MartinLuther

ACOMMENTARYON
SAINTPAULSEPISTLETOTHEGALATIANS
1535

Fromtheprefacetothisold,butprecisetranslation:
TheoriginaleditionofthisCommentaryinLatin,likethelecturesonwhichitwasbased
waspreparedforthepressbyGeorgeRrer,oneofLuthersmostassiduousandreliable
reporters,withsomeassistancefromVeitDietrichandmorefromCasparCruciger.Theseare
thebrethrentowhomLutherrefersinhisPreface.Allthreehadattendedthelecturesin
1531,andRrer,atanyrate,hadtakenveryfullnotes(inanabbreviatedscriptofhisown)on
thewholecourse.ThesenotesareprintedabovethepublishedtextoftheCommentaryinthe
WeimareditionofLuthersworks,andtheyareoccasionallycitedinthefootnotesofthe
presentvolume,wheretheyarereferredtoasRrersMS.Theyshow,incidentally,thatthe
coursebeganonJuly3rdandendedonDecember12th,andthattherewerefortyonelectures
inall.Thewholeofthepublishedtextisbasedonthesenotes,exceptfortheexpositionof
Galatians5:6,whichderivesfromamanuscriptofLuthersownthatwasmadeavailableto
Rrer,althoughitwasnotwrittenspecificallyforthisCommentary.AttheendofJuly1532,
Rrerbegantowriteoutthelectures,consultingDietrichandCrucigerfromtimetotimeto
checkhisaccuracy.Earlyin1534theworkwasinthehandsoftheprinter,andayearlaterit
waspublished.Asecond,revisededitionfollowedin1538,andaGermanversionin1539.
Morethanthirtyyearslater,in1575,thefirstEnglisheditionwaspublished,the
translationbeingbasedonthesecondLatinedition.In1577itwasdiligentlyrevised,
corrected,andnewlyimprintedagaine,andtwomoreprintingsfollowedbeforethecentury

wasout.AllsubsequentEnglisheditions,withoneexception,appeartohavebeeneither
reproductionsorabridgmentsofthesixteenthcenturytranslation.Thebestknownofthemis
thesocalledMiddletonedition,firstpublishedin1807,whichwasreprintedsixorseven
timesduringthenineteenthcentury,andfurnishedthetextforJ.P.Fallowesabridgmentin
1939.IttakesitsnamefromthefactthatitisprefacedbyaLifeoftheAuthorandacomplete
andimpartialhistoryofthetimesinwhichhelived,bythelateRev.ErasmusMiddleton,
B.D.,RectorofTurvey,Bedfordshire.MiddletonwasanEvangelicalclergymanofthe
ChurchofEngland,whodiedin1805.HisLifeofLutherhadbeenpublishedinthefirst
volumeofhisBiographiaEvangelicain1769.Itisnotclearbywhomthe1807editionof
LuthersGalatianswaspreparedforthepress,butitsgeneralcharactersuggestsanottoo
skillfulmodernization(inrespectofspelling,punctuationandsoforth)ofaconsiderably
oldertext,withoutanyreferencetotheLatinoriginal.
InthepreparationofthepresenteditionanoriginalMiddletonhasbeenused,together
withablacklettereditionof1616,whichwastheearliestavailableandtheentiretexthas
beencomparedwiththeoriginalLatin.Itwouldhavebeentoolongandcostlyanundertaking
toproduceacompletelynew,moderntranslation,andtherewasinanycasemuchtobesaid
forretainingthestyleoftheElizabethantranslators,whowereatleastasclosetoLutherin
spiritasintime,andwhospokeEnglishashewouldhavespokenitifithadbeenhisnative
tongue.IftheirrenderingoftheLatinisnotentirelyliteral,itisoftenmorenearlysothan
modernspeechwouldallow,anditretainsmuchmoreofthepungentflavoroftheoriginal.
(PhilipS.Watson.HandsworthMethodistCollege,Birmingham.)

_____________

ThistexthasbeenmadeavailableforthewebbyTonyWoodcock(GodRules.net)

Webeditor,cand.theol.FinnB.Andersen
fromthelandofthemermaids

(LutherandhisDanishgirlfriend)

LUTHERSPREFACE
ImyselfcanhardlybelieveIwasasverbosewhenIlecturedonSt.PaulsEpistletothe
Galatians,asthisvolumeindicates.ButsinceIrecognizeasmineallthethoughtswhichthe
brethrenhavetakensuchpainstosetdowninit,IamforcedtoadmitthatIsaidasmuchand
perhapsevenmore.FortheonedoctrinewhichIhavesupremelyatheart,isthatoffaithin

Christ,fromwhom,throughwhomanduntowhomallmytheologicalthinkingflowsbackand
forthdayandnight.NotthatIfindIhavegraspedanythingofawisdomsohigh,sobroadand
soprofound,beyondafewmeagerrudimentsandfragmentsandIamashamedthatmypoor,
uninspiredcommentsonsogreatanApostleandchoseninstrumentofGodshouldbe
published.YetIamcompelledtoforgetmyshameandbequiteshamelessinviewofthe
horribleprofanationandabominationwhichhavealwaysragedintheChurchofGod,andstill
ragetoday,againstthis,onesolidrockwhichwecallthedoctrineofjustification.Imeanthe
doctrinethatweareredeemedfromsin,deathandthedevil,andmadepartakersofeternal
life,notbyourselves(andcertainlynotbyourworks,whicharelessthanourselves),butby
thehelpofanother,theonlybegottenSonofGod,JesusChrist.
ThisrockwasshakenbySataninParadise,whenhepersuadedourfirstparentsthatthey
mightbytheirownwisdomandpowerbecomelikeGod,abandoningfaithinGod,whohad
giventhemlifeandpromiseditscontinuance.Shortlyafterwards,thatliarandmurderer
(alwaystruetohimself)incitedabrothertomurderhisbrother,fornootherreasonthanthat
thelatter,agodlyman,hadofferedbyfaithamoreexcellentsacrifice,whilehehimself,being
ungodly,hadofferedhisownworkswithoutfaithandhadnotpleasedGod.Afterthisthere
followedaceaselessandintolerablepersecutionofthissamefaithbySatanthroughthesons
ofCain,untilGodwascompelledtopurgetheworldanddefendNoah,thepreacherof
righteousness,bymeansoftheFlood.Nevertheless,SatancontinuedhisworkinHam,the
thirdsonofNoah,andinotherstoomanytomention.Thereafterthewholeworldactedlikea
madmanagainstthisfaith,inventinginnumerableidolsandreligionswithwhicheveryone(as
St.Paulsays)wenthisownway,hopingtoplacateaGodorgoddess,godsorgoddesses,by
hisownworksthatis,hopingwithouttheexternal[alieno]aidofChristandbyhisown
workstoredeemhimselffromevilsandsins.Allthisissufficientlyevidencedbythedoings
andwritingsofallnations.
ButthesearenothingincomparisonwiththatpeopleofGod,Israel,ortheSynagogue,
whowereblessedbeyondallothers,notonlywiththesurepromisegiventotheFathersand
withtheLawgivenbyGodthroughangels,butalsowiththeconstanttestimonyofthewords,
miraclesandexamplesoftheprophets.Yetevenamongthem,Satan(I.e.thefuryofself
righteousness)hadsuchsuccessthatafterkillingalltheprophetstheykilledtheverySonof
Godhimself,theirpromisedMessiahandallforthesamereason,namely,thattheytaught
thatwemenarereceivedintothefavorofGodbythegraceofGod,notbyourown
righteousness.Thisisthesumofthedoctrineofthedevilandtheworldfromthebeginning:
Wewillnotappeartodoevil,butwhateverwedo,Godmustapproveofitandallhis
prophetsmustagree.Iftheydonot,letthemdie.LetAbelperishandCainlive.Letthisbe
ourlaw.Andsoitis.
IntheChurchoftheGentiles,however,thingshavebeenandareevenworse,sothatthe
madnessoftheSynagoguemaywellseemmerechildsplayincomparison.FortheJews,as
St.Paulsays,didnotknowtheirMessiahotherwisetheywouldnothavecrucifiedtheLord
ofglory.ButtheChurchoftheGentileshasacceptedChristandconfesseshimtobetheSon
ofGod,whohasbeenmadeourrighteousnessandthisitpubliclysings,readsandteaches.
Yetdespitethisconfession,thosewhoclaimtobetheChurchkill,persecuteandrageagainst
thosewhobelieveandteachbywordanddeednothingelsebutthatChristispreciselywhat
theythemselvesarecompelled(thoughinsincerely)toconfesshimtobe.Fortheyarein
powertodayunderthenameofChristbutiftheycouldkeeptheirpowerwithoutthename
ofChrist,theywouldopenlydeclarehimtobewhatintheirheartstheythinkhim.Theyhave

afarloweropinionofhimthantheJews,whoatleasttakehimforathola,athiefwho
deservedhiscrucifixion,whereasourpeopleregardhimasafable,likesomeinventedGodof
theheathen,ascanbeseenatRomeinthePapalCuriaandalmosteverywhereinItaly.
Since,therefore,ChristismadeamockeryamonghisChristians(forsotheywishtobe
called),andCainkillsAbelcontinuallyandtheabominationofSatannowreignssupreme,it
isnecessarytopaytheveryclosestheedtothisdoctrine,andtoopposeSatanwithit,whether
weareeloquentornot,learnedornot.Forifallmenkeptsilence,thisrockoughttobe
proclaimedbytileveryrocksandstonesthemselves.HenceIamwillingtodomydutyand
letthisextremelyverboseCommentarybepublishedinordertostirupmybrethreninChrist
againstthewilesandmaliceofSatan,whointheselastdayshasbecomesoinfuriatedatthe
recoveryofthesoundknowledgeofChrist,thatwhereasithashithertoseemedasifmenwere
possessedbydemonsandravingmad,itnowseemsasifthedemonsthemselvesare
possessedbyworsedemonsandravingwithamorethandemonicmadnesswhichstrongly
suggeststhattheEnemyoftruthandlifefeelstheDayofJudgmenttobeimminenta
dreadfuldayofdestructionforhim,butalovelydayofredemptionandtheendofhistyranny
forus.
Forhehasreasontobealarmed,whenallhismembersandhispowersaresoassailed,
justasathieforadultererisalarmedwhenthedawnbreaksuponhimandheiscaughtinhis
act.
For,leavingasidetheabominationsofthePope,whoeverheardofsuchanoutbreakof
monstersasweseetodayintheAnabaptistsalone?Truly,inthemSatanisstirringuphis
owneverywherewithfrightfulcommotions,asifhewereintentonbreathingoutthelastblast
ofhiskingdom,andwereseekingallofasudden,notonlytosubvertthewholeworldwith
seditions,butalsotoswallowupcompletelyChristandhisChurchthroughinnumerable
sects.Hedoesnotventsuchrageonotherkindsoflifeorthought,likethoseofadulterers,
thieves,murderers,perjurers,theungodly,thesacrilegious,theunbelieving.Onthecontrary,
hekeepstheminpeaceinhiscourt,pamperingandindulgingthemineverything.Justasin
theearliestdaysoftheChurchhenotonlytoleratedbutsplendidlysupportedalltheidolatries
andreligionsofthewholeworld,whileheeverywhereharassedtheChurchandreligionof
Christ,sotodayhehasnootherconcernthantheonethatisalwayspeculiarlyhisown,to
persecuteChrist(whois,ourrighteousnesswithoutanyworksofours)asitiswritten:Thou
shaltbruisehisheel.ButthesethoughtsofmineonthisEpistlearebeingpublishednotso
muchagainstthesepeopleasforourpeople,whowilleitherthankmeformypainsorpardon
myweaknessandtemerity.Ihavecertainlynowishthattheimpiousshouldapproveofthem,
butratherthattheyandtheirGodshouldbeirritatedbythemforIproducedthem(withmuch
toil)onlyforsuchasthosetowhomSt.PaulhimselfwrotehisEpistlethetroubled,afflicted
andtempted(whoaloneunderstandthesethings),wretchedGalatiansinthefaith.Thosewho
arenotsuchmaylistentothePapists,monks,Anabaptistsandalltheothermastersofinfinite
wisdomandreligion,heartilydespisingwhatwesayanddo,withoutevencaringto
understandit.
ForthePapistsandAnabaptistsaretodayagreedonthisonepointagainsttheChurchof
God(eveniftheirwordsdisguiseit),namely,thattheworkofGoddependsontheworthiness
oftheperson.AccordingtotheAnabaptists,baptismisnothingunlessthepersonisabeliever.
Fromthisprinciple(asitiscalled)itmustfollowthatalltheworksofGodarenothingifman
isnotgood.Ifbaptism,whichisaworkofGod,ceasestobeaworkofGodwhenmanisevil,
itfollowsthatthemarriedstate,theofficeofamagistrate,andthestationofaservant,which

areworksofGod,arenolongerworksofGodbecausemenareevil.Theungodlyhavethe
sun,moon,earth,water,air,andallthatissubjecttomanyetsincetheyarenotgodly,itmust
followthatthesunisnotthesun,andmoon,earth,water,air,arenotwhattheyare.The
Anabaptiststhemselveshadbodiesandsoulsbeforetheywererebaptized,butbecausethey
werenotgodly,theyhadnotrealbodiesandsouls.Similarly,theirparentswerenotreally
marriedastheyadmitbecausetheywerenotrebaptized,andthereforetheAnabaptists
themselvesareallillegitimateandtheirparentswereadulterersandfornicators.Yetthey
inherittheirparentsproperty,althoughtheyadmitthemselvestobeillegitimateandwithout
rightofinheritance.
WhocannotseehereintheAnabaptists,notmenpossessedbydemons,butdemons
themselvespossessedbyworsedemons?SoalsothePapistsstilltothisdayinsistonworks
andtheworthinessoftheperson,contrarytograce,thusgivingstrongsupport(inwordsat
least)totheirbrethrentheAnabaptists.Forthesefoxesaretiedtogetherbythetails,even
thoughtheirheadslookinoppositedirections.Whiletheyoutwardlyprofesstobegreat
enemies,inwardlytheythink,teachanddefendoneandthesamethingagainstouroneand
onlySaviorChrist,whoaloneisourrighteousness.Lethimwhocan,then,holdfasttothis
onearticleandlettherest,whomakeshipwreck,bedrivenbythewindandwavesuntilthey
eitherreturntotheshiporswimtotheshore.ButmoreabouttheAnabaptistsanothertime,if
theLordChristwills.Amen.[Theforegoingformedtheprefacetothefirstedition(1535).In
thesecondedition(1538)andsubsequenteditions,thefollowingparagraphswereaddedafter
swimtotheshore.]Thesumandendofthecomplaintisthatthereisnohopeofpeaceoran
endofcomplaintsolongasChristandBelialdonotagree.Onegenerationpasses,another
comes.Ifoneheresydies,anotherspringsup,forthedevilneitherslumbersnorsleeps.I
myselfalthoughIamnothingwhohavenowbeenintheministryofChristfortwenty
years,cantestifythatIhavebeenattackedbymorethantwentysects,ofwhichsomehave
entirelyperished,whileothersstillshowsignsoflife,likepartsofdismemberedinsects.
ButSatan,thatGodofallfactiousmen,dailyraisesupnewsects,andthelatestisone
whichIshouldleastofallhaveforeseenorexpected.ImeanthosewhoteachthattheTen
CommandmentsoughttobetakenoutoftheChurch,andthatmenoughtnottobeputinfear
oftheLaw,butsweetlyexhortedbythegraceofChristthatthesayingoftheprophetMicah
mightbefulfilled,thatnomanshouldreproveanother:Thoushaltnotdropuponus.Asif
wedidnotknow,orhadnevertaught,thatafflictedandcontritespiritsaretoberaisedup
throughChrist,butthathardheartedPharaohstowhomthegraceofGodispreachedinvain,
mustbeputinfearoftheLaw.Why,theythemselvesarecompelledtoinventrevelationsof
wrathagainstthewickedandunbelievingasiftheLawwereorcouldbesomethingother
thanarevelationofWrath!Suchistheblindnessandprideofthoseselfcondemnedmen.
MinistersoftheWord,therefore,iftheywouldbecountedfaithfulandprudentonthe
DayofChrist,oughttobeverysurethatSt.Pauldidnotspeakemptywordsorprophesyofa
thingofnought,whenhesaid:Theremustbeheresiesamongyou,thattheywhichare
approvedmaybemademanifestamongyou.LettheministerofChristknow,Isay,thatas
longashepreachesChristpurely,therewillbenolackofperversepersons,evenamongour
ownpeople,whowillmakeittheirbusinesstocausetroubleintheChurch.Andhemay
comforthimselfwiththethoughtthatthereisnopeacebetweenChristandBelial,orbetween
theSeedofthewomanandtheseedoftheSerpent.Indeed,hemayrejoiceinthetroubleheis
causedbysectsandtheconstantsuccessionofseditiousspirits.Forthisisourglory,the
testimonyofourconsciencethatwearefoundstandingandfightingonthesideoftheSeedof

thewomanagainsttheseedoftheSerpent.Lethimbiteourheelandneverceasebitingwe
forourpartwillnotceasetocrushhisheadthroughChrist,thefirsttocrushit,whoisblessed
forever.Amen.

INTRODUCTORY
IHAVEtakeninhand,inthenameoftheLord,yetonceagaintoexpoundthisEpistleofSt.
PaultotheGalatians:notbecauseIdodesiretoteachnewthings,orsuchasyehavenot
heardbefore,especiallysincethat,bythegraceofGod,Paulisnowthoroughlyknownunto
you:butforthat(asIhaveoftenforewarnedyou)thiswehavetofearasthegreatestand
nearestdanger,lestSatantakefromusthepuredoctrineoffaith,andbringintotheChurch
againthedoctrineofworksandmenstraditions.
Whereforeitisverynecessary,thatthisdoctrinebekeptincontinualpracticeandpublic
exercisebothofreadingandhearing.Andalthoughitbeneversowellknown,neverso
exactlylearned,yetthedevilouradversary,whocontinuallyrangethaboutseekingtodevour
us,isnotdeadlikewiseourfleshandoldmanisyetalivebesidesthis,allkindsof
temptationsvexandoppressusoneveryside.Whereforethisdoctrinecanneverbetaught,
urged,andrepeatedenough.Ifthisdoctrinebelost,thenisalsothewholeknowledgeoftruth,
lifeandsalvationlostandgone.Ifthisdoctrineflourishes,thenallgoodthingsflourish,
religion,thetrueserviceofGod,thegloryofGod,therightknowledgeofallthingsandstates
oflife.Becausethereforewewouldbeoccupiedandnotidle,wewilltherebeginnowwhere
wemadeanend,accordingtothesayingofthesonofSirak:Whenamanhathdonewhathe
can,hemustbeginagain(Ecclus.18:6).

THEARGUMENTOFTHEEPISTLETOTHEGALATIANS
FirstofallitbehooveththatwespeakoftheargumentofthisEpistle:thatistosay,what
matterSt.Paulherechieflytreatethof.Theargumentthereforeisthis.
St.Paulgoethabouttoestablishthedoctrineoffaith,grace,forgivenessofsins,or
Christianrighteousness,totheendthatwemayhaveaperfectknowledgeanddifference
betweenChristianrighteousnessandallotherkindsofrighteousness.Fortherebediverssorts
ofrighteousness.Thereisapoliticalorcivilrighteousness,whichemperors,princesofthe
world,philosophersandlawyersdealwithal.Thereisalsoaceremonialrighteousness,which
thetraditionsofmendoteach.Thisrighteousnessparentsandschoolmastersmayteach
withoutdanger,becausetheydonotattributeuntoitanypowertosatisfyforsin,toplacate
God,ortodeservegrace:buttheyteachsuchceremoniesasareonlynecessaryforthe
correctionofmanners,andcertainobservationsconcerningthislife.
Besidesthese,thereisanotherrighteousnesscalledtherighteousnessofthelaw,orofthe
TenCommandments,whichMosesteaches.Thisdowealsoteachafterthedoctrineoffaith.
Thereisyetanotherrighteousnesswhichisaboveallthese:towit,therighteousnessof
faith,orChristianrighteousness,thewhichwemustdiligentlydiscernfromtheotherafore
rehearsed:fortheyarequitecontrarytothisrighteousness,bothbecausetheyflowoutofthe
lawsofemperors,thetraditionsofthePope,andthecommandmentsofGod,andalsobecause
theyconsistinourworks,andmaybewroughtofuseitherbyourpurenaturalstrength(asthe

sophisterstermit)orelsebythegiftofGod.Forthesekindsofrighteousnessarealsoofthe
giftofGod,likeasothergoodthingsarewhichwedoenjoy.
Butthismostexcellentrighteousness,offaithImean(whichGodthroughChrist,without
works,imputethuntous),isneitherpoliticalnorceremonial,northerighteousnessofGods
law,norconsistethinourworks,butiscleancontrary:thatistosay,amerepassive
righteousness,astheotheraboveareactive.Forinthisweworknothing,werendernothing
untoGod,butonlywereceiveandsufferanothertoworkinus,thatistosay,God.Therefore
itseemethgooduntometocallthisrighteousnessoffaithorChristianrighteousness,the
passiverighteousness.
Thisisarighteousnesshiddeninamystery,whichtheworlddothnotknow,yea,
Christiansthemselvesdonotthoroughlyunderstandit,andcanhardlytakeholdofitintheir
temptations.Thereforeitmustbediligentlytaughtandcontinuallypracticed.Andwhosodoth
notunderstandorapprehendthisrighteousnessinafflictionsandterrorsofconscience,must
needsbeoverthrown.Forthereisnocomfortofconsciencesofirmandsosure,asthis
passiverighteousnessis.
Butmansweaknessandmiseryissogreat,thatintheterrorsofconscienceanddangerof
death,webeholdnothingelsebutourworks,ourworthinessandthelaw:whichwhenit
shewethuntousoursin,byandbyourevillifepastcomethtoremembrance.Thenthepoor
sinnerwithgreatanguishofspiritgroaneth,andthusthinkethwithhimself:Alas!How
desperatelyhaveIlived!WouldtoGodImightlivelonger:thenwouldIamendmylife.
Thusmansreasoncannotrestrainitselffromthesightandbeholdingofthisactiveor
workingrighteousness,thatistosay,herownrighteousness:norliftuphereyestothe
beholdingofthepassiveorChristianrighteousness,butrestethaltogetherintheactive
righteousness:sodeeplyisthisevilrootedinus.
Ontheotherside,Satanabusingtheinfirmityofournature,dothincreaseandaggravate
thesecogitationsinus.Thencanitnotbebutthatthepoorconsciencemustbemore
grievouslytroubled,terrifiedandconfounded.
Foritisimpossiblethatthemindofmanitselfshouldconceiveanycomfort,orlookup
untograceonly,inthefeelingandhorrorofsin,orconstantlyrejectalldisputingand
reasoningaboutworks.Forthisisfarabovemansstrengthandcapacity,yeaandabovethe
lawofGodalso.
Trueitis,thatofallthingsintheworld,thelawismostexcellent:yetisitnotableto
quietatroubledconscience,butincreasethterrors,anddrivethittodesperationforbythe
commandmentsinismadeexceedingsinful(Romans7:13)Whereforetheafflictedand
troubledconsciencehathnoremedyagainstdesperationandeternaldeath,unlessittakehold
ofthepromiseofgracefreelyofferedinChrist,thatistosay,thispassiverighteousnessof
faith,orChristianrighteousness.Whichifitcanapprehend,thenmayitbeatquietandboldly
say:Iseeknottheactiveorworkingrighteousness,althoughIknowthatIoughttohaveit,
andalsotofulfillit.ButbeitsothatIhadit,anddidfulfillitindeed,yetnotwithstandingI
cannottrustuntoit,neitherdareIsetitagainstthejudgmentofGod.ThusIabandonmyself
fromallactiverighteousness,bothofmineownandofGodslaw,andembraceonlythat
passiverighteousness,whichistherighteousnessofgrace,mercyandforgivenessofsins.
Briefly,[Irestonlyupon]therighteousnessofChristandoftheHolyGhost,whichwedonot,
butsuffer,andhavenot,butreceiveGodtheFatherfreelygivingituntousthroughJesus
Christ.
Likeastheearthengenderethnotrain,norisablebyherownstrength,laborandtravail

toprocurethesame,butreceivethitofthemeregiftofGodfromabove:sothisheavenly
righteousnessisgivenusofGodwithoutourworksordescryings.Asmuchthereforeasthe
earthofitselfisabletodoingettingandprocuringtoitselfseasonableshowersofrainto
makeitfruitful,evensomucharewemenabletodobyourstrengthandworksinwinning
thisheavenlyandeternalrighteousnessandthereforeweshallneverbeabletoattainuntoit,
unlessGodhimselfbymereimputationandbyhisunspeakablegiftdobestowituponus.The
greatestknowledge,then,andthegreatestwisdomofChristiansis,nottoknowthelaw,tobe
ignorantofworksandofthewholeactiverighteousness,especiallywhentheconscience
wrestlethwiththejudgmentofGod.Likeasonthecontrary,amongstthosewhicharenotof
thenumberofGodspeople,thegreatestpointofwisdomis,toknowandearnestlytourge
thelaw,works,andtheactiverighteousness.
Butitisathingverystrangeandunknowntotheworld,toteachChristianstolearntobe
ignorantofthelaw,andsotolivebeforeGod,asiftherewerenolaw:notwithstanding,
exceptthoubeignorantofthelaw,andbeassuredlypersuadedinthineheartthatthereisnow
nolawnorwrathofGod,butaltogethergraceandmercyforChristssake,thoucanstnotbe
savedforbythelawcomeththeknowledgeofsin(Romans3:20).
Contrariwise,worksandthekeepingofthelawmustbesostraitlyrequiredintheworld,
asiftherewerenopromiseorgraceandthatbecauseofthestubborn,proudandhard
hearted,beforewhoseeyesnothingmustbesetbutthelaw,thattheymaybeterrifiedand
humbled.Forthelawisgiventoterrifyandkillsuch,andtoexercisetheoldmanandboth
thewordofgraceandofwrathmustberightlydivided,accordingtotheApostle(Timothy
2:25f.).
HereisthenrequiredawiseandfaithfuldisposeroftheWordofGod,whichcanso
moderatethelaw,thatitmaybekeptwithinhisbounds.Hethatteacheththatmenare
justifiedbeforeGodbytheobservationofthelaw,passeththeboundsofthelaw,and
confoundeththesetwokindsofrighteousness,activeandpassive,andisbutanilllogician,
forhedothnotrightlydivide.Contrariwise,hethatsettethforththelawandworkstotheold
man,andthepromiseofforgivenessofsinsandGodsmercytothenewman,divideththe
Wordwell.Forthefleshortheoldmanmustbecoupledwiththelawandworks:thespiritor
newmanmustbejoinedwiththepromiseofGodandhismercy.WhereforewhenIseeaman
thatisbruisedenoughalready,oppressedwiththelaw,terrifiedwithsin,andthirstingfor
comfort,itistimethatIshouldremoveoutofhissightthelawandactiverighteousness,and
thatshouldsetbeforehimbytheGospeltheChristianandpassiverighteousness,which
excludingMoseswithhislaw,offereththepromisemadeinChrist,whocamefortheafflicted
andforsinners.Hereismanraisedupagainandconceivethgoodhope,neitherisheany
longerunderthelaw,butundergrace(Romans6:14).Hownotunderthelaw?Accordingto
thenewman,towhomthelawdothnotappertain.ForthelawhathhisboundsuntoChrist,as
Paulsaithafterwards:TheendofthelawisChrist(Galatians3:24Romans10:4)who
beingcome,Mosesceasethwithhislaw,circumcision,thesacrifices,theSabbaths,yeaand
alltheprophets.
Thisisourdivinity,wherebyweteachhowtoputadifferencebetweenthesetwokindsof
righteousness,activeandpassive:totheendthatmannersandfaith,worksandgrace,policy
andreligionshouldnotbeconfounded,ortakentheonefortheother.Botharenecessary,but
bothmustbekeptwithintheirbounds:Christianrighteousnessappertainethtothenewman,
andtherighteousnessofthelawappertainethtotheoldman,whichisbornoffleshandblood.
Uponthisoldman,asuponanass,theremustbelaidaburdenthatmaypresshimdown,and

hemustnotenjoythefreedomoftheSpirit,orgrace,excepthefirstputuponhimthenew
manbyfaithinChrist(whichnotwithstandingisnotfullydoneinthislife)thenmayhe
enjoythekingdomandunspeakablegiftofgrace.
ThisIsaytotheendthatnomanshouldthinkwerejectorforbidgoodworks,asthe
Papistsdomostfalselyslanderus,neitherunderstandingwhattheythemselvessay,norwhat
weteach.Theyknownothingbuttherighteousnessofthelaw,andyettheywilljudgeofthat
doctrinewhichisfarabovethelaw,ofwhichitisimpossiblethatthecarnalmanshouldbe
abletojudge.Thereforetheymustneedsbeoffended,fortheycanseenohigherthanthelaw.
Whatsoeverthenisabovethelaw,istothemagreatoffense.
Butweimagineasitweretwoworlds,theoneheavenlyandtheotherearthly.Inthesewe
placethesetwokindsofrighteousness,beingseparatetheonefarfromtheother.The
righteousnessofthelawisearthlyandhathtodowithearthlythings,andbyitwedogood
works.Butastheearthbringethnotforthfruitexceptfirstitbewateredandmadefruitful
fromabove(fortheearthcannotjudge,renewandruletheheaven,butcontrariwisethe
heavenjudgeth,reneweth,rulethandmakethfruitfultheearth,thatitmaydowhattheLord
hathcommanded):evensobytherighteousnessofthelaw,indoingmanythingswedo
nothing,andinfulfillingofthelawwefulfillitnot,exceptfirst,withoutanymeritorworkof
ours,webemaderighteousbytheChristianrighteousness,whichnothingappertainethtothe
righteousnessofthelaw,ortotheearthlyandactiverighteousness.Butthisrighteousnessis
heavenlyandpassive:whichwehavenotofourselves,butreceiveitfromheaven:whichwe
worknot,butapprehenditbyfaithwherebywemountupabovealllawsandworks.
Whereforelikeaswehaveborne(asSt.Paulsaith)theimageoftheearthlyAdam,solet
usbeartheimageoftheheavenly(1Corinthians15:49),whichisthenewmaninanew
world,whereisnolaw,nosin,nostingofconscience,nodeath,butperfectjoy,
righteousness,grace,peace,life,salvationandglory.
Why,dowethennothing?Doweworknothingfortheobtainingofthisrighteousness?I
answer:Nothingatall.Forthenatureofthisrighteousnessis,todonothing,tohearnothing,
toknownothingwhatsoeverofthelaworofworks,buttoknowandtobelievethisonly,that
ChristisgonetotheFatherandisnotnowseen:thathesittethinheavenattherighthandof
hisFather,notasajudge,butmadeuntousofGod,wisdom,righteousness,holinessand
redemption:briefly,thatheisourhighpriestentreatingforus,andreigningoverusandinus
byrace.
Herenosinisperceived,noterrororremorseofconsciencefeltforinthisheavenly
righteousnesssincanhavenoplaceforthereisnolaw,andwherenolawis,therecanbeno
transgression(Romans4:15).
Seeingthenthatsinhathherenoplace,therecanbenoanguishofconscience,nofear,no
heaviness.ThereforeSt.Johnsaith:HethatisbornofGodcannotsin(1John3:9).Butif
therebeanyfearorgriefofconscience,itisatokenthatthisrighteousnessiswithdrawn,that
graceishidden,andthatChristisdarkenedandoutofsight.ButwhereChrististrulyseen
indeed,theremustneedsbefullandperfectjoyintheLord,withpeaceofconscience,which
mostcertainlythusthinketh:AlthoughIamasinnerbythelaw,astouchingtherighteousness
ofthelaw,yetIdespairnot,yetIdienot,becauseChristliveth,whoisbothmyrighteousness
andmyeverlastingandheavenlylife.InthatrighteousnessandlifeIhavenosin,nostingof
conscience,nocareofdeath.Iamindeedasinnerastouchingthispresentlifeandthe
righteousnessthereof,asthechildofAdam:wherethelawaccusethme,deathreignethover
me,andatlengthwoulddevourme.ButIhaveanotherrighteousnessandlifeabovethislife,

