too weak to do works which are good in God's sight. Besides,
they are in the power of the devil who impels men to divers
sins, to ungodly opinions, to open crimes. This we may see in
the philosophers, who, although they endeavored to live an
honest life could not succeed, but were defiled with many open
crimes. Such is the feebleness of man when he is without faith
and without the Holy Ghost, and governs himself only by human
strength.

Hence it may be readily seen that this doctrine is not to be
charged with prohibiting good works, but rather the more to be
commended, because it shows how we are enabled to do good
works. For without faith human nature can in no wise do the
works of the First or of the Second Commandment. Without faith
it does not call upon God, nor expect anything from God, nor
bear the cross, but seeks, and trusts in, man's help. And
thus, when there is no faith and trust in God all manner of
lusts and human devices rule in the heart. Wherefore Christ
said, John 16,6: Without Me ye can do nothing; and the Church
sings:
Lacking Thy divine favor,
There is nothing found in man,
Naught in him is harmless.


Article XXI: Of the Worship of the Saints.

Of the Worship of Saints they teach that the memory of saints
may be set before us, that we may follow their faith and good
works, according to our calling, as the Emperor may follow the