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, suffereth 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 falleth in Heaven is devilish, but that which stumbleth
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 thou hadst not committed this or that sin, yet