nevertheless thou art an ungodly creature; and if thou hast not done
that sin which another hath done, so hath he not committed that sin
which thou hast done; therefore cry quittance one with another. It
is even as one said that had young wolves to sell; he was asked
which of them was the best. He answered and said, "If one be good,
then they are all good; they are like one another." If, said
Luther, thou hast been a murderer, an adulterer, or a drunkard,
etc., so have I been a blasphemer of God, because for the space of
fifteen years together I was a Friar, and have blasphemed God with
celebrating that abominable idol the Mass. It had been better for
me that I had been a partaker of other great wickednesses instead of
the same; but what is done cannot be undone; he that hath stolen,
let him henceforward steal no more.


What our Free-will doth effect.

I, said Luther, oftentimes have been directly resolved to live
uprightly, and to lead a true godly life, and to set everything
aside that would let or hinder; but it was far from being put in
execution, even as it was with Peter, when he swore he would lay
down his life for Christ.

I will not lie nor dissemble before my God, but will freely confess
I am not able to effect that good which I do intend, but must expect
the happy hour when God shall be pleased to meet me with his grace.



OF THE CATECHISM.