“ It is the property of good lives to be afraid of a fault where there is no fault. ”
Martin Luther, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). copy citation
Author | Martin Luther |
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Source | Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians |
Topic | property life |
Date | 1535 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by Theodore Graebner |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1549/1549-h/1549-h.htm |
Context
“The Pope's synagogue teaches the exact opposite of what the Apostle commands. The clerics are tyrants and butchers of men's conscience. Every small offense is closely scrutinized. To justify the cruel inquisitiveness they quote the statement of Pope Gregory: "It is the property of good lives to be afraid of a fault where there is no fault." "Our censors must be feared, even if they are unjust and wrong." On these pronouncements the papists base their doctrine of excommunication. Rather than terrify and condemn men's consciences, they ought to raise them up and comfort them with the truth.”
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