Nothing is more pernicious or hurtful than Sophistry; every one
knoweth it not; moreover, we are by nature prone and willing to
believe lies rather than the truth. Few people do know what an evil
sophistry is. Plato, the Heathen writer, made thereof a wonderful
definition. For my part, said Luther, I compare it with a lie,
which is like to a snowball, the longer it is rolled the greater it
becomes.

Therefore I do not approve of such persons as do pervert everything,
do under-value and find fault with other men's opinions, although
they be good and sound; I like not such brains which can dispute on
both sides, and yet conclude nothing certain. Such sophistications,
said Luther, are nothing but crafty and subtle inventions and
contrivances to cozen and deceive people.

But I like and love an honest and a well-affected mind, that seeketh
after truth simply and plainly, not to go about with phantasies and
cheating tricks.


Whether we should preach only of God's Grace and Mercy, or not.

Philip Melancthon demanded of Luther whether the opinion of Calixtus
were to be approved of, namely, that the Gospel of God's Grace ought
to be continually preached. For thereby, doubtless, said
Melancthon, people would grow worse and worse. Luther answered him
and said: We must preach Gratiam, notwithstanding, because Christ
hath commanded it. And although we long and often preach of grace,
yet when people are at the point of death they know but little
thereof. Nevertheless we must also drive on with the Ten