_Of the Fall of the Ungodly_, _and how they are surprised in their
Ungodliness and False Doctrine_.
Our Lord God, said Luther, suffereth the ungodly to be surprised and
taken captive in very slight and small things, when they think not of it,
when they are most secure, and live in delight and pleasure, in springing
and leaping for joy. In such a manner was the Pope surprised by me, in
and about his indulgences and pardons, which was altogether a slight
thing. The Venetians, likewise, were taken napping by Emperor
Maximilian.
That which falleth in Heaven is devilish, but that which stumbleth on
earth is human.
_Of the Acknowledgment of Sins_.
It can be hurtful to none, said Luther, to acknowledge and confess their
sins. Have we done this or that sin, what then? Let us freely in God’s
name acknowledge the same, and not deny it; let us not be ashamed to
confess, but let us from our hearts say, “O Lord God! I am such-and-such
a sinner,” etc.
And although thou hadst not committed this or that sin, yet nevertheless
thou art an ungodly creature; and if thou hast not done that sin which
another hath done, so hath he not committed that sin which thou hast
done; therefore cry quittance one with another. It is even as one said
that had young wolves to sell; he was asked which of them was the best.
He answered and said, “If one be good, then they are all good; they are
like one another.” If, said Luther, thou hast been a murderer, an
adulterer, or a drunkard, etc., so have I been a blasphemer of God,
because for the space of fifteen years together I was a Friar, and have
blasphemed God with celebrating that abominable idol the Mass. It had
been better for me that I had been a partaker of other great wickednesses
instead of the same; but what is done cannot be undone; he that hath
stolen, let him henceforward steal no more.
_What our Free-will doth effect_.
I, said Luther, oftentimes have been directly resolved to live uprightly,
and to lead a true godly life, and to set everything aside that would let
or hinder; but it was far from being put in execution, even as it was
with Peter, when he swore he would lay down his life for Christ.
I will not lie nor dissemble before my God, but will freely confess I am
not able to effect that good which I do intend, but must expect the happy
hour when God shall be pleased to meet me with his grace.