whichisChristtheSonofGod,whoknowethnosinnordeath,butisrighteousnessandlife
eternal:bywhomeventhismybody,beingdeadandbroughtintodust,shallberaisedup
againanddeliveredfromthebondageofthelawandsin,andshallbesanctifiedtogetherwith
thespirit.
Soboththesecontinuewhilstweherelive.Thefleshisaccused,exercisedwith
temptations,oppressedwithheavinessandsorrow,bruisedbytheactiverighteousnessofthe
lawbutthespiritreigneth,rejoicethandissavedbythispassiveandChristianrighteousness,
becauseitknoweththatithathaLordinheavenattherighthandoftheFather,whohath
abolishedthelaw,sin,death,andhathtroddenunderhisfeetallevils,ledthemcaptiveand
triumphedovertheminhimself(Colossians2:15).
St.PaulthereforeinthisEpistlegoethaboutdiligentlytoinstructus,tocomfortus,to
holdusintheperfectknowledgeofthismostChristianandexcellentrighteousness.Forifthe
articleofjustificationbeoncelost,thenisalltrueChristiandoctrinelost.Andasmanyasare
intheworldthatholdnotthisdoctrine,areeitherJews,Turks,Papistsorheretics.For
betweentherighteousnessofthelawandtherighteousnessofChrist,orbetweenactiveand
passiverighteousness,thereisnomean.HethenthatstrayethfromthisChristian
righteousness,mustneedfallintotheactiverighteousnessthatistosay,whenhehathlost
Christ,hemustfallintotheconfidenceofhisownworks.Thisweseeatthisdayinthe
fantasticalspiritsandauthorsofsects,whichteachnothing,neithercanteachanythingaright,
concerningthisrighteousnessofgrace.Thewordsindeedtheyhavetakenoutofourmouth
andwritings,andtheseonlydotheyspeakandwrite.Butthethingitselftheyarenotableto
deliverandstraightlytourge,becausetheyneitherdonorcanunderstandit,sincetheycleave
onlytotherighteousnessofthelaw.Thereforetheyareandremainexactorsofthelaw,
havingnopowertoascendhigherthanthatactiverighteousness.Andsotheyremainthesame
astheywereunderthePope,savethattheyinventnewnamesandnewworks,andyet
notwithstandingthethingremainsthesame:evenastheTurksdootherworksthanthe
Papists,andthePapiststhantheJews,etc.Butalbeitthatsomedoworksmoresplendid,
great,anddifficultbyfarthanothers,notwithstandingthesubstanceisthesame,thequality
onlyisdifferent:thatistosay,theworksdodifferinappearanceandnameonly,andnotin
verydeed,fortheyareworksnotwithstanding,andtheywhichdothemareandremain,not
Christians,buthirelings,whethertheybecalledJews,Mahometists,Papists,etc.
Thereforedowesoearnestlysetforthandsooftenrepeatthisdoctrineoffaithor
Christianrighteousness,thatbythismeansitmaybekeptincontinualexercise,andmaybe
plainlydiscernedfromtheactiverighteousnessofthelaw.(Forbythisonlydoctrinethe
Churchisbuilt,andinthisitconsists.)Otherwiseweshallneverbeabletoholdthetrue
divinity,butbyandbyweshalleitherbecomecanonists,observersofceremonies,observers
ofthelaw,orPapists,andChristsodarkenedthatnoneintheChurchshallbeeitherrightly
taughtorcomforted.Wherefore,ifwewillbeteachersandleadersofothers,itbehoovesusto
havegreatcareofthesematters,andtomarkwellthisdistinctionbetweentherighteousness
ofthelawandtherighteousnessofChrist.Andthisdistinctioniseasytobeutteredinwords,
butinuseandexperienceitisveryhard,althoughitbeneversodiligentlyexercisedand
practicedforinthehourofdeath,orinotheragoniesoftheconscience,thesetwosortsof
righteousnessdoencountermoreneartogetherthanthouwouldwishordesire.
WhereIdoadmonishyou,especiallysuchasshallbecomeinstructorsandguidersof
consciences,andalsoeveryoneapart,thatyeexerciseyourselvescontinuallybystudy,by
reading,bymeditationoftheWordandbyprayer,thatinthetimeoftemptationyemaybe

abletoinstructandcomfortbothyourownconsciencesandothers,andtobringthemfrom
thelawtograce,fromactiveandworkingrighteousnesstothepassiveandreceived
righteousness,and,toconclude,fromMosestoChrist.Forthedeviliswont,inafflictionand
intheconflictofconscience,bythelawtomakeusafraid,andtolayagainstustheguiltof
sin,ourwickedlifepast,thewrathandjudgmentofGod,hellandeternaldeath,thatbythis
meanshemaydriveustodesperation,makeusbondslavestohimself,andpluckusfrom
Christ.Furthermore,heiswonttosetagainstusthoseplacesoftheGospel,whereinChrist
himselfrequiresworksofus,andwithplainwordsthreatensdamnationtothosewhodothem
not.Now,ifherewebenotabletojudgebetweenthesetwokindsofrighteousness,ifwetake
notbyfaithholdofChristsittingattherighthandofGod,whomakethintercessionuntothe
Fatherforuswretchedsinners(Hebrews7:25),thenareweunderthelawandnotunder
grace,andChristisnomoreasavior,butalawgiver.Thencanthereremainnomore
salvation,butacertaindesperationandeverlastingdeathmustneedfollow.
Letusthendiligentlylearntojudgebetweenthesetwokindsofrighteousness,thatwe
mayknowhowfarweoughttoobeythelaw.Nowwehavesaidbefore,thatthelawina
Christianoughtnottopasshisbounds,butoughttohavedominiononlyovertheflesh,which
isinsubjectionuntoit,andremainsunderthesame.Whenitisthus,thelawiskeptwithinhis
bounds.Butifitshallpresumetocreepintothyconscience,andthereseektoreign,seethou
playthecunninglogician,andmakethetruedivision.Givenomoretothelawthanbelongeth
untoit,butsaythou:Olaw,thouwouldestclimbupintothekingdomofmyconscience,and
therereignandreproveitofsin,andwouldesttakefrommethejoyofmyheart,whichIhave
byfaithinChrist,anddrivemetodesperation,thatImightbewithoutallhope,andutterly
perish.Thisthoudostbesidesthineoffice:keepthyselfwithinthybounds,andexercisethy
powerupontheflesh,buttouchnotmyconscienceforIambaptized,andbytheGospelam
calledtothepartakingofrighteousnessandofeverlastinglife,tothekingdomofChrist,
whereinmyconscienceisatrest,wherenolawis,butaltogetherforgivenessofsins,peace,
quietness,joy,healthandeverlastinglife.Troublemenotinthesematters,forIwillnotsuffer
thee,sointolerableatyrantandcrueltormentor,toreigninmyconscience,foritistheseat
andtempleofChristtheSonofGod,whoisthekingofrighteousnessandpeace,andmy
mostsweetsaviorandmediator:heshallkeepmyconsciencejoyfulandquietinthesound
andpuredoctrineoftheGospel,andintheknowledgeofthispassiveandheavenly
righteousness.
WhenIhavethisrighteousnessreigninginmyheart,Idescendfromheavenastherain
makingfruitfultheearththatistosay,Icomeforthintoanotherkingdom,andIdogood
works,howandwhensoeveroccasionisoffered.IfIbeaministeroftheWord,Ipreach,I
comfortthebrokenhearted,IadministertheSacraments.IfIbeanhouseholder,Igovernmy
houseandmyfamily,IbringupmychildrenintheknowledgeandfearofGod.IfIbea
magistrate,thechargethatisgivenmefromaboveIdiligentlyexecute.IfIbeaservant,Ido
mymastersbusinessfaithfully.Toconclude:whosoeverhebethatisassuredlypersuaded
thatChristishisrighteousness,dothnotonlycheerfullyandgladlyworkwellinhisvocation,
butalsosubmittethhimselfthroughlovetothemagistratesandtotheirlaws,yeathoughthey
besevere,sharpandcruel,and(ifnecessitydosorequire)toallmannerofburdensand
dangersofthispresentlife,becauseheknoweththatthisisthewillofGod,andthatthis
obediencepleasethhim.
ThusfarasconcerningtheargumentofthisEpistle,whereofPaulintreateth,taking
occasionoffalseteacherswhohaddarkenedthisrighteousnessoffaithamongtheGalatians,

againstwhomhesettethhimselfindefendingandcommendinghisauthorityandoffice.

CHAPTER1
Paul,anapostle(notofmen,neitherbyman,butbyJesusChrist,andGodthefather,
whoraisedhimfromthedead).
NOWthatwehavedeclaredtheargumentandsumofthisEpistletotheGalatians,wethinkit
good,beforewecometothematteritself,toshewwhatwastheoccasionSt.Paulwrotethis
Epistle.HehadplantedamongtheGalatiansthepuredoctrineoftheGospel,andthe
righteousnessoffaithbutbyandbyafterhisdeparture,therecreptincertainfalseteachers,
whichoverthrewallthathehadplantedandtrulytaughtamongthem.Forthedevilcannotbut
furiouslyimpugnthisdoctrinewithallforceandsubtlety,neithercanherestsolongashe
seethanysparkthereofremaining.Wealso,forthisonlycause,thatwepreachtheGospel,do
sufferoftheworld,thedevil,andhisministers,allthemischiefthattheycanworkagainstus,
bothontherighthandandontheleft.
FortheGospelissuchadoctrineasteachethafarhighermatterthanisthewisdom,
righteousness,andreligionoftheworld,thatistosay,freeremissionofsinsthroughChrist,
etc.Itleaveththosethingsintheirdegree,tobeastheyare,andcommendeththemasthe
goodcreaturesofGod.ButtheworldpreferreththesecreaturesbeforetheCreator,and
moreover,bythemwouldputawaysin,bedeliveredfromdeath,anddeserveeverlastinglife.
ThisdoththeGospelcondemn.Contrariwise,theworldcannotsufferthosethingstobe
condemnedwhichitmostesteemethandbestlikethof,andthereforeitchargeththeGospel
thatitisaseditiousdoctrineandfulloferrors,thatitoverthrowethcommonwealths,
countries,dominions,kingdomsandempires,andthereforeoffendethbothagainstGodand
theEmperor,abolishethlaws,corruptethgoodmanners,andsettethallmenatlibertytodo
whattheylist.Wherefore,withjustzealandhighservicetoGod(asitwouldseem)it
persecuteththisdoctrine,andabhorreththeteachersandprofessorsthereofasthegreatest
plaguethatcanbeinthewholeearth.
Moreover,bythepreachingofthisdoctrine,thedevilisoverthrown,hiskingdomis
destroyed,thelaw,sinanddeath(wherewith,asmostmightyandinvincibletyrants,hehath
broughtallmankindinsubjectionunderhisdominion)arewrestedoutofhishands:briefly,
hisprisonersaretranslatedoutofthekingdomofdarkness,Intothekingdomoflightand
liberty.
Shouldthedevilsufferallthis?Shouldnotthefatherofliesemployallhisforceand
subtlepolicies,todarken,tocorrupt,andutterlytorootoutthisdoctrineofsalvationand
everlastinglife?Indeed,St.Paulcomplainethinthisandallotherhisepistles,thateveninhis
timethedevilthroughhisapostlesshewedhimselfacunningworkmaninthisbusiness.
Likewisewealsoatthisdaydocomplainandlament,thatSatanhathwroughtgreaterharmto
ourGospelbyhisministers,thefantasticalspirits,thanbyallthetyrants,kings,princesand
bishopsthathavepersecuteditandstilldopersecuteitbyforce.Andhadwenotwatchedand

laboredwithsuchdiligenceinplantingandteachingthisdoctrineoffaith,wehadnotsolong
timeremainedinconcord,butamongusalsotherehadlongsincearisensects.Butbecause
weabideconstantlyinthisdoctrine,anditisceaselesslyurgedbyus,itpreservethusin
fullestunityandpeace.Butothers,whoeitherneglectitordesiretoteach(astheythink)
somethingmoreexalted,dofallintovariousperniciouserrorsandsectswhereofthereisno
end,andsotheyperish.
Wethoughtgoodtoshewherebytheway,thattheGospelissuchadoctrineas
condemnethallmannerofrighteousness,andpreacheththeonlyrighteousnessofChrist,and
tothemthatembracethesame,itbringethpeaceofconscienceandallgoodthingsandyet,
notwithstanding,theworldhatethandpersecutethitmostbitterly.
Ihavesaidbefore,thattheoccasionwhySt.PaulwrotethisEpistle,wasforthatbyand
byafterhisdeparture,falseteachershaddestroyedthosethingsamongtheGalatianswhichhe
withlongandgreattravailhadbuilt.
AndthesefalseapostlesbeingofthecircumcisionandsectofthePharisees,weremenof
greatestimationandauthority,whobraggedamongthepeoplethattheywereofthatholyand
chosenstockoftheJews(John8,Romans4:4ff.),thattheywereIsraelitesoftheseedof
Abraham,thattheyhadthepromisesandthefathersandfinally,thattheyweretheministers
ofChrist,andtheApostlesscholars,withwhomtheyhadbeenconversant,andhadseentheir
miracles,andperhapshadalsowroughtsomesignsormiraclesthemselvesforChrist
witnesseth(Matthew7:22)thatthewickedalsodoworkmiracles.Whenmenhavingsuch
authoritycomeintoanycountryorcity,byandbythepeoplehavethemingreatadmiration,
andunderthiscolorofgodlinessandreligion,theydonotonlydeceivethesimple,butalso
thelearnedyea,andthosealsowhichseemtobesomewhatconfirmedinthefaith:especially
whentheybrag(asthesedid)thattheyaretheoffspringofthePatriarchs,theministersof
Christ,theApostlesscholars,etc.Moreover,thesefalseapostles,byallthecraftymeansthey
coulddevise,defacedtheauthorityofSt.Paul,saying:WhydoyesohighlyesteemofPaul?
Whyhaveyehiminsogreatreverence?Forsooth,hewasbutthelastofallthatwere
converteduntoChrist.ButwearethedisciplesoftheApostles,andwerefamiliarly
conversantwiththem.WehaveseenChristworkingmiracles,andheardhimpreach.Paul
cameafterus,andisinferioruntous:anditisnotpossiblethatGodshouldsufferustoerr
whoareofhisholypeople,theministersofChrist,andhavereceivedtheHolyGhost.Again,
wearemany,andPaulisbutone,andalone,whoneitherisconversantwiththeApostles,nor
hathseenChrist.Yea,hepersecutedtheChurchofChristagreatwhile.WouldGod(thinkye)
forPaulssakeonly,suffersomanychurchestobedeceived?
EvensothePopeatthisday,whenhehathnoauthorityoftheScripturetodefendhimself
withal,useththisoneargumentcontinuallyagainstus,TheChurch,theChurch.Thinkest
thouthatGodissooffended,thatforafewhereticsofLutherssecthewillcastoffhiswhole
Church?ThinkestthouthathewouldleavehisChurchinerrorsomanyhundredyears?And
thishemightilymaintaineth,thattheChurchcanneverbeoverthrown.Now,likeasmanyare
movedwiththisargumentatthisday,soinPaulstimethesefalseapostles,throughgreat
braggingandsettingforthoftheirownpraises,blindedtheeyesoftheGalatians,sothatPaul
losthisauthorityamongthem,andhisdoctrinewasbroughtinsuspicion.
Againstthisvainbraggingandboastingofthefalseapostles,Paulwithgreatconstancy
andboldnesssettethhisapostolicauthority,highlycommendinghisvocation,anddefending
hisministry.And(althoughelsewhereheneverdoththelike)hewillnotgiveplacetoany,
no,nottotheApostlesthemselves,muchlesstoanyoftheirscholars.Andtoabatetheir

pharisaicalprideandshamelessboldness,hemakethmentionofthehistorydoneinAntioch,
wherehewithstoodPeterhimself.Besidesthis,notregardingtheoffensethatmightarise
thereof,hesaithplainlyinthetext,thathewasboldtoaccuseandreprovePeterhimself,the
chiefoftheApostles,whohadseenChrist,andhadbeenmostfamilarlyconversantwithhim.
IamanApostle(saithhe)andsuchaoneaspassnotwhatothersare:yea,Iwasnotafraidto
chidetheverypillarofalltherestoftheApostles.Andtoconclude,inthefirsttwochapters,
hedoth,inamanner,nothingelsebutsetouthisvocation,hisofficeandhisGospel,
affirmingthatitwasnotofmen,andthathehadnotreceiveditbyman,butbytherevelation
ofJesusChrist:also,thatifhe,oranangelfromheaven,shouldbringanyothergospelthan
thatwhichhehadpreached,heshouldbeholdenaccursed.

THECERTAINTYOFCALLING
ButwhatmeanethPaulbythisboasting?Ianswer:Thiscommonplaceservethtothisend,
thateveryministerofGodsWordshouldbesureofhiscalling,thatbeforeGodandmanhe
maywithaboldconscienceglorytherein,thathepreacheththeGospelasonethatiscalled
andsent:evenastheambassadorofakinggloriethandvauntethinthis,thathecomethnotas
aprivateperson,butasthekingsambassadorandbecauseofthisdignity,thatheisthe
kingsambassador,heishonoredandsetinthehighestplace:whichhonorshouldnotbe
givenuntohimifhecameasaprivateperson.Wherefore,letthepreacheroftheGospelbe
certainthathiscallingisfromGod.Anditisexpedient,thataccordingtotheexampleofPaul,
heshouldmagnifythishiscalling,totheendthathemaywincreditandauthorityamongthe
people,likeasthekingsambassadormagnifiethhisofficeandcalling.Andthustogloryis
notvain,butanecessarykindofglorying,becausehegloriethnotinhimself,butintheking
whichhathsenthim,whoseauthorityhedesirethtobehonoredandmagnified.Andwhenin
thenameofthekinghewillethaughttobedonebyhissubjects,hesaithnot:Weprayyou,
but:Wecommand,wewillthistobedone,etc.Butforhisprivatepersonhesaith:Wepray,
etc.
Likewise,whenPaulsohighlycommendethhiscalling,heseekethnothisownpraise,
butwithanecessaryandaholypridehemagnifiethhisministryastotheRomans(11:13)he
saith:ForasmuchasIamtheapostleoftheGentiles,Iwillmagnifymineoffice,thatisto
say,Iwillthatmenreceiveme,notasPaulofTarsus,butasPaultheapostleorambassadorof
JesusChrist.Andthishedothofnecessity,tomaintainhisauthority,thatthepeoplein
hearingthis,mightbemoreattaintandwillingtogiveearuntohim.Fortheyhearnotonly
Paul,butinPaulChristhimself,andGodtheFathersendinghimoutinhismessage:whose
authorityandmajesty,likeasmenoughtreligiouslytohonor,sooughttheywithgreat
reverencetoreceiveandtohearalsohismessengersbringinghiswordandmessage.
Thisisanotableplace,therefore,whereinPaulsogloriethandboastethastouchinghis
vocation,thathedespisethallothers.Ifanyman,afterthemanneroftheworld,should
despiseallothersinrespectofhimself,andattributealluntohimselfalone,heshouldnotonly
showhimselfaveryfool,butalsogrievouslysin.Butthismannerofboastingisnecessary,
andpertainethnottothegloryofPaul,buttothegloryofGod,wherebyisoffereduntohim
thesacrificeofpraiseandthanksgiving.Forbythisboasting,thename,thegrace,andthe
mercyofGod,ismadeknownuntotheworld.ThusthereforehebeginnethhisEpistle.

Paulanapostle,notofmen,etc.
Hereintheverybeginninghetoucheththosefalseteacherswhichboastedthemselvestobe
thedisciplesoftheApostles,andtobesentofthem,butdespisedPaulasonethatwasneither
theApostlesscholar,norsentofanytopreachtheGospel,butcameinsomeotherway,and
ofhisownheadthrusthimselfintothatoffice.AgainstthosePauldefendethhiscalling,
saying:Mycallingseemethbasetoyourpreachersbutwhosoevertheybewhicharecome
untoyou,aresenteitherofmen,orbymanthatistosay,theyhaveenteredeitherof
themselves,beingnotcalled,orelsecalledbyothers.Butmycallingisnotofmen,norby
man,butitisaboveallmannerofcallingthatcanbemadeaftertheApostles,foritisby
JesusChrist,andbyGodtheFather,etc.
Wherehesaithofmen,Imeansuchascallandthrustinthemselves,whenneitherGod
normancallethorsendeththem,buttheyrunandspeakofthemselvesasatthisdaycertain
fantasticalspiritsdo,whicheitherlurkincornersandseekplaceswheretheymaypourout
theirpoison,andcomenotintopubliccongregations,orelsetheyresortthitherwherethe
Gospelisplantedalready.TheseIcallsuchasareofmen.Butwherehesaithbyman,I
understandsuchashaveadivinecalling,butyetbymanasbymeans.Godcallethintwo
mannerofways:bymeansandwithoutmeans.
HecallethusalltotheministryofhisWordatthisday,notimmediatelybyhimself,but
byothermeansthatistosay,byman.ButtheApostleswerecalledimmediatelyofChrist
himself,astheprophetsintheOldTestamentwerecalledofGodhimself,Afterwardsthe
Apostlescalledtheirdisciples,asPaulcalledTimothy,Titus,etc.Thesemencalledbishops
(asinTitus1),andthebishopstheirsuccessorsdowntoourowntimes,andsoontotheend
oftheworld.Andthisisamediatedcalling,sinceitisdonebymanyetnotwithstandingitis
ofGod.SowhenaprinceormagistrateorIcallanyman,thatmanhathhiscallingbyman
andthisisthegeneralmannerofcallingintheworldsincetheApostlestime.Noroughtitto
bechanged,butmagnified,onaccountofthefantasticalheads,whichcontemnitandboastof
anothercalling,wherebytheysaytheyareimpelledbytheSpirittoteach.Buttheyareliars
andimpostors,fortheyaredrivenbyaspiritwhichisnotgood,butevil.Foritisnotlawful
formetoleavemyappointedplaceasapreacherandgountoanothercitywhereIamnot
called,andtherepreachalthoughasaDoctorofDivinityImightpreachinthewholePapacy,
wouldtheybuttolerateme)no,notevenifIhearthatfalsehoodsarebringtaught,andsouls
seducedanddamnedwhichImightsnatchfromerroranddamnationbymysounddoctrine.
ButIoughttocommitthematteruntoGod,whoinhisowntimewiltfindoccasionof
lawfullycallingministersandgivingtheWord.ForheistheLordoftheharvest,whowill
sendlaborersintohisharvestourpartistopray(Matthew9:38).
Whereforeweoughtnottoforceourwayintoanothersharvest,asthedeviliswontto
stiruphisministerstodo,sothattheyrunwithoutbeingcalledandprofesswithmostardent
zealtobegrievedthatmenarebeingsomiserablyseduced,andtodesiretoteachthemthe
truthandsnatchthanfromthesnaresofthedevil.Even,therefore,ifamanwithagodlyzeal
andagoodintentseekethbyhisownsounddoctrinetodeliverfromerrorthemthatareled
astray,notwithstandingtherearisethhereofabadexample,wherebyoccasionisgivento
ungodlyteacherstothrustthemselvesin,throughwhomSatanafterwardsoccupieththechair
andthisexampleworkethverygreatharm.
Butwhentheprinceorothermagistratecallethme,thencanIwithassuredconfidence
boastagainstthedevilandtheenemiesoftheGospel,thatIamcalledbythecommandof

Godthroughthevoiceofaman.ForthereisthecommandofGodthroughthemouthofthe
princeandthesearetruevocations.Wealso,therefore,arecalledbydivineauthority,not
indeedimmediatelybyChrist,astheApostleswere,butbyman.
Nowthisplaceconcerningthecertaintyofcallingisverynecessaryonaccountofthose
pestilentialandsatanicspirits,sothateveryministeroftheWordmayboastwithJohnthe
Baptist:ThewordoftheLordiscomeuponme(Luke3:2).When,there,re,Ipreach,
baptize,administerthesacraments,Idothesethingsasonecommandedandcalled,because
thevoiceoftheLordiscomeuntome:notinacorner,asthefantasticalspiritsdoboast,but
throughthemouthofamanwhoisintheexerciseofhislawfulright.Butifoneortwo
citizensshouldaskmetopreach,Ioughtnottofollowsuchaprivatecalling,sinceawindow
istherebyopenedtotheministersofSatan,whofollowingthisexampledoharm,aswehave
saidabove.Butwhentheywhichholdpublicofficesaskme,thenIoughttoobey.
Therefore,whenPaulsaith,Notofmen,neitherbyman,hebeatethdownthefalse
apostlesasthoughhewouldsay:Althoughthosevipersbragneversomuch,whatcanthey
bragmorethanthattheyareeithercomeofmen,thatistosay,ofthemselveswithoutany
calling,orbyman,thatistosay,sentofothers?Ipassnotuponanyofthesethings,neither
oughtyoutoregardthem.Asforme,Iamcalledandsentneitherofmen,norbyman,but
withoutmeans,thatistowit,byJesusChristhimself,andmycallingislikeinallpointsthe
callingoftheApostles,andIamindeedanApostle.Paul,therefore,handleththisplace,ofthe
callingoftheApostles,effectually.Andelsewhere,heseparateththedegreeofapostleship
fromothers,asin1Corinthians12:28,andinEphesians4,wherehesaith:AndGodhath
ordainedsomeintheChurch,asfirstApostles,secondlyprophets,thirdlyteachersetc.,
settingApostlesinthefirstplacesothattheybeproperlycalledApostles,whicharesent
immediatelyofGodhimself,withoutanyotherpersonasmeans.
SoMatthiaswascalledonlyofGod(Acts1:23ff.),forwhentheotherApostleshad
appointedtwo,theydurstnotchoosetheonenortheother,buttheycastlots,andprayedthat
Godwouldshowwhichofthemhewouldhave.For,seeingheshouldbeanApostle,it
behovedthatheshouldbecalledofGod.SowasPaulcalledtobetheApostleoftheGentiles
(Acts9:15).HereoftheApostlesalsoarecalledsaintsfortheyaresureoftheircallingand
doctrine,andhavecontinuedfaithfulintheiroffice,andnoneofthembecameacastaway
savingJudas,becausetheircallingisholy.
ThisisthefirstassaultthatPaulmakethagainstthefalseapostles,whichranwhenno
mansentthem.Calling,therefore,isnottobedespisedforitisnotenoughforamantohave
theWordandpuredoctrine,butalsohemustbeassuredofhiscallingandhethatentereth
withoutthisassurance,enterethtonootherendbuttokillanddestroy.ForGodnever
prospereththelaborofthosethatarenotcalled.Andalthoughtheyteachsomegoodand
profitablematters,yettheyedifynot.Soatthisday,ourfantasticalspiritshavethewordsof
faithintheirmouths,butyettheyyieldnofruit,buttheirchiefendandpurposeistodraw
mentotheirfalseandperverseopinions.Theythathaveacertainandholycallingmust
ofttimessustainmanyandgreatconflicts,astheymustdowhosedoctrineispureandsound,
thattheymayconstantlyabideintheirsalutaryoffice,againsttheinfiniteandcontinual
assaultsofthedevilandrageoftheworld.Here,whatshouldhedowhosecallingis
uncertain,anddoctrinecorrupt?
Thisisthereforeourcomfort,whichareintheministryoftheWord,thatwehavean
officewhichisheavenlyandholy,tothewhichwebeinglawfullycalled,dotriumphagainst
allthegatesofhell.Ontheotherside,itisanhorriblethingwhentheconsciencesaith:This

thouhastdonewithoutanylawfulcalling.Heresuchterrorshakethamansmindwhichis
notcalled,thathewouldwishhehadneverheardtheWordwhichheteachethforbyhis
disobediencehemakethallhisworksevil,weretheyneversogood,insomuchthatevenhis
greatestworksandlaborsbecomehisgreatestsins.
Weseethenhowgoodandnecessarythisboastingandgloryingofourministryis.In
timespast,whenIwasbutayoungdivine,methoughtPauldidunwiselyingloryingsooftof
hiscallinginhisepistlesbutIdidnotunderstandhispurposeforIknewnotthattheministry
ofGodsWordwassoweightyamatter.Iknewnothingofthedoctrineoffaithandatrue
conscienceindeed,forthattherewasthennocertaintytaughtineithertheschoolsor
churches,butallwasfullofsophisticalsubtletiesoftheschoolmenandthereforenomanwas
abletounderstandthedignityandpowerofthisholyandspiritualboastingofthetrueand
lawfulcalling,whichservethfirsttothegloryofGod,andsecondlytotheadvancingofour
ministry,andmoreover,tothesalvationofourselvesandofthepeople.
Forbythisourboastingweseeknotestimationintheworld,orpraiseamongmen,or
money,orpleasures,orfavoroftheworldbutforasmuchaswebeinadivinecalling,andin
theworkofGod,andthepeoplehavegreatneedtobeassuredofourcalling,thattheymay
knowourwordtobetheWordofGod,thereforeweproudlyvauntandboastofit.Itisnot
thenavain,butamostholyprideagainstthedevilandtheworld,andtruehumilitybefore
God.
AndbyGodthefather,whoraisedhimfromthedead
Paulissoinflamedherewithzeal,thathecannottarrytillhecometothematteritself,but
forthwith,intheverytitle,heburstethoutandutterethwhathehathinhisheart.Hisintentin
thisEpistleis,totreatoftherighteousnessthatcomethbyfaith,andtodefendthesame:
again,tobeatdownthelaw,andtherighteousnessthatcomethbyworks.Ofsuchcogitations
heisfull,andoutofthiswonderfulandexceedinggreatabundanceoftheexcellentwisdom
andknowledgeofChristinhisheart,hismouthspeaketh.Thisflame,thisgreatburningfire
ofhisheart,cannotbehid,norsufferhimtoholdhistongueandthereforehethoughtitnot
enoughtosaythathewasanApostlesentbyJesusChrist,butalsoaddeth:byGodthe
Father,whohathraisedhimupfromthedead.
Butitseemethhere,thattheaddingofthesewords:AndbyGodtheFather,etc.isnot
necessary.Butbecause(asIsaid)Paulspeakethoutoftheabundanceofhisheart,hismind
burnethwithdesiretosetforth,evenintheveryentryofhisEpistle,theunsearchableriches
ofChrist,andtopreachtherighteousnessofGod,whichiscalledtheresurrectionofthedead.
Christ,wholivethandisrisenagain,speakethoutofhim,andmovethhimthustoSpeak
thereforenotwithoutcauseheaddeth,thatheisalsoanApostlebyGodtheFather,whohath
raisedupJesusChristfromthedead.Asifheshouldsay,IhavetodealwithSatan,andwith
thosevipers,theinstrumentsofSatan,whichgoabouttospoilmeoftherighteousnessof
Christ,whowasraisedupbyGodtheFatherfromthedeadbythewhichalonewearemade
righteous,bythewhichalsoweshallberaisedupatthelastday,fromdeathtoeverlasting
life.ButtheythatinsuchsortgoabouttooverthrowtherighteousnessofChrist,doresistthe
FatherandtheSon,andtheworkofthemboth.
ThusPaul,evenatthefirstentrance,burstethoutintothewholematterwhereofhe
entreatethinthisEpistle.For(asIsaid)hetreatethoftheresurrectionofChrist,whorose
againtomakeusrighteous,andinsodoinghehathovercomethelaw,sin,death,hell,andall

evils(Romans4:25).Christsvictory,then,istheovercomingofthelaw,ofsin,ourflesh,the
world,thedevil,death,hellandallevils:andthishisvictoryhehathgivenuntous.Although,
then,thesetyrantsandtheseenemiesofoursdoaccuseusandmakeusafraid,yetcanthey
notdriveustodespair,norcondemnusforChrist,whomGodtheFatherhathraisedupfrom
thedead,isourrighteousnessandvictory(1Corinthians15:57).
Therefore,thanksbetoGod,whohathgivenusthevictorybyourLordJesusChrist.
Amen.
ButmarkhowfitlyandtothepurposePaulherespeaketh.Hesaithnot:ByGodwhohath
madeheavenandearth,whoisLordofAngels,whocommandedAbrahamtogooutofhis
owncountry,whosentMosestoPharaohtheking,whobroughtIsraeloutofEgypt(asthe
falseprophetsdid,whoboastedoftheGodoftheirfathers,theCreator,Maintainer,and
Preserverofallthings,workingwondersamonghispeople)butPaulhadanotherthinginhis
heart,namely,therighteousnessofChrist,andthereforehespeakethwordsthatmakemuch
forthishispurpose,saying:IamanApostle,neitherofmen,norbyman,butbyJesusChrist,
andGodtheFather,whohathraisedhimupfromthedead.Yesee,then,withwhatfervency
ofspiritPaulisledinthismatter,whichhegoethabouttoestablishandmaintainagainstthe
wholekingdomofhell,thepowerandwisdomoftheworld,andagainstthedevilandhis
apostles.
Andallthebrethrenwithme
Thismakethmuchforthestoppingofthemouthsofthesefalseapostlesforallhisarguments
tendtotheadvancingandmagnifyingofhisministry,andcontrariwise,tothediscreditingof
theirsasifheshouldthussay:
Althoughitbeenough,thatthroughadivinecallingamsentasanApostlebyJesus
Christ,andGodtheFather,whohathraisedhimupfromthedeadyetlestIshouldbealone,I
addoverandbesides(whichismorethanneedeth)allthebrethren,whicharenotApostles,
butfellowsoldiers:theywritethisepistleaswellasI,andbearwitnesswithmethatmy
doctrineastrueandgodly.WhereforewebesurethatChristispresentwithus,andthathe
teachethandspeakethinthemidstofus,andinourChurch.Asforthefalseapostles,ifthey
beanything,theybebutsenteitherofmenorbymanbutIamsentofGodtheFatherandof
JesusChrist,whoisourlifeandresurrection(John11:25).Myotherbrethrenaresentfrom
God,howbeitbyman,thatistowit,byme.Therefore,lesttheymightsaythatIaloneset
myselfproudlyagainstsomany,Ihavemybrethrenwithme,allofonemind,asfaithful
witnesses,whichthink,write,andteachtheselfsamethingthatIdo.

