First they which justify them self with outward deeds, in that they
abstain outwardly from that which the law forbiddeth, and do
outwardly that which the law commandeth. They compare them selves to
open sinners and in respect of them justify them selves condemning
the open sinners. They see not how the law requireth love from the
bottom of the heart. If they did they would not condemn their
neighbours. Love hideth the multitude of sins, saith Saynct Peter in
his first pistel. For whom I love from the deep bottom and ground of
mine heart, him condemn I not, neither reckon his sins, but suffer
his weakness and infirmity, as a mother the weakness of her son,
until he grow up in to a perfect man.
Those also are deceived which with out all fear of God give them
selves unto all manner vices with full consent, and full delectation,
having no respect to the law of God (under whose vengeance they are
locked up in captivity) but say: god is merciful and christ died for
us, supposing that such dreaming and imagination is that faith which
is so greatly commended in holy scripture. Nay that is not faith, but
rather a foolish opinion springing of their own nature, and is not
given them of the spirit of God. True faith is (as saith the apostle
Paul) the gift of God and is given to sinners after the law hath
passed upon them and hath brought their consciences unto the brim of
desperation, and sorrows of hell.
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