneedofmoretestimonies,sinceexamplesareeverywhereobvioustothosereadingtheGreekwriters,inwhomleitourgivaisemployedforpubliccivilburdensorministries.Andonaccountofthediphthong,grammariansdonotderiveitfromlithv,whichsignifiesprayers,butfrompublicgoods,whichtheycalllei'ta,sothatleitourgevwmeans,Iattendto,Iadministerpublicgoods.84]Ridiculousistheirinferencethat,sincementionismadeintheHolyScripturesofanaltar,thereforetheMassmustbeasacrifice;forthefigureofanaltarisreferredtobyPaulonlybywayofcomparison.85]AndtheyfabricatethattheMasshasbeensocalledanaltar[midzbeah].Whatneedisthereofanetymologysofarfetched,unlessitbetoshowtheirknowledgeoftheHebrewlanguage?Whatneedistheretoseektheetymologyfromadistance,whenthetermMassisfoundinDeut.16,10,whereitsignifiesthecollectionsorgiftsofthepeople,nottheofferingofthepriest?Forindividualscomingtothecelebration86]ofthePassoverwereobligedtobringsomegiftasacontribution.InthebeginningtheChristiansalsoretainedthiscustom.Comingtogether,theybroughtbread,wine,andotherthings,astheCanonsoftheApostlestestify.Thenceapartwastakentobeconsecrated;therestwasdistributedtothepoor.WiththiscustomtheyalsoretainedMassasthenameofthecontributions.AndonaccountofsuchcontributionsitappearsalsothattheMasswaselsewherecalledajgavph,unlessonewouldpreferthatitwassocalledonaccountofthecommonfeast.87]Butletusomitthesetrifles.Foritisridiculousthattheadversariesshouldproducesuchtriflingconjecturesconcerningamatterofsuchgreatimportance.ForalthoughtheMassiscalledanoffering,inwhatdoesthetermfavorthedreamsconcerningtheopusoperatum,andtheapplicationwhich,theyimagine,meritsforotherstheremissionofsins?Anditcanbecalledanofferingforthereasonthatprayers,thanksgivings,andtheentireworshiparethereoffered,asitisalsocalledaeucharist.Butneitherceremoniesnorprayersprofitexopereoperato,withoutfaith.Althoughwearedisputingherenotconcerningprayers,butparticularlyconcerningtheLord'sSupper.[Hereyoucanseewhatrudeassesouradversariesare.Theysaythatthetermmissaisderivedfromthetermmisbeach,whichsignifiesanaltar;hencewearetoconcludethattheMassisasacrifice;forsacrificesareofferedonanaltar.Again,thewordliturgia,bywhichtheGreekscalltheMass,isalsotodenoteasacrifice.Thisclaimweshallbrieflyanswer.Alltheworldseesthatfromsuchreasonsthisheathenishandantichristianerrordoesnotfollownecessarily,thattheMassbenefitsexopereoperatosinebonomotuutentis.Thereforetheyareasses,becauseinsuchahighlyimportantmattertheybringforwardsuchsillythings.Nordotheassesknowanygrammar.Formissaandliturgiadonotmeansacrifice.Missa,inHebrew,denotesajointcontribution.ForthismayhavebeenacustomamongChristians,thattheybroughtmeatanddrinkforthebenefitofthepoortotheirassemblies.ThiscustomwasderivedfromtheJews,whohadtobringsuchcontributionsontheirfestivals;thesetheycalledmissa.Likewise,liturgia,inGreek,reallydenotesanofficeinwhichapersonministerstothecongregation.Thisiswellappliedtoourteaching,becausewithusthepriest,asacommonservantofthosewhowishtocommune,ministerstothemtheholySacrament.SomethinkthatmissaisnotderivedfromtheHebrew,butsignifiesasmuchasremissio,theforgivenessofsin.For,thecommunionbeingended,theannouncementusedtobemade:Ite,missaest:Depart,youhaveforgivenessofsins.Theycite,asproofthatthisisso,thefactthattheGreeksusedtosay:LaisAphesis(laoi'"a[fesi"),whichalsomeansthattheyhadbeenpardoned.Ifthiswereso,itwouldbeanexcellentmeaning;forinconnectionwiththisceremonyforgivenessofsinsmustalwaysbepreachedandproclaimed.Butthecasebeforeusislittleaided,nomatterwhatthemeaningofthewordmissais.]

Page138of154

88]TheGreekcanonsaysalsomanythingsconcerningtheoffering,butitshowsplainlythatitisnotspeakingproperlyofthebodyandbloodoftheLord,butofthewholeservice,ofprayersandthanksgivings.Foritsaysthus:Kai;poivhsonhJma;"ajxivou"genevsqaitou'prosfevreinsoidehvsei"kai;iJkesiva"kai;qusiva"ajnaimavktou"uJpe;rpanto;"laou'.Whenthisisrightlyunderstood,itgivesnooffense.Foritpraysthatwebemadeworthytoofferprayersandsupplicationsandbloodlesssacrificesforthepeople.Forhecallsevenprayersbloodlesssacrifices.Justasalsoalittleafterward:[Etiprosfevromevnsoith;nlogikh;ntauvthnkai;ajnaivmaktonlatreivan,Weoffer,hesays,thisreasonableandbloodlessservice.Fortheyexplainthisinaptlywhowouldratherinterpretthisofareasonablesacrifice,andtransferittotheverybodyofChrist,althoughthecanonspeaksoftheentireworship,andinoppositiontotheopusoperatumPaulhasspokenoflogikh;latreiva[reasonableservice],namely,oftheworshipofthemind,offear,offaith,ofprayer,ofthanksgiving,etc.OftheMassfortheDead.

89]OuradversarieshavenotestimoniesandnocommandfromScripturefordefendingtheapplicationoftheceremonyforliberatingthesoulsofthedead,althoughfromthistheyderiveinfiniterevenue.Nor,indeed,isitalightsintoestablishsuchservicesintheChurchwithoutthecommandofGodandwithouttheexampleofScripture,andtoapplytothedeadtheLord'sSupper,whichwasinstitutedforcommemorationandpreachingamongtheliving[forthepurposeofstrengtheningthefaithofthosewhousetheceremony].ThisistoviolatetheSecondCommandment,byabusingGod'sname.For,inthefirstplace,itisadishonortotheGospeltoholdthataceremonyexopereoperato,withoutfaith,isasacrificereconcilingGod,andmakingsatisfactionforsins.ItishorriblesayingtoascribeasmuchtotheworkofapriestastothedeathofChrist.Again,sinanddeathcannotbeovercomeunlessbyfaithinChrist,asPaulteaches,Rom.5,1:Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod,andthereforethepunishmentofpurgatorycannotbeovercomebytheapplicationoftheworkofanother.90]Nowweshallomitthesortoftestimoniesconcerningpurgatorythattheadversarieshave:whatkindsofpunishmentstheythinkthereareinpurgatory;whatgroundsthedoctrineofsatisfactionshas,whichwehaveshownabovetobemostvain.Weshallonlypresentthisinopposition:ItiscertainthattheLord'sSupperwasinstitutedonaccountoftheremissionofguilt.Foritofferstheremissionofsins,whereitisnecessarythatguiltbetrulyunderstood.(Forwhatconsolationwouldwehaveifforgivenessofsinwerehereofferedus,andyettherewouldbenoremissionofguilt?]Andneverthelessitdoesnotmakesatisfactionforguilt;otherwisetheMasswouldbeequaltothedeathofChrist.Neithercantheremissionofguiltbereceivedinanyotherwaythanbyfaith.ThereforetheMassisnotasatisfaction,butapromiseandSacramentthatrequirefaith.91]And,indeed,itisnecessarythatallgodlypersonsbeseizedwiththemostbittergrief[shedtearsofblood,fromanguishandsorrow]iftheyconsiderthattheMasshasbeeningreatparttransferredtothedeadandtosatisfactionsforpunishments.ThisistobanishthedailysacrificefromtheChurch;thisisthekingdomofAntiochus,whotransferredthemostsalutarypromisesconcerningtheremissionofguiltandconcerningfaithtothemostvainopinionsconcerningsatisfactions;thisistodefiletheGospel,tocorrupttheuseoftheSacraments.Thesearethepersons[therealblasphemers]whomPaulhassaid,1Cor.11,27,tobeguiltyofthebodyand

