A06492:1209
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.
Paul then by this testimony of Isaiah hath proved that Sarah, that is to say, the church is the true mother which bringeth forth free children & heirs: Contrariwise that Hagar, that is to say, the synagogue gendereth many children in deed: but they are servants and must be cast out. Moreover, because this place speaketh also of the abolishing of the law and of Christian liberty, it ought to be diligently considered. For as it is the most principal and special article of Christian doctrine, to know that we are justified and saved by Christ, so is it also very necessary to know and understand well the doctrine concerning the abolishment of the law. For it helpeth very much to confirm our doctrine as touching Faith, and to attain sound and certain consolation of conscience, when we are assured that the law is abolished, and specially in great terrors and serious conflicts.
Paule then by this testimonie of Esay hath proued that Sara, that is to say, the church is the true mother which bringeth forth free children & heires: Contrariwise that Agar, that is to say, the sinagoge gendreth many children in deede: but they are seruauntes and must be cast out. Moreouer, because this place speaketh also of the abolishing of the lawe and of Christian libertie, it ought to be diligently considered. For as it is the most principall and speciall article of Christian doctrine, to know that we are iustified and saued by Christe, so is it also very necessary to knowe and vnderstand well the doctrine concerning the abolishment of the lawe. For it helpeth very much to confirme our doctrine as touching Faith, and to attaine sound and certaine consolation of conscience, when we are assured that the lawe is abolished, and specially in great terrours and serious conflicts.
I have often said before, and now I say again (for it can not be too often repeated), that a Christian laying hold of the benefit of Christ through Faith,1 hath no law, but all the law is to him abolished with all his terrors and torments. This place of Isaiah teacheth the same thing, and therefore it is very notable and full of comfort, stirring up the barren and forsaken to rejoice, which was counted worthy to be mocked or pitied according to the law. For such as were barren were accursed according to the law: but the holy Ghost turneth this sentence, and pronounceth the barren worthy of praise and Blessing: and