UntothechurchesofGalatia
PaulhadpreachedtheGospelthroughoutallGalatia,andalbeithehadnotwhollyconvertedit
untoChrist,yethehadmanychurchesinit,intothewhichthefalseapostles,Satans
ministers,hadcrept.Solikewiseatthisday,thefantasticalspiritscomenottothoseplaces
wheretheadversariesoftheGospelbearrule,butwhereChristiansandgoodmenarewhich
lovetheGospel.Withsuchtheywindinthemselveseveninthedominionsoftyrantsand

persecutorsoftheGospel:wherethey,creepingintohousesundercraftypretense,pourout
theirpoisontothesubversionofmany.Butwhygotheynotratherintothecities,countries,
anddominionsofthePapists,andthereprofessandmaintaintheirdoctrineinthepresenceof
wickedprinces,bishops,anddoctorsintheuniversities,aswebyGodshelpandassistance
havedone?Thesetendermartyrswilladventurenoperil,buttheyresortthitherwherethe
Gospelhathanharboralready,wheretheymaylivewithoutdangeringreatpeaceand
quietness.SothefalseapostleswouldnotendangerthemselvestocometoJerusalemto
Caiaphas,ortoRometotheemperor,ortootherplaceswherenomanhadpreachedafore,as
PaulandtheotherApostlesdid:buttheycameintoGalatia,whichwaswonuntoChrist
alreadybythelaborandtravailofPaul,andintoAsia,andCorinth,andsuchotherplaces,
wheregoodmenwerethatprofessedthenameofChrist,persecutingnoman,butsufferingall
thingsquietlyTheremighttheenemiesofChristscrossliveingreatsecurity,andwithout
anypersecution.
Andherewemaylearnthatitisthelotofgodlypreachers,thatbesidesthepersecution
whichtheysufferofthewickedandunthankfulworld,andthegreattravailwhichtheysustain
inplantingofchurches,theyarecompelledtosufferthatthing,whichtheyoflongtime
beforehadpurelytaught,tobequicklyoverthrownoffantasticalspirits,whoafterwardsreign
andruleoverthem.Thisgrievethgodlyministersmorethananypersecutionoftyrants.
Therefore,lethimnotbeaministeroftheGospel,whichisnotcontenttobethusdespised,or
isloathtobearthisreproach:orifhebe,lethimgiveoverhischargetoanother.Wealsoat
thisdaydofindthesamethingtobetruebyexperience.Wearemiserablycontemnedand
vexedoutwardlybytyrants,inwardlybythosewhomwehaverestoredtolibertybythe
Gospel,andalsobyfalsebrethren.Butthisisourcomfortandglory,thatbeingcalledofGod,
wehaveapromiseofeverlastinglife,andlookforthatrewardwhicheyehathnotseen,nor
earhathheard,norhathenteredintotheheartofman(1Corinthians2:9).Forwhenthegreat
shepherdChristshallappear,weshallreceiveanincorruptiblecrownofglory(1Peter5:4):
whoherealsointhisworldwillnotsufferustoperishforhunger.
Jeromemovethhereagreatquestion,whyPaulcalleththosechurches,whichwereno
churches:forPaul(saithhe)writethtotheGalatiansthatwerepervertedandturnedbackfrom
Christandfromgrace,untoMosesandthelaw.HereuntoIanswer,thatPaulcalleththemthe
churchesofGalatia,byputtingapartforthewhole,whichisacommonthinginthe
Scriptures.ForwritinginlikemannertotheCorinthians,herejoicethontheirbehalf,thatthe
graceofGodwasgiventheminChrist,namely,thattheyweremaderichthroughhiminall
utteranceandknowledge.Andyetmanyofthemweremisledbyfalseapostles,andbelieved
nottheresurrectionofthedead.SowealsoatthisdaycalltheRomanchurchholy,andallits
bishopricsholy,eventhoughtheybeabusedandtheministersofthemungodly.ForGod
rulethinthemidstofhisenemies(Psalm110:2),AntichristsittethinthetempleofGod
(Thessalonians2:4),andSatanispresentinthemidstofthesonsofGod(Job1:6).Evenifthe
Churchisinthemidstofacrookedandperversenation(asPaulsaith,Philippians2:15),
evenifitisinthemidstofwolvesandrobbers,thatistosay,spiritualtyrants,itisnonethe
lesstheChurch.AlthoughthecityofRomeisworsethanSodomandGomorrha,yetthere
remaininitBaptism,theSacrament,thevoiceandtextoftheGospel,theHolyScripture,the
Ministries,thenameofChristandthenameofGod.Thosewhohavethesethings,havethem
thosewhohavenotarenotexcused,forthetreasureisthere.ThereforetheRomanchurchis
holy,becauseithaththeholynameofGod,theGospel,Baptism,etc.Ifthesethingsarefound
amongapeople,thatpeopleiscalledholy.SoourWittenbergisaholytown,andwearetruly

holybecausewehavebeenbaptized,communicated,taughtandcalledofGodwehave
Godsworksamongus,namelytheWordandSacraments,andthesemakeusholy.
IsaythesethingstotheendthatwemaydiligentlydistinguishChristianholinessfrom
otherkindsofholiness.Themonkscalledtheirordersholy(althoughtheydurstnotcall
themselvesholy)buttheyarenotholybecause,aswesaidabove,Christianholinessisnot
active,butpassiveholiness.Whereforeletnomancallhimselfholyonaccountofhismanner
oflifeorhisworks,ifhefasteth,prayeth,scourgethhisbody,givethalmstothepoor,
comforteththesorrowfulandafflicted,etc.ElseshouldthePhariseeinLuke(18:11f.)alsobe
holy.Theworksindeedaregood,andGodstraitlyrequireththemofus,buttheymakeusnot
holy.ThouandIareholy,Church,cityandpeopleareholy,notbytheirown,butbyanalien
holiness,notbyactive,butbypassiveholiness,becausetheypossessdivineandholythings,
towit,thevocationoftheministry,theGospel,baptism,etc.,wherebytheyareholy.
Albeitthen,thattheGalatianswerefallenawayfromthedoctrineofPaul,yetdid
Baptism,theWord,andthenameofChrist,remainamongthem.
Therewerealsosomegoodmenthatwerenotrevolted,whichhadarightopinionofthe
WordandSacraments,andusedthemwell.Moreover,thesethingscouldnotbedefiled
throughthemthatwererevolted.ForBaptism,theGospel,andotherthings,arenottherefore
madeunholy,becausemanyarepollutedandunholy,andhaveanevilopinionofthem:but
theyabideholyandthesamethattheywere,whethertheybeamongthegodlyortheungodly:
bywhomtheycanneitherbepolluted,normadeholy.Byourgoodorevilconversation,by
ourgoodorevillifeandmanners,theybepollutedormadeholyinthesightoftheheathen,
butnotaforeGod.Wherefore,theChurchisholyevenwherefantasticalspiritsdoreign,if
onlytheydenynottheWordandSacraments.Forifthesebedenied,therecannotbethe
Church.Wherefore,wheresoeverthesubstanceoftheWordandSacramentsremaineth,there
istheholyChurch,althoughAntichristtherereign,who(astheScripturewitnesseth)sitteth
notinastableoffiends,orinaswinesty,orinacompanyofinfidels,butinthehighestand
holiestplaceofall,namely,inthetempleofGod.Wherefore,althoughspiritualtyrantsreign,
yettheremustbeatempleofGod,andthesamemustbepreservedunderthem.ThereforeI
answerbrieflytothisquestion,thattheChurchisuniversalthroughoutthewholeworld,
wheresoevertheGospelofGodandtheSacramentsbe.TheJews,theTurks,andothervain
spirits,arenottheChurch,becausetheyfightagainstthesethingsanddenythem.Hithertoas
touchingthetitleorinscriptionofthisEpistle.Nowfolloweththesalutationorgreetingof
Paul.
GracebewithyouandpeacefromGodthefather,andfromourLordJesusChrist
Ihopeyearenotignorantwhatgraceandpeacemeaneth,seeingthatthesetermsarecommon
inPaul,andnownotobscureorunknown.Butforasmuchaswetakeinhandtoexpoundthis
Epistle(whichwedo,notbecauseitisneedful,orforanyhardnessthatisinit,butthatour
consciencesmaybeconfirmedagainstheresiesyettocome),letitnotbetediousuntoyou,if
werepeatthesethingsagain,thatelsewhereandatothertimesweteach,preach,sing,andset
outbywriting.Forifwelosethearticleofjustification,weloseallthingstogether.Therefore
mostnecessaryitis,chieflyandaboveallthings,thatweteachandrepeatthisarticle
continuallylikeasMosessaithofhislaw.Foritcannotbebeatenintoourearsenoughortoo
much.Yea,thoughwelearnitandunderstanditwell,yetistherenonethattakethholdofit
perfectly,orbelievethitwithallhisheart.Sofrailathingisourflesh,anddisobedienttothe

spirit.
ThegreetingoftheApostleisstrangeuntotheworld,andwasneverheardofbeforethe
preachingoftheGospel.Andthesetwowords,graceandpeace,comprehendinthem
whatsoeverbelongethtoChristianity.Gracereleasethsin,andpeacemakeththeconscience
quiet.Thetwofiendsthattormentusaresinandconscience.ButChristhathvanquishedthese
twomonsters,andtroddenthemunderfoot,bothinthisworldandtheworldtocome.Thisthe
worlddothnotknow,andthereforeitcanteachnocertaintyoftheovercomingofsin,
conscienceanddeath.OnlyChristianshavethiskindofdoctrine,andareexercisedandarmed
withit,togetvictoryagainstsin,despairandeverlastingdeath.Anditisakindofdoctrine
neitherproceedingoffreewill,norinventedbythereasonorwisdomofman,butgivenfrom
above.Moreover,thesetwowords,graceandpeace,docontaininthemthewholesumof
Christianity.Gracecontaineththeremissionofsins,peaceaquietandjoyfulconscience.But
peaceofconsciencecanneverbehad,unlesssinbefirstforgiven.Butsinisnotforgivenfor
thefulfillingofthelaw:fornomanisabletosatisfythelaw.Butthelawdothrathershow
sin,accuseandterrifytheconscience,declarethewrathofGod,anddrivetodesperation.
Muchlessissintakenawaybytheworksandinventionsofmen,aswickedworshippings,
strangereligions,vowsandpilgrimages.Finally,thereisnoworkthatcantakeawaysinbut
sinisratherincreasedbyworks.Forthejusticiariesandmeritmongers,themoretheylabor
andsweattobringthemselvesoutofsin,thedeepertheyareplungedtherein.Forthereisno
meanstotakeawaysin,butgracealone.ThereforePaul,inallthegreetingsofhisepistles,
settethgraceandpeaceagainstsinandanevilconscience.Thisthingmustbediligently
marked.Thewordsareeasybutintemptationitisthehardestthingthatcanbe,tobe
certainlypersuadedinourhearts,thatbygracealone,allothermeanseitherinheavenorin
earthsetapart,wehaveremissionofsinsandpeacewithGod.
Theworldunderstandethnotthisdoctrineandthereforeitneitherwillnorcanabideit,
butcondemnethitashereticalandwicked.Itbraggethoffreewill,ofthelightofreason,ofthe
soundnessofthepowersandqualitiesofnature,andofgoodworks,asmeanswherebyit
coulddeserveandattaingraceandpeacethatistosay,forgivenessofsinsandaquiet
conscience.
Butatisimpossiblethattheconscienceshouldbequietandjoyful,unlessithavepeace
throughgracethatistosay,throughtheforgivenessofsinspromisedinChrist.Manyhave
carefullylabored,byfindingoutdiverseandsundryreligiousordersandexercisesforthis
purpose,toattainpeaceandquietnessofconsciencebutbysodoingtheyhaveplunged
themselvesinmoreandgreatermiseries:forallsuchdevicesarebutmeanstoincrease
doubtfulnessanddespair.Thereforethereshallbenoresttomybonesorthine,unlesswehear
thewordofgrace,andcleaveuntoitsteadfastlyandfaithfully.Thenshallourconscience
undoubtedlyfindgraceandpeace.
TheApostledothfitlydistinguishthisgraceandpeacefromallotherkindsofgraceand
peacewhatsoever.HewishethtotheGalatiansgraceandpeace,notfromtheemperor,or
kingsandprinces:forthesedocommonlypersecutethegodly,andriseupagainsttheLord
andChristhisanointed(Psalm2:1)norfromtheworld(forintheworld,saithChrist,ye
shallhavetrouble,John14:33),butfromGodourFatheretc.,whichisasmuchastosay,he
wisheduntothemaheavenlypeace.SoChristsaith:MypeaceIleaveuntoyou:mypeaceI
giveuntoyounotastheworldgivethit,doIgiveituntoyou(John14:27).Thepeaceofthe
worldgrantethnothingbutthepeaceofourgoodsandbodies.Sothegraceorfavorofthe
worldgivethusleavetoenjoyourgoods,andcastethusnotoutofourpossessions.Butin

afflictionandinthehourofdeath,thegraceandfavoroftheworldcannothelpus,they
cannotdeliverusfromaffliction,despairanddeath.ButwhenthegraceandpeaceofGodare
intheheart,thenisamanstrong,sothathecanneitherbecastdownwithadversity,nor
puffedupwithprosperity,butwalkethonplainlyandkeepeththehighway.Forhetaketh
heartandcourageinthevictoryofChristsdeathandtheconfidencethereofbeginnethto
reigninhisconscienceoversinanddeathbecausethroughhimhehathassuredforgiveness
ofhissins:whichafterhehathonceobtained,hisconscienceisatrest,andbythewordof
graceiscomforted.SothenamanbeingcomfortedandheartenedbythegraceofGod(thatis,
byforgivenessofsinsandbythispeaceofconscience),isablevaliantlytobearandovercome
alltroubles,yeaevendeathitself.ThispeaceofGodisnotgiventotheworld,becausethe
worldneverlongethafteritnorunderstandethit,buttothemthatbelieve.Andthiscomethto
passbynoothermean,thanbytheonlygraceofGod.
Aruletobeobserved,thatmenoughttoabstainfromthecurioussearchingofGods
majesty.
ButwhydoththeApostleaddmoreoverinthissalutation:AndfromourLordJesus
Christ?Wasitnotenoughtosay:AndfromGodourFather?
WhythendothhecoupleJesusChristwiththeFather?Yehaveoftentimesheardofus,
howitisaruleandprincipleintheScriptures,diligentlytobemarked,thatwemustabstain
fromthecurioussearchingofGodsmajesty,whichisintolerabletomansbody,andmuch
moretohismind.Noman(saiththeLord)shallseemeandlive(Exodus33:20).The
Pope,theTurks,theJews,landallsuchastrustintheirownmerits,regardnotthisrule,and
thereforeremovingthemediatorChristoutoftheirsight,theyspeakonlyofGod,andbefore
himonlytheypray,anddoallthattheydo.
Asforexample,themonkimagineththus:TheseworkswhichIdo,pleaseGod,God
willregardthesemyvows,andforthemwillsaveme.TheTurksaith:IfIkeepthethings
whicharecommandedintheAlcoran,Godwillacceptme,andgivemeeverlastinglife.The
Jewthinkeththus:IfIkeepthosethingswhichthelawcommandeth,IshallfindGod
mercifultome,andsoshallIbesaved.Soalsoasortoffondheadsatthisday,braggingof
thespiritofrevelations,ofvisions,andsuchothermonstrousmatters,Iwotnotwhat,dowalk
inwondersabovetheirreaches.Thesenewmonkshaveinventedanewcrossandnewworks,
andtheydreamthatbydoingthemtheypleaseGod.Tobebrief,asmanyasknownotthe
articleofjustification,takeawayChristthemercyseat,andwillneedscomprehendGodinhis
majestybythejudgementofreason,andpacifyhimwiththeirownworks.
ButtrueChristiandivinity(asIgiveyouoftenwarning)settethnotGodforthuntousin
hismajesty,asMosesandotherdoctrinesdo.Itcommandethusnottosearchoutthenatureof
God:buttoknowhiswillsetouttousinChrist,whomhewouldhavetotakeourfleshupon
him,tobebornandtodieforoursins,andthatthisshouldbepreachedamongallnations.For
seeingtheworldbywisdomknewnotGodinthewisdomofGod,itpleasedGodbythe
foolishnessofpreachingtosavethemthatbelieve(1Corinthians1:21ff.).Wherefore,when
thyconsciencestandethintheconflict,wrestlingagainstthelaw,sinanddeathinthe
presenceofGod,thereisnothingmoredangerousthantowanderwithcuriousspeculationsin
heaven,andtheretosearchoutGodinhisincomprehensiblepower,wisdomandmajesty,
howhecreatedtheworld,andhowhegovernethit.IfthouseekthustocomprehendGod,and
wouldestpacifyhimwithoutChristthemediator,makingthyworksameansbetweenhimand
thyself,itcannotbebutthatthoumustfallasLuciferdid,andinhorribledespairloseGod
andalltogether.ForasGodisinhisownnatureunmeasurable,incomprehensible,and

infinite,soishetomansnatureintolerable.
Whereforeifthouwouldestbeinsafety,andoutofperilofconscienceandsalvation,
bridlethisclimbingandpresumptuousspirit,andsoseekGodasPaulteacheththee(1
Corinthians1:21ff.):We(saithhe)preachChristcrucified,astumblingblockuntotheJews,
andfoolishnessuntotheGrecians:butuntothemwhicharecalled,bothJewsandGrecians,
ChristthepowerofGodandthewisdomofGod.ThereforebeginthoutherewhereChrist
began,namely,inthewomboftheVirgin,inthemanger,andathismothersbreasts,etc.For
tothisendhecamedown,wasborn,wasconversantamongmen,suffered,wascrucifiedand
died,thatbyallmeanshemightsetforthhimselfplainlybeforeoureyes,andfastentheeyes
ofourheartsuponhimself,thathetherebymightkeepusfromclimbingupintoheaven,and
fromthecurioussearchingofthedivinemajesty.
Whensoeverthouhasttodothereforeinthematterofjustification,anddisputestwith
thyselfhowGodistobefoundthatjustifiethoracceptethsinners:whereandinwhatsorthe
istobesoughtthenknowthouthatthereisnootherGodbesidesthismanChristJesus.
Embracehim,andcleavetohimwiththywholeheart,settingasideallcuriousspeculationsof
thedivinemajesty,forhethatisasearcherofGodsmajestyshallbeoverwhelmedofhis
glory.IknowbyexperiencewhatIsay.ButthesevainspiritswhichsodealwithGodthat
theyexcludethemediator,donotbelieveme.Christhimselfsaith:Iamtheway,thetruth
andthelife:nomancomethtotheFatherbutbyme(John14:6).Thereforebesidesthisway
Christ,thoushaltfindnootherwaytotheFather,butwandering:noverity,buthypocrisyand
lying:nolifebuteternaldeath.Whereforemarkthiswellinthematterofjustification,that
whenanyofusshallhavetowrestlewiththelaw,sin,deathandallotherevils,wemustlook
uponnootherGod,butonlythisGodincarnateandclothedwithmansnature.
Butoutofthematterofjustification,whenthoumustdisputewithJews,Turks,Papists,
Hereticsetc.,concerningthepower,wisdomandmajestyofGod,thenemployallthywitand
industrytothatend,andbeasprofoundandassubtleadisputerasthoucanst:forthenthou
artinanothervein.Butinthecaseofconscience,ofrighteousnessandlife(whichIwishhere
diligentlytobemarked)againstthelaw,sin,deathandthedevil,orinthematterof
satisfaction,ofremissionofsins,ofreconciliation,andofeverlastinglife,thoumustwithdraw
thymindwhollyfromallcogitationsandsearchingofthemajestyofGod,andlookonlyupon
thismanJesusChrist,whosettethhimselfforthuntoustobeamediator,andsaith:Come
untome,allyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillrefreshyou(Matthew11:28).Thus
doing,thoushaltperceivethelove,goodnessandsweetnessofGodthoushaltseehiswisdom,
powerandmajestysweetenedandtemperedtothycapacity:yea,andthoushaltfindinthis
mirrorandpleasantcontemplation,allthingsaccordingtothatsayingofPaultothe
Colossians:InChristarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge,and:Forinhim
dwelleththefullnessofthegodheadbodily(Colossians2:32:9).Theworldisignorantof
this,andthereforeitsearchethoutthewillofGod,settingasidethepromiseinChrist,toits
owngreatperil.FornomanknoweththeFatherbuttheSon,andhetowhomtheSonwill
revealhim(Matthew11:27).
AndthisisthecausewhyPauliswontsooftentocoupleJesusChristwithGodthe
Father,eventoteachuswhattrueChristianreligionis,whichbeginnethnotatthehighest,as
otherreligionsdo,butatthelowest.ItwillhaveustoclimbupbyJacobsladder,whereupon
Godhimselfleaneth,whosefeettouchtheveryearth,hardbytheheadofJacob(Genesis
2812).Wherefore,whensoeverthouartoccupiedinthematterofthysalvation,settingaside
allcuriousspeculationsofGodsunsearchablemajesty,allcogitationsofworks,oftraditions,

ofphilosophy,yeaandofGodslawtoo,runstraighttothemanger,andembracethisinfant,
andtheVirginslittlebabeinthinearms,andbeholdhimashewasborn,sucking,growing
up,conversantamongmen,teaching,dying,risingagain,ascendingupabovealltheheavens,
andhavingpoweraboveallthings.Bythismeansshaltthoubeabletoshakeoffallterrors
anderrors,likeasthesundrivethawaytheclouds.Andthissightandcontemplationwillkeep
theeintherightway,thatthoumayestfollowwhitherChristisgone.
ThereforePaul,inwishinggraceandpeacenotonlyfromGodtheFather,butalsofrom
JesusChrist,teachethfirst,thatweshouldabstainfromcurioussearchingofthedivine
majesty(forGodnomanknoweth)andtohearChrist,whoisinthebosomoftheFather,and
utterethtoushiswill,whoalsoisappointedoftheFathertobeourteacher,totheendthatwe
shouldallhearhim.

CHRISTISGODBYNATURE
TheotherthingthatPaulteachethhere,isaconfirmationofourfaiththatChristisveryGod.
Andsuchlikesentencesasthisis,concerningthegodheadofChrist,aretobegathered
togetherandmarkeddiligently,notonlyagainsttheAriansandotherheretics,whicheither
havebeenorshallbehereafter,butalsofortheconfirmationofourfaith:forSatanwillnot
failtoimpugninusallthearticlesofourfaitherewedie.Heisamostdeadlyenemytofaith,
becauseheknoweththatitisthevictorywhichovercomeththeworld(1John5:4).Wherefore
itstandethusinhandtolaborthatourfaithmaybecertain,andmayincreaseandbe
strengthenedbydiligentandcontinualexerciseoftheWordandferventprayer,thatwemay
beabletowithstandSatan.
Now,thatChristisveryGod,itismanifestlydeclared,inthatPaulattributeththesame
thingsequallyuntohimwhichhedothuntotheFather,namely,thegivingofgrace,the
forgivenessofsins,peaceofconscience,life,victoryoversin,death,thedevilandhell.This
werebynomeanslawfulforhimtodo,nay,itweresacrilegethistodo,exceptChristwere
veryGod,accordingtothatsaying:Iwillnotgivemygloryuntoanother(Isaiah42:8).
Again:nomangiveththattootherswhichhehimselfhathnot.ButseeingChristgivethgrace,
peaceandtheHolyGhost,deliverethfromthepowerofthedevil,fromsinanddeath,itis
certainthathehathaninfiniteanddivinepower,equalinallpointstothepoweroftheFather.
NeitherdothChristgivegraceandpeaceastheApostlesgaveandbroughtthesameunto
menbypreachingoftheGospelbuthegivethitastheAuthorandCreator.TheFather
createthandgivethlife,grace,peace,andallothergoodthings.Theselfsamethingsalsothe
Soncreatethandgiveth.Now,togivegrace,peace,everlastinglife,toforgivesins,tomake
righteous,toquicken,todeliverfromdeathandthedevil,arenottheworksofanycreature,
butoftheDivineMajestyalone.Theangelscanneithercreatenorgivethesethingstherefore
theseworkspertainonlytothegloryofthesovereignMajesty,theMakerofallthings:and
seeingPauldothattributetheselfsamepowerofcreatingandgivingallthesethings,unto
ChristequallywiththeFather,itmustneedsfollowthatChristisverilyandnaturallyGod.
ManysuchargumentsareinJohn,whereitisprovedandconcludedbytheworkswhich
areattributedtotheSonaswellastotheFather,thatthedivinityoftheFatherandoftheSon
isallone.ThereforethegiftswhichwereceiveoftheFather,andwhichwereceiveofthe
Son,areallone.ForelsePaulwouldhavespokenotherwise,afterthismanner:Gracefrom
GodtheFather,andpeacefromourLordJesusChrist.Butinknittingthembothtogether,he

attributeththemequally,aswelltotheSonastotheFather.Idothereforesodiligently
admonishyouofthisthing,becauseitisdangerouslestamongsomanyerrors,andinsogreat
varietyandconfusionofsects,theremightstepupsomeArians,Eunomians,Macedonians,
andsuchotherheretics,thatmightdoharmtothechurcheswiththeirsubtilty.
IndeedtheAriansweresharpandsubtlefellows.TheygrantedthatChristhathtwo
natures,andthatheiscalledveryGodofveryGod,howbeitinnameonly.Christ(saidthey)
isamostnobleandperfectcreature,abovetheangels,wherebyGodafterwardcreatedheaven
andearth,andallotherthings.SoMahometalsospeakethhonorablyofChrist.Butallthisis
nothingelsebutgoodlyimaginations,andwordspleasantandplausibletomansreason,
wherebythefantasticalspiritsdodeceivemen,excepttheytakegoodheed.ButPaulspeaketh
otherwiseofChrist.Ye(saithhe)arerootedandestablishedinthisbelief,namely,thatChrist
isnotonlyaperfectcreature,butveryGod,whodoththeselfsamethingsthatGodtheFather
doth.Hehaththedivineworksnotofacreature,butoftheCreator,becausehegivethgrace
andpeace:andtogivethemistocondemnsin,tovanquishdeath,andtotreadthedevilunder
foot.Thesethingsnoangelcangive.ButseeingtheyareattributeduntoChrist,itmustneeds
followthatheisveryGodbynature.
Whichgavehimselfforoursins
PaulinamannerineverywordhandleththeargumentofthisEpistle.Hehathnothinginhis
mouthbutChristandthereforeineverywordthereisafervencyofspiritandlife.Andmark
howwellandtothepurposehespeaketh.Hesaithnot:Whichhathreceivedourworksatour
hands,nor,whichhathreceivedthesacrificesofMosesslaw,worshippings,religions,
masses,vows,andpilgrimagesbuthathgivenWhat?Notgold,norsilver,norbeasts,nor
paschallambs,noranangel,buthimself.Forwhat?
Notforacrown,notforakingdom,notforourholinessorrighteousness,butforour
sins.Thesewordsareverythunderclapsfromheavenagainstallkindsofrighteousnesslike
asisalsothissentenceofJohn:BeholdtheLambofGod,thattakethawaythesinsofthe
world.ThereforewemustwithdiligentattentionmarkeverywordofPaul,andnotslenderly
considerthemorlightlypassthemoverfortheyarefullofconsolation,andconfirmfearful
consciencesexceedingly.
Buthowmayweobtainremissionofoursins?Paulanswereth,thatthemanwhichis
calledJesusChrist,theSonofGod,hathgivenhimselfforthem.Theseareexcellentand
comfortablewords,andarepromisesoftheoldlaw,thatoursinsaretakenawaybynone
othermean,thanbytheSonofGoddelivereduntodeath.Withsuchgunshotandsuch
artillerymustthePapacybedestroyed,andallthereligionsoftheheathen,allworks,all
meritsandsuperstitiousceremonies.Forifoursinsmaybetakenawaybyourownworks,
meritsandsatisfactions,whatneededtheSonofGodtobegivenforthem?Butseeinghewas
givenforthem,itfolloweththatwecannotputthemawaybyourownworks.
Again,bythissentenceitisdeclared,thatoursinsaresogreat,soinfiniteandinvincible,
thatitisimpossibleforthewholeworldtosatisfyforoneofthem.Andsurelythegreatnessof
theransom(namely,ChristtheSonofGod,whogavehimselfforoursins)declareth
sufficiently,thatwecanneithersatisfyforsinnorhavedominionoverit.Theforceandpower
ofsinissetforthandamplifiedexceedinglybythesewords:Whichgavehimselfforour
sins.Thereforehereistobemarkedtheinfinitegreatnessofthepricebestowedforit,and
thenitwillappearevidentlythatthepowerofitissogreat,thatbynomeansitcouldbeput

away,butthattheSonofGodmustneedsbegivenforit.Hethatconsidereththesethings
well,understandeththatthisonewordsincomprehendethGodseverlastingwrathandthe
wholekingdomofSatan,andthatitisathingmorehorriblethancanbeexpressedwhich
oughttomoveusandmakeusafraidindeed.Butwearecareless,yeawemakelightofsin,
andamatterofnothing:whichalthoughitbringwithitthestingandremorseofconscience,
yetnotwithstandingwethinkitnottobeofsuchweightandforce,butthatbysomelittle
workormeritwemayputitaway.
Thissentencethereforewitnesseth,thatallmenareservantsandbondslavestosin,and
(asPaulsaithinanotherplace)aresoldundersin(Romans7:14)andagain,thatsinisa
mostcruelandmightytyrantoverallmenwhichcannotbevanquishedbythepowerofany
creatures,whethertheybeangelsormen,butonlybythesovereignandinfinitepowerof
JesusChrist,whohathgivenhimselfforthesame.
Furthermore,thissentencesettethouttotheconsciencesofallmenwhichareterrified
withthegreatnessoftheirsins,asingularcomfort.For,albeitsinbeneversoinvinciblea
tyrant,yetnotwithstanding,forasmuchasChristhathovercomeitthroughhisdeath,itcannot
hurtthemthatbelieveinhim.
Moreover,ifwearmourselveswiththisbelief,andcleavewithallourheartsuntothis
manChristJesus,thenistherealightopenedandasoundjudgmentgivenuntous,soaswe
maymostcertainlyandfreelyjudgeofallkindsoflife.Forwhenwehearthatsinissuchan
invincibletyrant,thusincontinentbyanecessaryconsequenceweinfer:Thenwhatdothe
Papists,monks,nuns,priests,Mahometists,Anabaptists,andallsuchastrustintheirworks,
whichwillabolishandovercomesinbytheirowntraditions,workspreparative,satisfactions,
etc.?Hereforthwithwejudgeallthosesectstobewickedandperniciouswherebytheglory
ofGodandofChristisnotonlydefaced,butalsoutterlytakenaway,andourownadvanced
andestablished.
ButweighdiligentlyeverywordofPaul,andspeciallymarkwellthispronoun,ourfor
theeffectaltogetherconsistethinthewellapplyingofthepronouns,whichwefindveryoften
intheScriptureswhereinalsothereiseversomevehemencyandpower.Thouwilteasilysay
andbelievethatChristtheSonofGodwasgivenforthesinsofPeter,ofPaul,andofother
saints,whomweaccounttohavebeenworthyofthisgracebutitisaveryhardthingthat
thouwhichjudgestthyselfunworthyofthisgrace,shouldestfromthyheartsayandbelieve
thatChristwasgivenforthineinvincible,infiniteandhorriblesins.Thereforegenerallyand
withoutthepronoun,itisaneasymattertomagnifyandamplifythebenefitofChrist,namely,
thatChristwasgivenforsins,butforothermenssins,whichareworthy.Butwhenitcometh
totheputtingtoofthispronounour,thereourweaknatureandreasonstartethback,and
darenotcomenearuntoGod,norpromisetoherselfthatsogreatatreasureshallbefreely
givenuntoherandthereforeshewillnothavetodowithGod,exceptfirstshebepureand
withoutsin.Wherefore,althoughshereadorhearthissentence:Whichgavehimselfforour
sins,orsuchlike,yetdothshenotapplythispronounouruntoherself,butuntoothers
whichareworthyandholyandasforherself,shewilltarrytillshebemadeworthybyher
ownworks.
Thisthenisnothingelse,butthatmansreasonfainwouldthatsinwereofnogreater
forceandpowerthansheherselfdreamethittobe.Hereofitcomeththatthehypocrites,being
ignorantofChrist,althoughtheyfeeltheremorseofsin,dothinknotwithstandingthatthey
shallbeableeasilytoputitawaybytheirgoodworksandmeritsandsecretlyintheirhearts
theywishthatthesewords,Whichgavehimselfforoursins,werebutaswordsspokenin

