[459] "Justorum opera essent mortalia nisi pio Dei timore, ab ipsismet justis, ut mortalia timerentur." (Luth. Op. Lat. i, 55.) 9. "To maintain that works done without Christ are dead, but not mortal, is dangerous forgetfulness of the fear of God. 13. "Since the fall of man, free will exists only in name, and when man does all that is possible for him to do, he sins mortally. 16. "A man who expects to attain to grace by doing all that it is possible for him to do, adds sin to sin, and doubles his guilt. 18. "It is certain that man, to become capable of receiving the grace of Christ, must entirely despair of himself. 21. "An honorary theologian calls evil good, and good evil; but a theologian of the cross speaks according to truth. 22. "The wisdom which teaches man to know the invisible perfections of God in his works, inflates, blinds, and hardens him. 23. "The law excites the wrath of God, kills, curses, accuses, judges, and condemns, whatever is not in Christ.[460] [460] "Lex iram Dei operatur, occidit, maledicit reum facit, judicat, damnat, quicquid non est in Christo." (Ibid.) 24. "Still this wisdom (§ 22) is not bad; and the law (§ 23) is not to be rejected; but the man who does not study the knowledge of God under the cross, changes its good into evil. 25. "He is not justified who does many works; but he who, without works, believes much in Jesus Christ. 26. "The law says, Do this! And what it commands is never done. Grace says, Believe in him! And, lo! all things are accomplished.[461] [461] "Lex dicit: Fac hoc! et nunquam fit. Gratia dicit: Crede in hunc! et jam facta sunt omnia." (Ibid.) 28. "The love of God finds nothing in man, but creates in him what it loves. The love of man proceeds from self-love."[462] [462] "Amor Dei non inventit sed creat suum diligibile; amor hominis fit a suo diligibili." (Ibid.) Five doctors of theology attacked these theses. They had read them with the astonishment which novelty excites. The theology seemed to them very strange. Yet according to Luther's own testimony, they discussed them with a courtesy which he could not but esteem; and, at the same time, with force and discernment. Luther, on his part, displayed an admirable mildness in his replies, incomparable patience in listening to the objections of his opponents, and all the liveliness of St. Paul in solving the difficulties which were started. His answers, which were short, but replete with the word of God, filled all the hearers with admiration. "He very much resembles Erasmus," said several; "but in one thing he surpasses him,--he professes openly what Erasmus is contented only to insinuate."[463] [463] Bucer, in Seultetet, Annal. Evangel. Renovat." p. 22.