Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/183

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THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD
179

called? He who seeks dignities should make his name known." "I verily believed," quoth I, "that we must here await God's call." Then he again: "Dost thou then think that God will call someone from heaven? God's call is the favour of the elders, which everyone who prepares himself for the calling is free to obtain." "I see, then," quoth I, "that it is not necessary to seek for men, or drive them into the service of the Church; rather to drive them from it! Rather, if favour should be sought at all, it should be sought therein, that each man should by his humility, quietude, endear himself to the Church, and not by such means as I see here employed. Be it as it may, such things are disorderly."

(The Christians' Trust in Faith without Works.)

12. Now, when my interpreter saw that I insisted on this matter, he said to me: "It is true that among Christians, even theologians, there is more that is unbeseeming than elsewhere; but this also is true, that even Christians of evil life die well. For the salvation of man dependeth not on deeds, but on faith; if this, then, is true, they cannot fail to achieve salvation; if but their faith is certain, it is enough."

(There are Disputes also concerning Faith.The Holy Gospel is the Touchstone.)

13. "Do all, then, agree as to their faith?" quoth I. He answered: "There is indeed somewhat of