A06492:911
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.
By these words Paul signifieth that no law of it self is able to quicken or give life,1 but only killeth. Therefore such works as are done, not only according to the laws and traditions of the Pope, but also according to the very law of God, do not justify a man before God, but make him a sinner: they do not pacify the wrath of God, but they kindle it: they obtain not righteousness, but they hinder it: they quicken not, but they terrify. Therefore, when he sayeth: If a law had ben given which could have brought life &c. he teacheth plainly that the law of it self justifieth not: but that it hath a clean contrary effect.
By these wordes Paule signifieth that no lawe of it selfe is able to quicken or geue life,1 but onely killeth. Therfore such works as are done, not onely according to the lawes and traditions of the Pope, but also according to ye very law of God, doe not iustifie a man before God, but make him a sinner: they doe not pacifie the wrath of God, but they kindle it: they obtaine not righteousnes, but they hinder it: they quicken not, but they terrifie. Therfore, when he sayeth: If a lavv had ben geuen vvhich could haue brought life &c. he teacheth plainly that the lawe of it selfe iustifieth not: but that it hath a cleane contrary effect.
- 1The law quickeneth not but killeth.The lavve quickneth not but killeth.
Although these words of Paul be plain enough, yet are they obscure and utterly unknown to the Papists. For if they did understand them in deed, they would not so magnify their freewill, their own natural strength, the keeping of the* Counsels, the works of supererogation &c. But left they should seem to be manifestly wicked, & plain Infidels in denying the words of the Apostle of Christ so impudently, they have this pestilent gloss always ready (whereby they pervert the places of Paul concerning the law which revealeth sin and engendereth wrath, that is to say the .x. commandments) that Paul speaketh only of the ceremonial and not of the moral law. But Paul speaketh