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
The bodily rest is that of which we have spoken above, namely,
that we omit our business and work, in order that we may gather
in the church, see mass, hear God's Word and make common prayer.
This rest is indeed bodily and in Christendom no longer commanded
by God, as the Apostle says, Colossians ii, "Let no man obligate
you to any holiday whatever" [Col. 2:16]—for they were of old a
figure, but now the truth has been fulfilled, so that all days
are holy days, as Isaiah says, chapter lxvi, "One holy day shall
it follow the other" [Is. 66:23]; on the other hand, all days are
workdays. Yet it is a necessity and ordained by the Church for
the sake of the imperfect laity and working people, that they
also may be able to come to hear God's Word. For, as we see, the
priests and clergy celebrate mass every day, pray at all hours
and train themselves in God's Word by study, reading and hearing.
For this reason also they are freed from work before others,
supported by tithes and have holy-day every day, and every day do
the works of the holy-day, and have no work-day, but for them one
day is as the other. And if we were all perfect, and knew the
Gospel, we might work every day if we wished, or rest if we
could. For a day of rest is at present not necessary nor
commanded except only for the teaching of God's Word and prayer.
[Sidenote: The Rest of the Soul]
The spiritual rest, which God particularly intends in this
Commandment, is this: that we not only cease from our labor and
trade, but much more, that we let God alone work in us and that
we do nothing of our own with all our powers. But how is this
done? In this way: Man, corrupted by sin, has much wicked love
and inclination toward all sins, as the Scriptures say, Genesis
viii, "Man's heart and senses incline always to the evil," [Gen.
8:21] that is, to pride, disobedience, anger, hatred,
covetousness, unchastity, etc., and summa summarum, in all that
he does and leaves undone, he seeks his own profit, will and
honor rather than God's and his neighbor's. Therefore all his
works, all his words, all his thoughts, all his life are evil and
not godly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account