Luther's Own Statements Concerning His Teaching and Its Results - Taken Exclusively From the Earliest and Best Editions of Luther's German and Latin Works #270114

In the letter just mentioned, Luther, after dealing with the (question of celibacy, and of Communion under one kind, itouches on the calamities which are in store for Germany on account of its unbelief, impiety and hatred of the Gospel. He then continues But this affliction will then be laid down at our door, as if we [the believers in the new Gospel] had provoked \god by being heretics, and we shall be the reproach of men and the outcast pf the people, but they [those who do not believe in the new Gospel] will make excuse for their sins and will justify themselves [they will consider themselves to be just on account of their good works], so that he [god] will Show that reprobates are not changed for the better either by goodness or by wrath: and many will be scandalized. May, may the will of the Lord be done. Amen.