In Germany to the Leipsic Disputation - James Aitken Wylie

the holiness of God. It was not the sweet promise
of mercy, but the fiery threatening of the law, on
which he dwelt. "Who may abide the day of His
coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth?"
The wise Staupitz saw how it was. The monk
was standing in the presence of the Great Judge
without a days-man. He was dwelling with
Devouring Fire; he was transacting with God just
as he would have done if no cross had ever been set
up on Calvary, and no "place for repentance."
"Why do you torture yourself with these thoughts?
Look at the wounds of Christ," said Staupitz,
anxious to turn away the monk's eye from his own
wounds – his stripes, macerations, fastings – by
which he hoped to move God to pity. "Look at the
blood Christ shed for you," continued his skillful
counselor; "it is there the grace of God will appear
to you." "I cannot and dare not come to God,"
replied Luther, in effect, "till I am a better man; I
have not yet repented sufficiently." "A better man!"
would the Vicar-General say in effect; "Christ
came to save not good men, but sinners. Love God,
and you will have repented; there is no real
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