Page139of154

bloodoftheLord,whohavesuppressedthedoctrineconcerningfaithandtheremissionofsins,and,underthepretextofsatisfactions,havedevotedthebodyandbloodoftheLordtosacrilegiousgain.Andtheywillatsometimepaythepenaltyforthissacrilege.[GodwillonedayvindicatetheSecondCommandment,andpouroutagreat,horriblewrathuponthem.]Thereforeweandallgodlyconsciencesshouldbeonourguardagainstapprovingtheabusesoftheadversaries.92]Butletusreturntothecase.SincetheMassisnotasatisfaction,eitherforpunishmentorforguilt,exopereoperato,withoutfaith,itfollowsthattheapplicationonbehalfofthedeadisuseless.Noristhereneedhereofalongerdiscussion.ForitisevidentthattheseapplicationsonbehalfofthedeadhavenotestimoniesfromtheScriptures.Neitherisitsafe,withouttheauthorityofScripture,toinstituteformsofworshipintheChurch.Andifitwillatanytimebenecessary,weshallspeakatgreaterlengthconcerningthisentiresubject.Forwhyshouldwenowcontendwithadversarieswhounderstandneitherwhatasacrifice,norwhatasacrament,norwhatremissionofsins,norwhatfaithis?93]NeitherdoestheGreekcanonapplytheofferingasasatisfactionforthedead,becauseitappliesitequallyforalltheblessedpatriarchs,prophets,apostles.ItappearsthereforethattheGreeksmakeanofferingasthanksgiving,anddonotapplyitassatisfactionforpunishments.[For,ofcourse,itisnottheirintentiontodelivertheprophetsandapostlesfrompurgatory,butonlytoofferupthanksalongandtogetherwiththemfortheexaltedeternalblessingsthathavebeengiventothemandus.]Althoughtheyspeak,moreover,notoftheofferingaloneofthebodyandbloodoftheLord,butoftheotherpartsoftheMass,namely,prayersandthanksgiving.Foraftertheconsecrationtheypraythatitmayprofitthosewhopartakeofit;theydonotspeakofothers.Thentheyadd:[Etiprosfevromevnsoith;nlogikh;ntauvthnlatreivanuJpertw'nejnpivsteiajnapausamevnwnpropatovrwn,patevrwn,patriarcw'n,profhtw'n,ajpostovlwn,etc.["Yetweoffertoyouthisreasonableserviceforthosehavingdepartedinfaith,forefathers,fathers,patriarchs,prophets,apostles,"etc.]Reasonableservice,however,doesnotsignifytheofferingitself,butprayersandallthingswhicharetheretransacted.94]Now,asregardstheadversaries'citingtheFathersconcerningtheofferingforthedead,weknowthattheancientsspeakofprayerforthedead,whichwedonotprohibit;butwedisapproveoftheapplicationexopereoperatooftheLord'sSupperonbehalfofthedead.Neitherdotheancientsfavortheadversariesconcerningtheopusoperatum.AndeventhoughtheyhavethetestimoniesespeciallyofGregoryorthemoderns,95]weopposetothemthemostclearandcertainScriptures.AndthereisagreatdiversityamongtheFathers.Theyweremen,andcoulderrandbedeceived.Althoughiftheywouldnowbecomealiveagain,andwouldseetheirsayingsassignedaspretextsforthenotoriousfalsehoodswhichtheadversariesteachconcerningtheopusoperatum,theywouldinterpretthemselvesfardifferently.96]TheadversariesalsofalselyciteagainstusthecondemnationofAerius,who,theysay,wascondemnedforthereasonthathedeniedthatintheMassanofferingismadeforthelivingandthedead.Theyfrequentlyusethisdexterousturn,citetheancientheresies,andfalselycompareourcausewiththeseinorderbythiscomparisontocrushus.[Theassesarenotashamedofanylies.NordotheyknowwhoAeriuswasandwhathetaught.]EpiphaniustestifiesthatAeriusheldthatprayersforthedeadareuseless.Withthishefindsfault.NeitherdowefavorAerius,butweonourpartarecontendingwithyouwhoaredefendingaheresymanifestlyconflictingwiththeprophets,apostles,andholyFathers,namely,thattheMassjustifiesexopereoperato,thatitmeritstheremissionofguiltandpunishmentevenfortheunjust,towhomitisapplied,iftheydonotpresentanobstacle.Oftheseperniciouserrors,whichdetractfromthegloryofChrist'spassion,andentirelyoverthrowthedoctrineconcerning

Page140of154

therighteousnessoffaith,wedisapprove.97]TherewasasimilarpersuasionofthegodlessintheLaw,namely,thattheymeritedtheremissionofsins,notfreelybyfaith,butthroughsacrificesexopereoperato.Thereforetheyincreasedtheseservicesandsacrifices,institutedtheworshipofBaalinIsrael,andevensacrificedinthegrovesinJudah.Thereforetheprophetscondemnthisopinion,andwagewarnotonlywiththeworshipersofBaal,butalsowithotherpriestswho,withthisgodlessopinion,madesacrificesordainedbyGod.Butthisopinioninheresintheworld,andalwayswillinhere,namely,thatservicesandsacrificesarepropitiations.CarnalmencannotendurethatalonetothesacrificeofChristthehonorisascribedthatitisapropitiation,becausetheydonotunderstandtherighteousnessoffaith,butascribeequalhonortotherestoftheservicesandsacrifices.98]Justas,therefore,inJudahamongthegodlesspriestsafalseopinionconcerningsacrificesinhered;justasinIsrael,Baaliticservicescontinued,and,nevertheless,aChurchofGodwastherewhichdisapprovedofgodlessservices,soBaaliticworshipinheresinthedomainofthePope,namely,theabuseoftheMass,whichtheyapply,thatbyittheymaymeritfortheunrighteoustheremissionofguiltandpunishment.[Andyet,asGodstillkeptHisChurch,i.e.,somesaints,inIsraelandJudah,soGodstillpreservedHisChurch,i.e.,somesaints,underthePapacy,sothattheChristianChurchhasnotentirelyperished.]AnditseemsthatthisBaaliticworshipwillendureaslongasthereignofthePope,untilChristwillcometojudge,andbythegloryofHisadventdestroythereignofAntichrist.MeanwhileallwhotrulybelievetheGospel[thattheymaytrulyhonorGodandhaveaconstantcomfortagainstsins;forGodhasgraciouslycausedHisGospeltoshine,thatwemightbewarnedandsaved]oughttocondemnthesewickedservices,devised,contrarytoGod'scommand,inordertoobscurethegloryofChristandtherighteousnessoffaith.99]WehavebrieflysaidthesethingsoftheMassinorderthatallgoodmeninallpartsoftheworldmaybeabletounderstandthatwiththegreatestzealwemaintainthedignityoftheMassandshowitstrueuse,andthatwehavethemostjustreasonsfordissentingfromtheadversaries.AndwewouldhaveallgoodmenadmonishednottoaidtheadversariesintheprofanationoftheMass,lesttheyburdenthemselveswithothermen'ssin.Itisagreatcauseandagreatsubject,notinferiortothetransactionoftheprophetElijah,whocondemnedtheworshipofBaal.Wehavepresentedacaseofsuchimportancewiththegreatestmoderation,andnowreplywithoutcastinganyreproach.ButiftheadversarieswillcompelustocollectallkindsofabusesoftheMass,thecasewillnotbetreatedwithsuchforbearance.Backtotop

ArticleXXVII:(XIII):OfMonasticVows.1]InthetownofEisenach,inThuringia,therewas,toourknowledge,amonk,JohnHilten,who,thirtyyearsago,wascastbyhisfraternityintoprisonbecausehehadprotestedagainstcertainmostnotoriousabuses.Forwehaveseenhiswritings,fromwhichitcanbewellunderstoodwhatthenatureofhisdoctrinewas[thathewasaChristian,andpreachedaccordingtotheScriptures].Andthosewhoknewhimtestifythathewasamildoldman,andseriousindeed,2]butwithoutmoroseness.Hepredictedmanythings,someofwhichhavethusfartranspired,andothersstillseemtoimpend,whichwedonotwishtorecite,lestitmaybeinferredthattheyarenarratedeitherfromhatredtowardoneorfrompartialitytoanother.Butfinally,when,eitheronaccountofhisageorthefoulnessoftheprison,hefellintodisease,hesentfortheguardianinordertotellhimofhissickness;andwhentheguardian,inflamedwithpharisaichatred,hadbeguntoreprovethemanharshlyonaccountofhiskindofdoctrine,

