A06492:1367
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.
For as much then as we know that the Devil layeth wait most of all for us that have the world (for the rest he holdeth in captivity and slavery at his pleasure) and laboureth with might and main to take from us the liberty of the spirit, or at least wise to turn the same into the liberty of the flesh: we teach and exhort our brethren with singular care and diligence by the example of Paul, that they think not this liberty of the spirit purchased by the death of Christ, to be given unto them, that they should make it an occasion of carnal liberty, or (as Peter sayeth) should use the same as a cloak for their wickedness:1 but that they should serve one an other through love.
For as much then as we know that the Deuill layeth waite most of all for vs that haue the world (for the rest he holdeth in captiuitie and slauerie at his pleasure) and laboureth with might and maine to take from vs the libertie of the spirite, or at least wise to turne the same into the libertie of the flesh: we teach and exhort our brethern with singuler care and diligence by the example of Paule, that they thinke not this libertie of the spirite purchased by the death of Christ, to be geuen vnto them, that they should make it an occasion of carnall libertie, or (as Peter sayeth) should vse the same as a cloke for their wickednes:1 but that they should serue one an other through loue.
To the end therefore that Christians should not abuse this liberty (as I have said) the Apostle layeth a yoke and bondage upon their flesh by the law of mutual love.1 Wherefore let the godly remember that in conscience before God, they be free from the curse of the law, from sin and from death, for Christs sake: but as touching the body they are servants and must serve one an other through charity, according to this commandment of Paul. Let every man therefore endeavour to do his duty diligently in his calling, & to help his neighbour to the uttermost of his power. This is it which Paul here requireth of us: Serve ye one an other through love.