CHAPTER III. THE STARTING-POINT _pages_ 104-129

1. FORMER INACCURATE VIEWS.

The starting-point not simply the desire to reform the Church; nor mere antipathy to the Dominicans. Hus’s influence merely secondary. Luther’s own account of his search for a “merciful God” not to be trusted any more than his later descriptions of his life as a monk _pages_ 104-110

2. WHETHER EVIL CONCUPISCENCE IS IRRESISTIBLE?

Luther’s belief in its irresistibility not to be alleged as a proof of his moral perversity. Traces of the belief early noticeable in him; he demands that people should nevertheless strive against concupiscence with the weapons of the spirit; concupiscence ineradicable, identical with original sin, and actually sinful. Luther not a determinist from the beginning. His pseudo-mysticism scarcely reconcilable with his supposed moral perversity _pages_ 110-117

3. THE REAL STARTING-POINT AND THE CO-OPERATING FACTORS.

Luther’s new opinions grounded on his antipathy to good works; hence his belief in the incapacity of man for good. Other factors; his character, his self-confidence and combativeness; his anger with the formalism prevalent in his day; his fear of eternal reprobation; his inadequate knowledge of the real doctrine of the Church; his hasty promotion _pages_ 117-129