humility,andwouldhavetheirsinsnottobetrueandverysinsindeed,butlightandsmall
matters.Tobeshort,mansreasonwouldfainbringandpresentuntoGodareignedand
counterfeitsinner,whichisnothingafraidnorhathanyfeelingofsin.Itwouldbringhimthat
iswhole,andnothimthathathneedofaphysicianandwhenitfeelethnosin,thenwouldit
believethatChristwasgivenforoursins.
Thewholeworldisthusaffected,andespeciallytheythatwouldbecountedmoreholy
andreligiousthanothers,asmonks,andalljusticiaries.
Theseconfesswiththeirmouthsthattheyaresinners,andtheyconfessalsothatthey
commitsinsdaily,howbeitnotsogreatandmany,butthattheyareabletoputthemawayby
theirownworks:yeaandbesidesallthis,theywillbringtheirrighteousnessanddesertsto
Christsjudgmentseat,anddemandtherecompenseofeternallifeforthematthejudges
hand.Inthemeanwhilenotwithstanding(astheypretendgreathumility),becausetheywill
notvauntthemselvestobeutterlyvoidofsin,theyfeigncertainsins,thatfortheforgiveness
thereoftheymaywithgreatdevotionpraywiththepublican:Godbemercifuluntomea
sinner(Luke18:13).Untothem,thesewordsofSt.Paul,foroursins,seemtobebutlight
andtriflingthereforetheyneitherunderstandthem,norintemptation,whentheyfeelsin
indeed,cantheytakeanycomfortofthem,butarecompelledflatlytodespair.
ThisisthenthechiefknowledgeandtruewisdomofChristians,tocountthesewordsof
Paul,thatChristwasdeliveredtodeath,notforourrighteousnessorholiness,butforoursins
(whichareverysinsindeed,great,many,yeainfiniteandinvincible),tobemosttrue,
effectualandofgreatimportance.Therefore,thinkthemnottobesmall,andsuchasmaybe
doneawaybythineownworksneitheryetdespairthouforthegreatnessofthem,ifthoufeel
thyselfoppressedtherewith,eitherinlifeordeathbutlearnhereofPaultobelievethatChrist
wasgiven,notforfeignedorcounterfeitsins,noryetforsmallsins,butforgreatandhuge
sinsnotforoneortwo,butforallnotforvanquishedsins(fornoman,nonorangel,isable
toovercometheleastsinthatis),butforinvinciblesins.
Andexceptthoubefoundinthenumberofthosethatsayoursins,thatis,whichhave
thisdoctrineoffaith,andteach,hear,learn,loveandbelievethesame,thereisnosalvation
forthee.
Laborthereforediligently,thatnotonlyoutofthetimeoftemptation,butalsointhetime
andconflictofdeath,whenthyconscienceisthoroughlyafraidwiththeremembranceofthy
sinspast,andthedevilassaileththeewithgreatviolence,goingabouttooverwhelmtheewith
heaps,floodsandwholeseasofsins,toterrifythee,todrawtheefromChrist,andtodrive
theetodespairthatthenIsay,thoumayestbeabletosaywithsureconfidence:Christthe
SonofGodwasgiven,notfortherighteousandholy,butfortheunrighteousandsinners.IfI
wererighteousandhadnosin,IshouldhavenoneedofChristtobemyreconciler.Whythen,
OthoupeevishholySatan,wiltthoumakemetobeholyandtoseekrighteousnessinmyself,
wheninverydeedIhavenothinginmebutsins,andmostgrievoussins?Notfeignedor
triflingsins,butsuchasareagainstthefirstTable:towit,greatinfidelity,doubting,despair,
contemptofGod,hatred,ignoranceandblasphemingofGod,unthankfulhess,abusingof
Godsname,neglecting,loathinganddespisingtheWordofGod,andsuchlike.
Andmoreover,thesecarnalsinsagainstthesecondTable:asnottoyieldhonortomy
parents,nottoobeythemagistrates,tocovetanothermansgoods,hiswife,andsuchlike
albeitthatthesebelightfaultsinrespectofthoseformersins.AndadmitthatIhavenot
committedmurder,whoredom,theftandsuchothersinsagainstthesecondTable,infactyet
Ihavecommittedtheminheart,andthereforeIamatransgressorofallGods

commandments,andthemultitudeofmysinsissogreatthattheycannotbenumbered:ForI
havesinnedabovethenumberofthesandsofthesea(PrayerofManasses,9).
Besidesthis,Satanissuchacunningjuggler,thathecanmakeofmyrighteousnessand
goodworks,greatsins.Forsomuch,then,asmysinsaresoweighty,soinfinite,sohorrible
andinvincible,andthatmyrighteousnessdothnothingfurtherme,butratherhinderme
beforeGod:thereforeChristtheSonofGodwasgiventodeathforthem,toputthemaway,
andsosaveallmenwhichbelieve.Hereinthereforeconsisteththeeffectofeternalsalvation,
namely,intakingthesewordstobeeffectual,true,andofgreatimportance.Isaynotthisfor
nought,forIhaveoftentimesprovedbyexperience,andIstilldailyfind,whatanhardmatter
itistobelieve(especiallyintheconflictofconscience)thatChristwasgiven,notfortheholy,
righteous,worthy,andsuchaswerehisfriends,butfortheungodly,forsinners,forthe
unworthy,andforhisenemies,whichhavedeservedGodswrathandeverlastingdeath.
LetusthereforearmourselveswiththeseandsuchlikesentencesoftheholyScripture,
thatwemaybeabletoanswerthedevil(accusingus,andsaying:Thouartasinner,and
thereforethouartdamned)inthissort:
BecausethousayestIamasinner,thereforewillIberighteousandsaved.
Nay(saiththedevil)thoushaltbedamned.No(sayI)forIflyuntoChrist,whohath
givenhimselfformysinstherefore,Satan,thoushaltnotprevailagainstmeinthatthougoest
abouttoterrifymeinsettingforththegreatnessofmysins,andsotobringmeintoheaviness,
distrust,despair,hatred,contemptandblasphemingofGod.Yearather,inthatthousayestI
amasinner,thougivestmearmorandweaponagainstthyself,thatwiththineownswordI
maycutthythroat,andtreadtheeundermyfeet:forChristdiedforsinners.Moreover,thou
thyselfpreachestuntomethegloryofGodforthouputtestmeinmindofGodsfatherlylove
towardsme,wretchedanddamnedsinner:Whosolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonly
begottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife
(John3:16).AndasoftenasthouobjectestthatIamasinner,sooftenthoucallestmeto
remembranceofthebenefitofChristmyRedeemer,uponwhoseshoulders,andnotupon
mine,lieallmysinsfortheLordhathlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall,andforthe
transgressionsofhispeoplewashesmitten,(Isaiah53:6,8).
Wherefore,whenthousayestIamasinner,thoudostnotterrifyme,butcomfortme
abovemeasure.
Whosoknoweththisonepointofcunningwell,shalleasilyavoidalltheenginesand
snaresofthedevil,who,byputtingmaninmindofhissin,drivethhimtodespairand
destroyethhim,unlesshewithstandhimwiththiscunningandwiththisheavenlywisdom,
wherebyalonesin,deathandthedevilareovercome.Butthemanthatputtethnotawaythe
remembranceofhissin,butkeepethitstillandtormentethhimselfwithhisowncogitations,
thinkingeithertohelphimselfbyhisownstrength,ortotarrythetimetillhisconsciencemay
bequieted,fallethintoSatanssnaresandmiserablyafflictethhimself,andatlengthis
overcomewiththecontinuanceofthetemptationforthedevilwillneverceasetoaccusehis
conscience.
AgainstthistemptationwemustusethesewordsofSt.Paul,inthewhichhegivetha
verygoodandtruedefinitionofChristinthismanner:ChrististheSonofGodandofthe
Virgin,deliveredandputtodeathforoursins.
Here,ifthedevilallegeanyotherdefinitionofChrist,saythou:Thedefinitionandthe
thingdefinedarefalsethereforeIwillnotreceivethisdefinition.Ispeaknotthiswithout
cause,forIknowwhatmovethmetobesoearnestthatweshouldlearntodefineChristoutof

thewordsofPaul.ForindeedChristisnocruelexactor,butaforgiverofthesinsofthewhole
world.Whereforeifthoubeasinner(asindeedweareall)setnotChristdownuponthe
rainbowasajudge,(forsoshaltthoubeterrified,anddespairofhismercy),buttakeholdof
histruedefinition,namely,thatChristtheSonofGodandoftheVirginisaperson,notthat
terrifieth,notthatafflicteth,notthatcondemnethusofsin,notthatdemandethanaccountof
usforourlifeevilpassedbutthathathgivenhimselfforoursins,andwithoneoblationhath
putawaythesinsofthewholeworld,hathfastenedthemuponthecross,andputthemclean
outbyhimself(Colossians2:14).
Learnthisdefinitiondiligently,andespeciallysoexercisethispronounour,thatthisone
syllablebeingbelievedmayswallowupallthysinsthatistosay,thatthoumayestknow
assuredly,thatChristhathtakenawaythesins,notofcertainmenonly,butalsoofthee,yea
andofthewholeworld.
Thenletnotthysinsbesinsonly,buteventhyownsinsindeedthatistowit,believe
thouthatChristwasnotonlygivenforothermenssins,butalsoforthine.Holdthisfastand
suffernotthyselfbyanymeanstobedrawnawayfromthismostsweetdefinitionofChrist,
whichrejoicetheventheveryangelsinheaventhatistosay,thatChrist,accordingtothe
properandtruedefinition,isnoMoses,nolawgiver,notyrant,butamediatorforsins,afree
giverofgrace,righteousness,andlifewhogavehimself,notforourmerits,holiness,
righteousnessandgodlylife,butforoursins.
IndeedChristdothinterpretthelaw,butthatisnothisproperandprincipaloffice.
Thesethings,astouchingthewords,weknowwellenoughandcantalkofthem.Butin
practiceandintheconflict,whenthedevilgoethabouttodefaceChrist,andtopluckthe
wordofgraceoutofourhearts,wefindthatwedonotyetknowthemwellandasweshould
do.HethatatthattimecoulddefineChristtruly,andcouldmagnifyhimandbeholdhimas
hismostsweetSaviorandHighpriest,andnotasastraitjudge,thismanhadovercomeall
evils,andwerealreadyinthekingdomofheaven.Butthistodointheconflict,isofallthings
themosthard.Ispeakthisbyexperience.
ForIknowthedevilssubtleties,whoatthattimenotonlygoethabouttofearuswiththe
terrorofthelaw,yeaandalsoofalittlemotemakethmanybeamsthatistosay,ofthat
whichisnosinhemakethaveryhell(forheismarvellouscraftybothinaggravatingsinand
inpuffinguptheconscienceeveningoodworks),butalsoiswonttofearuswiththevery
personofthemediatorintothewhichhetransformethhimselfand,layingbeforeussome
placeofScriptureorsayingofChrist,suddenlyhestrikethourhearts,andshewethhimself
untousinsuchsortasifhewereChristindeed,leavingusstickingsofastinthatcogitation,
thatourconsciencewouldswearitwerethesameChristwhosesayinghealleged.Moreover,
suchisthesubtletyoftheenemy,thathewillnotsetbeforeusChristentirelyandwholly,but
apieceofChristonly,namely,thatheistheSonofGod,andmanbornoftheVirgin.Andby
andbyhepatcheththeretosomeotherthing,thatistosay,somesayingofChrist,wherewith
heterrifieththeimpenitentsinners,suchasthatisthethirteenthofLuke:Exceptyerepent,
yeshallalllikewiseperish.Andso,corruptingthetruedefinitionofChristwithhispoison,
hebringethtopassthatalbeitwebelieveChristtobethemediator,yetinverydeedour
troubledconsciencefeelethandjudgethhimtobeatyrantandajudge.Thuswebeing
deceivedbySatan,doeasilylosethatsweetsightofourHighpriestandSaviorChristwhich
beingoncelost,weshunhimnolessthanthedevilhimself.
AndthisisthecausewhyIdosoearnestlycalluponyoutolearnthetrueandproper
definitionofChristoutofthesewordsofPaul:whichgavehimselfforoursins.Ifhegave

himselftodeathforoursins,thenundoubtedlyheisnotyrantorjudgewhichwillcondemnus
foroursins.
Heisnocasterdownoftheafflicted,butaraiserupofthosethatarefallen,amerciful
relieverandcomforteroftheheavyandbrokenhearted.
ElseshouldPaullieinsaying:whichgavehimselfforoursins.IfIdefineChristthus,I
definehimrightly,andtakeholdofthetrueChrist,andpossesshimindeed.AndhereIlet
passallcuriousspeculationstouchingthedivinemajesty,andstaymyselfinthehumanityof
Christ,andpossesshimindeed.AndhereIletpassallcuriousspeculationstouchingthe
divinemajesty,andstaymyselfinthehumanityofChrist,andsoIlearntrulytoknowthewill
ofGod.Hereisthennofear,butaltogethersweetness,joy,peaceofconscience,andsuchlike.
Andherewithalthereisalightopened,whichshewethmethetrueknowledgeofGod,of
myself,ofallcreatures,andofalltheiniquityofthedevilskingdom.Weteachnonewthing,
butwerepeatandestablisholdthings,whichtheapostlesandallgodlyteachershavetaught
beforeus.AndwouldtoGodwecouldsoteachandestablishthem,thatwemightnotonly
havetheminourmouth,butalsowellgroundedinthebottomofourheart,andespeciallythat
wemightbeabletousethemintheagonyandconflictofdeath.
Thathemightdeliverusfromthispresentevilworld
InthesewordsalsoPauleffectuallyhandleththeargumentofthisEpistle.
Hecalleththiswholeworld,whichhathbeen,is,andshallbe,thepresentworld,toputa
differencebetweenthisandtheeverlastingworldtocome.
Moreover,hecallethitevil,becausethatwhatsoeverisinthisworld,issubjecttothe
maliceofthedevilreigningoverthewholeworld.Forthiscausetheworldisthekingdomof
thedevil.Forthereisinitnothingbutignorance,contempt,blasphemy,hatredofGod,and
disobedienceagainstallthewordsandworksofGod.Inandunderthiskingdomoftheworld
arewe.
Hereagainyouseethatnomanisablebyhisownworksorhisownpowertoputaway
sins,becausethispresentworldiseviland(asSt.Johnsaith)liethintheevilOne(1John
5:19).Asmanythereforeasareintheworld,arethecaptivemembersofthedevil,
constrainedtoservehimanddoallthingsathispleasure.Whatavaileditthen,tosetupso
manyordersofreligionfortheabolishingofsinstodevisesomanygreatandmostpainful
works,astowearshirtsofhair,tobeatthebodywithwhipstillthebloodflowed,togoon
pilgrimagetoSt.Jamesinharness,andsuchotherlike?Beitsothatthoudoestallthese
things,yetnotwithstandingthisistrue,thatthouartinthispresentevilworld,andnotinthe
kingdomofChrist.AndifthoubenotinthekingdomofChrist,itiscertainthatthou
belongesttothekingdomofSatan,whichisthisevilworld.Thereforeallthegifts,eitherof
thebodyorofthemind,whichthouenjoyest,aswisdom,righteousness,holiness,eloquence,
power,beauty,andriches,arebuttheslavishinstrumentsofthedevil,andwithallthesethou
artcompelledtoservehim,andtoadvancehiskingdom.
First,withthywisdomthoudarkenestthewisdomandknowledgeofChrist,andbythy
wickeddoctrineleadestmenoutoftheway,thattheycannotcometothegraceand
knowledgeofChrist.Thousettestoutandpreachestthineownrighteousnessandholinessbut
therighteousnessofChrist,bywhichonlywearejustifiedandquickened,thoudosthateand
condemnaswickedanddevilish.Tobebrief,bythypowerthoudestroyestthekingdomof
Christ,andabusestthesametorootouttheGospel,topersecuteandkilltheministersof

Christandsomanyashearthem.
Wherefore,ifthoubewithoutChrist,thisthywisdomisdoublefoolishness,thy
righteousnessdoublesinandimpiety,becauseitknowethnotthewisdomandrighteousness
ofChrist:moreover,itdarkeneth,hindereth,blasphemeth,andpersecuteththesame.
ThereforePauldothrightlycallittheevilorwickedworldforwhenitisatthebest,thenisit
worst.Inthereligious,wise,andlearnedmen,theworldisatthebest,andyetinverydeedin
themitisdoubleevil.IoverpassthosegrossviceswhichareagainstthesecondTable,as
disobediencetoparents,tomagistrates,adulteries,whoredoms,covetousness,thefts,murders,
andmaliciousness,whereintheworldisaltogetherdrowned,whichnotwithstandingarelight
faults,ifyecomparethemwiththewisdomandrighteousnessofthewicked,wherebythey
fightagainstthefirstTable.
Thiswhitedevil,whichforcethmentocommitspiritualsinsthatcrythemselvesupfor
righteousness,isfarmoredangerousthantheblackdevil,whichonlyenforceththemto
commitfleshlysins,whicheventheworldacknowledgethtobesins.
Bythesewordsthen,Thathemightdeliverusetc.,Paulshewethwhatistheargument
ofthisEpistle:towit,thatwehaveneedofgraceandofChrist,andthatnocreature,neither
mannorangel,candelivermanoutofthispresentevilworld.Fortheseareworksbelonging
onlytothedivinemajesty,andarenotinthepowerofany,eithermanorangel:namely,that
Christhathputawaysin,andhathdeliveredusfromthetyrannyandkingdomofthedevil
thatistosay,fromthiswickedworld,whichisanobedientservantandawillingfollowerof
thedevilhisGod.Whatsoeverthemurdererandfatheroflieseitherdothorspeaketh,thatthe
world,ashismostloyalandobedientson,diligentlyfollowethandperformeth.Andtherefore
itisfulloftheignoranceofGod,ofhatred,lying,errors,blasphemy,andofthecontemptof
Godmoreover,ofgrosssins,asmurders,adulteries,fornications,thefts,robberies,andsuch
like,becausehefollowethhisfatherthedevil,whoisaliarandamurderer.Andthemore
wise,righteous,andholythatmenarewithoutChrist,somuchthemorehurttheydotothe
Gospel.Sowealso,thatwerereligiousmen,weredoublewickedinthepapacy,beforeGod
didlightenuswiththeknowledgeofhisGospel,andyetnotwithstandingunderthecolorof
truepietyandholiness.
LetthesewordsthenofPaulremainastheyareindeed,trueandeffectual,notcoloredor
counterfeit,namely,thatthispresentworldisevil.Letitnothingatallmovethee,thatina
greatnumberofmentherebemanyexcellentvirtues,andthatthereissogreatashewof
holinessinhypocrites.
ButmarkthouratherwhatPaulsaith,outofwhosewordsthoumayestboldlyandfreely
pronouncethissentenceagainsttheworld,thattheworldwithallhiswisdom,powerand
righteousness,isthekingdomofthedeviloutofthewhichGodaloneisabletodeliverusby
hisonlybegottenSon.
ThereforeletuspraiseGodtheFather,andgivehimheartythanksforthishis
unmeasurablemercy,thathathdeliveredusoutofthekingdomofthedevil(inthewhichwe
wereholdencaptives)byhisownSon,whenitwasimpossibletobedonebyourown
strength.AndletusacknowledgetogetherwithPaul,thatallourworksandrighteousness
(withallwhich,wecouldnotmakethedeviltostooponehairsbreadth)arebutlossand
dung(Philippians3:8).Alsoletuscastunderourfeetandutterlyabhorallthepoweroffree
will,allpharisaicalwisdomandrighteousness,allreligiousorders,allmasses,ceremonies,
vows,fastings,andsuchlike,asamostfilthydefiledcloth(Isaiah64:6)andasthemost
dangerouspoisonofthedevil.Contrariwise,letusextolandmagnifythegloryofChrist,who

hathdeliveredusbyhisdeath,notfromthisworldonly,butfromthisevilworld.
Paulthenbythiswordevil,sheweththatthekingdomoftheworld,orthedevils
kingdom,isthekingdomofiniquity,ignorance,error,sin,death,blasphemy,desperationand
everlastingdamnation.Ontheotherside,thekingdomofChrististhekingdomofequity,
light,grace,remissionofsins,peace,consolation,savinghealth,andeverlastinglife,intothe
whichwearetranslated(Colossians1:13)byourLordJesusChrist,towhombegloryworld
withoutend.Amen.
AccordingtothewillofGodandourfather
HerePaulsoplacethandorderetheveryword,thatthereisnotoneofthembutitfighteth
againstthosefalseapostlesforthearticleofjustification.Christ(saithhe)hathdeliveredus
fromthiswickedkingdomofthedevilandtheworldandthishathhedoneaccordingtothe
will,goodpleasure,andcommandmentoftheFather.Whereforewebenotdeliveredbyour
ownwillorcunning(Romans9:16),norbyourownwisdomorpolicy,butforthatGodhath
takenmercyuponus,andhathloveduslikeasitiswrittenalsoinanotherplace:Herein
hathappearedthegreatloveofGodtowardsus,notthatwehavelovedGod,butthathehath
lovedus,andhathsenthisonlybegottenSontobeareconciliationforoursins(1John4:10).
Thatwearethendeliveredfromthispresentevilworld,itisofmeregrace,andnodesertof
ours.PaulissoplentifulandsovehementinamplifyingandextollingthegraceofGod,that
hesharpenethanddirectetheverywordagainstthefalseapostles.
ThereisalsoanothercausewhyPaulheremakethmentionoftheFatherswill,which
alsoinmanyplacesofSt.Johnsgospelisdeclared,whereChrist,commendinghisoffice,
callethusbacktohisFatherswill,thatinhiswordsandworksweshouldnotsomuchlook
uponhim,asupontheFather.ForChristcameintotheworldandtookmansnatureupon
him,thathemightbemadeasacrificeforthesinsofthewholeworld,andsoreconcileusto
GodtheFatherandthathealonemightdeclareuntoushowthatthiswasdonethroughthe
goodpleasureofhisFather,thatwe,byfasteningoureyesuponChrist,mightbedrawnand
carriedstraightuntotheFather.
Forwemustnotthink(asbeforewehavewarnedyou)thatbythecurioussearchingof
themajestyofGod,anythingconcerningGodcanbeknowntooursalvation,butbytaking
holdofChrist,whoaccordingtothewilloftheFatherhathgivenhimselftodeathforour
sins.WhenthoushaltacknowledgethistobethewillofGodthroughChrist,thenwrath
ceaseth,fearandtremblingvanishethaway,neitherdothGodappearanyotherthanmerciful,
whobyhisdeterminatecounselwouldthathisSonshoulddieforus,thatwemightlive
throughhim.Thisknowledgemakeththeheartcheerful,sothatitsteadfastlybelieveththat
Godisnotangry,butthathesolovethuspoorandwretchedsinners,thathegavehisonly
begottenSonforus.Itisnotfornought,therefore,thatPauldothsooftenrepeatandbeatinto
ourminds,thatChristwasgivenforoursins,andthatbythegoodwilloftheFather.Onthe
contrarypart,thecurioussearchingofthemajestyofGod,andhisdreadfuljudgments,
namely,howhedestroyedthewholeworldwiththeflood,howhedestroyedSodom,andsuch
otherthings,areverydangerous,fortheybringmentodesperation,andcastthemdown
headlongintoutterdestruction,asIhaveshewedbefore.
OfGodandourfather

Thiswordourmustbereferredtoboth,thatthemeaningmaybethis:ofourGodandof
ourFather.ThenisChristsFatherandourFatherallone.
SointhetwentiethofJohn,ChristsaithtoMaryMagdalene:Gotomybrethren,andsay
untothem:IascenduntomyFatherandyourFather,tomyGodandtoyourGod.Therefore
GodisourFatherandourGod,butthroughChrist.Andthisisanapostolicmannerofspeech,
andevenPaulsownphrase,whoindeedspeakethnotwithsuchpickedandgaywords,but
yetveryfitandtothepurpose,andfullofburningzeal.
Towhombegloryforeverandever.Amen
TheHebrewsarewontintheirwritingstointerminglepraiseandgivingofthanks.This
customtheHebrewsandtheApostlesthemselvesdoobserve.
WhichthingmaybeveryoftenseeninPaul.ForthenameoftheLordoughttobehadin
greatreverence,andnevertobenamedwithoutpraiseandthanksgiving.Andthustodo,isa
certainkindofworshipandservicetoGod.Soinworldlymatters,whenwementionthe
namesofkingsorprinces,wearewonttodoitwithsomecomelygesture,reverence,and
bowingoftheknee:muchmoreoughtwewhenwespeakofGod,tobowthekneeofour
heart,andtonamethenameofGodwiththankfulnessandgreatreverence.
Imarvel
YeseeherehowPaulhandlethhisGalatians,whichwerefallenawayandseducedbythe
falseapostles.Hedothnotatthefirstsetuponthemwithvehementandrigorouswords,but
afteraveryfatherlysort,notonlypatientlybearingtheirfall,butalsoinamannerexcusing
thesame.
Furthermore,heshewethtowardsthemamotherlyaffection,andspeakeththemveryfair,
andyetinsuchsort,thathereproveththemnotwithstanding:howbeitwithveryfitwordsand
wiselyframedtothepurpose.Contrariwiseheisveryhotandfullofindignationagainstthose
falseapostlestheirseducers,uponwhomhelayeththewholefault:andthereforeforthwith,
evenintheentranceofhisEpistle,heburstethoutintoplainthunderingsandlightnings
againstthem.Ifanyman(saithhe)preachanyotherGospelthanthatyehavereceived,let
himbeaccursed(Galatians1:9).Andafterwardsinthefifthchapter,hethreateneddamnation
untothem:Whosotroublethyoushallbearhiscondemnation,whatsoeverhebe(Galatians
5:10ff.).Moreover,hecurseththemwithhorriblewords,saying:WouldtoGodtheywere
cutoffwhichtroubleyou.Thesearedreadfulthunderclapsagainsttherighteousnessofthe
fleshorofthelaw.
HemighthavehandledtheGalatiansmoreuncourteously,andhaveinveighedagainst
themmoreroughlyafterthismanner:Outuponthisbacksliding,Iamashamedofyou,your
unthankfulnessgrievethme,Iamangrywithyouorelsethustragicallyhavecriedoutagainst
them:Oungraciousworld,Owickeddealings,etc.!Butforasmuchashispurposeistoraise
upthemthatwerefallen,andwithafatherlycaretocallthembackagainfromtheirerrorto
thepurityoftheGospel,heleaveththoseroughandsharpwords,especiallyinthefirst
entrance,andmostgentlyandmildlyhespeakethuntothem.For,seeinghewentaboutto
healthemthatwerewounded,itwasnotmeetthatheshouldnowfurthervextheirgreen
woundbylayingtoitasharpandafrettingplaster,andsoratherhurtthewoundedthanheal
them.Therefore,ofallthesweetestandmildestwords,hecouldnothavechosenanyone

morefitthanthis:Imarvelwherebyhesignifiethboththatitgrievedhimandalso
displeasedhim,thattheyhadfallenawayfromhim.
AndherePaulismindfulofhisownrule,whichhegivethhereafterinthesixthchapter,
wherehesaith:Brethren,ifamanbeovertakeninafault,yewhicharespiritual,restoresuch
aonewiththespiritofmeeknessconsideringthyself,lestthoualsobetempted.This
examplemustwealsofollow,thatwemayshewourselvestobearlikeaffectiontowardsuch
asaremisled,asparentsbeartowardstheirchildren,thattheymayperceiveourfatherlyand
motherlyaffectiontowardsthem,andmayseethatweseeknottheirdestruction,buttheir
welfare.Butasforthedevilandhisministers,theauthorsoffalsedoctrineandsects,against
themweought,bytheexampleoftheApostle,tobeimpatient,proud,sharpandbitter,
detestingandcondemningtheirfalsejugglingsanddeceitswithasmuchrigorandseverityas
maybe.Soparents,whentheirchildishurtwiththebitingofadog,arewonttopursuethe
dogonly,buttheweepingchildtheybemoanandspeakfairuntoit,comfortingitwiththe
mostsweetwords.
TheSpiritthereforethatisinPaul,iswonderfulcunninginhandlingtheafflicted
consciencesofsuchasarefallen.Contrariwise,thePopebreakethoutviolentlylikeatyrant,
andrappethouthisthundercracksandcursingsagainstthemiserableandterrifiedin
conscience:whichthingmaybeseeninhisbulls,andespeciallyinthatbulltouchingthe
LordsSupper.Thebishopsalsodotheirdutyneverawhitbetter.TheyteachnottheGospel,
theyarenotcarefulforthesavingofmenssouls,butonlytheyseeklordshipandsovereignty
overthem,andthereforetheirspeakingsanddoingsarealtogethertomaintainandsupportthe
same.Inlikemannerareallthevaingloriousdoctorsandteachersaffected.
Thatsosoon
YeseehowPaulcomplaineth,thattofallinfaithisaneasymatter.Inrespectwhereof,he
warnethChristiansinanotherplace,thathewhichstandeth,shouldtakeheedthathefallnot
(1Corinthians10:12).Wealsododailyprovebyexperience,howhardlythemindconceiveth
andretainethasoundandsteadfastfaithalsowithwhatgreatdifficultyaperfectpeopleis
gottentotheLord.Amanmaylaborhalfascoreyearsereheshallgetsomelittlechurchto
berightlyandreligiouslyorderedandwhenitissoordered,therecreepethinsomemad
brain,yeaandaveryunlearnedidiot,whichcandonothingelsebutspeakslanderouslyand
spitefullyagainstsincerepreachersoftheWord,andheinonemomentoverthrowethall.
Whomwouldnotthiswickedandoutrageousdealingmove?
WebythegraceofGodhavegottenhereatWittenbergtheformofaChristianchurch.
TheWordamongusispurelytaught,thesacramentsarerightlyused,exhortationsand
prayersaremadealsoforallestates,andtobebrief,allthingsgoforwardprosperously.This
mosthappycourseoftheGospelsomemadheadwouldsoonstop,andinonemomentwould
overturnallthatweinmanyyearswithgreatlaborhavebuilded.EvensoitbefelltoPaul,the
electvesselofChrist.HehadwonthechurchesofGalatiawithgreatcareandtravail,which
thefalseapostlesinashorttimeafterhisdepartureoverthrew,asthisanddiverseotherofhis
epistlesdowitness.Sogreatistheweaknessandwretchednessofthispresentlife,andso
walkweinthemidstofSatanssnares,thatonefantasticalheadmaydestroyandutterly
overthrowinashortspace,allthatwhichmanytrueministers,laboringnightandday,have
buildedupmanyyearsbefore.Thiswelearnatthisdaybyexperiencetoourgreatgrief,and
yetwecannotremedythisenormity.

