might perfectly discern how wilfully our adversaries do oppose the
known truth. Albert, Bishop of Mentz, and Prince George do know and
confess that our doctrine is according to God's Word, and yet,
because it proceedeth not from the Pope, they refuse it; but their
own consciences do strike them down to the ground, therefore, said
Luther, I fear them not.


Of the Love towards the Neighbour.

The love towards the neighbour, said Luther, must be like a pure and
chaste love between bride and bridegroom, where all faults are
connived at, covered, and borne with, and only their virtues
regarded.

Respecting ceremonies and ordinances, the kingdom of love must have
the precedency and govern, and not tyranny. It must be a willing
love, and not a halter love; it must altogether be directed and
construed for the good and profit of the neighbour; and the greater
he be that doth govern, the more, said Luther, he ought to serve
according to love.


Of that Sentence, "Give, and it shall be given unto you."

This is a true speech which maketh people poor and rich; it is that
which maintaineth my house. I ought not to boast, said Luther, but
I well know what I give in the year. If my gracious lord and
master, the Prince Elector, should give a gentleman two thousand
guilders, yet he should hardly maintain my housekeeping one year,