Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians

Wherefore [to do] is first of all, to believe, and so through faith to perform the law. We must first receive the holy Ghost,¹ wherewith we being lightened and made new creatures, begin to do the law, that is to say, to love God and our neighbour. But the holy Ghost is not received through the law (for they which are under der the law, as Paul saith, are under the Curse):² but by the hearing of faith, that is to say, through the promise. We must be blessed only with Abraham ⟨image 126⟩in the promise made unto him,³ and in his faith. Therefore before all things, we must hear and receive the promise, which setteth out Christ, and offereth him to all believers: and when they have taken hold upon him by faith, then the holy Ghost is given unto them for his sake. Then do they love God and their neighbour, then do they good works and carry the cross patiently. This is to do the law truly and in deed: otherwise the law remaineth always undone. Wherefore, if thou will define truly and plainly what it is to do the law, it is nothing else, but to believe in Jesus Christ, and when the holy Ghost is received through faith in Christ, to work those things which are commanded in the law: and otherwise we are not able to perform the law. For the scripture saith, that there is no blessing without the promise,⁴ no not in the law. It is impossible therefore to perform the law without the promise, for the Blessing must needs go withal, which is the preaching & publishing of Christ, who was promised to Abraham, that the world should be blessed through him: otherwise, we shall never perform the law.

Wherfore [to doe] is first of all, to beleeue, and so through faith to performe the lawe. We must first receaue the holy Ghoste,¹ wherewith we being lightened and made newe creatures, begin to doe the lawe, that is to say, to loue God and our neighbour. But the holy Ghost is not receaued through the law (for they which are vnder der ye lawe, as Paule sayth, are vnder the Curse):