Page141of154

whichseemedtobeinjurioustothekitchen,then,omittingallmentionofhissickness,hesaidwithasighthathewasbearingtheseinjuriespatientlyforChrist'ssake,sincehehadindeedneitherwrittennortaughtanythingwhichcouldoverthrowthepositionofthemonks,buthadonlyprotestedagainstsomewell‐knownabuses.3]Butanotherone,hesaid,willcomeinA.D.1516,whowilldestroyYou,neitherwillyoubeabletoresisthim.Thisveryopinionconcerningthedownwardcareerofthepowerofthemonks,andthisnumberofyears,hisfriendsafterwardsfoundalsowrittenbyhiminhiscommentaries,whichhehadleft,concerningcertainpassagesofDaniel.4]Butalthoughtheoutcomewillteachhowmuchweightshouldbegiventothisdeclaration,yetthereareothersignswhichthreatenachangeinthepowerofthemonks,thatarenolesscertainthanoracles.Foritisevidenthowmuchhypocrisy,ambition,avaricethereisinthemonasteries,howmuchignoranceandcrueltyamongalltheunlearned,whatvanityintheirsermonsandindevisingcontinuallynewmeansofgainingmoney.[Themorestupidassesthemonksare,themorestubborn,furious,bitter,themorevenomousaspstheyareinpersecutingthetruthandtheWordofGod.]5]Andthereareotherfaults,whichwedonotcaretomention.Whiletheyoncewere[notjailsoreverlastingprisons,but]schoolsforChristianinstruction,nowtheyhavedegenerated,asthoughfromagoldentoanironage,orasthePlatoniccubedegeneratesintobadharmonies,which,Platosays,bringsdestruction.[Nowthispreciousgoldisturnedtodross,andthewinetowater.]Allthemostwealthymonasteriessupportonlyanidlecrowd,whichgluttonizesupon6]thepublicalmsoftheChurch.Christ,however,teachesconcerningthesaltthathaslostitssavorthatitshouldbecastoutandbetroddenunderfoot,Matt.5,13.Therefore7]themonksbysuchmoralsaresingingtheirownfate[requiem,anditwillsoonbeoverwiththem].Andnowanothersignisadded,becausetheyare,inmanyplaces,theinstigatorsofthedeathofgoodmen.[ThisbloodofAbelcriesagainstthemand]ThesemurdersGodundoubtedlywillshortlyavenge.8]Norindeeddowefindfaultwithall;forweareoftheopinionthattherearehereandtheresomegoodmeninthemonasterieswhojudgemoderatelyconcerninghumanandfactitiousservices,assomewriterscallthem,andwhodonotapproveofthecrueltywhichthehypocritesamongthemexercise.9]ButwearenowdiscussingthekindofdoctrinewhichthecomposersoftheConfutationarenowdefending,andnotthequestionwhethervowsshouldbeobserved.Forweholdthatlawfulvowsoughttobeobserved;butwhethertheseservicesmerittheremissionofsinsandjustification;whethertheyaresatisfactionsforsins;whethertheyareequaltoBaptism;whethertheyaretheobservanceofpreceptsandcounsels;whethertheyareevangelicalperfection;whethertheyhavethemeritsofsupererogation;whetherthesemerits,whenappliedonbehalfofothers,savethem;whethervowsmadewiththeseopinionsarelawful;whethervowsarelawfulthatareundertakenunderthepretextofreligion,merelyforthesakeofthebellyandidleness;whetherthosearetrulyvowsthathavebeenextortedeitherfromtheunwilling,orfromthosewhoonaccountofagewerenotabletojudgeconcerningthekindoflife,whomparentsorfriendsthrustintothemonasteriesthattheymightbesupportedatthepublicexpense,withoutthelossofprivatepatrimony;whethervowsarelawfulthatopenlytendtoanevilissue,eitherbecauseonaccountofweaknesstheyarenotobserved,orbecausethosewhoareinthesefraternitiesarecompelled10]toapproveandaidtheabusesoftheMass,thegodlessworshipofsaints,andthecounselstorageagainstgoodmen:concerningthesequestionswearetreating.AndalthoughwehavesaidverymanythingsintheConfessionconcerningsuchvowsaseventhecanonsofthePopescondemn,neverthelesstheadversariescommandthatallthingswhichwehaveproducedberejected.Fortheyhaveusedthesewords.Anditisworthwhiletohearhowtheypervertourreasons,andwhattheyadducetofortifytheirowncause.Accordingly,wewillbrieflyrunoverafewofourarguments,and,inpassing,explainawaythesophistryoftheadversariesinreferencetothem.Since,however,thisentire

Page142of154

causehasbeencarefullyandfullytreatedbyLutherinthebooktowhichhegavethetitleDeVotisMonasticis,wewishheretoconsiderthatbookasreiterated.11]First,itisverycertainthatavowisnotlawfulbywhichhewhovowsthinksthathemeritstheremissionofsinsbeforeGod,ormakessatisfactionbeforeGodforsins.ForthisopinionisamanifestinsulttotheGospel,whichteachesthattheremissionofsinsisfreelygrantedusforChrist'ssake,ashasbeensaidaboveatsomelength.ThereforewehavecorrectlyquotedthedeclarationofPaultotheGalatians,Gal.5,4:Christisbecomeofnoeffectuntoyou,whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbytheLaw;yearefallenfromgrace.Thosewhoseektheremissionofsins,notbyfaithinChrist,butbymonasticworks,detractfromthehonorofChrist,andcrucifyChristafresh.Buthear,hearhowthecomposersoftheConfutationescapeinthisplace!12]TheyexplainthispassageofPaulonlyconcerningtheLawofMoses,andtheyaddthatobserveallthingsforChrist'ssake,andendeavortolivethenearertheGospelinordertomeriteternallife.Andtheyaddahorribleperorationinthesewords:Whereforethosethingsarewickedthatarehere13]allegedagainstmonasticism.OChrist,howlongwiltThoubearthesereproacheswithwhichourenemiestreatThyGospel?WehavesaidintheConfessionthattheremissionofsinsisreceivedfreelyforChrist'ssake,throughfaith.IfthisisnottheveryvoiceoftheGospel,ifitisnotthejudgmentoftheeternalFather,whichThouwhoartinthebosomoftheFatherhastrevealedtotheworld,wearejustlyblamed.ButThydeathisawitness,Thyresurrectionisawitness,theHolyGhostisawitness,ThyentireChurchisawitness,thatitistrulythejudgmentoftheGospelthatweobtainremissionofsins,notonaccountofourmerits,butonaccountofThee,throughfaith.14]WhenPauldeniesthatbytheLawofMosesmenmerittheremissionofsins,hewithdrawsthispraisemuchmorefromhumantraditions;andthisheclearlytestifiesCol.2,16.IftheLawofMoses,whichwasdivinelyrevealed,didnotmerittheremissionofsins,howmuchlessdothesesillyobservances[monasticism,rosaries,etc.],aversetothecivilcustomoflife,merittheremissionofsins!15]TheadversariesfeignthatPaulabolishestheLawofMoses,andthatChristsucceedsinsuchawaythatHedoesnotfreelygranttheremissionofsins,butonaccountoftheworksofotherlaws,ifany16]arenowdevised.BythisgodlessandfanaticalimaginationtheyburythebenefitofChrist.ThentheyfeignthatamongthosewhoobservethisLawofChrist,themonksobserveitmorecloselythanothers,onaccountoftheirhypocriticalpoverty,obedience,andchastity,sinceindeedallthesethingsarefullofsham.Inthegreatestabundanceofallthingstheyboastofpoverty.Althoughnoclassofmenhasgreaterlicensethanthemonks[whohavemasterfullydecreedthattheyareexemptfromobediencetobishopsandprinces],theyboastofobedience.Ofcelibacywedonotliketospeak;howpurethisisinmostofthosewhodesiretobecontinent,Gersonindicates.Andhowmanyofthemdesiretobecontinent[nottomentionthethoughtsoftheirhearts]?17]Ofcourse,inthisshamlifethemonkslivemorecloselyinaccordancewiththeGospel!ChristdoesnotsucceedMosesinsuchawayastoremitsinsonaccountofourworks,butsoastosetHisownmeritsandHisownpropitiationonourbehalfagainstGod'swrath,thatwemaybefreelyforgiven.Now,hewho,apartfromChrist'spropitiation,opposeshisownmeritstoGod'swrath,andonaccountofhisownmeritsendeavorstoobtaintheremissionofsins,whetherhepresenttheworksoftheMosaicLaw,oroftheDecalog,oroftheruleofBenedict,oroftheruleofAugustine,orofotherrules,annulsthepromiseofChrist,hascastawayChrist,andhasfallenfromgrace.ThisistheverdictofPaul.

