66 Readings in European History V. Luther on Good Works Luther emphasized so constantly and fervently salva- tion through simple faith in God's promises, and spoke so lightly of "good works," such as fasts, pilgrimages, attendance at masses, alms, gifts to the Church, etc., that his opponents declared that he cared not how a man acted if only he had faith. Luther explains his position very clearly in the following passages from a little treatise On Good Works, which he wrote in Ger- man early in 1520 and dedicated to his prince, the elector of Saxony. 243. Lu- The first, highest, and noblest of all good works is to ther's idea of De ii eve in Christ, as he himself answered in John, chap- anr> justifi- ter v 'h when the Jews asked him, " What must we do, that canon by we may work the works of God?" "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." Now when we hear this, or preach it to others, we run over it lightly, regarding it as a very simple and easy thing, when we should stop long over it and ponder it well ; for all works go back to this and receive all their goodness from it, as one might receive a fief from his lord. We must paint this in strong colors if every one is to see it clearly. We find many who pray, fast, endow churches and monas- teries, and do this, that, and the other, — who, in short, lead a good life before men ; who, if you ask them whether they are sure that what they are doing is pleasing to God, say no, they know not, or are doubtful. Among these are some famous and learned men, who claim that it is not necessary to be sure that we are pleasing to God and who do nothing except urge good works. But we must see that the very same works done without faith are altogether dead and as nothing, for as your conscience stands toward God and believes in him, even so shall it be with your works, iaith.
