Neither do we seek salvation in our works, as is reported of us; but we believe that we shall be saved only through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nor do we boast of being without sin, but confess ourselves every moment as sinners before our God. But from presumptuous sins we must refrain, if we would be saved: as namely, from adultery, fornication, sorcery, sedition, shedding of blood, cursing and swearing, lying and cheating, pride and drunkenness, anger and strife, hatred and envy. These are the sins of which the Scripture says: “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:21.
That they also say that we will not hear the word of God, because we do not hear the preachers in church, to that we reply: That we do not hear the preachers, to this the word of our God constrains us, as they are not fit persons to administer such an office. For Paul teaches Timothy and says: “The things that thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Tim. 2:2. For he that would reprove and teach another must be unblamable himself. But if the preachers were according to the apostolic doctrine, we would gladly hear them from the depths of our hearts, and would also be the first and the last in church.
But if it be said to us, that Jesus Christ says: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works” (Matt. 23:2,3); we answer: If the preachers are the scribes and Pharisees, then they are the ones who have crucified Jesus Christ, and then also will come upon them all the woes that follow hereafter. But if they are not the scribes, then are also the preceding words, that we are to do according to their words, and not after their works, not spoken of them. Again, they that sat in Moses’ seat, were from the tribe of Levi, like Moses, teaching the people of Israel: All that the priests and Levites teach you, and as they command you, that shall ye observe, and do according to it. Deut. 17:10. The prophet says: “The priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth.” Mal. 2:7. Since Christ did not come to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them; therefore he taught his apostles thus. But that this should be an argument from the word of Christ (Matt. 23), to hear the preachers, cannot be; since the preachers are not of the tribe of Levi, whom Israel had to hear, but from the Gentiles. Besides, it must be considered, that when Christ Jesus had fulfilled the law in every respect, by his bitter death and the shedding of his sacred blood, he ordained another priesthood that should teach his holy law, namely, his gospel, when he said to his disciples: “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21.
These holy messengers of Christ directed us to hear, not blamable teachers, but such as are unblamable; who are not given to wine, not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, not covetous, not given to filthy lucre; but given to hospitality, kind, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word. And let the deacons also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 2 Pet. 3:2; 1 John 4:1; 1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1; Rom. 2:21; 16:17.
Hence we dare not regard the preachers as the persons that are to wait on the office of the ministry; nor dare we hear them, because they, according to Paul’s teaching, are blamable and unfit thereto. When it is therefore said of us, that we will not hear the word of God, great injustice is done us; for to hear the word of God is the greatest joy that can come to us upon earth, for it is the comfort of our hearts.