An abstract of a commentary by Dr. Martin Luther, u[pon] the Galatians. Wherein the…An abstract of a commentarie by Dr. Martyn Luther, u[pon] the Galathians. Wherein the…

Thirdly, There is a Righteousness of the Law, or of the ten Commandments, which Moses teacheth, which we teach after the doctrine of faith.

Thirdly, There is a Righteousnes of the Law, or of the tenne Commandements, which Moses teacheth, which we teach after the doctrine of faith.

Fourthly, there is a Righteousness above all these, to wit, the Righteousness of faith, or Christian Righteousness, which we must diligently discern from the former, for they are contrary to this righteousness, consisting in works which are active, but this is a passive Righteousness. Of all things in the world, the Law is most excellent, yet is it not able to quiet a troubled conscience, but increaseth Terrors, and driveth it into desperation. For by the Law sin is made above measure sinful: I abandon my self from all active Righteousness, both of my own, and of Gods law, and embrace only that passive Righteousness of grace, mercy, and forgiveness of sins: Therefore the greatest wisdom of a good Christian is, not to know the law, to be ignorant of works, and of the whole active righteousness, especially when the conscience wrestleth with the Judgements of God; But it is è contrario, to those who are not of Gods people, for the law is not given to a righteous ⟨image 5⟩man, but to the law less and disobedient: And both the word of Grace, and of wrath, must be rightly divided, according to the Apostle, 2 Tim. 2. which is, To set forth the Law and works to the Old man, and the promise of forgiveness of sins, and of Gods mercy to the New man, Rom. 10.4. The law continued unto Christ, who being come, Moses ceaseth with his law, Circumcision, the Sacrifices, the Sabbaths, and all the Prophets: He that is borne of God cannot sin, 1. Joh. 3.18. it the Article of Justification be once lost, then is all true Christian doctrine lost, the law ought to have dominion only over the flesh: whosoever is assuredly persuaded that Christ is his Righteousness, it is impossible but he should do all things well. Grace and Peace comprehend in them whatsoever belongeth to Christianity; grace releaseth sin, and peace maketh the conscience quiet. The two fiends that torment us are Sin but sin is rather increased by works, for there is no means to take away sin but grace alone. The peace of the world, granteth not king but the peace of our goods, and bodies. I am the way, the truth, and the life, No man cometh to the father but by me,