A06492:298
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.
1Now the truth of the gospel is, that our righteousness cometh by Faith only without the works of the law. The corruption or falsehood of the Gospel is,2 that we are justified by Faith, but not without the works of the law. With the like condition the false apostles also preached the Gospel. Even so do our Papists and crafty Sophisters at this day.3 For they say that we must believe in Christ, and that Faith is the foundation of our salvation: but it justifieth not, except it be furnished with charity. This is not the truth of the Gospel, but falsehood and dissimulation. But the true Gospel in deed is, that works or charity are not the ornament or perfection of faith: but that faith of it self is Gods gift and Gods work in our hearts, which therefore justifieth us because it apprehendeth Christ our redeemer. Mans reason hath the law for his object,4 thus thinking with it self: This I have done, this I have not done. But faith being in her own proper office, hath no other object but Jesus Christ the son of god,5 delivered to death for the sins of the whole world. It looketh not to charity. It sayeth not: what have I done? what have I offended? what have I deserved? but what hath Christ done? what hath he deserved? Here the truth of the gospel answereth thee: he hath redeemed thee from thy sin, from the Devil & from eternal death. Faith therefore acknowledgeth, that in this one person Jesus Christ, it hath forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He that turneth his eyes away from this object, hath not true Faith but a fantasy and a vain opinion, and turneth his eyes from the promise to the law, which terrifieth and driveth to desperation.
1Now the truth of the gospell is, that our righteousnes cometh by Faith only without the workes of the law. The corruption or falshode of the Gospell is,2 that we are iustified by Faith, but not without the workes of the lawe. With the like condition the false apostles also preached the Gospel. Euen so doe our Papists and craftie Sophisters at this day.