SeeingthenthattheChurchissosoftandsotenderathing,andissosoonoverthrown,
menmustwatchcheerfullyagainstthesefantasticalspiritswho,whentheyhaveheardtwo
sermons,orhavereadafewleavesintheHolyScriptures,byandbytheymakethemselves
mastersandcontrollersofalllearnersandteachers,contrarytotheauthorityofallmen.Many
suchalsothoumayestfindatthisdayamonghandycraftsmen,boldandmalapertfellows,
who,becausetheyhavebeentriedbynotemptations,didneverlearntofearGod,norhadany
tasteorfeelingofgrace.These,forthattheyarevoidoftheHolyGhost,teachwhatliketh
themselvesbest,andsuchthingsasareplausibleandpleasanttothecommonpeople.Then
theunskilfulmultitude,longingtohearnews,dobyandbyjointhemselvesuntothem.Yea,
andmanyalsowhichthinkthemselveswellseeninthedoctrineoffaith,andafterasorthave
beentriedwithtemptations,areseducedbythem.
SincethatPaulthereforebyhisownexperiencemayteachus,thatcongregationswhich
arewonbygreatlabor,areeasilyandsoonoverthrown,weoughtwithsingularcaretowatch
againstthedevilrangingeverywhere,lesthecomewhilewesleep,andsowtaresamongthe
wheat.
Forthoughtheshepherdsbeneversowatchfulanddiligent,yetistheChristianflockin
dangerofSatan.ForPaul(asIsaid)withsingularstudyanddiligencehadplantedchurchesin
Galatia,andyethehadscarcelysethisfoot(astheysay)outofthedoor,butbyandbythe
falseapostlesoverthrewsome,whosefallafterwardwasthecauseofgreatruininthe
churchesofGalatia.Thissosuddenandsogreataloss,nodoubt,wasmorebitteruntothe
Apostlethandeathitself.Thereforeletuswatchdiligently,firsteveryoneforhimself,
secondlyallteachers,notonlyforthemselves,butalsoforthewholeChurch,thatweenter
notintotemptation.
Yeareremovedaway
Hereonceagainheusethnotasharp,butamostgentleword.HesaithnotImarvelthatyeso
suddenlyfallaway,thatyearesodisobedient,light,inconstant,unthankfulbut,thatyeareso
soonremoved.Asifheshouldsay:Yearealtogetherpatientsorsufferersforyehavedone
noharm,butyehavesufferedandreceivedharm.Totheintenttherefore,thathemightcall
backagainthosebacksliders,heratheraccuseththosethatdidremove,thanthosethatwere
removedandyetverymodestlyheblameththemalso,whenhecomplaineththattheywere
removed.Asifhewouldsay:AlbeitIembraceyouwithafatherlyaffection,andknowthatye
arefallen,notbyyourowndefault,butbythedefaultofthefalseapostlesyet
notwithstanding,Iwouldhavewishedthatyehadbeengrownupalittlemoreinthestrength
ofsounddoctrine.YetooknotholdenoughupontheWord,yerootednotyourselvesdeep
enoughinit,andthatisthecausethatwithsolightablastofwindyearecarriedand
removed.
JeromethinkeththatPaulmeanttointerpretthiswordGalatiansbyalludingtothe
HebrewwordCalath,whichisasmuchtosay,asfallenorcarriedaway.Asthoughhe
wouldsay:YearerightGalatians,bothinnameandindeedthatistosay,fallenorremoved
away.SomethinkthattheGermansaredescendedoftheGalatians,neitheristhisdivination
perhapsuntrue.FortheGermansarenotmuchunliketotheminnature.
AndImyselfalsoamconstrainedtowishtomycountrymenmoresteadfastnessand
constancyforinallthingswedo,atthefirstbruntwebeveryhotbutwhentheheatofour
affectionsisallayed,anonwebecomemoreslack,andwithwhatrashnesswebeginthings,

withthesamewegivethemoverandutterlyrejectthem.
AtthefirstwhenthelightoftheGospel,aftersogreatdarknessofmenstraditions,
begantoappear,manywerezealouslyturnedtogodliness:theyheardsermonsgreedily,and
hadtheministersofGodsWordinreverence.
Butnow,whenreligionishappilyreformedwithsogreatincreaseofGodsWord,many
whichbeforeseemedtobeearnestdisciples,arebecomecontemnersandveryenemies
thereof.WhonotonlycastoffthestudyandzealofGodsWord,anddespisetheministers
thereof,butalsohateallgoodlearning,andbecomeplainhogsandbellygods,worthy
(doubtless)tobecompareduntothefoolishandinconstantGalatians.
FromhimthathathcalledyouinthegraceofChrist
Thisplaceissomewhatdoubtful,andthereforeithathadoubleunderstanding.Thefirstis:
FromthatChristthathathcalledyouingrace.
Theotheris:Fromhim(thatistosay,fromGod)whichhathcalledyouinthegraceof
Christ.Iembracetheformer.Foritlikethme,thatevenasPaulalittlebeforemadeChristthe
Redeemer,whobyhisdeathdeliverethusfromthispresentevilworld,andalsotheGiverof
graceandpeaceequallywithGodtheFathersoheshouldmakehimherealsotheCallerin
grace:forPaulsspecialpurposeis,tobeatintoourmindsthebenefitofChrist,bywhomwe
comeuntotheFather.
Thereisalsointhesewordsfromhimthathathcalledyouingraceagreat
vehemencywhereiniscontainedwithalacontraryrelation,asifheshouldsay:Alashow
lightlydoyousufferyourselvestobewithdrawnandremovedfromChrist,whichhathcalled
you,notasMosesdid,tothelaw,works,sin,wrathanddamnation,butaltogethertograce!
SowealsocomplainatthisdaywithPaul,thattheblindnessandperversenessofmenis
horrible,inthatnonewillreceivethedoctrineofgraceandsalvation.Oriftherebeanythat
receiveit,yettheyquicklyslidebackagainandfallfromitwhereasnotwithstanding,it
bringethwithitallgoodthings,aswellghostlyasbodily,namely,forgivenessofsins,true
righteousness,peaceofconscience,andeverlastinglife.Moreoveritbringethlight,andsound
judgmentofallkindsofdoctrineandtradesoflifeitapprovethandestablishethcivil
government,householdgovernment,andallkindsoflifethatareordainedandappointedof
Goditrootethupalldoctrinesoferror,sedition,confusion,andsuchlikeitputtethawaythe
fearofsinanddeathandtobeshort,itdiscoverethallthesubtlesleightsandworksofthe
devil,andopeneththebenefitsandloveofGodtowardsusinChrist.What(withamischief)
meanstheworldtohatethisWord,thisgladtidingsofeverlastingcomfort,grace,salvation
andeternallife,sobitterly,andtopersecuteitwithsuchhellishoutrage?
Paulbeforecalledthispresentworldevilandwicked,thatistosay,thedevilskingdom
forelseitwouldacknowledgethebenefitandmercyofGod.Butforasmuchasitisunderthe
powerofthedevil,thereforedothitmostspitefullyhateandpersecutethesameloving
darkness,errors,andthekingdomofthedevil,morethanthelight,thetruth,andthekingdom
ofChrist(John3:19).Andthusitdothnotthroughignoranceorerror,butthroughthemalice
ofthedevilwhichthingherebymaysufficientlyappear,inthatChristtheSonofGod,by
givinghimselftodeathforthesinsofallmen,haththerebygainednothingelseofthis
perverseanddamnableworld,butthatforthishisinestimablebenefit,itblasphemethhimand
persecutethhismosthealthfulWord,andfainwouldyetstillnailhimtothecrossifitcould
therefore,notonlytheworlddwellethindarkness,butitisdarknessitself,asitiswrittenin

thefirstofJohn.
PaulthereforestandethmuchuponthesewordsFromChristwhohathcalledyouas
thoughhewouldsay:MypreachingwasnotofthehardlawsofMoses,neithertaughtIthat
yeshouldbebondslavesundertheyokebutIpreachedmeregraceandfreedomfromthe
law,sin,etc.,thatistosay,thatChristhathmercifullycalledyouingrace,thatyeshouldbe
freemenunderChrist,andnotbondmenunderMoses,whosedisciplesyearenowbecome
againbythemeansofyourfalseapostles,whobythelawofMosescalledyounotuntograce,
butuntowrath,tothehatingofGod,tosinanddeath.ButChristscallingbringethgraceand
savinghealthfortheythatbecalledbyhim,insteadofthelawthatworkethsorrow,dogain
thegladtidingsoftheGospel,andaretranslatedoutofGodswrathintohisfavor,outofsin
intorighteousness,andoutofdeathintolife.Andwillyousufferyourselvestobecarried,yea
andthatsosoonandsoeasily,anotherway,fromsuchalivingfountain,fullofgraceand
life?Now,ifMosesbythelawofGodcallmentoGodswrathandtosin,whithershallthe
Popecallmenbyhisowntraditions?Theothersense,thattheFathercallethinthegraceof
Christ,isalsogoodbuttheformersenseconcerningChristservethmorefitlyforthe
comfortingofafflictedconsciences.
UntoanotherGospel
Herewemaylearntoespythecraftysleightsandsubtletiesofthedevil.Nohereticcometh
underthetitleoferrorsandofthedevil,neitherdoththedevilhimselfcomeasadevilinhis
ownlikeness,especiallythatwhitedevilwhichwespakeofbefore.Yea,eventheblackdevil,
whichforcethmentomanifestwickedness,makethacloakforthemtocoverthatsinwhich
theycommitorpurposetocommit.Themurderer,inhisrage,seethnotthatmurderissogreat
andhorribleasinasitisindeed,forthathehathacloaktocoverthesame.Whoremongers,
thieves,covetouspersons,drunkards,andsuchother,havewherewithtoflatterthemselves
andcovertheirsins.
Sotheblackdevilalsocomethoutdisguisedandcounterfeitinallhisworksanddevices.
Butinspiritualmatters,whereSatancomethforthnotblack,butwhite,anthelikenessofan
angel,orofGodhimself,therehepassethhimselfwithmostcraftydissimulationand
wonderfulsleights,andiswonttosetforthtosalehismostdeadlypoisonforthedoctrineof
grace,fortheWordofGod,fortheGospelofChrist.Forthiscause,Paulcalleththedoctrine
ofthefalseapostles,Satansministers,agospelalso,saying:Untoanothergospelbutin
derision,asthoughhewouldsay:YeGalatianshavenowotherevangelistsandanother
gospelmyGospelisnowdespisedofyouitisnownomoreanestimationamongyou.
Herebyitmayeasilybegathered,thatthesefalseapostleshadcondemnedtheGospelof
PaulamongtheGalatians,sayingPaulindeedhathbegunwell,buttohavebegunwellisnot
enough,forthereremainyetmanyhighermatterslikeastheysayinthefifteenthchapterof
theActs:ItisnotenoughforyoutobelieveinChrist,ortobebaptized,butitbehoovethalso
thatyebecircumcisedforexceptyebecircumcisedafterthemannerofMoses,yecannotbe
saved.Thisisasmuchtosay,asthatChristisagoodworkman,whichhathindeedbeguna
building,buthehathnotfinisheditforthismustMosesdo.
Soatthisday,whenthefantasticalspirits,Anabaptistsandotherscannotmanifestly
condemnus,theysay:TheseLutheranshavethespiritoffearfulness,theydarenotfrankly
andfreelyprofessthetruth,andgothroughwithit.Indeedtheyhavelaidafoundation,thatis
tosay,theyhavewelltaughtfaithinChristbutthebeginning,themiddleandtheendmustbe

joinedtogether.Tobringthistopass,Godhathnotgivenuntothem,buthathleftituntous.
Sotheseperverseanddevilishspiritsextolandmagnifytheircurseddoctrine,callingitthe
WordofGod,andsounderthecolorofGodsnametheydeceivemany.Forthedevilwillnot
beuglyandblackinhisministers,butfairandwhiteandtotheendhemayappeartobesuch
aone,hesettethforthanddeckethallhiswordsandworkswiththecoloroftruth,andwith
thenameofGod.HereofissprungthatcommonproverbamongtheGermans:InGods
namebeginnethallmischief.
Whereforeletuslearnthatthisisaspecialpointofthedevilscunning,thatifhecannot
hurtbypersecutinganddestroying,hedothitunderacolorofcorrectingandbuildingup.So
nowadayshepersecutethuswithpowerandsword,thatwhenweareoncetakenawayand
dispatched,hemaynotonlydefacetheGospel,bututterlyoverthrowit.Buthithertohehath
prevailednothing,forhehathslainmanywhohaveconstantlyconfessedthisourdoctrineto
beholyandheavenly,throughwhosebloodtheChurchisnotdestroyed,butwatered.
Forasmuch,therefore,ashecouldprevailnothingthatway,hestirrethupwickedspiritsand
ungodlyteachers,whichatthefirstallowourdoctrine,andteachthesamewithacommon
consenttogetherwithusyetafterwardstheysaythatitisourvocationtoteachthefirst
principlesofChristiandoctrine,butthatthetruemysteriesoftheScripturesarerevealedunto
themfromabove,byGodhimselfandthattheyarecalledforthispurpose,thattheyshould
openthemtotheworld.
AfterthismannerdoththedevilhinderthecourseoftheGospel,bothontherighthand
andontheleft,butmoreontherighthand(asIsaidbefore)bybuildingandcorrecting,than
ontheleftbypersecutinganddestroyingwherefore,itbehoovethustopraywithoutceasing,
toreadtheHolyScriptures,tocleavefastuntoChristandhisholyWord,thatwemay
overcomethedevilssubtleties,withthewhichheassailethusbothonthefighthandandon
theleft.Forwewrestlenotagainfleshandblood,etc.(Ephesians6:12).
WhichisnotanotherGospel,butthattherebesomewhichtroubleyou
HereagainheexcuseththeGalatians,andmostbitterlyreproveththefalseapostles,asthough
hewouldsay:YeGalatiansareborneinhand,thattheGospelwhichyehavereceivedofme,
isnotthetrueandsincereGospel,andthereforeyethinkyedowelltoreceivethatnewgospel
whichthefalseapostlesteach,andseemethtobebetterthanmine.Idonotsomuchcharge
youwiththisfault,asthosedisturberswhichtroubleyourconsciencesandpullyououtofmy
hand.Hereyouseeagainhowvehementandhotheisagainstthosedeceivers,andwithwhat
roughandsharpwordshepainteththemout,callingthemtroublersofthechurches,whichdo
nothingelsebutseduceanddeceiveinnumerablepoorconsciences,givingoccasionsof
horriblemischiefsandcalamitiesinthecongregations.Thisgreatenormitywealsoatthisday
areconstrainedtosee,tothegreatgriefofourhearts,andyetarewenomoreabletoremedy
itthanPaulwasatthattime.Thisplacewitnesseth,thatthosefalseapostleshadreportedPaul
tobeanimperfectapostle,andalsoaweakanderroneouspreacherthereforeheagainhere
calleththemthetroublersofthechurches,andoverthrowersoftheGospelofChrist.Thus
theycondemnedeachother.ThefalseapostlescondemnedPaul,andPaulagainthefalse
apostles.ThelikecontendingandcondemningisalwaysintheChurch,especiallywhenthe
doctrineoftheGospelflourishethtowit,thatwickedteachersdopersecute,condemnand
oppressthegodlyandontheotherside,thatthegodlydoreproveandcondemntheungodly.
ThePapistsandthefantasticalspiritsdoatthisdayhateusdeadly,andcondemnour

doctrineaswickedanderroneousyeamoreover,theylieinwaitforourgoodsandlives:and
weagaindowithaperfecthatreddetestandcondemntheircursedandblasphemousdoctrine.
Inthemeantime,themiserablepeopleareatnostay,waveringhitherandthither,asuncertain
anddoubtfultowhichparttheymaylean,orwhomtheymaysafelyfollowforitisnotgiven
toeveryonetojudgeChristianlyofsuchweightymatters.Buttheendwillshewwhichpart
teachethtruly,andjustlycondemneththeother.Sureitisthatwepersecutenoman,oppress
noman,putnomantodeath,neitherdothourdoctrinetroublemensconsciences,but
delivereththemoutofinnumerableerrorsandsnaresofthedevil.Forthetruthhereof,we
havethetestimonyofmanygoodmenwhogivethanksuntoGod,forthatbyourdoctrine
theyhavereceivedcertainandsureconsolationtotheirconsciences.Wherefore,likeasPaul
atthattimewasnottobeblamedthatthechurchesweretroubled,butthefalseapostles,soat
thisdayitisnotourfault,butthefaultoftheAnabaptists,Sacramentariansandotherfrantic
spiritsthatmanyandgreattroublesareintheChurch.
Markherediligently,thateveryteacherofworksandoftherighteousnessofthelaw,isa
troubleroftheChurchandoftheconsciencesofmen.Andwhowouldeverhavebelievedthat
thePope,cardinals,bishops,monks,andthatwholesynagogueofSatan,speciallythe
foundersofthosereligiousorders(ofwhichnumber,nevertheless,Godmightsavesomeby
miracle)weretroublersofmensconsciences?Yea,verily,theybeyetfarworsethanwere
thosefalseapostlesforthefalseapostlestaught,thatbesidesfaithinChrist,theworksofthe
lawofGodwerealsonecessarytosalvationbutthePapists,omittingfaith,havetaughtmens
traditionsandworksnotcommandedofGod,butdevisedbythemselveswithoutandagainst
theWordofGod:andthesehavetheynotonlymadeequalwiththeWordofGod,butalso
exaltedthemfaraboveit.Butthemoreholythehereticsseemtobeinoutwardshew,somuch
themoremischieftheydoforifthefalseapostleshadnotbeenenduedwithnotablegifts,
withgreatauthority,andashewofholiness,andhadnotvauntedthemselvestobeChrists
ministers,theapostles,disciples,andsincerepreachersoftheGospel,theycouldnotsoeasily
havedefacedPaulsauthority,andledtheGalatiansoutoftheway.
Now,thecausewhyhesettethhimselfsosharplyagainstthem,callingthemthetroublers
ofthechurches,isforthatbesidesfaithinChrist,theytaughtthatcircumcisionandkeepingof
thelawwasnecessarytosalvation.
ThewhichthingPaulhimselfwitnessethinthefifthchapterfollowingandLukeinActs
15declareththesamethinginthesewords:ThatcertainmencomingdownfromJudaea,
taughtthebrethren,saying,ExceptyebecircumcisedafterthecustomofMoses,yecannotbe
saved.Whereforethefalseapostlesmostearnestlyandobstinatelycontendedthatthelaw
oughttobeobserveduntowhomthestiffneckedJewsforthwithjoinedthemselves,andso
afterwardseasilypersuadedsuchaswerenotestablishedinthefaith,thatPaulwasnota
sincereteacher,becauseheregardednotthelaw.Foritseemeduntothemaverystrange
thing,thatthelawofGodshouldutterlybetakenaway,andtheJews,whichhadalwaysuntil
thattimebeencountedthepeopleofGod,towhomalsothepromisesweremade,shouldnow
berejected.Yea,itseemedyetamorestrangethinguntothem,thattheGentiles,being
wickedidolators,shouldattaintothisgloryanddignity,tobethepeopleofGod,without
circumcisionandwithouttheworksofthelaw,bygraceonlyandfaithinChrist.
Thesethingshadthefalseapostlesamplifiedandsetforthtotheuttermost,thatthey
mightbringPaulintomorehatredamongtheGalatians.Andtotheendthattheymightset
themthemoresharplyagainsthim,theysaidthathepreacheduntotheGentilesfreedomfrom
thelaw,tobringintocontempt,yeaandutterlytoabolish,thelawofGodandthewhole

kingdomoftheJews,contrarytothelawofGod,contrarytothecustomoftheJewishnation,
contrarytotheexampleoftheApostles,andtobeshort,contrarytohisownexample:
wherefore,hewastobeshunnedasanopenblasphemeragainstGod,andarebelagainstthe
wholecommonwealoftheJewssayingthattheythemselvesoughtrathertobeheard,who,
besidesthattheypreachedtheGospelrightly,werealsotheverydisciplesoftheApostles,
withwhomPaulwasneverconversant.BythispolicytheydefamedanddefacedPaulamong
theGalatians,sothatbythistheirperversedealing,ofverynecessityPaulwascompelled
withallhismighttosethimselfagainstthesefalseapostles,whomheboldlyreprovethand
condemneth,sayingthattheyarethetroublersofthechurchesandoverthrowersofChrists
Gospel,asfolloweth.
AndintendtoperverttheGospelofChrist
Thatistosay,theydonotonlygoabouttotroubleyou,butalsoutterlytoabolishand
overthrowChristsGospel.Forthesetwothingsthedevilpracticethmostbusily:first,heis
notcontentedtotroubleanddeceivemanybyhisungodlyapostles,butmoreoverhelaboreth
bythemutterlytooverthrowtheGospel,andneverrestethtillhehathbroughtittopass.Yet
suchpervetersoftheGospelcanabidenothinglessthantohearthattheyaretheapostlesof
thedevilnay,rathertheygloryaboveothersinthenameofChrist,andboastthemselvesto
bethemostsincerepreachersoftheGospel.ButbecausetheyminglethelawwiththeGospel,
theymustneedsbepervertersoftheGospel.ForeitherChristmustremain,andthelaw
perish,orthelawmustremain,andChristperishforChristandthelawcanbynomeans
agreeandreigntogetherintheconscience.Wheretherighteousnessofthelawruleth,there
cannottherighteousnessofgraceruleandagain,wheretherighteousnessofgracereigneth,
therecannottherighteousnessofthelawreignforoneofthemmustneedsgiveplaceunto
theother.AndifthoucanstnotbelievethatGodwillforgivethysinsforChristssake,whom
hesentintotheworldtobeourhighpriesthowthen,praythee,wiltthoubelievethathewill
forgivethesamefortheworksofthelaw,whichthoucouldestneverperform,orforthine
ownworks,which(asthoumustbeconstrainedtoconfess)besuch,asitisimpossiblefor
themtocountervailthejudgmentofGod?Wherefore,thedoctrineofgracecanbynomeans
standwiththedoctrineofthelaw.Theonemustsimplyberefusedandabolished,andthe
otherconfirmedorestablished.ButevenastheJewswereaversefromthisdoctrineoffaith
andgrace,soarewealsoaversefromit.Imyselfwouldwillinglykeepboththeoneandthe
other:towit,therighteousnessofgraceasthatwhichjustifieth,andtherighteousnessofthe
lawasthatforwhichGodshouldhaverespectuntome.ButasPaulsaithhere,tominglethe
onewiththeotheristooverthrowtheGospelofChrist.Andyet,ifitcometodebating,the
greaterpartovercomeththebetter.ForChristwithhissideisweak,andtheGospelbuta
foolishpreaching.Contrariwise,thekingdomoftheworld,andthedeviltheprincethereof,
arestrong.Besidesthat,thewisdomandrighteousnessofthefleshcarryagoodlyshew.And
bythismeans,therighteousnessofgraceandfaithislost,andtheotherrighteousnessofthe
lawandworksadvancedandmaintained.Butthisisourcomfort,thatthedevilwithallhis
limbscannotdowhathewould.Hemaytroublemany,buthecannotoverthrowChrists
Gospel.Thetruthmaybeendangered,butitcannotperishassaileditis,butvanquishedit
cannotbefortheWordoftheLordendurethforever(1Peter1:25).
ItseemethtobealightmattertominglethelawandtheGospel,faithandworks,
togetherbutitdothmoremischiefthanamansreasoncanconceive,foritdothnotonly

blemishanddarkentheknowledgeofgrace,butalsoittakethawayChristwithallhis
benefits,anditutterlyoverthroweththeGospel,asPaulsaithinthisplace.Thecauseofthis
greatevilisourflesh,which,beingplungedinsins,seethnowayhowtogetoutbutby
works,andthereforeitwouldliveintherighteousnessofthelaw,andrestinthetrustand
confidenceofherownworks.Wherefore,itisutterlyignorantofthedoctrineoffaithand
grace,withoutthewhich,notwithstanding,itisimpossiblefortheconsciencetofindrestand
quietness.
ItappearethalsobythesewordsofPaul:AndintendtoperverttheGospelofChrist,
thatthefalseapostleswereexceedingboldandshameless,whichwithalltheirmightset
themselvesagainstPaul.Whereforeheagain,usinghisspiritofzealandfervency,andbeing
fullypersuadedofthecertaintyofhiscalling,settethhimselfstronglyagainstthem,and
wonderfullymagnifiethhisministry,saying:
Butthoughthatwe,oranangelfromheaven,preachuntoyouotherwisethanthatwe
havepreacheduntoyou,lethimbeaccursed
HerePaulcastethoutveryflamesoffire,andhiszealissoferventthathebeginnethalso
almosttocursetheangels.Although,saithhe,thatweourselves,evenIandmybrethren
TimothyandTitus,andasmanyasteachChristpurelywithme(Ispeaknotnowofthose
seducersofconsciences),yea,orifanangelfromheavenpreachuntoyou,etc.
notwithstandingIwouldratherthatImyself,mybrethren,yeaandtheveryangelsfrom
heavenalso,shouldbeholdenaccursed,thanthatmyGospelshouldbeoverthrown.Thisis
indeedavehementzeal,thathedaresoboldlycurse,notonlyhimselfandhisbrethren,but
alsoevenanangelfromheaven.
TheGreekwordanathema,inHebrewherem,signifiethathingaccursed,execrable,and
detestable,whichhathnothingtodo,noparticipationorcommunionwithGod.Sosaith
Joshua:LetthecityofJerichobeaperpetualanathema,thatitbeneverbuiltagain(Joshua
6:17,26).AndinthelastofLeviticusitiswritten:Ifamanoranybeastshallhavebeen
devotedtoanathema,lethimbeslainandnotpermittedtolive(Leviticus27:28).SoGodhad
appointedthatAmalechandcertainothercitiesaccursedbyGodsownsentence,shouldbe
utterlyrazedanddestroyed(Exodus17:13f.).ThisthenisthemindofPaulIhadratherthat
myself,andothermybrethren,yea,andanangelfromheaven,shouldbeaccursed,thanthat
weorothersshouldpreachanyothergospelthanthatwehavepreachedalready.SoPaulfirst
cursethhimselfforcunningartificersarewontfirsttofindfaultwiththemselves,thatthey
maythemorefreelyandsharplyafterwardsreproveothers.
Paulthereforeconcludeth,thatthereisnootherGospelbesidethatwhichhehimselfhad
preached.ButhepreachednotaGospelwhichhehadhimselfdevised,butthesamewhich
GodpromisedbeforebyhisprophetsintheHolyScriptures(Romans1).Thereforehe
pronouncethhimselfandothers,yea,evenanangelfromheaven,tobeundoubtedlyaccursed,
iftheyteachanythingcontrarytotheformerGospel:forthevoiceoftheGospelonceset
forth,shallnotbecalledbackagaintilltheDayofJudgment.
Aswesaidbefore,sosaywenowagain,ifanymanpreachuntoyouotherwisethanthat
youhavereceived,lethimbeaccursed
Herepeateththeselfsamethingonlychangingthepersons.Before,hecursedhimself,his

brethren,andanangelfromheavenhere,iftherebeany(saithhe)besidesus,whichpreach
untoyouanyothergospelthanthatyehavereceivedofus,letthemalsobeaccursed.
Therefore,heplainlyexcommunicatethandcursethallteachersingeneral,himself,his
brethren,anangel,andmoreoverallotherswhatsoever,namely,allthosefalseteachershis
adversaries.HereappearethanexceedinggreatfervencyofspiritintheApostle,thathedare
curseallteachersthroughoutthewholeworldandinheaven,whichperverthisGospeland
teachanyother:forallmenmusteitherbelievethatGospelthatPaulpreached,orelsethey
mustbeaccursedandcondemned.WouldtoGodthisterriblesentenceoftheApostlemight
strikeafearintotheirheartsthatseektoperverttheGospelofPaulofwhichsortatthisday
(themoreitistobelamented)theworldisfull.
Thischangingofpersonsisheretobemarked.ForPaulspeakethotherwiseinhisfirst
cursingthanhedothinthesecond.Inthefirsthesaith:Ifwe,oranangelfromheaven,
preachuntoyouanyothergospelthanthatwehavepreacheduntoyouinthesecond:Than
thatyehavereceived.Andthishedothofpurpose,lesttheGalatiansshouldsay:We,OPaul,
donotperverttheGospelthatthouhastpreacheduntousweunderstoodtheenotrightly,but
theteachersthatcameaftertheehavedeclareduntousthetruemeaningthereof.This(saith
he)willIinnocaseadmit.Theyoughttoaddnothing,neithertocorrectitbutthatwhichye
heardofmeisthesincereWordofGodletthisonlyremain.NeitherdoIdesiremyselftobe
anothermannerofteacherthanIwas,noryoutobeotherdisciples.Wherefore,ifyehearany
manbringinganyothergospelthanthatyehaveheardofme,orbraggingthathewilldeliver
betterthingsthanyehavereceivedofme,lethimandhisdisciplesbebothaccursed.Butsuch
isthenatureoftheministersofSatan,thatonthiscraftywisetheyknowhowtocreepand
stealintothemindsofmen:theyconfessthattheywhichtaughttheGospelbeforethem,
beganwellindeed,butthatthisisnotenough.Soatthisdaythefantasticalheadsdogrant
untousthismeedofpraise,thatwehaverightlybegunthebusinessoftheGospel.But
becausewedetestandcondemntheirblasphemousdoctrine,theycallusnewpapists,twiceas
badastheold.Inthiswisethethievesandrobbersmakeentranceforthemselvesintothe
sheepfoldoftheLord,thattheymaystealandkillanddestroy(John10:1,10):forfirstthey
confirmourteaching,thentheycorrectusandexpoundmoreclearly(astheydream)that
whichwehavenotsufficiently,orlessrightly,understood.Inthesamemannerthefalse
apostlesgainedaccesstotheGalatians.Paul(theysaid)hathindeedlaidthefoundationof
Christiandoctrine,butthetruewayofjustificationhedothnothold,becauseheteachethmen
toturnasidefromthelaw:this,therefore,thathewasnotablerightlytodeliveruntoyou,
receiveyefromus.ButPaulwillhavenaughtelsetaughtbyany,noraughtelseheardand
receivedbytheGalatians,savethatwhichhehimselftaughtthembefore,andtheyheardand
receivedfromhim.
They,then,(saithhe)whichdoteachorreceiveaughtelse,letthembeanathema.
Thefirsttwochapters,inamanner,containnothingelsebutdefensesofhisdoctrine,and
confutationsoferrorssothat,untilhecomethtotheendofthesecondchapter,hetoucheth
notthechiefestmatterwhichhehandlethinthisEpistle,namely,thearticleofjustification.
Notwithstanding,thissentenceofPauloughttoadmonishus,thatsomanyasthinkthePope
tobejudgeoftheScripture,ortheChurchtohaveauthorityovertheScripture,areaccursed:
whichthingthe[popish]schoolmenhavewickedlytaught,standinguponthisground:The
Churchhathallowedfourgospelsonly,thereforetherearebutfourforifithadallowed
more,therehadbeenmore.Now,seeingtheChurchmightreceiveandallowsuchandso
manygospelsasitwould,thereforetheChurchisabovetheGospel.Agoodlyargument,

forsooth.IapprovetheScripture,ergoIamabovetheScripture!JohnBaptistacknowledgeth
andconfessethChrist,andpointethtohimwithhisfinger,thereforeheisaboveChrist!The
ChurchapproveththeChristianfaithanddoctrine,thereforetheChurchisabovethem!For
theoverthrowingofthistheirwickedandblasphemousdoctrine,thouhasthereaplaintext
likeathunderbolt,whereinPaulsubjectethbothhimselfandanangelfromheaven,and
doctorsuponearth,andallotherteachersandmasterswhatsoever,undertheauthorityofthe
Scripture.Thisqueenoughttorule,andalloughttoobeyandbesubjectuntoher.Theyought
nottobemasters,judges,orarbiters,butonlywitnesses,disciples,andconfessorsofthe
Scripture,whetheritbethePope,Luther,Augustine,Paul,oranangelfromheaven.Neither
oughtanydoctrinetobetaughtorheardintheChurchbesidesthepureWordofGod,thatis
tosay,theholyScriptureotherwise,accursedbeboththeteachersandhearerstogetherwith
theirdoctrine.
FornowpreachImansdoctrine,orGods?
Thesewordsarespokenwiththesamevehemencyofspiritthattheformerwere,asifhe
shouldsay:AmI,Paul,sounknownamongstyou,whichhavepreachedsoopenlyinyour
churches?Aremybitterconflicts,andsomanysharpbattlesagainsttheJews,yetunknownto
you?Itappeareth(Ithink)sufficientlyuntoyoubymypreachingandbysomanyandsogreat
afflictionswhichIhavesuffered,whetherIservemenorGod.Forallmenseethatbythismy
preaching,Ihavenotonlystirreduppersecutionagainstmeineveryplace,buthavealso
procuredthecruelhatredbothofmineownnationandofallothermen.Ishewtherefore
plainlyenough,thatIseeknotbymypreachingthefavororpraiseofmen,buttosetforththe
benefitandgloryofGod.
Neitherdoweseekthefavorofmenbyourdoctrineforweteachthatallmenare
ungodlybynature,andthechildrenofwrath(Ephesians2:3).
Wecondemnmansfreewill,hisstrength,wisdom,andrighteousness,andallreligionof
mansowndevising:andtobeshort,wesaythatthereisnothinginusthatisabletodeserve
graceandtheforgivenessofsinsbutwepreachthatweobtainthisgracebythefreemercyof
Godonly,forChristssake:forsotheheavensshewforththegloryofGodandhisworks,
condemningallmengenerallywiththeirworks(Psalm19:1f.).
Thisisnottopreachforthefavorofmenandoftheworld.Fortheworldcanabide
nothinglessthantohearhiswisdom,righteousness,religionandpowercondemnedandto
speakagainstthosemightyandgloriousgiftsoftheworld,isnottoflattertheworld,but
rathertoprocurehatredandindignationoftheworld.Forifwespeakagainstmen,orany
thingelsethatpertainethtotheirglory,itcannotbebutthatcruelhatred,persecutions,
excommunications,murdersandcondemnationsmustneedsfollow.
Ifthen(saithPaul)theyseeothermatters,whyseetheynotthisalso,thatIteachthe
thingsthatareofGod,andnotofmen?Thatistosay,thatIseeknomansfavorbymy
doctrine,butIsetoutGodsmercyoffereduntousinChristforifIsoughtthefavorofmenI
wouldnotcondemntheirworks.Now,forasmuchasIcondemnmensworks,thatistosay,
becauseIshewGodsjudgmentoutofhisWord(whereofIamaministerandapostle)against
allmen,howthattheyaresinners,unrighteous,ungodly,childrenofwrath,bondslavesofthe
devilanddamnedandthattheyarenotmaderighteousbyworksorbycircumcision,butby
graceonly,andfaithinChrist:thereforeIprocureuntomyselfthedeadlyhateofmenfor
theycanabidenothinglessthantohearthattheyaresuchnayrather,theywouldbepraised

