The Eternal Gospel

one terrifies original: 'schrecket'—to startle or cause spiritual trembling, often used in the context of awakening a conscience to its own sin. these weak children in Christ / one must always aim toward this: that one leads them away from trusting in themselves, even to total despair in their own strength / but leads them back up into God with even more joyful courage: Because this foundation has been neglected by most priests and builders A common biblical metaphor (as in Psalm 118:22) for religious leaders and theologians responsible for "building" the church. until now / for that reason the remaining hearts / which otherwise could have been won / have fallen partly into godlessness / partly into presumption in themselves / and partly even into despair. For whatever does not stand on this foundation / Satan can knock over with every puff and wind of false teaching / Ephesians 4 / or seduce toward the visible The author warns against being distracted by outward rituals or material things rather than inward spiritual reality. / because they know of no better or more perfect wealth / holiness and salvation original: 'sehligkeit'. There is no desire for the unknown. original Latin: 'Ignoti nulla cupido.' A classical proverb suggesting that one cannot love or seek what one does not know exists. In order that such discouraged / comfortless / wretched / wandering / weak / and led-astray sheep