Mark the plain and manifest places of the Scriptures, and in
doubtful places see thou add no interpretation contrary to them; but
(as Paul saith) let all be conformable and agreeing to the faith.
Note the difference of the Law and of the Gospell. The one asketh
and requireth, the other pardoneth and forgiveth. The one
threateneth, the other promiseth all good things to them that set
their trust in Christ only. The gospel signifieth glad tidings, and
is nothing but the promises of good things. All is not gospel that is
written in the gospel book: for if the law were away, thou couldest
not know what the gospel meant, even as thou couldest not see pardon,
favor, and grace except the law rebuked thee, and declared unto thee
thy sin, misdeed, and trespass.
Repent and believe the gospel, as saith Christ in the first of
Mark. Apply alway the Law to thy deeds, whether thou find lust (1) in
the bottom of thine heart to the law-ward, and so shalt thou no doubt
repent, and feel in thyself a certain sorrow, pain, and grief to
thine heart, because thou canst not with full lust do the deeds of
the law. Apply the gospel that is to say the promises unto the
deserving of Christ, and to the mercy of God and his truth, and so
shalt thou not despair, but shall feel God as a kind and a merciful
father.
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