Works of Martin Luther, with Introductions and Notes (Volume I)Luther, Martin
ReligionChristian
Works of Martin Luther, with Introductions and Notes (Volume I)
Luther, Martin
Lutheran Church -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 16th century -- Early works to 1800
This is the Church of the saints, the new creation of God, our
brethren and our friends, in whom we see naught but blessing,
naught but consolation; not, indeed, always with the eyes of the
flesh (to which they would appear to belong rather under the
corresponding image of evils),[64] but with the eyes of the
spirit Nevertheless, we must not disregard even those blessings
of theirs which may be seen, but rather learn from them how God
would comfort us. For even the Psalmist did not venture, in Psalm
lxxii, to condemn all those who amass riches in this world, but
said, "If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend
against the generation of Thy children." [Ps. 73:15] That is to
say, If I should call all men wicked who possess riches, health,
and honor, I should be condemning even Thy saints, of whom there
are many such. Paul also instructs Timothy to charge them that
are rich in this world, that they be not high minded;[1 Tim.
6:17] but he does not forbid them to be rich. And Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob were rich men, as the Scriptures record. Daniel,
also, and his companions were raised to honor even in Babylon.
[Dan. 2:48 f.] Moreover many of the kings of Judah were saintly
men. It is with regard to such persons that the Psalmist says,
"If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the
generation of Thy children." [Ps. 73:15] God gives, even to His
people, an abundance of these blessings, for their own comfort,
and the comfort of others. Still, these things are not their
proper blessings, but only shadows and emblems of their true
blessings, which consist in faith, hope, love, and other gifts
and graces, which love communicates to all.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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