A06492:661
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.
The popish Sophisters and Schoolmen dispute also of imputation, when they speak of the good acceptation of the work:1 but besides and clean contrary to the scripture, for they wrest it only to works. They do not consider the uncleanness and inward poison lurking in the heart, as incredulity, doubting,2 despising and hating of God, which most pernicious and perilous beasts are the fountain and cause of all mischief. They consider no more but outward and gross faults and unrighteousness, which are little rivers proceeding and issuing out of those fountains. Therefore they attribute acceptation to works: that is to say, that God doth accept our works, not of duty, but of congruence. Contrariwise we, excluding all works, do go to the very head of this beast which is called reason,3 which is the fountain and headspring of all mischiefs. For reason feareth not God, it loveth not God, it trusteth not in God, but proudly contemneth him. It is not moved either with his threatenings or his promises. It is not delighted with his words or works: but it murmureth against him, it is angry with him, judgeth and hateth him: to be short, it is an enemy to God, not giving him his glory.4 This pestilent beast (reason I say) being once slain, all outward and gross vices should be nothing.
The popish Sophisters and Scholemen dispute also of imputation, when they speake of the good acceptation of the woorke:1 but besides and cleane contrary to the scripture, for they wrest it onely to workes. They doe not consider the vncleanenes and inward poyson lurking in the hearte, as incredulitie, doubting,2 despising and hating of God, which most pernicious and perelous beastes are the fountaine and cause of all mischiefe. They consider no more but outward and grosse faults and vnrighteousnes, which are little riuers proceeding and issuing out of those fountaines. Therefore they attribute acceptation to workes: that is to say, that God doth accept our workes, not of dutie, but of congruence. Contrarywise we, excluding all workes, doe goe to the very heade of this beast which is called reason,