Page143of154

18]But,behold,mostclementEmperorCharles,behold,yeprinces,behold,allyeranks,how,greatistheimpudenceoftheadversaries!AlthoughwehavecitedthedeclarationofPaultothiseffect,theyhavewritten:Wickedarethosethingsthatareherecitedagainstmonasticism.Butwhat19]ismorecertainthanthatmenobtaintheremissionofsinsbyfaithforChrist'ssake?Andthesewretchesdaretocallthisawickedopinion!Wedonotatalldoubtthatifyouhadbeenadvisedofthispassage,youwouldhavetaken[willtake]carethatsuchblasphemyberemovedfromtheConfutation.Butsinceithasbeenfullyshownabovethattheopinion20]iswicked,thatweobtaintheremissionofsinsonaccountofourworks,weshallbebrieferatthisplace.Fortheprudentreaderwilleasilybeabletoreasonthencethatwedonotmerittheremissionofsinsbymonasticworks.ThereforethisblasphemyalsoisinnowaytobeenduredwhichisreadinThomas,thatthemonasticprofessionisequaltoBaptism.Itismadnesstomakehumantradition,whichhasneitherGod'scommandnorpromise,equaltotheordinanceofChrist,whichhasboththecommandandpromiseofGod,whichcontainsthecovenantofgraceandofeternallife.21]Secondly.Obedience,poverty,andcelibacy,providedthelatterisnotimpure,are,asexercises,adiaphora[inwhichwearenottolookforeithersinorrighteousness].Andforthisreasonthesaintscanusethesewithoutimpiety,justasBernard,Franciscus,andotherholymenusedthem.Andtheyusedthemonaccountofbodilyadvantage,thattheymighthavemoreleisuretoteachandtoperformothergodlyoffices,andnotthattheworksthemselvesare,bythemselves,worksthatjustifyormeriteternallife.Finally,theybelongtotheclassofwhichPaulsays,1Tim.4,8:Bodilyexercise22]profitethlittle.Anditiscrediblethatinsomeplacestherearealsoatpresentgoodmen,engagedintheministryoftheWord,whousetheseobservanceswithoutwickedopinions[withouthypocrisyandwiththeunderstandingthattheydonotregardtheirmonasticismasholiness].23]ButtoholdthattheseobservancesareservicesonaccountofwhichtheyareaccountedjustbeforeGod,andthroughwhichtheymeriteternallife,conflictswiththeGospelconcerningtherighteousnessoffaith,whichteachesthatforChrist'ssakerighteousnessandeternallifearegrantedus.ItconflictsalsowiththesayingofChrist,Matt.15,9:InvaindotheyworshipMe,teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen.Itconflictsalsowiththisstatement,Rom.14,23:Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin.ButhowcantheyaffirmthattheyareserviceswhichGodapprovesasrighteousnessbeforeHimwhentheyhavenotestimonyofGod'sWord?24]Butlookattheimpudenceoftheadversaries!Theynotonlyteachthattheseobservancesarejustifyingservices,buttheyaddthattheseservicesaremoreperfect,i.e.,meritingmoretheremissionofsinsandjustification,thandootherkindsoflife[thattheyarestatesofperfection,i.e.,holierandhigherstatesthantherest,suchasmarriage,rulership].Andheremanyfalseandperniciousopinionsconcur.Theyimaginethatthey[arethemostholypeoplewho]observe[notonly]preceptsand[butalso]counsels[thatis,thesuperiorcounsels,whichScriptureissuesconcerningexaltedgifts,notbywayofcommand,butofadvice].Afterwardstheseliberalmen,sincetheydreamthattheyhavethemeritsofsupererogation,sellthese25]toothers.Allthesethingsarefullofpharisaicvanity.Foritistheheightofimpiety,toholdthattheysatisfytheDecaloginsuchawaythatmeritsremain,whilesuchpreceptsastheseareaccusingallthesaints:ThoushaltlovetheLord,thyGod,withallthineheart,Deut.6,5.Likewise:Thoushaltnotcovet,Rom.7,7.[ForastheFirstCommandmentofGod(ThoushaltlovetheLord,thyGod,withallthyheartandwithallthysoulandwithallthymind)ishigherthanamanuponearthcancomprehend,asitisthehighesttheology,fromwhichalltheprophetsandalltheapostleshavedrawnasfromaspringtheirbestandhighestdoctrines;yea,asitissuchan

Page144of154

exaltedcommandment,accordingtowhichalonealldivineservice,allhonortoGod,everyoffering,allthanksgivinginheavenanduponearth,mustberegulatedandjudged,sothatalldivineservice,highandpreciousandholythoughitappear,ifitbenotinaccordancewiththiscommandment,isnothingbuthusksandshellswithoutakernel,yea,nothingbutfilthandabominationbeforeGod;whichexaltedcommandmentnosaintwhateverhasperfectlyfulfilled,sothatevenNoahandAbraham,David,PeterandPaulacknowledgedthemselvesimperfectandsinners:itisanunheard‐of,pharisaic,yea,anactuallydiabolicalprideforasordidBarefootedmonkoranysimilargodlesshypocritetosay,yea,preachandteach,thathehasobservedandfulfilledtheholyhighcommandmentsoperfectly,andaccordingtothedemandsandwillofGodhasdonesomanygoodworks,thatmeritevensuperaboundstohim.Yea,dearhypocrites,iftheholyTenCommandmentsandtheexaltedFirstCommandmentofGodwerefulfilledaseasilyasthebreadandremnantsareputintothesack!Theyareshamelesshypocriteswithwhomtheworldisplaguedinthislasttime.]Theprophetsays,Ps.116,11:Allmenareliars,i.e.,notthinkingarightconcerningGod,notfearingGodsufficiently,notbelievingHimsufficiently.Thereforethemonksfalselyboastthatintheobservanceofamonasticlifethecommandmentsarefulfilled,andmoreisdonethanwhatiscommanded[thattheirgoodworksandseveralhundred‐weightsofsuperfluous,superabundantholinessremaininstoreforthem].26]Again,thisalsoisfalse,namely,thatmonasticobservancesareworksofthecounselsoftheGospel.FortheGospeldoesnotadviseconcerningdistinctionsofclothingandmeatsandtherenunciationofproperty.Thesearehumantraditions,concerningallofwhichithasbeensaid,1Cor.8,8:MeatcommendethusnottoGod.Thereforetheyareneitherjustifyingservicesnorperfection;yea,whentheyarepresentedcoveredwiththesetitles,theyaremeredoctrinesofdemons27]Virginityisrecommended,buttothosewhohavethegift,ashasbeensaidabove.Itis,however,amostperniciouserrortoholdthatevangelicalperfectionliesinhumantraditions.ForthusthemonksevenoftheMohammedanswouldbeabletoboastthattheyhaveevangelicalperfection.Neitherdoesitheintheobservanceofotherthingswhicharecalledadiaphora,butbecausethekingdomofGodisrighteousnessandlifeinhearts,Rom.14,17,perfectionisgrowthinthefearofGod,andinconfidenceinthemercypromisedinChrist,andindevotiontoone'scalling;justasPaulalsodescribesperfection2Cor.3,18:Wearechangedfromglorytoglory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord.Hedoesnotsay:Wearecontinuallyreceivinganotherhood,orothersandals,orothergirdles.ItisdeplorablethatintheChurchsuchpharisaic,yea,Mohammedanexpressionsshouldbereadandheardas,thattheperfectionoftheGospel,ofthekingdomofChrist,whichiseternallife,shouldbeplacedinthesefoolishobservancesofvestmentsandofsimilartrifles.28]NowhearourAreopagites[excellentteachers]astowhatanunworthydeclarationtheyhaverecordedintheConfutation.Thustheysay:IthasbeenexpresslydeclaredintheHolyScripturesthatthemonasticlifemeritseternallifeifmaintainedbyadueobservance,whichbythegraceofGodanymonkcanmaintain;and,indeed,Christhaspromisedthisasmuchmoreabundanttothosewhohavelefthomeorbrothers,etc.,Matt.19,29.29]Thesearethewordsoftheadversaries,inwhichitisfirstsaidmostimpudentlythatitisexpressedintheHolyScripturesthatamonasticlifemeritseternallife.ForwheredotheHolyScripturesspeakofamonasticlife?Thustheadversariespleadtheircase,thusmenofnoaccountquotetheScriptures.Althoughnooneisignorantthatthemonasticlifehasrecentlybeendevised,neverthelesstheycitetheauthorityofScripture,andsay,too,thatthistheirdecreehasbeenexpresslydeclaredintheScriptures.30]Besides,theydishonorChristwhentheysaythatbymonasticismmenmeriteternallife.

