A06492:928
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 law shutteth men under sin two ways, Civilly and Spiritually.
The lawe shutteth men vnder sinne two wayes, Ciuily and Spiritually.
Such is the force of the law and the righteousness that cometh of the law,1 compelling us to be outwardly good when it threateneth death or any other punishment to the transgressors thereof. Here we obey the law in deed, but for fear of punishment: that is, unwillingly ⟨p. 159⟩and with great indignation. But what righteousness is this, when we abstain from doing evil for fear of punishment? Wherefore, this righteousness of works is in deed nothing else,2 but to love sin & to hate righteousness, to detest God with his law, and to love and reverence that which is most horrible and abominable? For look how heartily the thief loveth the prison and hateth his theft: so gladly do we obey the law in accomplishing that which it commandeth, and avoiding that which it forbiddeth.
Such is the force of the lawe and the righteousnes that cometh of the lawe,1 compelling vs to be outwardly good when it threatneth death or any other punishment to the transgressours thereof. Here we obey the law in deede, but for feare of punishment: that is, vnwillingly ⟨p. 159⟩and with great indignation. But what righteousnes is this, when we absteine from doing euill for feare of punishment? Wherefore, this righteousnes of works is in deede nothing else,