In this he says nothing of
those fool-works whereof we have been taught; says not, "build
churches, found masses, be a priest, wear a cowl, vow chastity, &c.;"
but this is his language: See to it that you be courteous. These are
truly precious, golden deeds, precious stones and pearls, which are
well pleasing to God.

But with this the devil cannot rest content, for he knows that
thereby his interests are thrown to the ground; therefore he devises
what he can to suppress such doctrine, incites monks and priests to
cry out, "Do you say that our matters are nothing at all? that is for
you to talk like the devil." But reply to them then, Do you not know
that there must be good works, whereof St. Peter here speaks,--to
wit, that we be brotherly affectionate, heartily kind, and courteous?
if these are the best, as must be confessed, you must be false in
regard to your works, if you think they are better. I am really
astonished that such blindness could come upon us; for Thomas, the
preaching monk, has written, and says, shamelessly, that monks and
priests are in a better state than ordinary Christians. This the high
schools have confirmed, and men have been Doctorated for it. After
them the Pope and his multitude have gone, and have exalted those to
be saints, who teach such doctrine.

Therefore understand this, as I have said,--for Christ Himself and
all His Apostles have so taught,--if you would do the most excellent
good works, and be in the best condition of life, you will find them
nowhere else but in faith and love; that is the highest state of all.
So that it must be an error, when they choose to say, their state is
better than faith and love; for if it be better than faith, it is
better than God's word, but if it be better than God's word, it is
better than God Himself. Therefore Paul has truly said, that
Anti-Christ should exalt himself before God. Be informed in this way
so as to judge of these things; where love and friendship are
wanting, there, certainly, all works are condemned and trodden under
foot. Thus we see why St. Peter has so confidently expatiated on the
external character of a truly christian life, as he taught us above,
in a masterly manner, how the inward (spiritual) life should be
ordered toward God. Wherefore this epistle is to be regarded as a
truly golden epistle. Whereupon it follows, further:

V. 9. _Render not evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but on the
other hand blessing, and k