Page145of154

GodhasascribednoteventoHisLawthehonorthatitshouldmeriteternallife,asHeclearlysaysinEzek.20,25:Igavethemalsostatutesthatwerenotgood,31]andjudgmentswherebytheyshouldnotlive.Inthefirstplace,itiscertainthatamonasticlifedoesnotmerittheremissionofsins,butweobtainthisbyfaithfreely,ashasbeensaidabove.32]Secondly,forChrist'ssake,throughmercy,eternallifeisgrantedtothosewhobyfaithreceiveremission,anddonotsettheirownmeritsagainstGod'sjudgment,asBernardalsosayswithverygreatforce:ItisnecessaryfirstofalltobelievethatyoucannothavetheremissionofsinsunlessbyGod'sindulgence.Secondly,thatyoucanhavenogoodworkwhatever,unlessHehasgivenalsothis.Lastly,thatyoucanmeriteternallifebynoworks,unlessthisalsoisgivenfreely.Therestthatfollowstothesameeffectwehaveaboverecited.Moreover,Bernardaddsattheend:Letnoonedeceivehimself,becauseifhewillreflectwell,hewillundoubtedlyfindthatwithtenthousandhecannotmeetHim[namely,God]whocomethagainsthimwithtwentythousand.33]Since,however,wedonotmerittheremissionofsinsoreternallifebytheworksofthedivineLaw,butitisnecessarytoseekthemercypromisedinChrist,muchlessisthishonorofmeritingtheremissionofsinsoreternallifetobeascribedtomonasticobservances,sincetheyaremerehumantraditions.34]Thusthosewhoteachthatthemonasticlifemeritstheremissionofsinsoreternallife,andtransfertheconfidencedueChristtothesefoolishobservances,altogethersuppresstheGospelconcerningthefreeremissionofsinsandthepromisedmercyinChristthatistobeapprehended.InsteadofChristtheyworshiptheirownhoodsandtheirownfilth.Butsinceeventheyneedmercy,theyactwickedlyinfabricatingworksofsupererogation,andsellingthem[theirsuperfluousclaimuponheaven]toothers.35]Wespeakthemorebrieflyconcerningthesesubjects,becausefromthosethingswhichwehavesaidaboveconcerningjustification,concerningrepentance,concerninghumantraditions,itissufficientlyevidentthatmonasticvowsarenotapriceonaccountofwhichtheremissionofsinsandlifeeternalaregranted.AndsinceChristcallstraditionsuselessservices,theyareinnowayevangelicalperfection.36]Buttheadversariescunninglywishtoappearasiftheymodifythecommonopinionconcerningperfection.Theysaythatamonasticlifeisnotperfection,butthatitisastateinwhichtoacquireperfection.Itisprettilyphrased!WerememberthatthiscorrectionisfoundinGerson.Foritisapparentthatprudentmen,offendedbytheseimmoderatepraisesofmonasticlife,sincetheydidnotventuretoremoveentirelyfromitthepraiseofperfection,haveaddedthecorrectionthatitisastateinwhichtoacquireperfection.37]Ifwefollowthis,monasticismwillbenomoreastateofperfectionthanthelifeofafarmerormechanic.Forthesearealso,statesinwhichtoacquireperfection.Forallmen,ineveryvocation,oughttoseekperfection,thatis,togrowinthefearofGod,infaith,inlovetowardsone'sneighbor,andsimilarspiritualvirtues.38]InthehistoriesofthehermitsthereareexamplesofAnthonyandofotherswhichmakethevariousspheresoflifeequal.ItiswrittenthatwhenAnthonyaskedGodtoshowhimwhatprogresshewasmakinginthiskindoflife,acertainshoemakerinthecityofAlexandriawasindicatedtohiminadreamtowhomheshouldbecompared.ThenextdayAnthonycameintothecity,andwenttotheshoemakerinordertoascertainhisexercisesandgifts,and,havingconversedwiththeman,heardnothingexceptthatearlyinthemorningheprayedinafewwordsfortheentirestate,andthenattendedtohistrade.HereAnthonylearnedthatjustificationisnottobeascribedtothekindoflifewhichhehadentered[whatGodhadmeantbytherevelation;forwearejustifiedbeforeGodnotthroughthisorthatlife,butalonethrough

Page146of154

faithinChrist].39]Butalthoughtheadversariesnowmoderatetheirpraisesconcerningperfection,yettheyactuallythinkotherwise.Fortheysellmerits,andapplythemonbehalfofothers,underthepretextthattheyareobservingpreceptsandcounsels;hencetheyactuallyholdthattheyhavesuperfluousmerits.Butwhatisittoarrogatetoone'sselfperfection,ifthisisnot?Again,ithasbeenlaiddownintheConfutationthatthemonksendeavortolivemorenearlyinaccordancewiththeGospel.ThereforeitascribesperfectiontohumantraditionsiftheyarelivingmorenearlyinaccordancewiththeGospelbynothavingproperty,beingunmarried,andobeyingtheruleinclothing,meats,andliketrifles.40]Again,theConfutationsaysthatthemonksmeriteternallifethemoreabundantly,andquotesScripture,Matt.19,29:Everyonethathathforsakenhouses,etc.Accordingly,here,too,itclaimsperfectionalsoforfactitiousreligiousrites.ButthispassageofScriptureinnowayfavorsmonasticlife.ForChristdoesnotmeanthattoforsakeparents,wife,brethren,isaworkthatmustbedonebecauseitmeritstheremissionofsinsandeternallife.Yea,sucha,forsakingiscursed.Forifanyoneforsakesparentsorwifeinorderbythisveryworktomerittheremissionofsinsoreternallife,thisisdonewithdishonortoChrist.41]Thereis,moreover,atwo‐foldforsaking.Oneoccurswithoutacall,withoutGod'scommand;thisChristdoesnotapprove,Matt.15,9.Fortheworkschosenbyusareuselessservices.ButthatChristdoesnotapprovethisflightappearsthemoreclearlyfromthefactthatHespeaksofforsakingwifeandchildren.Weknow,however,thatGod'scommandmentforbidstheforsakingofwifeandchildren.TheforsakingwhichoccursbyGod'scommandisofadifferentkind,namely,whenpowerortyrannycompelsuseithertodepartortodenytheGospel.Herewehavethecommandthatweshouldratherbearinjury,thatweshouldrathersuffernotonlywealth,wife,andchildren,butevenlife,tobetakenfromus.ThisforsakingChristapproves,andaccordinglyHeadds:FortheGospel'ssake,Mark10,29,inordertosignifythatHeisspeakingnotofthosewhodoinjurytowifeandchildren,butwhobearinjuryonaccountoftheconfessionoftheGospel.42]FortheGospel'ssakeweoughteventoforsakeourbody.HereitwouldberidiculoustoholdthatitwouldbeaservicetoGodtokillone'sself,andwithoutGod'scommandtoleavethebody.So,too,itisridiculoustoholdthatitisaservicetoGodwithoutGod'scommandtoforsakepossessions,friends,wife,children.43]ThereforeitisevidentthattheywickedlydistortChrist'swordtoamonasticlife.Unlessperhapsthedeclarationthatthey"receiveahundred‐foldinthislife"beinplacehere.ForverymanybecomemonksnotonaccountoftheGospel,butonaccountofsumptuouslivingandidleness,whofind44]themostamplerichesinsteadofslenderpatrimonies.Butastheentiresubjectofmonasticismisfullofshams,so,byafalsepretext,theyquotetestimoniesofScripture,andasaconsequencetheysindoubly,i.e.,theydeceivemen,andthat,too,underthepretextofthedivinename.45]AnotherpassageisalsocitedconcerningperfectionMatt.19,21:Ifthouwiltbeperfect,goandsellthatthouhast,andgivetothepoor,andcomeandfollowMe.Thispassagehasexercisedmany,whohaveimaginedthatitisperfectiontocastawaypossessionsandthecontrolofproperty.46]LetusallowthephilosopherstoextolAristippus,whocastagreatweightofgoldintothesea.[CynicslikeDiogenes,whowouldhavenohouse,butlayinatub,maycommendsuchheathenishholiness.]SuchexamplespertaininnowaytoChristianperfection.[Christianholinessconsistsinmuchhighermattersthansuchhypocrisy.]Thedivision,control,andpossessionofpropertyarecivilordinances,approvedbyGod'sWordinthecommandment,Ex.20,15:Thoushaltnotsteal.Theabandonmentofpropertyhasno