forwise,righteousandholy.Wherefore,thiswitnessethsufficiently,thatIteachnotmans
doctrine.AfterthesamemannerChristspeakethalsointheseventhofJohn:Theworld
cannothateyou,butmeithateth,becauseItestifyofitthattheworksthereofareevil(John
7:7),andinthethirdofJohn:Thisiscondemnation,thatlightiscomeintotheworld,and
menloveddarknessmorethanlight,becausetheirworkswereevil(John3:19).
Now,thatIteachthethingswhichareofGod,saiththeApostle,herebyitmay
sufficientlyappear,thatIpreachtheonlygrace,themercy,thegoodnessandthegloryof
God.Moreover,hethatspeaketh,asChristsaith,thosethingswhichhisLordandMasterhath
commandedhim,andglorifiethnothimself,buthimwhoseApostleheis,bringethand
teacheththesureWordofGod.ButIteachthosethingsonlywhicharecommandedmefrom
above:neitherglorifymyself,buthimthatsentme.Besidesthat,Istirupagainstmyselfthe
wrathandindignationofboththeJewsandGentiles:thereforemydoctrineistrue,sincere,
certain,andofGod,neithercantherebeanyother,muchlessanybetter,thanthismydoctrine
is.
Wherefore,whatsoeverdoctrineelseteachethnotasminedoth,thatallmenaresinners,
andarejustifiedbyfaithonlyinChrist,mustneedsbefalse,wicked,blasphemous,accursed
anddevilishandevensuchalsoaretheywhicheitherteachitorreceiveit.
SowewithPauldoboldlypronounceallsuchdoctrinetobeaccursedasagreethnotwith
ours.Forneitherdoweseekbyourpreachingthepraiseofmen,orthefavorofprincesor
bishops,butthefavorofGodalone,whoseonlygraceandmercywepreach,despisingand
treadingunderfootwhatsoeverisofourselves.Whosoeverhebe,then,whichshallteachany
othergospel,orthatwhichiscontrarytoours,weareboldtosaythatheissentofthedevil,
andholdhimaccursed.
OrgoIabouttopleasemen?
Thatis,doIservemenorGod?Hehathalwaysaglanceatthefalseapostles.These,saithhe,
mustneedsseektopleaseandtoflattermenforbythismeanstheyseek,thattheyagainmay
gloryintheirflesh.Moreover,becausetheywillnotbearthehatredandpersecutionofmen,
theyteachcircumcision,onlytoavoidthepersecutionoftheCrossofChrist:asfollowethin
thefifthchapter(Galatians5:11).
Soatthisdayyemayfindmanywhichseektopleasemen,andtotheendtheymaylive
inpeaceandsecurityoftheflesh,theyteachthethingswhichareofmen,thatistosay,
ungodlythingsorelsetheyallowtheblasphemiesandwickedjudgmentsoftheadversaries,
contrarytotheWordofGod,againsttheirownconscience,thattheymaykeepstillthefavor
ofprincesandbishopsandnotlosetheirgoods.Butwe,becauseweendeavortopleaseGod
andnotmen,dostirupagainstusthemaliceofthedevilandhellitself:wesufferthe
reproachesandslandersoftheworld,deathandallthemischiefsthatcanbedevisedagainst
us.
SosaithPaulhere:Iseeknottopleasemen,thattheymayraisemydoctrine,andreport
metobeanexcellentteacher,butIdesireonlytopleaseGodandbythismeansImakemen
mymortalenemies.WhichthingIfindbyexperiencetobemosttruefortheyrequiteme
withinfamy,slander,imprisonment,thesword,etc.Contrariwisethefalseapostlesteachthe
thingsthatareofmen,thatistosay,suchthingsasbepleasantandplausibletomansreason
andthattotheendtheymayliveinease,andpurchasethefavor,goodwillandpraiseofthe
people.Andsuchmenfindthattheyseekfor:fortheyarepraisedandmagnifiedofmen.So

saithChristalso(Matthew6:2),thathypocritesdoallthingstobepraisedofmen.Andinthe
fifthofJohnhesharplyreprovethsuch:Howcanyebelieve,saithhe,whichreceivehonor
oneofanother,andseeknotthehonorthatcomethofGodalone?(John5:44).Thethings
whichPaulhathhithertotaught,areinamannerexamplesonly.Inthemeantime,
notwithstanding,heisveryearnesteverywhereinprovinghisdoctrinetobesincereand
sound.ThereforeheexhorteththeGalatiansthattheyforsakeitnotforanyotherdoctrine.
ForifIshouldyetpleasemen,IwerenottheservantofChrist
ThesethingsaretobereferredtothewholeofficeandministryofPaul,toshewwhata
contrarietytherewasbetweenhisconversationbeforeintheJewishlaw,andhisconversation
nowundertheGospel.Asifhewouldsay:DoyethinkthatIgoaboutstilltopleasemen,asI
didintimespast?
Sohespeakethafterwardsinthefifthchapter:IfIyetpreachcircumcision,whydoI
sufferpersecution?(Galatians5:11).Asthoughhewouldsay:Doyenotseeandhearofmy
dailyconflicts,greatpersecutionsandafflictions?AfterIwasconvertedandcalledtothe
officeofapostleship,Inevertaughtmansdoctrine,neithersoughtItopleasemen,butGod
alone.Thatistosay,Iseeknotbymyministryanddoctrinethepraiseandfavorofmen,but
ofGod.
Hereagainistobemarked,howmaliciouslyandcraftilythefalseapostleswentaboutto
bringPaulintohatredamongtheGalatians.Theypickedoutofhispreachingsandwritings
certaincontradictions(asouradversariesatthisdaydooutofourbooks)andbythismeans
theywouldhaveconvincedhimthathehadtaughtcontrarythings.Whereforetheysaid,that
therewasnocredittobegivenuntohimbutthatcircumcisionandthelawoughttobekept:
whichthinghehimselfalsobyhisexamplehadallowed,becausehehadcircumcised
Timothyaccordingtothelaw,hadpurifiedhimselfwithotherfourmeninthetempleat
Jerusalem,andhadshavenhisheadatCenchrea,etc.(Acts16:321:2418:18).Thesethings
theycraftilysurmised,thatPaulbythecommandmentandauthorityoftheApostleswas
constrainedtodo:whichnotwithstandinghehadkeptfreely,bearingwiththeinfirmityofthe
weakbrethren(whichyetunderstoodnottheChristianliberty)lesttheyshouldbeoffended.
Towhosecavillationsthusheanswereth:Howtrueitiswhichthefalseapostlesforgeagainst
mefortheoverthrowingofmyGospel,andsettingupofthelawandcircumcisionagain,the
matteritselfsufficientlydeclareth.ForifIwouldpreachthelawandcircumcision,and
commendthestrength,thepower,andthewillofmen,Ishouldnotbesoodiousuntothem,
butshouldpleasethem.
NowIcertifyyou,brethren,thatthegospelwhichwaspreachedofme,wasnotafter
man.ForneitherreceivedIitofman,neitherwasItaughtitbutbytherevelationof
JesusChrist.
Hereistheprincipalpointofthismatter:whichcontainethaconfutationofhisadversaries,
andadefenseofhisdoctrine,totheendofthesecondchapteranditisakindofperpetual
historywhichPaulherereciteth.Intheharmonizingwhereof,St.Jerometurnethhimself
anxiouslyaboutandlabourethexceedingly.Buthetouchethnottheheartofthematter,forhe
considerethnotwhatPaulpurposeth,orwhereuntohehathregard.
NowthehistoriesintheScripturesareoftentimesbrieflytoldandoutofdueorder,sothat

theycannoteasilybeharmonised:asforexample,thedenialsofPeterandthehistoryofthe
passionofChrist,etc.SoherePaulrecitethnottheentirehistory.ThereforeIlabornot,
neitherammuchtroubledabouttheharmonisingofit,buthereIconsideronlywhatisthe
mindofPaul,andwhereuntohehathregard.
Nowhereistheprincipalpointofthismatter:MyGospelisnotaccordingtoman,neither
receivedIitofman,butbyrevelationofJesusChrist.
Uponthishestandeth,thisheurgethandwithanoathconfirmeth,thathelearnednothis
Gospelofanyman,butreceiveditbytherevelationofJesusChrist.Andinthathesweareth,
heisconstrainedsotodo,thattheGalatiansmaybelievehim,andalso,thattheyshouldgive
noeartothefalseapostles:whomhereprovethasliars,becausetheyhadsaidthathelearned
andreceivedhisGospeloftheApostles.
WherehesaiththathisGospelisnotafterman,hemeanethnotthathisGospelisnot
earthly,forthatismanifestofitselfandthefalseapostlesbraggedalsothattheirdoctrinewas
notearthlybutheavenly:buthemeaneththathelearnednothisGospelbytheministryof
men,orreceiveditbyanyearthlymeans,aswealllearniteitherbytheministryofmen,or
elsereceiveitbysomeearthlymeans,somebyhearing,somebyreading,andsomeby
writing,etc.buthereceivedthesameonlybytherevelationofJesusChrist.Ifanymanlistto
makeanyotherdistinction,Iamnotagainstit.HeretheApostleshewethbytheway,that
Christisnotonlyman,butthatheisbothtrueGodandman,whenhesaiththathereceived
nothisGospelbyman.
Now,PaulreceivedhisGospelinthewayashewasgoingtoDamascus,whereChrist
appeareduntohimandtalkedwithhim.Afterwardsalsohetalkedwithhiminthetempleat
Jerusalem(Acts22:17ff.).ButhereceivedhisGospelintheway,asLukereciteththestoryin
theninthoftheActs.Arise,saithChrist,andgointothecity,anditshallbetoldtheewhat
thoumustdo.Hedothnotbidhimgointothecity,thathemightlearntheGospelof
AnaniasbutAnaniaswasbidtogoandbaptizehim,tolayhishandsuponhim,tocommitthe
ministryoftheWorduntohim,andtocommendhimuntotheChurch,andnottoteachhim
theGospel,whichhehadreceivedafore(ashegloriethinthesameplace)bytheonly
revelationofJesusChrist.AndthisAnaniashimselfconfesseth,saying:BrotherSaul,the
Lordwhichappearedtotheeintheway,hathsentme,thatthoumightestreceivethysight.
ThereforehereceivednothisdoctrineofAnanias,butbeingalreadycalled,lightenedand
taughtofChristintheway,hewassenttoAnaniasthathemightalsohavethetestimonyof
men,thathewascalledofGodtopreachtheGospelofChrist.
ThisPaulwasconstrainedtorecite,toputawaytheslanderofthefalseapostles,who
laboredtobringhimintohatredwiththeGalatians,sayingthatPaulwasinferiortotherestof
theApostlesscholars,whohadreceivedoftheApostlesthatwhichtheytaughtandkept
whoseconversationalsotheyhadseenalongtime,andthatPaulhimselfhadalsoreceived
thesamethingsofthem,althoughhedidnowdenyit.Whythenwouldtheyratherobeyan
inferior,anddespisetheauthorityoftheApostlesthemselves,whowerenotonlythefore
eldersandteachersoftheGalatians,butalsoofallthechurchesthroughoutthewholeworld?
Thisargument,whichthefalseapostlesgroundedupontheauthorityoftheApostles,was
strongandmighty,wherebytheGalatiansweresuddenlyoverthrown,especiallyinthis
matter.Iwouldneverhavebelieved,hadInotbeentaughtbytheseexamplesofthechurches
ofGalatia,oftheCorinthiansandothers,thattheywhichhadreceivedtheWordofGodinthe
beginningwithsuchjoy(amongwhomweremanynotablemen)couldsoquicklybe
overthrown.OgoodLord,whathorribleandinfinitemischiefsmayoneonlyargumenteasily

bring,whichsopiercethamansconscience,whenGodwithdrawethhisgrace,thatinone
momenthelosethalltogether.Bythissubtiltythenthefalseapostlesdideasilydeceivethe
Galatians,beingnotfullystablishedandgrounded,butasyetweakinthefaith.
Moreover,thematterofjustificationisbrittle:notofitself,forofitselfitismostsureand
certain,butinrespectofus.WhereofImyselfhavegoodexperience.ForIknowinwhat
hoursofdarknessIsometimeswrestle.IknowhowoftenIsuddenlylosethebeamsofthe
Gospelandgrace,asbeingshadowedfrommewiththickdarkclouds.Briefly,Iknowinwhat
aslipperyplaceevensuchalsodostandasarewellexercisedandseemtohavesurefootingin
mattersoffaith.Wehavegoodexperienceofthismatter:forweareabletoteachitunto
others,andthisisasuretokenthatweunderstanditfornomancanteachuntoothersthat
whereofhehimselfisignorant.ButwhenintheveryconflictweshouldusetheGospel,
whichistheWordofgrace,consolationandlife,theredoththelaw,theWordofwrath,
heavinessanddeathpreventtheGospel,andbeginnethtorageandtheterrorswhichitraiseth
upintheconscience,arenolessthanwasthathorribleshewinthemountSinai(Exodus
19:16).SothatevenoneplaceoftheScripturecontainingsomethreateningofthelaw
overwhelmethanddrownethallconsolationsbesides,andsoshakethallourinward,powers,
thatitmakethustoforgetjustification,grace,Christ,theGospel,andalltogether.Therefore
inrespectofus,itisaverybrittlematter,becausewearebrittle.
Again,wehaveagainstuseventheonehalfofourselves:thatistosay,reason,andallthe
powersthereof.Besidesallthis,thefleshresisteththespirit,foritcannotbelieveassuredly
thatthepromisesofGodaretrue.
Itfighteththereforeagainstthespirit,and(asPaulsaith)itholdeththespiritcaptive
(Galatians5:17Romans7:23),sothatitcannotbelievesosteadfastlyasitwould.Wherefore
weteachcontinually,thattheknowledgeofChristandoffaithisnoworkofman,butsimply
thegiftofGod,whoashecreatethfaith,sodothhekeepitinus.Andevenashefirstgiveth
faithuntousthroughtheWord,soafterwardsheexerciseth,increaseth,strengthenethand
makethperfectthesameinusbytheWord.
ThereforethehighestworshipthatamancanofferuntoGod,andtheverysabbathof
sabbaths,istoexercisehimselfintruegodliness,diligentlytohearandtoreadtheWord.
Contrariwise,thereisnothingmoredangerousthantobewearyoftheWord.Hetherefore
thatissocold,thathethinkethhimselftoknowenough,andbeginnethbylittleandlittleto
loathetheWord,thatmanhathlostChristandtheGospel,andthatwhichhethinkethhimself
toknow,heattainethonlybybarespeculationandheislikeuntoaman,asSt.Jamessaith,
whobeholdinghisfaceinaglass,goethhisway,andbyandbyforgettethwhathis
countenancewas(James1:23,24).
Whereforeleteveryfaithfulmanlaborandstrivewithalldiligencetolearnandtokeep
thisdoctrine:andtothatend,lethimusehumbleandheartyprayer,withcontinualstudyand
meditationoftheWord.Andwhenwehavedoneneversomuch,yetshallwehaveenoughto
keepusoccupied.
Forwehavetodowithnosmallenemies,butstrongandmighty,andsuchasarein
continualwaragainstus,namely,ourownflesh,allthedangersoftheworld,thelaw,sin,
death,thewrathandjudgmentofGod,andthedevilhimself,whoneverceasethtotemptus
inwardlybyhisfierydarts,andoutwardlybyhisfalseapostles,totheendthathemay
overthrow,ifnotall,yetthemostpartofus.
Thisargumentthereforeofthefalseapostleshadagoodlyshew,andseemedtobevery
strong.Whichalsoatthisdayprevailethwithmany,namely,thattheApostles,theholy

fathersandtheirsuccessorshavesotaughtthattheChurchsothinkethandbelieveth.
Moreover,thatitisimpossiblethatChristshouldsufferhisChurchsolongtimetoerr.Art
thoualone,saythey,wiserthansomanyholymen,wiserthanthewholeChurch?Afterthis
mannerthedevil,beingchangedintoanangeloflight,settethuponuscraftilyatthisdayby
certainpestiferoushypocrites,whosay:WepassnotforthePopeorbishops,thegreatest
despisersandpersecutorsoftheWord,andweabhorthehypocrisyofmonks,andsuchlike
butwewouldhavetheauthorityoftheholycatholicChurchtoremainuntouched.The
Churchhaththusbelievedandtaughtthislongtime.Sohaveallthedoctorsoftheprimitive
Church,holymen,moreancientandbetterlearnedthanthou.Whoartthou,thatdarestdissent
fromallthese,andbringuntousacontrarydoctrine?WhenSatanreasoneththus,conspiring
withthefleshandreason,thenisthyconscienceterrifiedandutterlydespaireth,unlessthou
constantlyreturntothyselfagain,andsay:
WhetheritbeSt.Cyprian,Ambrose,Augustine,eitherSt.Peter,Paul,orJohn,yeaoran
angelfromheaven,thatteachethotherwise,yetthisIknowassuredly,thatIteachnotthe
thingsofmen,butofGodthatistosay,IattributeallthingstoGodalone,andnothingto
men.
WhenIfirsttookuponmethedefenseoftheGospel,IrememberthatDoctorStaupitius,
amostworthymanandVicaroftheAugustinianorder,saidthusuntome:Thislikethme
well,thatthisdoctrinewhichthoupreachest,yieldethgloryandallthingselseuntoGod
alone,andnothinguntomen:foruntoGod(itisclearasday)therecannotbeattributedtoo
muchglory,goodness,etc.Thissayingdidthengreatlycomfortandconfirmme.Andtrueit
is,thatthedoctrineoftheGospeltakethfrommenallglory,wisdom,righteousness,etc.,and
giveththesametotheCreatoralone,whomakethallthingsofnothing.Wemayalsomore
safelyattributetoomuchuntoGod,thanuntoman:forinthiscaseImaysayboldly:Beitso,
thattheChurch,Augustineandotherdoctors,alsoPeterandApollos,yeaevenanangelfrom
heaven,teachacontrarydoctrine,yetmydoctrineissuch,thatitsettethforthandpreacheth
thegraceandgloryofGodalone,andinthematterofsalvation,itcondemneththe
righteousnessandwisdomofallmen.InthisIcannotoffend,becauseIgivebothtoGodand
manthatwhichproperlyandtrulybelongethuntothemboth.
Butthouwiltsay:theChurchisholy,theFathersareholy.Itistruenotwithstanding,
albeittheChurchbeholy,yetisitcompelledtopray:Forgiveusourtrespasses(Matthew
6:12).So,thoughtheFathersbeholy,yetaretheysavedthroughtheforgivenessofsins.
ThereforeneitheramItobebelieved,northeChurch,northeFathers,northeApostles,no,
noranangelfromheaven,ifweteachanythingagainsttheWordofGodbutlettheWordof
theLordabideforeverforelsethisargumentofthefalseapostleshadmightilyprevailed
againstPaulsdoctrine.Forindeeditwasagreatmatter,agreatmatterIsay,tosetbeforethe
GalatiansthewholeChurch,withallthecompanyoftheApostles,againstPaulalone,but
latelysprungupandofsmallauthority.Thiswasthereforeastrongargument,andconcluded
mightily.FornomansaithwillinglythattheChurcherreth,andyetitisnecessarytosaythat
iterreth,ifitteachanythingbesidesoragainstGodsWord.
Peter,thechiefoftheApostles,taughtbothinlifeanddoctrinebesidesGodsWord
thereforeheerredandwasdeceived.NeitherdidPauldissemblethaterror(althoughit
seemedtobebutalightfault)becausehesawitwouldturntothehurtofthewholeChurch,
butwithstoodhimeventohisface,becausehewalkednotafterthetruthoftheGospel
(Galatians2:11).ThereforeneitheristheChurch,norPeter,northeApostles,norangelsfrom
heaven,tobeheard,unlesstheybringandteachthepureWordofGod.

Thisargument,evenatthisday,isnotalittleprejudicialtoourcause.Forifwemay
neitherbelievethePope,northeFathers,norLuther,noranyother,excepttheyteachusthe
pureWordofGod,whomshallwethenbelieve?Who,inthemeanwhile,shallcertifyour
consciences,whichpartteacheththepureWordofGod,weorouradversaries?Fortheybrag
thattheyalsohavethepureWordofGodandteachit.Again,webelievenotthePapists,
becausetheyteachnottheWordofGod,neithercantheyteachit.Contrariwise,theyhateus
mostbitterly,andpersecuteusasmostpestilenthereticsandseducersofthepeople.Whatis
tobedoneinthiscase?Shallitbelawfulforeveryfantasticalspirit,toteachwhathimself
listeth,seeingtheworldcanneitherhearnorabideourdoctrine?Foralthoughweglorywith
Paul,thatweteachthepureGospelofChrist(tothewhichnotonlyoughttheEmperor,the
Popeandthewholeworldtoyield,buttheyoughtalsotoreceiveitwithoutstretchedhands,
embraceitlovingly,andgivediligentcarethatitbeeverywheretaught.Butifanymanteach
otherwise,whetherthePope,orSt.Augustine,oranApostle,oranangelfromheaven,lethim
beanathemawithhisgospel),yetweprofitnothing,butarecompelledtohearthatthisour
gloryingisnotonlyvain,rash,andarrogant,butalsodevilishandfullofblasphemy.Butif
weabaseourselves,andgiveplacetotherageofouradversaries,thenboththePapistsand
Sectarieswaxproud.TheSectarieswillvauntthattheybringandteachsomestrangething
whichtheworldneverheardofbefore.
ThePapistswillsetupagainandestablishtheiroldabominations.Leteveryman
thereforetakeheed,thathebemostsureofhiscallinganddoctrine,thathemayboldlysay
withPaul:Althoughwe,oranangelfromheaven,preachuntoyouotherwisethanthatwe
havepreacheduntoyou,lethimbeaccursed(Galatians1:8).
Foryehaveheardofmyconversationintimespastinjewishreligion,howthatI
persecutedthechurchofGodextremelyandwastedit:andprofitedinthejewish
religion,abovemanyofmycompanionsofmineownnation
Thisplacehathinitnosingulardoctrine.Notwithstanding,Paulallegethherehisown
example,saying:IhavedefendedthetraditionsofthePharisees,andtheJewishreligion,
moreconstantlythanyeandallyourfalseteachers.Wherefore,iftherighteousnessofthelaw
hadbeenanythingworth,Ihadnotturnedbackfromit:inthekeepingwhereof,
notwithstanding,beforeIknewChristIdidsoexercisemyself,andsoprofittherein,thatI
excelledmanyofmycompanionsofmineownnation.
Moreover,Iwassozealousindefenseofthesame,thatIpersecutedtheChurchofGod
extremely,andwastedit.Forhavingreceivedauthorityofthehighpriests,Iputmanyofthe
saintsinprison(Acts26:10),andwhentheyshouldbeputtodeath,Ipronouncedthe
sentenceandpunishingthemthroughoutallthesynagogues,Icompelledthemtoblaspheme,
andwassoexceedingmaduponthem,thatIpersecutedthemevenuntostrangecities.
Andwasmuchmorezealousofthetraditionsofmyfathers
Hecallethnotherethetraditionsofthefathers,pharisaicalorhumantraditionsforinthis
placehetreatethnotofthepharisaicaltraditions,butofafarhighermatter,andthereforehe
calletheventhatholylawofMoses,thefatherstraditions:thatistosay,receivedandleftas
aninheritancefromthefathers.Forthese,saithhe,whenIwasintheJewishreligion,Iwas
veryzealous.HespeakethafterthesamemannertothePhilippians:Asconcerningthelaw,

saithhe,IwasaPharisee,concerningzeal,IpersecutedtheChurch,andasconcerningthe
righteousnessofthelaw,Iwasunrebukable(Philippians3:6).Asthoughhewouldsay:Here
Imayglory,andmaycomparewiththewholenationoftheJews,yeaevenwiththebestand
holiestofallthosewhichareofthecircumcisionletthemshowme,iftheycan,amore
zealousandearnestdefenderofMoseslaw,thanIhavebeen.Thisthing(OyeGalatians)
oughttohavepersuadedyounottobelievethesedeceivers,whichmagnifytherighteousness
ofthelawasamatterofgreatimportancewhereas,iftherewereanycausetogloryinthe
righteousnessofthelaw,Ihavemorecausetoglorythananyother.
InlikemannersayIofmyself,thatbeforeIwaslightenedwiththeknowledgeofthe
Gospel,Iwasaszealousforthepapisticallawsandtraditionsofthefathers,aseveranywas,
mostearnestlymaintaininganddefendingthemasholyandnecessarytosalvation.Moreover,
Iendeavoredtoobserveandkeepthemmyself,asmuchaswaspossibleformetodo
punishingmypoorbodywithfasting,watching,praying,andotherexercises,morethanall
theywhichatthisdaydosobitterlyhateandpersecuteme,becausenowItakefromthemthe
gloryofjustifyingbyworksandmerits.ForIwassodiligentandsuperstitiousinthe
observationhereof,thatIlaidmoreuponmybodythanwithoutdangerofhealthitwasableto
bear.IhonoredthePopeofmereconscience,andunfeignedly,notseekingafterprebends,
promotionsandlivings:butwhatsoeverIdid,Ididitwithasingleheart,ofagoodzeal,and
forthegloryofGod.Butthosethingswhichthenweregainfuluntome,nowwithPaulI
counttobebutlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofJesusChristmyLord.Butour
adversaries,asidlebellies,andtriedwithnotemptations,believenotthatIandmanyothers
haveenduredsuchthings:Ispeakofsuchaswithgreatdesiresoughtforpeaceandquietness
ofconscience,whichnotwithstandinginsogreatdarknessitwasnotpossibleforthemtofind.
ButwhenithadpleasedGod(whichhadseparatedmefrommymotherswomb,and
calledmebyhisgrace)torevealhissoninme,thatIshouldpreachhimamongthe
gentiles,immediatelyIcommunicatednotwithfleshandblood.NeithercameIagainto
Jerusalem,tothemwhichwereapostlesbeforeme,butIwentintoArabia,andturned
againuntoDamascus
ThisisthefirstjourneyofPaul.Jeromeheretoilethhard,sayingthatLukeintheActswriteth
nothingofthejourneyofPaulintoArabiaasifitwereneedfultosetdowntheeventsand
doingsofeverysingleday,whenthatwereimpossible.Letitsufficethatwehavesome
particularsandacertainnumberofhistoriesoutofwhichwecantakeexamplesand
instruction.
Andherehewitnesseththatstraightway,afterhewascalledbythegraceofGodto
preachChristamongtheGentiles,hewentintoArabia,withouttheadviceofanyman,tothat
workwhereuntohewascalled.Andthisplacewitnessethbywhomhewastaught,andby
whatmeanshecametotheknowledgeoftheGospelandtohisapostleship.Whenithad
pleasedGod,saithhe.Asifhewouldsay:Ihavenotdeservedit,becauseIwaszealousof
thelawofGodwithoutjudgment,nayrather,thisfoolishandwickedzealstirredmeup,that
Godsopermitting,Ifellheadlongintomoreabominableandoutrageoussins.Ipersecutedthe
ChurchofGod,IwasanenemytoChrist,IblasphemedhisGospel,andtoconclude,Iwasthe
authorofsheddingmuchinnocentblood.Thiswasmydesert.Inthemidstofthiscruelrage,I
wascalledtosuchinestimablegrace.What?Wasitbecauseofthisoutrageouscruelty?No
forsooth.ButtheabundantgraceofGod,whocallethandshowethmercytowhomhewill,

pardonedandforgavemeallthoseblasphemiesandforthesemyhorriblesins,whichthenI
thoughttobeperfectrighteousness,andanacceptableserviceuntoGod,hegaveuntomehis
grace,theknowledgeofhistruth,andcalledmetobeanApostle.
Wealsoarecomeatthisdaytotheknowledgeofgracebytheselfsamemerits.I
crucifiedChristdailyinmymonkishlife,andblasphemedGodthroughmyfalsefaith,
whereinIthencontinuallylived.OutwardlyIwasnotasothermen,extortioners,unjust,
whoremongersbutIkeptchastity,povertyandobedience.Moreover,Iwasfreefromthe
caresofthispresentlife.Iwasonlygiventofasting,watching,praying,sayingofmasses,and
suchlike.Notwithstanding,inthemeantime,Ifosteredunderthiscloakedholinessandtrust
inmineownrighteousness,continualmistrust,doubtfulness,fear,hatredandblasphemy
againstGod.Andthismyrighteousnesswasnothingelsebutafilthypuddle,andthevery
kingdomofthedevil.ForSatanlovethsuchsaints,andaccounteththemforhisdeardarlings,
whodestroytheirownbodiesandsouls,anddeprivethemselvesofalltheblessingsofGods
gifts.Inthemeantimenotwithstanding,wickedness,blindness,contemptofGod,ignoranceof
theGospel,profanationoftheSacraments,blasphemingandtreadingofChristunderfoot,and
theabuseofallthebenefitsandgiftsofGod,doreigninthematthefull.Toconclude,such
saintsarethebondslavesofSatan,andthereforearedriventothink,speakanddowhatsoever
hewill,althoughoutwardlytheyseemtoexcelallothersingoodworks,inholinessand
strictnessoflife.
SuchwewereunderthePopedom:verilynoless,ifnotmore,contumeliousand
blasphemousagainstChristandhisGospel,thanPaulhimself,andspeciallyIforIdidso
highlyesteemthePopesauthority,thattodissentfromhim,evenintheleastpoint,Ithought
itasinworthyofeverlastingdeath.AndthatwickedopinioncausedmetothinkthatJohn
Huswasacursedheretic,yeaandIaccounteditanheinousoffensebutoncetothinkofhim
andIwouldmyself,indefenseofthePopesauthority,haveministeredfireandswordforthe
burninganddestroyingofthatheretic,andthoughtitanhighserviceuntoGodsotodo.
Whereforeifyoucomparepublicansandharlotswiththeseholyhypocrites,theyarenotevil.
Forthey,whentheyoffend,haveremorseofconscience,anddonotjustifytheirwicked
doingsbutthesemenaresofarfromacknowledgingtheirabominations,idolatries,wicked
willworshippingsandceremoniestobesins,thattheyaffirmthesametoberighteousness,
andamostacceptablesacrificeuntoGod,yea,theyadorethemasmattersofsingular
holiness,andthroughthemdopromisesalvationuntoothers,andalsosellthemformoney,as
thingsavailabletosalvation.
Thisisthenourgoodlyrighteousness,thisisourhighmerit,whichbringethusuntothe
knowledgeofgrace:towit,thatwehavesodeadlyandsodevilishlypersecuted,blasphemed,
troddenunderfoot,andcondemnedGod,Christ,theGospel,faith,theSacraments,allgodly
men,thetrueworshipofGod,andhavetaughtandstablishedquitecontrarythings.Andthe
moreholywewere,themorewereweblinded,andthemoredidweworshipthedevil.There
wasnotoneofusbuthewasabloodsucker,ifnotindeed,yetinheart.
WhenitpleasedGod
Asthoughhewouldsay:ItisthealoneandinestimablefavorofGod,thatnotonlyhehath
sparedme,sowickedandsocursedawretch,suchablasphemer,apersecutor,andarebel
againstGod,butbeside,that,hathalsogivenuntometheknowledgeofsalvation,hisSpirit,
ChristhisSon,theofficeofanApostle,andeverlastinglife.SoGodbeholdingusguiltyinthe

likesins,hathnotonlypardonedourimpietiesandblasphemiesofhismeremercyforChrists
sake,buthathalsooverwhelmeduswithgreatbenefitsandspiritualgifts.Butmanyofusare
notonlyunthankfuluntoGodforthishisinestimablegrace,andasitiswritten(2Peter1:9),
doforgetthecleansingoftheiroldsinsbutalsoopeningagainawindowtothedevil,they
begintoloathehisWord,andmanyalsodopervertandcorruptit,andsobecomeauthorsof
newerrors.Theendsofthesemenareworsethanthebeginnings(Matthew12:45).
Whichhadseparatedmefrommymotherswomb
ThisisanHebrewphrase.Asifhesaid:Whichhadsanctified,ordained,andpreparedme.
Thatis,Godhadappointed,whenIwasyetinmymotherswomb,thatIshouldsorage
againsthisChurch,andthatafterwardshewouldmercifullycallmebackagainfromthe
midstofmycrueltyandblasphemy,byhismeregrace,intothewayoftruthandsalvation.To
beshort,whenIwasnotyetborn,IwasanApostleinthesightofGod,andwhenthetime
wascome,IwasdeclaredanApostlebeforethewholeworld.
ThusPaulcuttethoffalldeserts,andgivethglorytoGodalone,buttohimselfallshame
andconfusion.Asthoughhewouldsay:Allthegiftsbothsmallandgreat,aswellspiritualas
corporal,whichGodpurposedtogiveuntome,andallthegoodthingswhichatanytimein
allmylifeIshoulddo,GodhimselfhadbeforeappointedwhenIwasyetinmymothers
womb,whereIcouldneitherwish,think,nordoanygoodthing.Thereforethisgiftcameunto
mebythemerepredestinationandfreemercyofGodbeforeIwasyetborn.Moreover,afterI
wasborn,hesupportedme,beingladenwithinnumerableandmosthorribleiniquities.And
thathemightthemoremanifestlydeclaretheunspeakableandinestimablegreatnessofhis
mercytowardsme,heofhismeregraceforgavemyabominableandinfinitesins,and
moreoverreplenishedmewithsuchplentyofhisgrace,thatIdidnotonlyknowwhatthings
aregivenuntousinChrist,butpreachedthesamealsountoothers.Sucharethedesertsand
meritsofallmen,andespeciallyofthoseolddotards,whoexercisethemselveswhollyinthe
stinkingpuddlesofmansownrighteousness.
Andcalledmebyhisgrace
MarkthediligenceoftheApostle.Hecalledme,saithhe.How?Wasitformypharisaical
religion,orformyblamelessandholylife?Formyprayers,fastingsandworks?No.Much
lessformyblasphemies,persecutions,oppressions.Howthen?Byhismeregracealone.
Torevealhissoninme
Youhearinthisplace,whatmannerofdoctrineisgivenandcommittedtoPaul:towit,the
doctrineoftheGospel,whichistherevelationoftheSonofGod.Thisisadoctrinequite
contrarytothelaw,whichrevealethnottheSonofGod,butitshowethforthsin,itterrifieth
theconscience,itrevealethdeath,thewrathandjudgmentofGod,andhell.TheGospel
thereforeissuchadoctrine,asadmittethnolawyea,itmustbeseparateasfarfromthelaw,
asthereisdistancebetweenheavenandearth.Thisdifferenceinitselfiseasyandplain,but
untousitishardandfullofdifficulty.Foritisaneasymattertosay,thattheGospelis
nothingelsebuttherevealingoftheSonofGod,ortheknowledgeofJesusChrist,andnotthe
revealingofthelaw.Butintheagonyandconflictofconscience,toholdthisfastandto

practiceitindeed,itisahardmatter,yeatothemalsothatbemostexercisedtherein.
Now,iftheGospelbetherevealingoftheSonofGod,asPauldefinethitinthisplace,
thensurelyitaccusethnot,itterrifiethnottheconscience,itthreatenethnotdeath,itbringeth
nottodespair,asthelawdothbutitisadoctrineconcerningChrist,whoisassuredlyneither
lawnorwork,butourrighteousness,wisdom,sanctification,andredemption(1Corinthians
1:30).Althoughthisthingbemoreclearthanthesunlight,yetnotwithstanding,themadness
andblindnessofthePapistshathbeensogreat,thatoftheGospeltheyhavemadealawof
charity,andofChristalawmaker,givingmorestraitandheavycommandmentsthanMoses
himself.ButtheGospelteacheth,thatChristcamenottosetforthanewlaw,andtogive
commandmentsastouchingmanners:butthathecametothisend,thathemightbemadean
oblationforthesinsofthewholeworld,andthatoursinsmightbeforgiven,andeverlasting
lifegivenuntousforhissake,andnotfortheworksofthelaw,orforourownrighteousness.
Ofthisinestimabletreasurefreelybestoweduponus,theGospelproperlypreachethunto
us.Whereforeitisakindofdoctrinethatisnotlearnedorgottenbyanystudy,diligence,or
wisdomofman,noryetbythelawofGod,butisrevealedbyGodhimself,asPaulsaithin
thisplacefirstbytheexternalWord,thenbytheworkingofGodsspiritinwardly.The
GospelthereforeisadivineWordthatcamedownfromheaven,andisrevealedbytheHoly
Ghost,whowasalsosentforthesamepurpose:yetinsuchsortnotwithstanding,thatthe
outwardWordmustgobefore.ForPaulhimselfhadnoinwardrevelation,untilhehadheard
theoutward.Wordfromheaven,whichwasthis,Saul,Saul,whypersecutestthoume?(Acts
9:4).First,therefore,heheardtheoutwardWord,thenafterwardsfollowedrevelations,the
knowledgeoftheWord,faith,andthegiftsoftheHolyGhost.
ThatIshouldpreachhimamongthegentiles
ItpleasedGod,saithhe,torevealhisSoninme.Towhatpurpose?NotonlythatImyself
shouldbelieveintheSonofGod,butalsothatIshouldpreachhimamongtheGentiles.And
whynotamongtheJews?Lo,hereweseethatPaulisproperlytheApostleoftheGentiles,
albeithepreachedChristamongtheJewsalso.
Paulcomprehendethhereinafewwords,asheiswont,hiswholedivinity,whichis:to
preachChristamongtheGentiles.Asifhewouldsay:IwillnotburdentheGentileswiththe
law,becauseIamtheApostleandevangelistoftheGentiles,andnottheirlawgiver.Thushe
directethallhiswordsagainstthefalseapostles.Asthoughhewouldsay:OyeGalatians,ye
havenotheardtherighteousnessofthelaw,orofworks,tobetaughtbymeforthis
belongethtoMoses,andnottome,Paul,beingtheApostleoftheGentiles.Formyofficeand
ministryistobringtheGospeluntoyou,andtoshowuntoyouthesamerevelationwhichI
myselfhavehad.
Thereforeoughtyoutohearnoteacherthatteacheththelaw.ForamongtheGentiles,the
lawoughtnottobepreached,buttheGospelnotMoses,buttheSonofGodnotthe
righteousnessofworks,buttherighteousnessoffaith.Thisisthepreachingthatproperly
belongethtotheGentiles.
ImmediatelyIcommunicatednotwithfleshandblood
St.JeromehathhereagreatcontentionagainstPorphyriusandJulian,whichchargePaulwith
arrogancebecausehewouldnotconferhisGospelwiththerestoftheApostlesalsobecause

