New Book!

Today is new book day. To celebrate I purchased myself a copy of Martin Luther's Table talk.

It's a collection of every recorded word Luther spoke around a table...apparently. The book is divided into multiple sections for easy reference to Luther's views on specific subjects.

Here are a few excerpts:

'Sins against the Holy Ghost are, first, presumption; second, despair; third, opposition to and condemnation of known truth; fourth, not to wish well, but to grudge one's brother or neighbor the grace of God; fifth, to be hardened; sixth, to be penitent.'

'A good preacher should have these properties and virtues; first, to teach systematically; secondly, he should have a ready wit; thirdly, he should be eloquent; fourthly, he should have a good voice; fifthly, a good memory; sixthly, he should know where to make an end; seventhly, he should be sure of his doctrine; eighthly, he should venture and engage body and blood, wealth and honour, in the word; ninthly, he should suffer himself to be mocked and jeered of every one.'

'To live openly among the people is best; Christ so lived and walked, openly and publicly, here on earth, amongst the people, and told his disciples to do the like. `Tis in cells and corners that the wicked wretches, the monks and nuns, lead shameful lives. But openly, and among people, a man must live decently and honestly.'

All for the bargain price of £5 courtesy of Wesley Owen. Great stuff.

Off to be a best man for the weekend. Please pray for the speech!