Page147of154

commandoradviceintheScriptures.Forevangelicalpovertydoesnotconsistintheabandonmentofproperty,butinnotbeingavaricious,innottrustinginwealth,justasDavidwaspoorinamostwealthykingdom.47]Therefore,sincetheabandonmentofpropertyismerelyahumantradition,itisauselessservice.ExcessivealsoarethepraisesintheExtravagant,whichsaysthattheabdicationoftheownershipofallthingsforGod'ssakeismeritoriousandholy,andawayofperfection.Anditisverydangeroustoextolwithsuchexcessivepraisesamatterconflictingwithpoliticalorder.[Wheninexperiencedpeoplehearsuchcommendations,theyconcludethatitisunchristiantoholdproperty;whencemanyerrorsandseditionsfollow;throughsuchcommendationsMuentzerwasdeceived,andtherebymanyAnabaptistswereledastray.]48]But[theysay]Christherespeaksofperfection.Yea,theydoviolencetothetextwhoquoteitmutilated.PerfectionisinthatwhichChristadds:49]FollowMe.Anexampleofobedienceinone'scallingisherepresented.Andascallingsareunlike[oneiscalledtorulership,asecondtobefatherofafamily,athirdtobeapreacher],sothiscallingdoesnotbelongtoall,butpertainsproperlytothatpersonwithwhomChristtherespeaks,justasthecallofDavidtothekingdom,andofAbrahamtoslayhisson,arenottobeimitatedbyus.Callingsarepersonal,justasmattersofbusinessthemselvesvarywithtimesandpersons;buttheexampleofobedienceisgeneral.50]Perfectionwouldhavebelongedtothatyoungmanifhehadbelievedandobeyedthisvocation.Thusperfectionwithusisthateveryonewithtruefaithshouldobeyhisowncalling.[NotthatIshouldundertakeastrangecallingforwhichIhavenotthecommissionorcommandofGod.]51]Thirdly.Inmonasticvowschastityispromised.Wehavesaidabove,however,concerningthemarriageofpriests,thatthelawofnature[orofGod]inmencannotberemovedbyvowsorenactments.Andasalldonothavethegiftofcontinence,manybecauseofweaknessareunsuccessfullycontinent.Neither,indeed,cananyvowsoranyenactmentsabolishthecommandoftheHolyGhost,1Cor.7,2:Toavoidfornication,leteverymanhavehisownwife.Thereforethisvowisnotlawfulinthosewhodonothavethegiftofcontinence,butwhoarepollutedonaccountofweakness.52]Concerningthisentiretopicenoughhasbeensaidabove,inregardtowhichindeeditisstrange,sincethedangersandscandalsareoccurringbeforemen'seyes,thattheadversariesstilldefendtheirtraditionscontrarytothemanifestcommandofGod.NeitherdoesthevoiceofChristmovethem,whochidesthePharisees,Matt.23,13f,whohadmadetraditionscontrarytoGod'scommand.53]Fourthly.ThosewholiveinmonasteriesarereleasedfromtheirvowsbysuchgodlessceremoniesasoftheMassappliedonbehalfofthedeadforthesakeofgain;theworshipofsaints,inwhichthefaultistwo‐fold,boththatthesaintsareputinChrist'splace,andthattheyarewickedlyworshiped,justastheDominicastersinventedtherosaryoftheBlessedVirgin,whichismerebabbling,notlessfoolishthanitiswicked,andnourishesthemostvainpresumption.Then,too,theseveryimpietiesareappliedonlyforthesakeof54]gain.Likewise,theyneitherhearnorteachtheGospelconcerningthefreeremissionofsinsforChrist'ssake,concerningtherighteousnessoffaith,concerningtruerepentance,concerningworkswhichhaveGod'scommand.ButtheyareoccupiedeitherinphilosophicdiscussionsorinthehandingdownofceremoniesthatobscureChrist.55]Wewillnotherespeakoftheentireserviceofceremonies,ofthelessons,singing,andsimilarthings,whichcouldbetoleratedifthey[wereregulatedasregardsnumber,andifthey]wouldberegardedasexercises,afterthemanneroflessonsintheschools[andpreaching],whosedesignistoteachthehearers,and,whileteaching,tomovesometofearorfaith.ButnowtheyfeignthattheseceremoniesareservicesofGod,whichmerittheremissionofsinsfor

Page148of154

themselvesandforothers.Foronthisaccounttheyincreasetheseceremonies.Butiftheywouldundertaketheminordertoteachandexhortthehearers,briefandpointedlessonswouldbeofmoreprofitthantheseinfinitebabblings.56]Thustheentiremonasticlifeisfullofhypocrisyandfalseopinions[againsttheFirstandSecondCommandments,againstChrist].Toallthesethisdangeralsoisadded,thatthosewhoareinthesefraternitiesarecompelledtoassenttothosepersecutingthetruth.Thereare,therefore,manyimportantandforciblereasonswhichfreegoodmenfromtheobligationtothiskindoflife.57]Lastly,thecanonsthemselvesreleasemany,whoeitherwithoutjudgment[beforetheyhaveattainedaproperage]havemadevowswhenenticedbythetricksofthemonks,orhavemadevowsundercompulsionbyfriends.Suchvowsnoteventhecanonsdeclaretobevows.Fromalltheseconsiderationsitisapparentthatthereareverymanyreasonswhichteachthatmonasticvowssuchashavehithertobeenmadearenotvows;andforthisreasonasphereoflifefullofhypocrisyandfalseopinionscanbesafelyabandoned.58]HeretheypresentanobjectionderivedfromtheLawconcerningtheNazarites,Num.6,2fButtheNazaritesdidnottakeuponthemselvestheirvowswiththeopinionswhich,wehavehithertosaid,wecensureinthevowsofthemonks.TheriteoftheNazariteswasanexercise[abodilyexercisewithfastingandcertainkindsoffood]ordeclarationoffaithbeforemen,anddidnotmerittheremissionofsinsbeforeGod,didnotjustifybeforeGod.[Fortheysoughtthiselsewhere,namely,inthepromiseoftheblessedSeed.]Again,justascircumcisionortheslayingofvictimswouldnotbeaserviceofGodnow,sotheriteoftheNazaritesoughtnottobepresentednowasaservice,butitoughttobejudgedsimplyasanadiaphoron.Itisnotrighttocomparemonasticism,devisedwithoutGod'sWord,asaservicewhichshouldmerittheremissionofsinsandjustification,withtheriteoftheNazarites,whichhadGod'sWord,andwasnottaughtforthepurposeofmeritingtheremissionofsins,buttobeanoutwardexercise,justasotherceremoniesoftheLaw.ThesamecanbesaidconcerningotherceremoniesprescribedintheLaw.59]TheRechabitesalsoarecited,whodidnothaveanypossessions,anddidnotdrinkwine,asJeremiah35,6fsays.Yea,truly,theexampleoftheRechabitesaccordsbeautifullywithourmonks,whosemonasteriesexcelthepalacesofkings,andwholivemostsumptuously!AndtheRechabites,intheirpovertyofallthings,wereneverthelessmarried.Ourmonks,althoughaboundinginallvoluptuousness,professcelibacy.60]Besides,examplesoughttobeinterpretedaccordingtotherule,i.e.,accordingtocertainandclearpassagesofScripture,notcontrarytotherule,thatis,contrarytotheScriptures.61]Itisverycertain,however,thatourobservancesdonotmerittheremissionofsinsorjustification.Therefore,whentheRechabitesarepraised,itisnecessary[itiscertain]thatthesehaveobservedtheircustom,notbecausetheybelievedthatbythistheymeritedremissionofsins,orthattheworkwasitselfajustifyingservice,oroneonaccountofwhichtheyobtainedeternallife,insteadof,byGod'smercy,forthesakeofthepromisedSeed.Butbecausetheyhadthecommandoftheirparents,theirobedienceispraised,concerningwhichthereisthecommandmentofGod:Honorthyfatherandmother62]Then,too,thecustomhadaparticularpurpose:Becausetheywereforeigners,notIsraelites,itisapparentthattheirfatherwishedtodistinguishthembycertainmarksfromtheircountrymen,sothattheymightnotrelapseintotheimpietyoftheircountrymen.Hewishedbythesemarkstoadmonishthemofthe[fearofGod,the]doctrineoffaithandimmortality.63]Suchanendislawful.Butformonasticismfardifferentendsaretaught.Theyfeignthatthe

Page149of154

worksofmonasticismareaservice;theyfeignthattheymerittheremissionofsinsandjustification.TheexampleoftheRechabitesisthereforeunlikemonasticism;toomithereotherevilswhichinhereinmonasticismatpresent.64]Theycitealsofrom1Tim.5,11ffconcerningwidows,who,astheyservedtheChurch,weresupportedatthepublicexpense,whereitissaid:Theywillmarry,havingdamnation,because65]theyhavecastofftheirfirstfaith.First,letussupposethattheApostleisherespeakingofvows[which,however,heisnotdoing];stillthispassagewillnotfavormonasticvows,whicharemadeconcerninggodlessservices,andinthisopinion,thattheymerittheremissionofsinsandjustification.ForPaul,withringingvoice,condemnsallservices,alllaws,allworks,iftheyareobservedinordertomerittheremissionofsins,orthat,onaccountofthem,insteadofthroughmercyonaccountofChrist,weobtainremissionofsins.Onthisaccountthevowsofwidows,iftherewereany,musthavebeenunlikemonasticvows.66]Besides,iftheadversariesdonotceasetomisapplythepassagetovows,theprohibitionthatnowidowbeselectedwhoislessthansixtyyears,1Tim.5,9,mustbemisappliedinthesameway.Thusvows67]madebeforethisagewillbeofnoaccount.ButtheChurchdidnotyetknowthesevows.ThereforePaulcondemnswidows,notbecausetheymarry,forhecommandstheyoungertomarry;butbecause,whensupportedatthepublicexpense,theybecamewanton,andthuscastofffaith.Hecallsthisfirstfaith,clearlynotinamonasticvow,butinChristianity(oftheirBaptism,theirChristianduty,theirChristianity].Andinthissenseheunderstandsfaithinthesamechapter,5,8:Ifanyoneprovidenotforhisown,andspecialtyforthoseofhisownhouse,hehathdeniedthefaith.68]Forhespeaksotherwiseoffaiththanthesophists.Hedoesnotascribefaithtothosewhohavemortalsin.He,accordingly,saysthatthosecastofffaithwhodonotcarefortheirrelatives.Andinthesamewayhesaysthatwantonwomencastofffaith.69]Wehaverecountedsomeofourreasons,and,inpassing,haveexplainedawaytheobjectionsurgedbytheadversaries.Andwehavecollectedthesematters,notonlyonaccountoftheadversaries,butmuchmoreonaccountofgodlyminds,thattheymayhaveinviewthereasonswhytheyoughttodisapproveofhypocrisyandfictitiousmonasticservices,allofwhichindeedthisonesayingofChristannuls,whichreads,Matt.15,9:InvaintheydoworshipMe,teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen.Thereforethevowsthemselvesandtheobservancesofmeats,lessons,chants,vestments,sandals,girdles,areuselessservicesinGod'ssight.Andallgodlymindsshouldcertainlyknowthattheopinionissimplypharisaicandcondemnedthattheseobservancesmerittheremissionofsins;thatonaccountofthemweareaccountedrighteous;thatonaccountofthem,andnotthroughmercyonaccountofChrist,weobtaineternallife.Andtheholymenwhohavelivedinthesekindsoflifemustnecessarilyhavelearned,confidenceinsuchobservancehavingbeenrejected,thattheyhadtheremissionofsinsfreely;thatforChrist'ssakethroughmercytheywouldobtaineternallife,andnotforthesakeoftheseservices[thereforegodlypersonswhoweresavedandcontinuedtoliveinmonasticlifehadfinallycometothis,namely,thattheydespairedoftheirmonasticlife,despisedalltheirworksasdung,condemnedalltheirhypocriticalserviceofGod,andheldfasttothepromiseofgraceinChrist,asintheexampleofSt.Bernard,saying,Perditevixi,Ihavelivedinasinfulway];becauseGodonlyapprovesservicesinstitutedbyHisWord,whichservicesavailwhenusedinfaith.Backtotop

