the Temple.

The Greeks and Heathens in after-times, said Luther, did imitate the
same, and did build temples for their idols in certain places, as at
Ephesus for Diana, at Delphos for Apollo, etc. For where God built
a church, there the devil would also build a chapel. They imitated
the Jews also in this, namely, that as the most holy was dark and
had no light, even so and after the same manner did they make their
places dark where the devil made answer, as at Delphos and
elsewhere. In such sort is the devil always God's ape.

But, said Luther, whereas the most holy must be dark, the same did
signify that the Kingdom of Christ no other way was to be taken hold
of and fastened, but only by the Word and by Faith.


That the Superfluity of temporal Wealth doth hinder the Faith.

God, said Luther, could be rich soon and easily if he would be more
provident, and would deny us the use of his creatures. If he would
but keep back the sun, that it should not shine, or lock up the air,
detain the water, or quench out the fire-ah! then would we willingly
give all our money and wealth to have the use of his creatures
again.

But seeing God so liberally heapeth his gifts upon us, we therefore
will claim them as by right, in despite of him, and let him deny
them us if he dare. Therefore the unspeakable multitude of his
innumerable benefits do hinder and darken the faith of the
believers, much more of the ungodly.