PaulcalleththeApostlesfleshandblood.ButPaulheremakingmentionoffleshandblood,
speakethnotoftheApostles.Forbyandbyheaddeth:NeithercameIagaintoJerusalem,to
themwhichwereapostlesbeforeme.ButthisisPaulsmeaning,thatafterhehadonce
receivedtherevelationoftheGospelfromChrist,heconsultednotwithanymanin
Damascus,muchlessdidhedesireanymantoteachhimtheGospelagain,thathewentnot
toJerusalem,toPeterandtheotherApostles,tolearntheGospelofthem,butthatforthwithin
Damascus,wherehereceivedbaptismofAnanias,andimpositionofhands(foritwas
necessaryforhimtohavetheoutwardsignandtestimonyofhiscalling),hepreachedJesusas
theSonofGod.ThesamealsowritethLuke,Acts9.
NeithercameItoJerusalem,tothemthatwereapostlesbeforeme,butwentinto
Arabia,andturnedagainuntoDamascus
Thatis,IwentintoArabiabeforeIsawtheApostlesorconsultedwiththem,andforthwithI
tookuponmetheofficeofpreachingtheGospelamongtheGentiles:forthereuntoIwas
called,andhadalsoreceivedarevelationfromGod.InvainthereforedothJeromeinquire
whatPauldidinArabia.Forwhatelseshouldhedo,butpreachChrist?Fortothisend(saith
he)wastheSonofGodrevealedinhim,thathemightpreachhimamongtheGentiles.
WhereforehebetakethhimselfforthwithfromDamascus,aGentilecity,untoArabia,where
alsowereGentiles,andtheredoethhisofficewithhismight.Hedidnotthenreceivehis
Gospelofanyman,oroftheApostlesthemselves,butwascontentwithhisheavenlycalling,
andwiththerevelationofJesusChristalone.Whereforethiswholeplaceisaconfutationof
thefalseapostlesargument,whichtheyusedagainstPaul,sayingthathewasbutascholar
andaheareroftheApostles,wholivedafterthelawandmoreover,thatPaulhimselfalso
hadlivedaccordingtothelaw,andthereforeitwasnecessarythattheGentilesthemselves
shouldkeepthelaw,andbecircumcised.Totheendthereforethathemightstopthemouths
ofthesecavillers,herehearseththislonghistory:Beforemyconversion,saithhe,Ilearned
notmyGospeloftheApostles,norofanyotherofthebrethrenthatbelieved(forIpersecuted
extremely,notonlythisdoctrine,butalsotheChurchofGod,andwastedit)neitheraftermy
conversion,forforthwithIpreached,notMoseswithhislaw,butJesusChristatDamascus,
consultingwithnoman,neitherasyethavingseenanyoftheApostles.Sowealsocanboast,
thatwehavenotreceivedourdoctrinefromthePope.TheholyScriptureandtheoutward
symbolswehaveindeedfromhim,butnotthedoctrine,whichhathcomeuntousbythegift
ofGodalone.Whereuntohathbeenaddedourownstudy,readingandinquiry.
Theargumentofouradversaries,therefore,isathingofnaught,whichtheyuseatthis
day,saying:Whoshouldbelieveyourdoctrine,yeLutherans,seeingyeareinnopublic
office?YeoughttotakeyourdoctrinefromthePopeandthebishops,whichareordainedand
inalawfulfunction,etc.
ThenafterthreeyearsIcameagaintoJerusalem,tovisitPeter,andabodewithhim
fifteendays.AndnoneotheroftheapostlessawI,saveJames,thelordsbrother.
PaulgranteththathewaswiththeApostles,butnotwithalltheApostles.
HowbeithedeclareththathewentuptoJerusalemtothem,notcommanded,butofhis
ownaccord,nottolearnanythingofthem,butonlytoseePeter.ThesamethingLukealso
writethintheninthchapteroftheActs,thatBarnabasledPaultotheApostles,anddeclared

to.them,howthathehadseentheLordintheway,andthathespakeuntohimalsothathe
hadpreachedboldlyatDamascusinthenameofJesus.ThiswitnessbearethBarnabasofhim.
Allhiswordsaresoframed,thattheyprovehisGospelnottobeofman.Indeedhegranteth
thathehadseenPeter,andJamesthebrotherofourLord,butnoneotheroftheApostles
besidesthesetwo,andthathelearnednothingofthem.
Hegranteththerefore,thathewasatJerusalemwiththeApostlesandthisdidthefalse
apostlesrightlyreport.Hegrantethmoreover,thathehadlivedafterthemanneroftheJews,
butyetonlyamongtheJews.ForthisruledidPaulkeep:WhenthouartatRome,liveafter
theRomanmanner.
Andthisisitwhichhesaithin1Corinthians9(19ff.):WhenIwasfreefromallmen,I
mademyselfservanttoallmen,thatImightwinthemore.
TotheJewsIbecameasaJew,etc.Iwasmadeallthingstoallmen,thatImightsave
all.Hegranteththerefore,thathewasatJerusalemwiththeApostles,buthedenieththathe
hadlearnedhisGospelofthem.AlsohedenieththathewasconstrainedtoteachtheGospel
astheApostleshadprescribed.Thewholeeffectthenofthismatterliethinthisword,to
see:
Iwent,saithhe,toseePeter,andnottolearnofhim.ThereforeneitherisPetermy
master,noryetJames.AndasfortheotherApostles,heutterlydenieththathesawanyof
them.
ButwhydothPaulrepeatthissooften,thathelearnednothisGospelofmen,norofthe
Apostlesthemselves?Hispurposeisthis,topersuadethechurchesofGalatia,whichwere
nowledawaybythefalseapostles,andtoputthemoutofalldoubtthathisGospelwasthe
trueWordofGodandforthiscauseherepeatethitsooften.Andifhehadnotprevailed
herein,henevercouldhavestoppedthemouthsofthefalseapostles.Forthustheywould
haveobjectedagainsthim:WeareasgoodasPaul,wearedisciplesoftheApostlesaswellas
hemoreover,heisbutonealone,andwearemanythereforeweexcelhim,bothinauthority
andinnumberalso.
HerePaulwasconstrainedtoglory,toaffirmandswear,thathelearnednothisGospelof
anyman,neitherreceiveditoftheApostlesthemselves.Itwasmostnecessaryforhimthusto
glory,anditwasnovainboasting,asPorphyriusandJulianfalselydeclare,whoperceivednot
(asJeromelikewisedidnot)whatPaulwasabout.Forhisministrywashereingreatdanger,
andallthechurcheslikewise,whichhadusedhimastheirchiefpastorandteacher.The
necessitythereforeofhisministry,andofallthechurches,requiredthatwithanecessaryand
holyprideheshouldvauntofhisvocation,andoftheknowledgeoftheGospelrevealedunto
himbyChrist,thattheirconsciencesmightbethoroughlypersuadedthathisdoctrinewasthe
trueWordofGod.HerehadPaulaweightymatterinhand:namely,thatallthechurches
mightbekeptinsounddoctrineyea,thecontroversywasindeed,astouchinglifeanddeath
everlasting.ForifthepureWordofGodbeoncetakenaway,thereremainethnoconsolation,
nolife,nosalvation.Thecausethereforewhyhereciteththesethings,,istoretainthe
churchesintrueandsounddoctrine.Hispurposeisthereforetoshowbythishistory,thathe
receivedhisGospelofnoman.
Again,thathepreachedforacertaintime,namely,thespaceofthreeorfouryears,both
inDamascusandArabia,byrevelationfromGod,beforehehadseenanyoftheApostles,
eventheselfsameGospelthattheApostleshadpreached.Jeromeheremakethsportwiththe
mysteryofthefifteendays.HesaithalsothatPaulinthosefifteendayswastaughtofPeter
andinstructedinthemysteryoftheOgdoadandHebdoad.Butthesethingshavenothingto

dowiththefact.ForPaulsaithinplainwordsthathecametoJerusalemtoseePeter,and
stayedwithhimfifteendays.IfhispurposehadbeentolearntheGospelofPeter,hemust
needshavestayedthereseveralyears.
Infifteendayshecouldnothavebeenmadesogreatanapostleandteacherofthe
Gentilesnottomentionthatinthesefifteendays(asLuketestifieth,Acts9:28ff.)hespake
withboldnessinthenameoftheLordanddisputedwiththeGreeks,etc.
AndnowthethingswhichIwriteuntoyou,beholdIwitnessbeforeGodIlienot
Whereforeaddethheanoath?Becausehereportethanhistory.Heisconstrainedtoswear,to
theendthatthechurchesmightbelievehimlestthefalseapostlesshouldsay:Whoknoweth
whetherPaulspeakeththetruthorno?HereyouseethatPaul,theelectvesselofChrist,was
insogreatcontemptamonghisownGalatians,towhomhehadpreachedChrist,thatitwas
necessaryforhimtoswearthathespakethetruth.IfthishappenedthentotheApostles,to
havesomightyadversariesthattheydurstdespisethemandaccusethemoflying,what
marvelisitifthelikeatthisdayhappenuntous,whichinnorespectareworthytobe
comparedwiththeApostles?Heswearethinamatter(asitseemeth)ofnoweight,thathe
speakeththetruth,namely,thathetarriednotwithPetertolearnofhim,butonlytoseehim
butifyouweighthematterdiligently,itisveryweightyandofgreatimportance,asmay
appearbywhatissaidbefore.InlikemannerweswearaftertheexampleofPaul,inthiswise:
Godknoweththatwelienot,etc.
Afterthat,Iwentintothecoastsofsyriaandcilicia
SyriaandCiliciaarecountriesnearsituatetogether.Thisisitthathestillgoethaboutto
persuade,thataswellbeforehehadseentheApostlesasafter,hewasalwaysateacherofthe
Gospel,andthathereceiveditbytherevelationofChrist,andwasneveranydiscipleofthe
Apostles.
ForIwasunknownbyfaceuntothechurchesofjudaeawhichwereinChrist.Butthey
heardonlysomesay,hewhichpersecutedusintimespast,nowpreacheththefaith
whichbeforehedestroyed.AndtheyglorifiedGodinme
Thisheaddethforthesequelandcontinuanceofthehistory,thatafterhehadseenPeter,he
wentintoSyriaandCilicia,andtherepreached,andsopreached,thathewonthetestimonyof
allthechurchesinJudaea.Asthoughhewouldsay:Iappealtothetestimonyofallthe
churches,yeaevenofthosewhichareinJudaeaforthechurchesdowitness,notonlyin
Damascus,Arabia,SyriaandCilicia,butalsoinJudaea,thatIhavepreachedthesamefaith
whichIoncewithstoodandpersecuted.AndtheyglorifiedGodinme,notbecauseItaught
thatcircumcisionandthelawofMosesoughttobekept,butforthepreachingoffaith,and
fortheedifyingofthechurchesbymyministryintheGospel.Yethereforehavethe
testimonynotonlyofthepeopleofDamascusandofArabia,etc.,butalsoofthewhole
catholicChurchinJudaea,etc.

CHAPTER2
Thenfourteenyearsafter,IwentupagaintoJerusalem
PAULtaughtthattheGentileswerejustifiedbyfaithonly,withouttheworksofthelaw.This
doctrinewhenhehadpublishedabroadamongtheGentiles,hecomethtoAntioch,and
declarethtothediscipleswhathehaddone.Thentheywhichhadbeentrainedupintheold
customsofthelaw,roseagainstPaulwithgreatindignation,forthathepreachedtothe
Gentileslibertyfromthebondageofthelaw.Whereuponfollowedgreatdissension,which
afterwardsstirredupnewtroubles.PaulandBarnabasstoodstronglytothetruth,and
testified,saying:WheresoeverwepreachedamongtheGentiles,theHolyGhostcameandfell
uponthosewhichheardtheWordandthiswasdonethroughoutallthechurchesofthe
Gentiles.
Butwepreachednotcircumcision,neitherdidwerequirethekeepingofthelaw,butwe
preachedonlyfaithinJesusChristandatthispreachingoffaith,Godgavetothehearersthe
HolyGhost.TheHolyGhost,therefore,dothapprovethefaithoftheGentiles,withoutthe
lawandcircumcisionforifthepreachingoftheGospel,andfaithoftheGentilesinChrist,
hadnotpleasedhim,hehadnotcomedowninavisibleshapeupontheuncircumcisedwhich
heardtheWord.Seeingthenbytheonlyhearingoffaithhecamedownuponthem,itis
certainthattheHolyGhostbythissignhathapprovedthefaithoftheGentilesforitdothnot
appearthatthiswaseverdonebeforeatthepreachingofthelaw.
ThentheJewsandmanyofthePhariseeswhichdidbelieve,andnotwithstandingbareyet
agreatzealtothelaw,earnestlystrivingtomaintaintheglorythereof,setthemselvesfiercely
againstPaul(whoalarmedthattheGentileswerejustifiedbyfaithonly,withouttheworksof
thelaw),contendingthatthelawoughttobekept,andthattheGentilesoughttobe
circumcisedforotherwisetheycouldnotbesaved,Andnomarvelfortheverynameofthe
lawofGodisholyanddreadful.Theheathenman,whichneverknewanythingofthelawof
God,ifhehearanymansay:ThisdoctrineisthelawofGod,heismovedtherewith.How
thencoulditbebuttheJewsmustneedsbemoved,andvehementlycontendforthe
maintenanceofthelawofGod,whichevenfromtheirinfancyhadbeennusledandtrainedup
therein?
Weseeatthisday,howobstinatethePapistsbeindefendingtheirtraditionsand
doctrinesofdevilswherefore,itwasmuchlesstobemarveledthattheJewsdidso
vehementlyandzealouslystriveforthemaintenanceoftheirlaw,whichtheyhadreceived
fromGod.Customisofsuchforce,thatwhereasnatureisofitselfinclinedtotheobservation
ofthelaw,bylongcontinuanceitsoconfirmethnature,thatnowitbecomethadoublenature.
Therefore,itwasnotpossiblefortheJewswhichwerenewlyconvertedtoChrist,suddenlyto
forsakethelawwho,thoughtheyhadreceivedthefaithofChrist,thoughtitnecessary
notwithstandingtoobservethelaw.AndwiththistheirweaknessGoddidbearforatime,
untilthedoctrineoftheGospelmightbeplainlydiscernedfromthelaw.Sohebarewiththe
infirmityofIsraelinthetimeofkingAhab,whenthepeoplehaltedbetweentworeligions.He
barealsowithourweaknesswhilstwewereundertheblindnessofthePope.Forheislong
suffering,andfullofmercy.ButwemustnotabusethisgoodnessandpatienceoftheLord,
norcontinuestillinourweaknessanderror,sincethetruthisnowrevealedbytheclearlight
oftheGospel.
Moreover,theythatstoodagainstPaul,affirmingthattheGentilesoughttobe

circumcised,hadtolayforthemselves,firstthelawandcustomofthecountry,theftthe
exampleoftheApostles,andlastofall,theexampleofPaulhimself,whohadcircumcised
Timothy.Wherefore,ifPaulinhisdefensesaidthathedidnotthisofnecessity,butfor
Christianloveandliberty,lesttheywhichwereweakinfaithshouldbeoffended,whichof
themwouldcomprehendorbelievehim?Hereuntoallthepeoplewouldanswer:Sinceitis
evidentthatthouhastcircumcisedTimothy,thoumayestsaywhatthouwiltnotwithstanding
thouhastdoneit.Forthisisamatterfarpassingallmanscapacity,andthereforetheycould
notunderstandit.
Moreover,nodefensecanservewhenamanhathlostthefavorofthepeople,andis
fallenintosuchdeadlyhatredandcontempt.Paulthereforeseeingthiscontentionandthese
clamorsdailytoincreasemoreandmore,andbeingalsowarnedbyrevelationfromGod,after
fourteenyears(besidesthosewhereinhehadpreachedinDamascusandArabia)goethup
againtoJerusalem,toconferhisGospelwiththeotherApostlesyetnotforhisowncause,
butforthepeoplessake.
Now,thiscontentiontouchingtheobservationofthelaw,exercisedPaulalongtime
after,andwroughthimmuchtroublebutIdonotthinkthatthisisthecontentionwhichLuke
speakethofinthefifteenthoftheActs,whichhappened,asitappeareth,byandbyafterthe
beginningoftheGospelbutthishistorywhichPaulherementioneth,seemethtobedone
longafter,whenPaulhadnowalmosteighteenyearspreachedtheGospel.
Withbarnabas,andtookwithmetitus
Hejoinethuntohimselftwowitnesses,BarnabasandTitus.BarnabaswasPaulscompanion
inpreachingtotheGentilesfreedomfromtheservitudeofthelaw.Hewasalsoawitnessof
allthosethingswhichPauldid,andhadseentheHolyGhostgivenuntotheGentiles,which
wereuncircumcisedandfreefromMosesslaw,bytheonlypreachingoffaithinJesusChrist.
AndhealonestucktoPaulinthispoint,thatitwasnotnecessarythattheGentilesshouldbe
burdenedwiththelaw,butthatitwasenoughforthemtobelieveinChrist.Wherefore,byhis
ownexperiencehetestifiethwithPaulagainsttheJews,thattheGentilesweremadethe
childrenofGodandsavedbyfaithaloneinJesusChrist,withoutthelawofcircumcision.
TituswasnotonlyaChristian,butalsothechiefoverseerinCreteforuntohimPaulhad
committedthechargeofgoverningthechurchesthere(Titus1)andthisTituswasaGentile.
AndIwentupbyrevelation
ForunlessPaulhadbeenadmonishedbyrevelation,hehadnotgoneuptoJerusalem:but
becauseGodwarnedhimbyaspecialrevelation,andcommandedhimtogoup,thereforehe
went.Andthishedidtobridle,oratleasttoappease,theJewsthatbelievedandyet
obstinatelycontendedaboutthekeepingofthelaw,totheendthatthetruthoftheGospel
mightthemorebeadvancedandconfirmed.
AndIcommunicatedwiththemtouchingthegospel
Youhearthen,thatatlengthaftereighteenyearshewentuptoJerusalem,andconferredwith
theApostlestouchinghisGospel.

WhichIpreachamongthegentiles
ForamongtheJewshesufferedthelawandcircumcisionforatime,astheotherApostles
did:Iammadeallthingsuntoallmen,saithhe(Corinthians9:22)yeteverholdingthetrue
doctrineoftheGospel,whichhepreferredabovethelaw,circumcision,theApostles,yeaand
anangelfromheaven.ForthussaithheuntotheJews:ThroughthisChrist,ispreachedunto
youtheforgivenessofsins.Andheaddethveryplainly:andfromallthings,fromthewhich
yecouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses,byhimeveryonethatbelievethisjustified
(Acts13:38f.).ForthiscauseheteachethanddefendeththedoctrineoftheGospelso
diligentlyeverywhere,andneversufferethittocomeindanger.
Notwithstanding,hedidnotsuddenlybreakoutatthefirstbuthadregarduntotheweak.
Andbecausetheweakshouldnotbeoffended,thereisnodoubtbuthespaketotheJewsafter
thismanner:IfthatunprofitableserviceofMoseslaw,whichnothingavailethto
righteousness,dosohighlypleaseyou,yemaykeepitstillforme,sothattheGentileswhich
arenotboundtothislaw,benotchargedtherewithal.
Paulthereforeconfesseth,thatheconferredtheGospelwiththeApostles.
But(saithhe)theyprofitedmeortaughtmenothing:butIratherforthedefenseofthe
liberty,oftheGospel,inthepresenceoftheApostles,didconstantlyresistthosewhichwould
needsforcetheobservationofthelawupontheGentiles,andsodidovercomethem.
Whereforeyourfalseapostleslie,insayingthatIcircumcisedTimothy,thatIshavedmyhead
inCenchrea,andthatIwentuptoJerusalem,atthecommandmentoftheApostles.Nay
rather,IglorythatingoinguptoJerusalembytherevelationofGod,andnotatthe
commandmentoftheApostles,andthereconferringmyGospelwiththem,Ibroughttopass
thecontrary,thatistosay,obtainedthattheApostlesdidapproveme,andnotthosewhich
wereagainstme.
Now,thequestionwhereupontheApostlesconferredtogetherinthisassembly,wasthis:
whetherthekeepingthelawwerenecessarytojustificationorno.TothisPaulanswered:I
havepreacheduntotheGentiles,accordingtomyGospelwhichIreceivedfromGod,faithin
Christ,andnotthelaw,andatthispreachingoffaith,theyreceivedtheHolyGhostand
hereofBarnabasshallbearmewitness.WhereforeIconclude,thattheGentilesoughtnotto
beburdenedwiththelaw,nortobecircumcised.Notwithstanding,Igivenorestrainttothe
Jewsherein:whoiftheywillneedskeepthelawandbecircumcised,Iamnotagainstit,so
thattheydoitwithfreedomofconscience.AndthushaveItaughtandlivedamongtheJews,
beingmadeaJewuntotheJewsholdingeverthetruthofmyGospelnotwithstanding.
Butparticularlywiththemthatwerethechiefest
Thatistosay,Ididnotonlyconferwiththebrethren,butwiththosethatwerethechiefest
amongthem.
LestbyanymeansIshouldrun,orhadruninvain
NotthatPauldoubted,thatheranorhadruninvain,forasmuchashehadnowpreachedthe
Gospeleighteenyears,(foritfollowethincontinentinthetext,thathehadcontinuedfirmand
constantallthiswhile,andhadprevailed)butforthatmanydidthinkthatPaulhadtherefore
preachedtheGospelsomanyyearsinvain,becausehehadsettheGentilesatlibertyfromthe
observationofthelaw.Moreover,thisopiniondailymoreandmoreincreased,thatthelaw

wasnecessarytojustification.Wherefore,ingoinguptoJerusalembyrevelation,hemeantso
toremedythisevil,thatbythiscomerenceallmenmightplainlyseehisGospeltobeinno
pointcontrarytothedoctrineoftheotherApostles,totheendthatbythismeanshemight
stopthemouthsoftheadversaries,whichwouldelsehavesaidthatheranorhadruninvain.
Noteherebytheway,thevirtueofmansownrighteousness,ortherighteousnessofthelaw,
tobesuchthattheywhichteachit,dorunandliveinvain.
Butneitheryettituswhichwaswithme,thoughhewereagrecian,wascompelledtobe
circumcised
Thiswordwascompelledsufficientlydeclarethwhattheconferenceandconclusionwas:to
wit,thattheGentilesshouldnotbeconstrainedtobecircumcised,butthatcircumcision
shouldbepermittedtotheJewsforatime:notasnecessarytorighteousness,butforthe
reverencetothefathers:andforcharityssaketowardstheweak,lesttheyshouldbe
offended,untiltheyweregrownupmorestronginfaith.Foritmighthaveseemedavery
strangeandunseemlything,uponasuddentoforsakethelawandtraditionsofthefathers,
whichhadbeengiventothispeoplefromGodwithsogreatglory.
Paulthendidnotrejectcircumcisionasadamnablething,neitherdidhebywordordeed
enforcetheJewstoforsakeit.Forin1Corinthians7:18hesaith:Ifanymanbecalledbeing
circumcised,lethimnotadduncircumcision.Butherejectedcircumcisionasathingnot
necessarytorighteousness,seeingthefathersthemselveswerenotjustifiedthereby,butitwas
untothemasasignonly,orasealofrighteousness(Romans4:11),wherebytheytestifiedand
exercisedtheirfaith.Notwithstanding,thebelievingJewswhichwereyetweakandbarea
zealtothelaw,hearingthatcircumcisionwasnotnecessarytorighteousness,could
understandthisnootherwise,butthatitwasaltogetherunprofitableanddamnable.Andthis
fondopinionoftheweakJewsthefalseapostlesdidincrease,totheendthat,theheartsofthe
peoplebeingstirredupagainstPaulbythisoccasion,theymightthoroughlydiscredithis
doctrine.Soweatthisdaydonotrejectfastingandothergoodexercisesasdamnablethings
butweteachthatbytheseexerciseswedonotobtainremissionofsins.Whenthepeoplehear
this,byandbytheyjudgeustospeakagainstgoodworks.
AndthisopinionthePapistsdoconfirmandincreasebytheirpreachingsandwritings.
Buttheylie,anddousgreatwrong.Formanyyearspast,therewasneveranythattaught
moresoundandgodlydoctrineastouchinggoodworks,thanwedoatthisday.

Paulthereforedidnotsocondemncircumcision,asthoughitweresintoreceiveitor
keepit:fortheJewswouldhavebeenhighlyoffended:butitwasdecidedinthisconference
andcouncil,thatitwasnotnecessarytojustification,andthereforenottobeforceduponthe
Gentiles.Sothismoderationwasfound,thatforthereverenceofthefathers,andcharity
towardstheweakinfaith,theJewsshouldkeepthelawandcircumcisionstillforatime
notwithstandingtheyshouldnottherebyseektobeJustified.Andmoreover,thattheGentiles
shouldnotbeburdenedtherewith,bothbecauseitwouldhavebeentothemaverystrange
thing,andalsoaburdenintolerable(Acts15:10).Briefly,thatnoneshouldbeconstrainedto
becircumcised,oranyrestrainedfromcircumcision.JeromeandAugustinedosharply
contendconcerningthisplaceofPaul.
ThiswordwascompelledmakethforthedefenseofAugustine.Jeromeunderstoodnot
thematter.Foritisnothereindispute,whatPeterorPauldidinthematterofcircumcisingor

notcircumcising,asJeromethinketh.
WhereforehemarvellethhowPauldurstreprehendinPeterthatwhichhehimself,did
for(saithhe)PaulcircumcisedTimothy,andlivedasaGentilewiththeGentilesandasaJew
withtheJews,etc.Hethinkethittobenoseriousmatterthatishereindispute.Thereforehe
concludeththatneitherhadsinnedbuthefeigneththatbothhaddissembledwithanofficial
falsehood,Butintruth,allthesetheirdisputingswereandareseriousandconcerningmatters
ofverygreatweight.Thereforetheydidnothingbydissimulation.
Nowthiswastheprincipalquestion:Whetherthelawbenecessarytojustificationorno?
Concerningthisespecialtheme,whereonhangeththewholesumofChristiandoctrine,Paul
andPeterdoherecontend.PaulwastoograveamantoassailandrebukePeterthusfreelyin
thepresenceofthewholechurchofAntiochforthesakeofatriflingmatter.Heassailethhim
forthesakeofthechiefarticleofChristiandoctrine.ForwhentheJewswereabsent,Peterate
withtheGentiles,butwhenthecame,hewithdrewhimself,etc.TherePaulreprehendethhim
becausebyhisdissimulationhecompelledtheGentilestodoastheJews.Thewholeforce
liethintheword,thoucompellest.ThisJeromeseethnot.
Paulthereforecompellednonethatwouldbecircumcised,toremainuncircumcised,so
thatheknewcircumcisionnottobenecessarytojustification.ThisconstraintwouldPaultake
away.ThereforehesufferedtheJewstokeepthelaw,sothatfa6atheydiditwithafree
conscience.Forhehadevertaught,aswelltheJewsastheGentiles,thatinconsciencethey
oughttobefreefromthelawandcircumcisionlikeasallthepatriarchsandallthefaithfulin
theOldTestamentwerefreeinconscienceandjustifiedbyfaith,andnotbythelawor
circumcision.Andindeed,PaulmighthavesufferedTitustobecircumcisedbutbecausehe
sawthattheywouldcompelhimthereunto,hewouldnot.Foriftheyhadprevailedtherein,by
andbytheywouldhavegatheredthatithadbeennecessarytojustification,andsothrough
thissufferance,theywouldhavetriumphedagainstPaul.Soalsoweleaveeverymanfreeto
putonorputoffacowl,toenterortoleaveamonastery,toeatfleshorherbsonly,lethim
dothesethingsfreelyandwithoutoffenseofconscience,topleaseabrotherorasanexample
ofcharityandlethimknowthatallofthesethingsavailnothinginthematterofsatisfying
forsinsandobtaininggrace,etc.ButasinPaulstimethefalseapostleswouldnotleave
circumcisionandtheobservationofthelawindifferent,butrequiredthesameasnecessaryto
salvation,soatthisdayouradversariesdoobstinatelycontendthatmenstraditionscannotbe
omittedwithoutperilofsalvation:andthusofanexampleofcharity,theymakeanexample
offaith,whennotwithstandingthereisbutoneexampleoffaith,whichistobelieveinJesus
Christ.Andthis,asitisalonenecessarytosalvation,sodothitalsoindifferentlypertaintoall
men.Notwithstandingtheadversarieswouldratherworshipthedeviltentimesinsteadof
God,thantheywouldsufferthis.Thereforetheyaredailyhardenedmoreandmore,andseek
toestablishtheirimpietiesandblasphemiesagainstGod,defendingthesamebyforceand
tyranny,andwillnotagreeorconsentuntousinanypoint.Butwhatthen?Letusgoon
boldlyinthenameoftheLordofHosts,settingforththegloryofJesusChristandfighting
valiantlyagainstthekingdomofAntichristbytheWordandbyprayer,thatthenameofGod
alonemaybesanctified,thathiskingdommaycome,andthathiswillmaybedone(Matthew
6:9f.).
Andthatthismayspeedilycometopass,wedesireevenfromthebottomofourhearts,
andsay,Amen,Amen.
ThistriumphofPaulthereforewasveryglorious:namely,thatTituswhowasaGentile,
althoughhewereinthemidstoftheApostlesandallthefaithful,wherethisquestionwasso

