The Life and Teachings of John the Baptist

Thus it is the office of John• which we honor. The office of John was first of all to make the world humble, to call people to repentance and make them confess their sins, that is, to preach the Law. Secondly he was to preach forgiveness of sins and salvation, the sweet Gospel with all it’s comfort. Therefore he who reads Walther\u27s Gesets und Evangelium may do well to study the teachings of John at the same time, and he will find it an excellent collateral reading tor his study. Of course we know that there are extremes on both sides of Gospel and Law; one person relies on his worship and his own good works, while the other keeps everything for himself, scharrt alles zu sich , and helps noone, does no works. These extremes are naturally wrong and should be guarded against. John divided Law and Gospel correctly. The entire second part of this paper has been set aside for the teachings of John, where also the Law and Gospel division of John will be taken up