Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther — John Shaqi
Selections from the Table Talk of Martin LutherLuther, Martin
ReligionChristian
Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther
Luther, Martin
Table-talk
We ought not, said Luther, to measure, censure, and understand the
Scriptures according to our own natural sense and reason, but we ought
diligently by prayer to meditate therein, and to search after the same.
The devil and temptations also do give occasion unto us somewhat to learn
and understand the Scriptures by experience and practice. Without trials
and temptations we should never understand anything thereof; no, not
although we diligently read and heard the same. The Holy Ghost must be
the only master and tutor to teach us therein, and let youth and scholars
not be ashamed to learn of this tutor. When I find myself in temptation,
then I quickly lay hold and fasten on some text in the Bible which Christ
Jesus layeth before me, namely, _that he died for me_, from whence I have
and receive comfort.
_That we should diligently read the Texts of the Bible_, _and stay
ourselves upon it as the only true Foundation_.
Whoso layeth a good foundation, and is a substantial Text-man, that is,
he that is well grounded in the Text, the same hath whereupon he surely
may keep footing, and runneth not lightly into error. And truly, said
Luther, the same is most necessary for a Divine; for with the texts and
grounds of the Holy Scriptures I dazzled, astonished, and overcame all my
adversaries; for they approach dreamingly and lazily; they teach and
write according to their natural sense, reason, and understanding, and
they think the Holy Scripture is a slight and a simple thing; like the
Pharisee, who thought a business soon done when our Saviour Christ said
unto him, “Do that, and thou shalt live.” The sectaries and seducing
spirits understand nothing in the Scriptures; but with their fickle,
inconstant, and uncertain books which they have devised, they run
themselves into error.
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