A06512:42
A methodical preface prefixed before the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans very…A methodicall preface prefixed before the Epistle of S. Paule to the Romanes very…
A methodical preface prefixed before the Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans very necessary and profitable for the better understanding of it / made by the right reverend father and faithful servant of Christ Jesus, Martin Luther ; now newly translated out of Latin into English, by W.W. ...A methodicall preface prefixed before the Epistle of S. Paule to the Romanes very necessary and profitable for the better vnderstandyng of it / made by the right reuerend father and faythfull seruant of Christ Iesus, Martin Luther ; nowe newly translated out of Latin into English, by W.W. ...
Imprinted at London : For Thomas Woodcocke, dwelling in Pauls Churchyard, at the sign of the Black Bear, 1594?Imprinted at London : For Thomas Woodcocke, dwellyng in Paules Churchyard, at the signe of the Blacke Beare, 1594?
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.
Seeing therefore in the three former Chapters, he hath taught, that all men are sinners: & also hath showed that only faith in Christ, is the way unto righteousness, and means to justification, Chap. 4 by & by in this fourth Chapter ⟨image 16⟩he answereth to certain objections and cavils. As for the most part, when Christ or faith is taught (that is, that our works are nothing, that we are only justified by faith) straight ways certain Justiciaries object: If faith alone doth justify, then we must cease altogether to do good works, then good works are to be omitted and left undone. The Apostle answereth, proposing the example of Abraham: What shall we say then, that Abraham our Father hath found concerning the flesh? Did he merit nothing at all by his works? He concludeth, that Abraham was justified only by faith without any works, insomuch that the Scripture saith, that Abraham (before he was circumcised) believed God, and it was counted and reputed unto him for righteousness. Genesis. 15.6. If therefore the work of circumcision which God commanded (which was a precious work of obedience) profited Abraham nothing to justification, then it is most sure and certain, that there is none other work which is available to justification. But as circumcision being an outward sign, 1was unto Abraham a seal of his righteousness by faith: so good ⟨image 16⟩works are only an external sign, which doth not justify, but which doth signify unto men, that a man is inwardly justified before God, and they do testify and approve as certain signs and fruits, that lively faith, which worketh in the hart. By this, as by the most grave, weighty, and authentic example, the Apostle doth confirm, and build out of the Scriptures his doctrine of faith delivered out, and taught in the third Chapter. Furthermore the Apostle allegeth the testimony of David in his 32. Psal. to prove this matter. Also in most plain words he affirmeth that a man is justified by the imputation of righteousness, without works: although (as I have said before) works do follow those that are justified by Faith.
Seeing therfore in the three former Chapters, he hath taught, that all men are sinners: & also hath shewed that onely fayth in Christ, is the waye vnto righteousnes, and meanes to iustification, Chap. 4 by & by in this fourth Chapter