Page150of154

ArticleXXVIII(XIV):OfEcclesiasticalPower.2]Heretheadversariescryoutviolentlyconcerningtheprivilegesandimmunitiesoftheecclesiasticalestate,andtheyaddtheperoration:Allthingsarevainwhicharepresentedinthepresentarticleagainsttheimmunityofthechurchesandpriests.Thisismerecalumny;forinthisarticlewehavedisputedconcerningotherthings.Besides,wehavefrequentlytestifiedthatwedonotfindfaultwithpoliticalordinances,andthegiftsandprivilegesgrantedbyprinces.3]Butwouldthattheadversarieswouldhear,ontheotherhand,thecomplaintsofthechurchesandofgodlyminds!Theadversariescourageouslyguardtheirowndignitiesandwealth;meanwhile,theyneglecttheconditionofthechurches;theydonotcarethatthechurchesarerightlytaught,andthattheSacramentsaredulyadministered.Tothepriesthoodtheyadmitallkindsofpersonsindiscriminately.[Theyordainrudeasses;thustheChristiandoctrineperished,becausetheChurchwasnotsuppliedwithefficientpreachers.]Afterwardstheyimposeintolerableburdens;asthoughtheyweredelightedwiththedestructionoftheirfellowmen,theydemandthattheirtraditionsbeobservedfarmoreaccuratelythantheGospel.4]Now,inthemostimportantanddifficultcontroversies,concerningwhichthepeopleurgentlydesiretobetaught,inorderthattheymayhavesomethingcertainwhichtheymayfollow,theydonotreleasethemindswhicharemostseverelytorturedwithdoubt;theyonlycalltoarms.Besides,inmanifestmatters[againstmanifesttruth]theypresentdecreeswritteninblood,whichthreatenhorriblepunishmentstomenunlesstheyactclearly5]contrarytoGod'scommand.Here,ontheotherhand,yououghttoseethetearsofthepoor,andhearthepitiablecomplaintsofmanygoodmen,whichGodundoubtedlyconsidersandregards,towhomonedayyouwillrenderanaccountofyourstewardship.6]ButalthoughintheConfessionwehaveinthisarticleembracedvarioustopics,theadversariesmakenoreply[actintruepopishfashion],exceptthatthebishopshavethepowerofruleandcoercivecorrection,inordertodirecttheirsubjectstothegoalofeternalblessedness;andthatthepowerofrulingrequiresthepowertojudge,todefine,todistinguishandfixthosethingswhichareserviceableorconducetotheaforementionedend.ThesearethewordsoftheConfutation,inwhichtheadversariesteachus[butdonotprove]thatthebishopshavetheauthoritytoframelaws(withouttheauthorityoftheGospel]usefulforobtainingeternallife.Thecontroversyisconcerningthisarticle.7][Regardingthismatterwesubmitthefollowing:]ButwemustretainintheChurchthisdoctrine,namely,thatwereceivetheremissionofsinsfreelyforChrist'ssake,byfaith.Wemustalsoretainthisdoctrine,namely,thathumantraditionsareuselessservices,andthereforeneithersinnorrighteousnessshouldbeplacedinmeat,drink,clothing,andlikethings,theuseofwhichChristwishedtobeleftfree,sinceHesays,Matt.15,11:Notthatwhichgoethintothemouthdefileththeman;andPaul,Rom.14,17:Thekingdom8]ofGodisnotmeatanddrink.ThereforethebishopshavenorighttoframetraditionsinadditiontotheGospel,thattheymaymerittheremissionofsins,thattheymaybeserviceswhichGodistoapproveasrighteousness,andwhichburdenconsciences,asthoughitwereasintoomitthem.AllthisistaughtbythatonepassageinActs,15,9,wheretheapostlessay[Petersays]thatheartsarepurifiedbyfaith.Andthentheyprohibittheimposingofayoke,andshowhowgreatadangerthisis,andenlargeuponthesinofthosewhoburdentheChurch.WhytemptyeGod?theysay.Bythisthunderboltouradversariesareinnowayterrified,whodefendbyviolencetraditionsandgodlessopinions.ForabovetheyhavealsocondemnedArticleXV,9]inwhichwehavestatedthattraditionsdo

Page151of154

notmerittheremissionofsins,andtheyheresaythattraditionsconducetoeternallife.Dotheymerittheremissionofsins?AretheyserviceswhichGodapprovesasrighteousness?Dotheyquickenhearts?10]PaultotheColossians,2,20ff,saysthattraditionsdonotprofitwithrespecttoeternalrighteousnessandeternallife;forthereasonthatfood,drink,clothingandthelikearethingsthatperishwiththeusing.Buteternallife[whichbeginsinthislifeinwardlybyfaith]iswroughtintheheartbyeternalthings,i.e.,bytheWordofGodandtheHolyGhost.Thereforelettheadversariesexplainhowtraditionsconducetoeternallife.11]Since,however,theGospelclearlytestifiesthattraditionsoughtnottobeimposedupontheChurchinordertomerittheremissionofsins;inordertobeserviceswhichGodshallapproveasrighteousness;inordertoburdenconsciences,sothattoomitthemistobeaccountedassin,theadversarieswillneverbeabletoshowthatthebishopshavethepowertoinstitutesuchservices.12]Besides,wehavedeclaredintheConfessionwhatpowertheGospelascribestobishops.ThosewhoarenowbishopsdonotperformthedutiesofbishopsaccordingtotheGospel;although,indeed,theymaybebishopsaccordingtocanonicalpolity,whichwedonotcensure.ButwearespeakingofabishopaccordingtotheGospel.13]Andwearepleasedwiththeancientdivisionofpowerintopoweroftheorderandpowerofjurisdiction[thatis,theadministrationoftheSacramentsandtheexerciseofspiritualjurisdiction].Thereforethebishophasthepoweroftheorder,i.e.,theministryoftheWordandSacraments;hehasalsothepowerofjurisdiction,i.e.,theauthoritytoexcommunicatethoseguiltyofopencrimes,andagaintoabsolvethemiftheyareconvertedand14]seekabsolution.Buttheirpowerisnottobetyrannical,i.e.,withoutafixedlaw;norregal,i.e.,abovelaw;buttheyhaveafixedcommandandafixedWordofGod,accordingtowhichtheyoughttoteach,andaccordingtowhichtheyoughttoexercisetheirjurisdiction.Therefore,eventhoughtheyshouldhavesomejurisdiction,itdoesnotfollowthattheyareabletoinstitutenewservices.Forservicespertaininnowaytojurisdiction.AndtheyhavetheWord,theyhavethecommand,howfartheyoughttoexercisejurisdiction,namely,ifanyonewoulddoanythingcontrarytothatWordwhichtheyhavereceivedfromChrist.[FortheGospeldoesnotsetuparuleindependentlyoftheGospel;thatisquiteclearandcertain.]15]AlthoughintheConfessionwealsohaveaddedhowfaritislawfulforthemtoframetraditions,namely,notasnecessaryservices,butsothattheremaybeorderintheChurch,forthesakeoftranquillity.Andthesetraditionsoughtnottocastsnaresuponconsciences,asthoughtoenjoinnecessaryservices;asPaulteacheswhenhesays,Gal.5,1:Standfast,therefore,inthelibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree,andbenotentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondage.16]Theuseofsuchordinancesoughtthereforetobeleftfree,providedthatoffensesbeavoided,andthattheybenotjudgedtobenecessaryservices;justastheapostlesthemselvesordained[forthesakeofgooddiscipline]verymanythingswhichhavebeenchangedwithtime.Neitherdidtheyhandthemdowninsuchawaythatitwouldnotbepermittedtochangethem.Fortheydidnotdissentfromtheirownwritings,inwhichtheygreatlylaborlesttheChurchbeburdenedwiththeopinionthathumanritesarenecessaryservices.17]Thisisthesimplemodeofinterpretingtraditions,namely,thatweunderstandthemnotasnecessaryservices,andnevertheless,forthesakeofavoidingoffenses,weshouldobservethemintheproperplace.18]AndthusmanylearnedandgreatmenintheChurchhaveheld.Nordoweseewhatcanbesaidagainstthis.ForitiscertainthattheexpressionLuke10,16:HethathearethyouhearethMe,doesnotspeakoftraditions,butischieflydirectedagainsttraditions.Foritisnotamandatumcumlibera(abestowalofunlimitedauthority),astheycallit,

