A06492:1374
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.
Now, in giving precepts of love, he covertly toucheth by the way the false teachers: against whom he setteth him self mightily, that he may defend and stablish his doctrine of good works against them. As if he said: O ye Galatians, I have hitherto taught you the true and spiritual life, and now also I will teach you what be good works in deed. And this will I do to the end ye may know that the vain and foolish works of ceremonies which the false Apostles do only urge, are far inferior to the works of charity. For such is the foolishness and madness of all wicked teachers and fantastical spirits,1 that not only they leave the true foundation and pure doctrine: but also continuing always in their superstitions, they never attain to good works. Therefore (as Paul sayeth) they build nothing but wood, hay and stubble upon the foundation. So the false apostles, which were the most earnest defenders of works, did not teach or require the works of charity, as that Christians should love one an other, that they should be ready to help their neighbours in all necessities, not only with their goods, but also with their body: that is to say, with tongue, hand, heart, and with their whole strength: but only they required that circumcision should be kept,2 that days, months, years and times should be observed: and other ⟨image 248⟩good works they could teach none. For after they had destroyed the foundation which is Christ, & darkened the doctrine of Faith, it was impossible that there should remain any true use, exercise, or opinion of good works. Take away the tree, & the fruit must needs perish.
Now, in geuing preceptes of loue, he couertly toucheth by the way the false teachers: against whom he setteth him selfe mightely, that he may defend and stablish his doctrine of good workes against them. As if he sayd: O ye Galathians, I haue hetherto taught you the true and spirituall life, and now also I will teach you what be good workes in deede. And this will I doe to the ende ye may know that the vaine and foolish workes of ceremonies which the false Apostles doe onely vrge, are farre inferiour to the workes of charitie. For such is the foolishnes and madnes of all wicked teachers and fantasticall spirites,1