Author: Martin Luther

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 9781230209159

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 edition. Excerpt: ... solid number, a square, and an equal to equal, consisting of six equal sides, having twenty-four plane-triangles and eight solid ones, like a die; which square figure is also frequently used in the Holy Scriptures, and it is by philosophers applied to signify equality and stability. Again the number six, which is the number of this Psalm, is the first number of perfection, so that by it is signified the solid, stable, perfect, and absolute mortification of the old man by what is sung on this harp, which mortification is truly described in the present Psalm. But why this same title is not prefixed to all the Psalms on the same subject we desire to remain in ignorance, to use the words of Augustine, because God has not willed that we should know the reason. Wherefore the words of this Psalm will suit him who is singing on the eight strings, that is, who is exercised under the extreme pains of death and hell, as the words of the Psalm themselves show. Hence according to my judgment, this Psalm contains the experience of what was taught in the Psalm preceding. For we there said that the nature and power of hope were shown and exercised in man while laboring in the midst of evils and sins. What the feelings, the surges of mind, the groans, and sighs, and the words and counsels of such an one are, we have set forth in the Psalm under consideration. Wherefore we are to consider that the words and doctrine contained in this Psalm are general, that is, are applicable not only to Christ himself, but unto any Christian who suffers these things. Now according to my opinion when the pain of purgatory, the fear of death and the horror of hell present themselves because of the lack of the right and perfect love, it is very becoming for the church to...