Page152of154

butitisacautioderato(acautionconcerningsomethingprescribed),namely,concerningthespecialcommand[notafree,unlimitedorderandpower,butalimitedordernamely,nottopreachtheirownword,butGod'sWordandtheGospel],i.e.,thetestimonygiventotheapostles,thatwebelievethemwithrespecttothewordofanother,nottheirown.ForChristwishestoassureus,aswasnecessary,thatweshouldknowthattheWorddeliveredbymenisefficacious,andthatnootherwordfromheavenoughttobesought.19]HethathearethyouhearethMe,cannotbeunderstoodoftraditions.ForChristrequiresthattheyteachinsuchawaythat[bytheirmouth]HeHimselfbeheard,becauseHesays:HehearethMe.ThereforeHewishesHisownvoice,HisownWord,tobeheard,nothumantraditions.Thusasayingwhichismostespeciallyinourfavor,andcontainsthemostimportantconsolationanddoctrine,thesestupidmenperverttothemosttriflingmatters,thedistinctionsoffood,vestments,andthelike.20]TheyquotealsoHeb.13,17:Obeythemthathavetheruleoveryou.ThispassagerequiresobediencetotheGospel.ForitdoesnotestablishadominionforthebishopsapartfromtheGospel.NeithershouldthebishopsframetraditionscontrarytotheGospel,orinterprettheirtraditionscontrarytotheGospel.Andwhentheydothis,obedienceisprohibited,accordingtoGal.1,9:Ifanymanpreachanyothergospel,lethimbeaccursed21]WemakethesamereplytoMatt.23,3:Whatsoevertheybidyouobserve,thatobserve,becauseevidentlyauniversalcommandisnotgiventhatweshouldreceiveallthings[evencontrarytoGod'scommandandWord],sinceScriptureelsewhere,Acts5,29,bidsusobeyGodratherthanmen.When,therefore,theyteachwickedthings,theyarenottobeheard.Butthesearewickedthings,namely,thathumantraditionsareservicesofGod,thattheyarenecessaryservices,thattheymerittheremissionofsinsandeternallife.22]Theypresent,asanobjection,thepublicoffensesandcommotionswhichhavearisenunderpretextofourdoctrine.To23]thesewebrieflyreply.Ifallthescandalsbebroughttogether,stilltheonearticleconcerningtheremissionofsins,thatforChrist'ssakethroughfaithwefreelyobtaintheremissionofsins,24]bringssomuchgoodastohideallevils.Andthis,inthebeginning,gainedforLuthernotonlyourfavor,butalsothatofmanywhoarenowcontendingagainstus."Forformerfavorceases,andmortalsareforgetful,"saysPindar.Nevertheless,weneitherdesiretodeserttruththatisnecessarytotheChurch,25]norcanweassenttotheadversariesincondemningit.ForweoughttoobeyGodratherthanmen.Thosewhointhebeginningcondemnedmanifesttruth,andarenowpersecutingitwiththegreatestcruelty,willgiveanaccountfortheschismthathasbeenoccasioned.Then,too,aretherenoscandals26]amongtheadversaries?HowmuchevilisthereinthesacrilegiousprofanationoftheMassappliedtogain!Howgreatdisgraceincelibacy!Butletusomitacomparison.27]ThisiswhatwehaverepliedtotheConfutationforthetimebeing.NowweleaveittothejudgmentofallthegodlywhethertheadversariesarerightinboastingthattheyhaveactuallyrefutedourConfessionfromtheScriptures.THEEND.[AsregardstheslanderandcomplaintoftheadversariesattheendoftheConfutation,namely,thatthisdoctrineiscausingdisobedienceandotherscandals,thisisunjustlyimputedtoourdoctrine.Foritisevidentthatbythisdoctrinetheauthorityofmagistratesismosthighlypraised.Moreover,itiswellknownthatinthoselocalitieswherethisdoctrineispreached,themagistrateshavehitherto,bythegraceofGod,beentreatedwithallrespectbythesubjects.ButastothewantofunityanddissensionintheChurch,itiswellknownhowthesemattersfirsthappened,andwhohavecausedthedivision,namely,thesellersofindulgences,who

Page153of154

shamelesslypreachedintolerablelies,andafterwardscondemnedLutherfornotapprovingofthoselies,andbesides,theyagainandagainexcitedmorecontroversies,sothatLutherwasinducedtoattackmanyothererrors.Butsinceouropponentswouldnottoleratethetruth,anddaredtopromotemanifesterrorsbyforce,itiseasytojudgewhoisguiltyoftheschism.Surely,alltheworld,allwisdom,allpoweroughttoyieldtoChristandHisholyWord.ButthedevilistheenemyofGod,andthereforerousesallhismightagainstChrist,toextinguishandsuppresstheWordofGod.Thereforethedevilwithhismembers,settinghimselfagainsttheWordofGod,isthecauseoftheschismandwantofunity.Forwehavemostzealouslysoughtpeace,andstillmosteagerlydesireit,providedonlywearenotforcedtoblasphemeanddenyChrist.ForGod,thediscernerofallmen'shearts,isourwitnessthatwedonotdelightandhavenojoyinthisawfuldisunion.Ontheotherhand,ouradversarieshavesofarnotbeenwillingtoconcludepeacewithoutstipulatingthatwemustabandonthesavingdoctrineoftheforgivenessofsinbyChristwithoutourmerit,thoughChristwouldbemostfoullyblasphemedthereby.Andalthough,asisthecustomoftheworld,itcannotbebutthatoffenseshaveoccurredinthisschismthroughmaliceandbyimprudentpeople;forthedevilcausessuchoffenses,todisgracetheGospel;yetallthisisofnoaccountinviewofthegreatcomfortwhichthisteachinghasbroughtmen,thatforChrist'ssake,withoutourmerit,wehaveforgivenessofsinsandagraciousGod.Again,thatmenhavebeeninstructedthatforsakingsecularestatesandmagistraciesisnotadivineworship,butthatsuchestatesandmagistraciesarepleasingtoGod,andtobeengagedinthemisarealholyworkanddivineservice.Ifwealsoweretonarratetheoffensesoftheadversaries,which,indeed,wehavenodesiretodo,itwouldbeaterriblelist:whatanabominable,blasphemousfairtheadversarieshavemadeoftheMass;whatunchastelivinghasbeeninstitutedbytheircelibacy;howthePopeshaveformorethan400yearsbeenengagedinwarsagainsttheemperors,haveforgottentheGospel,andonlysoughttobeemperorsthemselves,andtobringallItalyintotheirpower;howtheyhavejuggledthepossessionsoftheChurch;howthroughtheirneglectmanyfalseteachingsandformsofworshiphavebeensetupbythemonks.Isnottheirworshipofthesaintsmanifestpaganidolatry?AlltheirwritersdonotsayonewordconcerningfaithinChrist,bywhichforgivenessofsinisobtained;thehighestdegreeofholinesstheyascribetohumantraditions;itischieflyofthesethattheywriteandpreach.Moreover,this,too,oughttobenumberedwiththeiroffenses,thattheyclearlyrevealwhatsortofaspiritisinthem,becausetheyarenowputtingtodeathsomanyinnocent,piouspeopleonaccountofChristiandoctrine.Butwedonotnowwishtosaymoreconcerningthis;forthesemattersshouldbedecidedinaccordancewithGod'sWord,regardlessoftheoffensesoneitherside.WehopethatallGodfearingmenwillsufficientlyseefromthiswritingofoursthatoursistheChristiandoctrineandcomfortingandsalutarytoallgodlymen.Accordingly,weprayGodtoextendHisgracetotheendthatHisholyGospelmaybeknownandhonoredbyall,forHisglory,andforthepeace,unity,andsalvationofallofus.Regardingallthesearticlesweoffertomakefurtherstatements,ifrequired.]

Page154of154

©TheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod1333S.KirkwoodRoad,St.Louis,MO63122‐7295888‐843‐5267•infocenter@lcms.org•www.lcms.org/cic