A06492:1434
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.
So great then is the power and dominion of the spirit, that the law cannot accuse the godly, though they commit that which is sin in deed. For Christ is our righteousness, whom we apprehend by Faith: he is without all sin, and therefore the law can not accuse him. As long as we cleave fast unto him, we are led by the spirit, and are free from the law. And so the Apostle,1 even when he teacheth good works, forgetteth not his doctrine concerning Justification: but always showeth that it is impossible for us to be justified by works. For the remnants of sin cleave fast in our flesh, and therefore so long as our flesh liveth, it ceaseth not to lust contrary to the spirit. Notwithstanding there cometh no danger unto us thereby, because we be free from the law, so that we walk in the spirit.
So great then is the power and dominion of the spirite, that the lawe cannot accuse the godly, though they commit that which is sinne in deede. For Christe is our righteousnes, whom we apprehend by Faith: he is without all sinne, and therfore the law can not accuse him. As long as we cleaue fast vnto him, we are ledde by the spirite, and are free from the lawe. And so the Apostle,1 euen when he teacheth good workes, forgetteth not his doctrine concerning Iustification: but alwayes sheweth that it is impossible for vs to be iustified by workes. For the remnants of sinne cleaue fast in our flesh, and therefore so long as our flesh liueth, it ceaseth not to lust contrary to the spirite. Notwithstanding there cometh no daunger vnto vs thereby, because we be free from the law, so that we walke in the spirite.
- 1What it is to be led by the spirit.VVhat it is to be led by the spirite.
And with these words: If ye be led by the spirit, ye be not under the law, thou mayest greatly comfort thy self and others that be grievously tempted. For it oftentimes cometh to pass, that a man is so vehemently assailed with wrath, hatred, impatience, carnal desire, terror and anguish of spirit, or some other lust of the flesh, that he can not shake them of, though he would never so fain. What should he do in this case? Should he despair? No, God forbid: but let him say thus with him self: Thy flesh fighteth and rageth against the spirit. Let it rage as long as it listeth: only see thou,