A06492:451
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.
1Wherefore it is not without good cause that Paul in the 2. Cor. 3. calleth the minister of the law,2 the minister of sin: For the law showeth and uttereth sin, which without the law is dead. Now the knowledge of sin (I speak not here of that speculative knowledge of hypocrites, but of a true knowledge, by the which we see the wrath of God against sin and feel a true taste of death) terrifieth the heart, driveth down to desperation,3 killeth and destroyeth. Rom. 7. Wherefore these Schoolmasters of the law and works are called in the scripture oppressors and tyrants.4 For as the taskmasters in Egypt did oppress the children of Israel with corporal servitude, so do these lawgivers and taskmasters drive men into most miserable bondage of soul, and at length bring them to desperation and utter destruction. These do neither know themselves nor the force of the law. And it is not possible for them to have quietness and peace of conscience in great and inward terrors and in the agony of death, yea though they have observed the law, loved their neighbours, done many good works, and suffered great afflictions: for the law always terrifieth and accuseth, saying: thou never diddest accomplish all that is commanded in the law: but accursed is he that hath not done all things contained therein. Wherefore these terrors remain still in the conscience and increase more and more. And if such Schoolmasters of the law be not raised up by Faith and the righteousness of Christ, they are driven down headlong to desperation.
1Wherefore it is not without good cause that Paule in the 2. Cor. 3. calleth the minister of the law,2 the minister of sinne: For the law sheweth and vttereth sinne, which without the law is deade. Now the knowledge of sinne (I speake not here of that speculatiue knowledge of hypocrites, but of a true knowledge, by the which we see the wrath of God against sinne and feele a true tast of death) terrifieth ye heart, driueth downe to desperation,