A06492:1204
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians
A commentary of M. Doctor Martin Luther upon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians first collected and gathered word by word out of his preaching, and now out of Latin faithfully translated into English for the unlearned. Wherein is set forth most excellently the glorious riches of Gods grace ...A commentarie of M. Doctor Martin Luther vpon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galathians first collected and gathered vvord by vvord out of his preaching, and novv out of Latine faithfully translated into English for the vnlearned. Wherein is set forth most excellently the glorious riches of Gods grace ...
London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier dwelling wihtin sic, 1575London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier dvvelling vvihtin sic, 1575
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Contrariwise Sarah the freewoman, that is to say, the true church seemeth to be barren.1 For the Gospel which is the word of the cross and affliction, which the Church preacheth, shineth not so brightly as the doctrine of the law and works, and therefore she hath not so many disciples to cleave unto her. Moreover, she beareth this title, that she forbiddeth good works,2 maketh men secure, idle, and negligent, raiseth up heresies and seditions, and is the cause of all mischief: and therefore she seemeth to bring no success or prosperity, but all things seem to be full of barrenness, desolation and desperation. Therefore the wicked are certainly persuaded, that the church with her doctrine can not long endure. The Jews assured themselves that the church which was planted by the Apostles, should shortly be overthrown: the which by an odious name they called a Sect. For thus they speak to Paul in the .28. Chapter of yt Acts.3 As concerning this Sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. In like manner how often (I pray you) have our adversaries ben deceived, which somewhiles appointed one time, & somewhiles an other, when we should be certainly destroyed? Christ and his Apostles were oppressed: but after their death the doctrine of the Gospel was further spread abroad then it was during their life. In like manner our adversaries may oppress us at this day but the word of God shall abide for ever. How much so ever then the church seem to be barren and forsaken, weak and despised, and outwardly to suffer persecution: and moreover be compelled to hear this reproach, that her doctrine is heretical and seditious: notwithstanding she alone is fruitful before God: she gendereth by the ministry of the word an infinite number of children, heirs of righteousness and everlasting life: And although outwardly they suffer persecution, yet in spirit they are most free: who not only are judges over all doctrines & works, but also are most victorious conquerors against the gates of hell.
Contrariwise Sara the freewoman, that is to say, the true church seemeth to be barren.1 For the Gospell which is the word of the crosse and affliction, which the Church preacheth, shineth not so brightly as the doctrine of the law and workes, and therfore she hath not so many disciples to cleaue vnto her. Moreouer, she beareth this title, that she forbiddeth good workes,