A06492:625
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.
Doubtless we ought to have learned by the word of God, that the religious orders of the Papists (which only they call holy) are wicked, since there is no commandment of God at all, or testimony in the holy scriptures approving the same.1 Contrariwise other orders of life which have the word and warrant of God, are holy & ordained of God. But we were then wrapped in such horrible darkness, that we could not truly judge of any thing. But now at the appearing of the clear light of the Gospel, all kinds of life in the world are under our judgement, which is most certain & infallible.2 We may boldly pronounce out of the word of God, that the condition of servants, which before the world is most vile, is far more acceptable unto God then all the religious orders of the Papists. For by his word he commendeth, approveth, and setteth forth the state of servants, and so doth he not, the orders of Monks, Friars, and such other. Therefore this argument grounded upon experience ought to stand in much force with us also. For although divers men in popery wrought sundry and divers works both great and painful, yet could they never be sure what was the will of God towards them, but they were always in doubt: they could never attain to the knowledge of God, of themselves, of their calling, nor felt the testimony of the spirit in their hearts.3 But now that the truth of the Gospel appeareth, they are fully instructed by the only hearing of faith, in all these things.
Doubtles we ought to haue learned by the word of God, that the religious orders of the Papistes (which onely they call holy) are wicked, since there is no commaundement of God at al, or testimony in the holy scriptures approuing the same.1 Contrariwise other orders of life which haue the word and warrant of God, are holy & ordained of God. But we were then wrapped in such horrible darkenes, that we could not truely iudge of any thing. But now at the appearing of the cleare light of the Gospell, all kindes of life in the world are vnder our iudgement, which is most certaine & infallible.2