A06492:1306
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.
Therefore, when I am instructed by Faith in the word of God, ⟨image 236⟩and lay hold of Christ, believing in him with my whole heart, then am I righteous by this knowledge. When I am so justified by Faith or by this knowledge, by and by cometh the Devil the father of lies, and laboureth to extinguish my Faith by wiles and subtleties: that is to say, by lies, errors and heresies. Moreover, because he is a murderer, he goeth about also to oppress it by violence. Here hope wrestling, layeth hold on the thing revealed by Faith, and overcometh the Devil that warreth against Faith: and after this victory followeth peace & joy in the holy Ghost: So that in very deed faith & hope can scarcely be discerned the one from the other, & yet is there a certain difference between them. And that it may be the better perceived, I will set out the matter by a similitude.
Therefore, when I am instructed by Faith in the word of God, ⟨image 236⟩and lay holde of Christe, beleuing in him with my whole heart, then am I righteous by this knowledge. When I am so iustified by Faith or by this knowledge, by and by cometh the Deuill the father of lies, and laboureth to extinguish my Faith by wiles and subtilties: that is to say, by lies, errours and heresies. Moreouer, because he is a murtherer, he goeth about also to oppresse it by violence. Here hope wrastlinge, layeth holde on the thinge reuealed by Faithe, and ouercometh the Deuill that warreth against Faith: and after this victorie foloweth peace & ioy in the holy Ghost: So that in very deede faith & hope can scarsely be discerned the one from the other, & yet is there a certaine difference betwene them. And that it may be the better perceaued, I will set out the matter by a similitude.
In civill government Prudence and Fortitude do differ, and yet these two virtues are so joined together, that they can not easily be severed. Now, fortitude is a constancy of mind, which is not discouraged in adversity, but endureth valiantly, & waiteth for better things. But if fortitude be not guided by prudence, it is but temerity and rashness.