Chapter 5 — Of Sins and of Free-Will

Of the Fall of the Ungodly, and how they are surprised in their Ungodliness and False Doctrine

Our Lord God, said Luther, sufferes 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 falles in Heaven is devilish, but that which stumbles 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 you hadst not committed this or that sin, yet nevertheless you art an ungodly creature; and if you have not done that sin which another has done, so has he not committed that sin which you have 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, you have 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 does effect

I, said Luther, often 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.