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
36. I would advise then, that where the masses are not directed
toward such faith, they be abolished, and that there be fewer
masses endowed for the souls of the dead. Truly we provoke God
to anger with them more than we conciliate Him. To what purpose
are the priests in the chapter houses and cloisters so strictly
bound to observe the yearly[34] masses, since they are not only
without such faith, but also are often of necessity unfit. Christ
Himself did not desire to bind anyone thereto and left us wholly
free when He said: "This do ye, as oft as ye do it, in
remembrance of Me." [1 Cor. 11:25] And we men bind ourselves so
fast and drive ourselves on against our own conscience. I see too
that such an institution often has no good reason, but a secret
greed is at the bottom of the obligation and that we burden
ourselves with many masses in order that we may have sufficient
income in temporal things; afterward we say that we do it for
God's sake. I fear few would be found who gratuitously and for
God's sake would thus burden themselves. But if all these masses
are observed in the faith above mentioned, which I scarcely
expect, they are to be tolerated. But if not, then it would be
best that there be only one mass a day in a city, and that it be
held in a proper manner in the presence of the assembled people.
If at any time, however, we desire to have more, the people
should be divided into as many parts as there are masses, and
each part should be made to attend its own mass, there to
exercise their faith and to offer their prayer, praise and need
in Christ, as was said above.[35]
[Sidenote: Proper Preparation for the Mass]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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