vehementlydebated,wasyetnotconstrainedtobecircumcised.ThisvictoryPaulcarrieth
away,andsaiththatinthisconferenceitwasdecidedbytheconsentofalltheApostles,the
wholeChurchalsoapprovingthesame,thatTitusshouldnotbecircumcised.Thisisastrong
argument,andmakethverymuchagainstthefalseapostles.Andwiththisargument,Neither
wasTituscornpeeledtobecircumcised,Paulwasabletorepressandmightilytoconvince
allhisadversaries.Asifheshouldsay:Whydothesecounterfeitapostlessofalselyreportof
me,sayingthatIamcompelledtokeepcircumcisionbythecommandmentoftheApostles,
seeingIhavethewitnessofallthefaithfulinJerusalem,andmoreoveroftheApostles
themselves,thatbymypursuitandtravailthecontrarywastheredetermined?AndIdidnot
onlythereprevailthatTitusshouldnotbecircumcised,buttheApostlesalsodidapproveand
ratifythesame.Yourcounterfeitapostlesthereforedoliedeadly,whichslandermeunderthe
nameoftheApostles,andtherebydeceiveyouforIhavetheApostlesandallthefaithful,not
againstme,butwithmeandthisIprovebytheexampleofTitus.
Notwithstanding,Paul,asIhaveoftensaid,didnotcondemncircumcisionasan
unprofitablething,neitherconstrainedheanymanthereunto.Foritisneithersinnor
righteousnesstobecircumcisedoruncircumcised,asitisneithersinnorrighteousnesstoeat
ordrink.Forwhetherthoueatoreatnot,thouartneitherbetternorworse(1Corinthians8:8).
Butifanymanshouldaddtheretoeithersinorrighteousness,andsay:Ifthoueatthou
sinnest,ifthouabstainthouartrighteous(orthecontrary),heshouldshowhimselfboth
foolishandwicked.Thereforetojoinceremonieswithsinorrighteousness,isgreatimpiety:
asthePopedoth,whoinhisformofexcommunicationthreatenethtoallthosethatdonot
obeythelawoftheBishopofRome,theperiloftheirsouls,andsomakethallhislaws
necessarytosalvation.WhereforethedevilhimselfspeakethinthepersonOfthePopeandin
allsuchdecreesofthePope.ForifsalvationconsistethinkeepingofthePopeslaws,what
needhaveweofChristtobeourjustifierandSavior?
Becauseofthefalsebrethrenthatcreptin,whocameinprivilytoespyoutourliberty
whichwehaveinChristJesus,thattheymightbringusintobondage.Towhomwegave
notplacebysubjectionforanhour,thatthetruthofthegospelmightcontinuewithyou
HerePaulsheweththecausewhyhewentuptoJerusalem,andthereconferredhisGospel
withtheotherApostles,andwhyhewouldnotcircumciseTitus:notthathemightbethe
morecertain,orconfirmedintheGospelbytheApostles,forhenothingdoubtedthereof:but
thatthetruthoftheGospelmightcontinueinthechurchesoftheGalatians,andinallthe
churchesoftheGentiles.Weseethen.thatthebusinessofPaulwasnolightmatter.
Now,wherehespeakethofthetruthoftheGospel,hesheweththattherebetwogospels,
atrueandafalsegospel.Indeed,theGospelofitselfisone,simple,true,andsincere:butby
themaliceofSatansministersitiscorruptanddefaced.Thereforewherehesaith:thetruth
oftheGospel,hewouldhaveustounderstandalsothecontrary.Asifhewouldsay:The
falseapostlesdoalsopreachafaithandagospel,buttheyarebothfalsethereforehaveIset
myselfsoconstantlyagainstthem.AndinthatIwouldnotgiveplaceuntothem,thishaveI
broughttopass,thatthetruthoftheGospelcontinuethwithyou.SothePopeandthe
fantasticalspiritsdobragatthisday,thattheyteachtheGospelandfaithinChrist.Trueitis:
butwithsuchfruitasthefalseapostlesoncedid,whomPaulcallethbeforeinthefirstchapter,
troublersofthechurchesandsubvertersoftheGospelofChrist.Ontheotherside,hesaith
thatheteacheththetruthoftheGospelAsifheshouldsay:Thosethingswhichthefalse

apostlesteach,bragtheyneversomuchthattheyteachthetruth,arenothingelsebutstark
lies.SoallhereticspretendthenameofGod,ofChrist,oftheChurch,etc.Alsotheypretend
thattheywillnotteacherrorsorlies,butmostcertaintruthandthepurestGospelofChrist.
NowthetruthoftheGospelis,thatourrighteousnesscomethbyfaithalone,withoutthe
worksofthelaw.ThecorruptionorfalsehoodoftheGospelis,thatwearejustifiedbyfaith,
butnotwithouttheworksofthelaw.Withthisconditionannexed,thefalseapostlespreached
theGospel.
EvensodooursophistersandPapistsatthisday.Fortheysaythatwemustbelievein
Christ,andthatfaithisthefoundationofoursalvation:butitjustifiethnot,exceptitbe
furnishedwithcharity.ThisisnotthetruthoftheGospel,butfalsehoodanddissimulation.
ButthetrueGospelindeedis,thatworksofcharityarenottheornamentorperfectionoffaith:
butthatfaithofitselfisGodsgiftandGodsworkinourhearts,whichthereforejustifiethus,
becauseitapprehendethChristourredeemer.Mansreasonhaththelawforhisobject,thus
thinkingwithitself:ThisIhavedone,thisIhavenotdone.Butfaithbeinginherownproper
office,hathnootherobjectbutJesusChristtheSonofGod,deliveredtodeathforthesinsof
thewholeworldItlookethnottocharityitsaithnotWhathaveIdone?
WhathaveIoffended?WhathaveIdeserved?But[itsaith]:WhathathChristdone?
Whathathhedeserved?HerethetruthoftheGospelanswereththee:Hehathredeemedthee
fromsin,fromtiledevil,andfrometernaldeath.Faiththereforeacknowledgeththatinthis
oneperson,JesusChrist,ithathforgivenessofsinsandeternallife.Hethatturnethhiseyes
awayfromthisobject,hathnotruefaith,butafantasyandavainopinion,andturnethhis
eyesfromthepromisetothelaw,whichterrifiethanddrivethtodesperation.
Whereforethosethingswhichthepopishschoolmenhavetaughtconcerningthe
justifyingfaithbeingfurnishedwithcharity,arenothingelsebutmeredreams.Forthatfaith
whichapprehendethChristtheSonofGod,andisfurnishedwithhim,isthesamefaiththat
justifieth,andnotthefaithWrichincludethcharity.Forfaith,ifitistobesureandsteadfast,
mustlayholduponnothingelsebutChristalone,andintheconflictandterrorsofconscience
ithathnothingelsetoleanunto,butthispreciouspearlChristJesus.Whereforehethat
apprehendethChristbyfaith,althoughhebeneversomuchterrifiedwiththelaw,and
oppressedwiththeweightofhissins,yetmayhebeboldtoglorythatheisrighteous.How,
orbywhatmeans?EvenbythatpreciousjewelChristJesus,whichhepossessethbyfaith.
Thisouradversariesunderstandnot,andthereforetheycastawaythispreciouspearlChrist,
andinhisplacetheysetcharity,whichtheysayistheirpreciousjewel.Now,whenthey
cannottellwhatfaithis,itisimpossiblethattheyshouldhavefaithmuchlesscantheyteach
ituntoothers.Andasforthatwhichtheywillseemtohave,itisnothingelsebutnatural
reason,anopinion,averydream,andnofaith.
ThisIsay,totheendyemayperceiveandnotethatbythesewords,thetruthofthe
Gospel,Paulvehementlyreproveththecontrary.Fortherebyhereprehendeththefalse
apostles,becausetheyhadtaughtafalsegospel,requiringcircumcisionandtheobservationof
thelawasnecessarytosalvation,Moreover,theywentaboutbywonderfulcraftandsubtilty
toentrapPaulfortheywatchedhimnarrowly,toseewhetherhewouldcircumciseTitusor
noalso,whetherhedurstwithstandtheminthepresenceoftheApostles:andforthiscause
hereprehendeththembitterly.Theywentabout,saithhe,tospyoutourlibertywhichwe
haveinChristJesus,thattheymightbringusintobondage.Whereforethefalseapostles
armedthemselvesoneveryside,thattheymightconvinceandconfoundhimbeforethewhole
congregation.Besidesthis,theywentabouttoabusetheauthorityoftheApostles,inwhose

presencetheyaccusedhim,sayingPaulhathbroughtTitus,beinguncircumcised,intothe
companyofallthefaithfulhedeniethandcondemneththelawinyourpresence,whichare
Apostles.Ifhedarebesoboldtoattemptthishereandbeforeyou,whatwillnotheattemptin
yourabsenceamongtheGentiles?
Whereforewhenheperceivedthathewassocraftilyassailed,hestronglywithstoodthe
falseapostles,saying:WedidnotsufferourlibertywhichwehaveinChristJesustocomein
danger,althoughthefalsebrethrensoughtbyallmeanstosnareusandputustomuch
troublebutweovercamethemevenbythejudgmentoftheApostlesthemselves,andwe
wouldnotyielduntothem,nonotonehour(for,nodoubt,theirdriftwastohavecausedPaul
tosurceasefromthislibertyatleastforatime),sincewesawthattheyrequiredthe
observationofthelawasnecessarytosalvation.Butiftheyhadallegednothingelsebut
charitablebearingwiththebrethren,nodoubtbutPaulwouldhavegiventhemplace.Butit
wasanotherthingthattheysought:towit,thattheymightbringPaul,andallthatstucktohis
doctrine,intobondage.Thereforehewouldnotyielduntothem,no,notthespaceofone
moment.
InlikemannerdowealsooffertothePapistsallthatistobeoffered,yeaandmorethan
weought.OnlyweexceptthelibertyofconsciencewhichwehaveinChristJesus.Forwe
willnotbecompelledorsufferourconsciencestobeboundtoanywork,sothatbydoingthis
thingorthat,weshouldberighteous,orleavingthesameundoneweshouldbedamned.
Wearecontentedtoeatthesamemeatsthattheyeat,wewillkeeptheirfeastsandfasting
days,sotheywillsufferustodothesamewithafreeconscience,andleavethesethreatening
words,wherewiththeyhaveterrifiedandbroughtundertheirsubjectionthewholeworld,
saying:Wecommand,wecharge,wechargeagain,weexcommunicate,etc.Butthisliberty
wecannotobtainlikeasPaulalsocouldnotinhistime.Thereforewedoashedid.Forwhen
hesawthathecouldnotobtainthisliberty,hewouldnotgiveplacetothefalseapostleseven
thespaceofonehour.
Wherefore,likeasouradversarieswillnotleavethisfreeuntous,thatonlyfaithinChris
justifieth:soontheotherside,neitherwillwenorcanwegiveplaceuntothem,thatfaith
furnishedwithcharityjustifieth.Herewewillandweoughtalsotoberebelliousandobstinate
againstthem,forelseweshouldlosethetruthoftheGospel:weshouldloseourlibertywhich
wehave,notintheemperor,notinthekingsandprinces,notinthePope,notintheworld,
notinflesh,blood,reasonetc.,butwhichwehaveinChristJesus.Weshouldlosefaithin
Christ,which,asbeforeIhavesaid,apprehendethnothingelsebutthatpreciousjewelChrist
Jesus.Thisfaith,wherebyweareregenerate,justified,andengraftedintoChrist,ifour
adversarieswillleaveuntoussoundanduncorrupt,weofferuntothemthatwewilldoall
things,sothattheybenotcontrarytothisfaith.Butbecausewecannotobtainthisattheir
hands,weagainforourpartwillnotyielduntothemonehairsbreadth.ForthematterWhich
wehaveinhandisweightyandofgreatimportance,eventouchingthedeathoftheSonof
God:whobythewillandcommandmentoftheFatherwasmadeflesh,wascrucified,and
diedforthesinsoftheworld.Iffaithheregiveplace,thenisthisdeath,resurrectionetc.of
theSonofGodinvain:thenisitbutafablethatChrististheSavioroftheworld:thenisGod
foundaliar,becausehehathnotperformedthathepromised.Ourstoutnessthereforeinthis
matterisgodlyandholyforbyitweseektopreserveourlibertywhichwehaveinChrist
Jesus,andtherebytoretainthetruthoftheGospel.whichifwelose,thendowealsolose
God,Christ,allthepromises,faith,righteousness,andeverlastinglife.
Butherewillsomemansay:Thelawisdivineandholy.Letthelawhavehisglorybut

yetnolaw,beitneversodivineandholy,oughttoteachmethatIamjustifiedandshalllive
throughit.Igrant,itmayteachmethatIoughttoloveGodandmyneighboralsotolivein
chastity,soberness,patience,etc.butitoughtnottoshewmehowIshouldbedeliveredfrom
sin,thedevil,deathandhell.HereImusttakecounseloftheGospel,Imusthearkentothe
Gospel,whichteachethme,notwhatIoughttodo(forthatistheproperofficeoftheLaw),
butwhatJesusChristtheSonofGodhathdoneforme:towit,thathesufferedanddiedto
delivermefromsinanddeath.TheGospelwillethmetoreceivethis,andtobelieveit.And
thisisthetruthoftheGospel.ItisalsotheprincipalarticleofallChristiandoctrine,wherein
theknowledgeofallgodlinessconsisteth.Mostnecessaryitistherefore,thatweshouldknow
thisarticlewell,teachituntoothers,andbeatitintotheirheadscontinually.Forasitisvery
tender,soitissoonhurt.ThisPaulhadwelltried,andofthishaveallthegodlyalsogood
experience.
Toconclude,PaulwouldnotcircumciseTitus,and(ashesaith)fornoothercause,but
forthatcertainfalsebrethrenwerecreptin,toespyouttheirliberty,andwouldhave
constrainedPaultocircumciseTitus.Paulseeingthisconstraintandnecessity,wouldgiveno
place,no,notforonehour,butstronglyresistedthemandthereforehesaith:NeitherTitus
whichwaswithme,beingaGentile,wascompelledtobecircumcisedetc.(Galatians2:3).If
theyhadrequiredthisinthewayofbrotherlycharity,doubtlesshewouldnothavedeniedit.
Butseeingtheywouldhavedoneitasanecessarything,andthatbycompulsion,totheevil
exampleofothers,totheoverthrowingoftheGospel,andtobringmensconsciencesinto
bondage,thereforehesethimselfmightilyagainstthem,andprevailedso,thatTituswasnot
circumcised.
Itmayseembutasmallmattertobecircumcised,ornotcircumcised.Butwhenaman
hathanaffianceinkeepingofit,orelseisinfearfornotkeepingofit,hereGodisdenied,
Christisrejected,thegraceandallthepromisesofGodarerefused.Butif.circumcisionbe
keptwithoutthisaddition,thereisnodanger.IfthePopewouldinthissortrequireofusthe
keepingofhistraditions,asbareceremonies,itshouldnotbesogrievousuntoustokeep
them.Forwhatlaborwereittowearacowl,ortogoaboutwithashavencrown,seeingwe
otherwiseuseceremonies?Buttoaddthere:tothisgreatevil,thatinthistrifle,nay,thisthing
ofnaught,therelietheitherlifeordeatheverlasting,itisdevilishandblasphemous.
Inthismatter,whosoeverthouartthatkeepestsilence,bethouanathema.
Iwilleat,drink,wearthecowl,anddowhatsoeverthePopedesireth,onlysothathewill
sufferallthesethingstobefree.Butseeinghewillexactthemasnecessarytosalvation,
bindingconsciencestothemandplacingtheserviceofGodinthem,herewemustbyall
meansresist.Itdoethnohurttocarvewood,stone,astatue,buttosetitupfortheserviceof
God,andtoattributedivinitytothewood,stone,orstatue,thisistoworshipanidolinthe
placeofGod.ThereforewemustdiligentlyconsiderwhatmatterPaulhathinhand,lestwe
speakfoolishlyasJeromedoth,whosupposedthequestionanddisputationtobeaboutthe
thingsthemselves.
Inthisheerred.Forthequestionisnotwhetherwoodiswood,orstoneisstone,butit
concerneththeaddition,thatistosay,theuseofthethings:towit,whetherthiswoodisGod,
whetherdivinitydwellethinthisstone.
Hereweanswerthatwoodiswood,etc.Socircumcisionisnothinganduncircumcision
isnothing,saithPaul(1Corinthians7:19),buttoplacerighteousness,thefearofGod,the
confidenceofsalvation,thefearofdeath,inthesethings,itistoattributedivinityto
ceremonies.Thereforenotanhairsbreadthmustweyieldtoouradversaries,asPaulyielded

nottothefalseapostlesforneithercircumcisionnoruncircumcision,nortonsure,norcowl
pertainethuntorighteousness,butgraceonlyandalone.ThisisthetruthoftheGospel.
Butofthemwhichseemedtobesomewhat(whattheywereintimespast)itisnomatter.
Tome)etc.
Hisspeechiselliptical,fortherearewantingthewords:Ireceivednothing.Butitisalight
faultintheHolyGhostspeakinginPaulifheoffendethsomewhatagainstthegrammar.He
speakethwithgreatfervency,andhethatisferventcannotsoexactlyinspeakingobserve
grammaticalrulesandrhetoricalprecepts.
NowthisisavehementandastoutConfutation.ForhegivethnottothetrueApostles
themselvesanyglorioustitlebutasitwereabasingtheirdignity,hesaith:Whichseemedto
besomewhat,thatis,whichwereinauthority,uponwhomthedeterminationofallmatters
depended.
Notwithstanding,theauthorityoftheApostleswasindeedverygreatinallthechurches,
andPaulalsodidnotseekanywhirtodiminishtheirauthority.Buthethuscontemptuously
answereththefalseapostles,whichsettheauthorityanddignityoftheApostlesagainstPaul
inallthechurches,thattherebytheymightweakenhisauthority,andbringhiswholeministry
intosuspicion.ThisPaulmightnotsuffer.Totheend,therefore,thatthetruthoftheGospel
andlibertyofconscienceinChristmightcontinueamongtheGalatians,andinallthe
churchesoftheGentiles,heanswerethstoutlytothefalseapostles,thathepassednothow
greattheApostleswere,orwhattheyhadbeenintimespastandwhereastheyallegedthe
authorityofthenameoftheApostlesagainsthim,ittouchedhimnothingatall.Heconfesseth
thattheApostlesareindeedsomewhat,andtheirauthorityistobereverenced:
notwithstanding,hisGospelandministryoughtnottobeoverthrownforthenameortitleof
any,howgreatsoeverhebe,whetheranApostle,oranangelfromheaven.
AndthiswasoneofthegreatestargumentsthatthefalseapostlesusedagainstPaul.The
Apostles,saidthey,werefamiliarlyconversantwithChristforthespaceofthreeyears.They
heardandSawallhispreachingsandmiracles.Moreover,theythemselvespreachedand
wroughtmiracleswhileChristwasyetlivingintheworld:whomPaulneversawintheflesh,
andastouchinghisconversion,itwaslongaftertheglorificationofChrist.
Whereforetheyshouldnowconsiderwhichofthesetheyoughtmoretobelieve:Paul
whichwasbutoneandalone,andalsobutadisciple,yeaandoneofthelastofallorthe
chiefestandmostexcellentApostles,whichlongbeforePaulweresentandconfirmedby
Christhimself.TothisPaulanswereth:Whatofallthis?Thisargumentconcludethnothing.
LettheApostlesbeneversogreat,yealetthembeangelsfromheaven,itisnomattertome.
ThecontroversyisnothereconcerningtheexcellencyoftheApostles,butconcerningthe
WordofGodandthetruthoftheGospel.
Thisoughttobekeptpureanduncorruptthisoughttobepreferredaboveallthings.
ThereforehowgreatPeterandtheotherApostleshavebeen,whatgreatmiraclestheyhave
wrought,itisnomattertome.ThisisitthatIonlyseek,eventhatthetruthoftheGospelmay
continueamongyou.
ThisseemethtobebutaslenderanswerofPaul,whenofpurposehesocondemneththe
authorityoftheApostles,whichthefalseapostlesallegedagainsthim,andgivethnoother
solutiontotheirmightyargumentthanthis:Itisnomattertome.Notwithstanding,headdeth
areasonoftheconfutation:

Godacceptethnomansperson
ThisplaceheallegethoutofMoses,whouseththesame,notoncebutmanytimes:Thou
shaltnotacceptinjudgmentthepersonoftherichmanorofthepoor(Leviticus19:15
Deuteronomy1:17).Andthisisaprincipleofdivinity:Godisnoaccepterofpersons
(Deuteronomy10:172Chronicles19:7Romans2:11Acts10:34Ephesians6:9Colossians
3:25).Withthewhichsayinghestoppeththemouthsofthefalseapostles.Asthoughhe
wouldsay:YesetthoseagainstmewhichseemtobesomewhatbutGodcarethnotforsuch
things.HeregardethnottheofficeofanApostle,orBishop,orPrince.Itisnotthedignityor
authorityofmenthathelookethupon.Andintokenhereof,hesufferedJudas,oneofthe
chiefestApostles,andSauloneofthegreatestkings,yeaandthefirstofall,tofallawayand
tobedamned.
IshmaelalsoandEsauherefused,beingbothfirstborn.Soshallyoufindthroughoutall
thewholeScripture,thatGodoftentimes,rejectedthosewhichinoutwardshewwerevery
.goodandholymen.AndintheseexamplesGodseemethsometimestobecruelbutitwas
mostnecessarythatsuchfearfulexamplesshouldbeshewn,andalsobewritten.Forthisvice
isnaturallygraftedinus,thatwehighlyesteemthepersonsanddignityofmen,andmore
regardthesamethantheWordofGod.ContrariwiseGodwillhaveustofixoureyes,andto
restwhollyupontheWorditselfhewillnothaveustoreverenceandadoretheapostleshipin
thepersonsofPeterandPaul,butChristspeakinginthem,andtheWordwhichtheybring
andpreachuntous.
Thisthenaturalmancannotsee:butthespiritualmanonlydiscerneththepersonfromthe
Word,theveilofGodfromGodhimself.NowthisveilofGodiseverycreature.Moreover,
Godhereinthislifedealethnotwithusfacetoface,butveiledandshadowedfromusthatis,
asPaulsaithinanotherplace:Weseehimnowthroughaglassdarkly:butthenfacetoface
life(1Corinthians13:12).Thereforewecannotbewithoutveilsinthislife.Butherewisdom
isrequired,whichcandiscerntheveilfromGodhimselfandthiswisdomtheworldhathnot.
Thecovetousman,hearingthatmanlivethnotbybreadalone,butbyeverywordthat
proceedethoutofthemouthofGod(Deuteronomy8:3Matthew4:4),eateththebread,buthe
seethnotGodinthebreadforhebeholdeththeveilonly[andoutwardshew].Sohedoth
withgoldandothercreatures,trustingtothemsolongashehaththem:butwhentheyleave
him,hedespaireth.AndthushehonorethnottheCreator,butthecreatures,notGod,buthis
ownbelly.
ThisIspeak,lestanymanshouldthinkthatPaulutterlycondemneththese[outward]
veilsorpersons.Forhesaithnot,thatthereoughttobenoperson,butthatthereisnorespect
ofpersonswithGod.TheremustbepersonsandoutwardveilsGodhathgiventhem,and
theyarehisgoodcreaturesbutwemustnotworshipthem.Allthematterasintheusingof
things,andnotinthethingsthemselves,asbeforeIhavesaid.Thereisnofaultin
circumcisionoruncircumcision(forcircumcisionisnothing,anduncircumcisionis
nothing),butintheusethereof.Toworshipcircumcisionandputrighteousnessinit,and
unrighteousnessinuncircumcision,thatuseisdamnable,andoughttobetakenaway:which
beingremoved,bothcircumcisionanduncircumcisionaregoodthings.
Sotheprince,themagistrate,thepreacher,theschoolmaster,thescholar,thefather,the
mother,thechildren,themaster,theservant,arepersonsand[outward]veils,whichGodwill
haveustoacknowledge,love,andreverenceashiscreatures,whichalsomustneedsbehadin
thislifebuthewillnothaveustoworshipthem,thatis,sotoreverencethemthatwetrust

untothemandforgethim.Andtotheendthatweshouldnottoomuchmagnifythe[outward]
persons,orputanytrustinthem,Godleavethinthemoffensesandsins,yeagreatandfoul
sins,toteachuswhatdifferencethereisbetweenthepersonandGodhimself.David,that
goodking,becauseheshouldnotseemtobeapersonuponwhommenshouldtrust,fellinto
horriblesins,adulteryandmurder.Peter,thatexcellentApostle,deniedChrist.Theseand
suchlikeexamples,whereoftheScriptureisfull,oughttowarnus,thatwereposenotour
trustintheperson[andoutwardveil],northinkthatwhenwehavethepersonwehaveall
thingsasitisinpopery,wheretheyjudgeallthingsaccordingtotheoutwardveil,and
thereforeallpoperyisnothingelsebutamererespectingofpersons.Godhathgivenhis
creaturestoouruse,andtodousservice,andnotasidols,thatweshoulddoserviceunto
them.Letusthenusebread,wine,apparel,possessions,gold,silver,andallothercreatures.
ButletusnottrustorgloryinthemforwemusttrustandgloryinGodalone.Heonlyistobe
loved,heonlyistobefearedandhonored.
PaulcallethheretheapostleshiporofficeoftheApostles(whichwrought,manyand
greatmiracles,taughtandconvertedmanytothefaith,andwerealsofamiliarwithChrist)the
personofman.
Briefly,thiswordpersoncomprehendeththewholeoutwardconversationofthe
Apostles,whichwasholy,andtheirauthority,whichwasgreat.
Notwithstanding,saithhe,Godesteemethnotthesethingsnotthatheesteemeththemnot
atall,butinthematterofjustificationheregardeththemnot,betheyneversogreatandso
glorious.Forwemustdiligentlymarkthisdistinction,thatinmattersofdivinitywemust
speakfarotherwisethaninmattersofpolicy.Inmattersofpolicy,asIhavesaid,Godwill
haveustohonorandreverencetheseoutwardveilsorpersonsashisinstrumentsbywhomhe
governethandpreserveththeworld.Butwhenthequestionisastouchingreligion,
conscience,thefearofGod,faith,andtheserviceofGod,wemustnotfeartheseoutward
persons,wemustputnotrustinthem,lookfornocomfortfromthem,orhopedeliveranceby
them,eithercorporallyorspiritually.ForthiscauseGodwillhavenorespectofpersonsin
judgmentforjudgmentisadivinething.WhereforeIoughtneithertofearthejudge,nortrust
inthejudgebutmyfearandtrustoughttobeinGodalone,whoisthetrueJudge.Thecivil
judgeormagistrate,IoughtindeedtoreverenceforGodscause,whoseministerheis:butmy
consciencemaynotstayortrustuponhisjusticeandequity,orbefearedthroughhisunjust
dealingortyranny,wherebyImightfallintoanyoffenseagainstGod,inlying,inbearing
falsewitness,indenyingthetruth,etc.OtherwiseIwillreverenceandhonorthemagistrate
withallmyheart.
SoIwouldalsohonorthePopeandlovehisperson,ifhewouldleavemyconscience
free,andnotcompelmetosinagainstGod.Buthewillsobefearedandadored,ascannotbe
donewithoutoffensetothemajestyofGod.Heresincewemustneedslosetheone,letuslose
thepersonandsticktoGod.WecouldbecontenttosufferthedominionofthePope,but
becauseheabuseththesamesotyrannouslyagainstus,andwouldcompelustodenyand
blasphemeGod,andhimonlytoacknowledgeasourlordandmaster,cloggingour
consciences,andspoilingusoffearandtrustwhichweshouldhaveinGod,thereforeweare
compelledbythecommandmentofGodtoresistthePopeforitiswritten:Wemustrather
obeyGodthanmen(Acts5:29).Therefore,withoutoffenseofconscience,whichisour
singularcomfort,wecontemntheauthorityofthePope.Muntzerandothermadheadsdesired
thedestructionofthePope,buttheysoughttoaccomplishthiswitharms,notwiththeWord
andsotheywithstoodhimforthesakeofhisperson,andnotforGodssake.Weforourpart

wouldgladlyshewfavortoBehemothandhisscales,withallthepersonsanddignitieswhich
theyhave,iftheywouldbutleaveusChrist.Butbecausewecannotobtainthisofthem,we
contemntheirpersonsandsayboldlywithPaul:Godrespectethnomansperson.Thereis
acertainvehemencythereforetobenotedinthewordGod.Forinthecauseofreligionand
theWordofGod,theremustbenorespectofpersons.Butoutofreligion,andinmattersof
policy,wemusthaveregardtotheperson:forotherwisetheremustneedsfollowconfusion
andanendofallreverenceandorder,InthisworldGodwillhaveanorder,areverence,anda
differenceofpersons.Forelsethechild,thescholar,theservant,thesubjectwouldsay:Iama
Christianaswellasmyfather,myschoolmaster,mymaster,myprincewhythenshouldI
reverencehim?
BeforeGod,then,mereisnorespectofpersons,neitherofGreciannorofJew,butallare
oneinChristalthoughnotsobeforetheworld.
ThusPaulconfuteththeargumentofthefalseapostlesastouchingtheauthorityofthe
Apostles,andsaiththatitisnothingtothepurpose.Forthequestionisnothereconcerning
therespectofpersons,butthereisafarweightiermatterinhand,thatistosay,adivinematter
concerningGodandhisWord,andwhetherthisWordoughttobepreferredbeforethe
apostleshiporno.WhereuntoPaulanswereth:SothatthetruthoftheGospelmaycontinue,so
thattheWordofGodandtherighteousnessoffaithmaybekeptpureanduncorrupt,letthe
apostleshipgo,letanangelfromheaven,letPeter,letPaulaltogetherperish.
Neverthelesstheythatseemedtobethechief,didcommunicatenothingwithme
AsthoughhewouldsayIdidnotsoconferwiththeApostles,thattheytaughtmeanything.
Forwhatshouldtheyteachme,sinceChristbyhisrevelationhadbeforesufficientlytaught
meallthings,andsinceIhavenowpreachedtheGospelthespaceofeighteenyearsamong
theGentries,andChristhathwroughtsomanymiraclesbyme,wherebyhehathconfirmed
mydoctrine?Whereforeitwasbutaconference,andnodisputation.

WhereinIlearnednothing,neitherdidIrecant,noryetdefendmycause,butonly
declaredwhatthingsIhaddonetowit,thatIhadpreachedtotheGentilesfaithonlyin
Christ,withoutthelaw,andthatbythispreachingoffaiththeHolyGhostcamedownupon
theGentiles,whichimmediatelyspokewithdiverstongues.WhichthingwhentheApostles
heard,theywitnessedthatIhadtaughtthetruthwhereforethefalseapostlesdomegreat
wrong,whichpervertandturnallthesethingscleancontrary.NowthisprideofPaul,
wherebyhesaiththattheotherApostlescommunicatednothinguntohim,isnotafault,but
mostnecessaryforhadheyieldedhere,thetruthoftheGospelhadperished.ButifPaul
wouldgivenoplacetothefalseapostles,whichsettheauthorityofthetrueApostlesagainst
him,muchlessoughtwetogiveplacetoouradversaries,whichhavenothingelsetobragof
buttheauthorityoftheiridolthePope.Iknowthatthegodlyoughttobehumble,butagainst
thePopeIwillandIoughttobeproudwithanholypride,andsay:ThouPope,Iwillnotbe
subjectuntotheeIwillnottaketheeformymaster,forIamsurethatmydoctrineistrueand
godly.ButthePopewillnothearthisdoctrinenay,hewouldforcemetoobeyhislawsand
hisdecrees,andifIwillnot,hewillbyandbyexcommunicateandcondemnmeasaheretic
anddeserteroftheChurch.SuchpridethereforeagainstthePopeismostnecessary.Andif
weshouldnotbethusstoutandproud,andintheHolyGhostutterlycondemnbothhimwith
allhisdoctrine,andthedevil,thefatheroflies,speakinginhim,weshouldneverbeableto

defendthisarticleoftherighteousnessoffaith.Wedonotthencontemntheauthorityofthe
Popebecausewewouldbearruleoverhim,neitherwouldwegoabouttoexaltourselves
aboveallsovereignpower,sinceitisevidentthatweteachallmentohumbleandsubmit
themselvestothehigherpowersordainedofGodbutthisisitthatweonlyseek,thatthe
gloryofGodmaybemaintained,andtherighteousnessoffaithmaybekeptpureandsound.
Wherefore,ifthePopewillgrantuntous,thatGodalonebyhismeregracethrough
Christdothjustifysinners,wewillnotonlycarryhiminourhands,butwillalsokisshisfeet.
Butsincewecannotobtainthis,weagaininGodareproudagainsthimabovemeasure,and
willgivenoplace,no,notonehairsbreadth,toalltheangelsinheaven,nottoPeter,notto
Paul,nottoanhundredemperors,nortoathousandpopes,nortothewholeworld.Beitfar
fromusthatweshouldherehumbleourselves,sincetheywouldtakefromusourglory,even
Godhimselfthathathcreatedusandgivenusallthings,andJesusChristwhohathredeemed
uswithhisblood.Letthisbethentheconclusionofalltogether,thatwewillsufferourgoods
tobetakenaway,ourname,ourlife,andallthatwehavebuttheGospel,ourfaith,Jesus
Christ,wewillneversuffertobewrestedfromus.Andcursedbethathumilitywhichhere
abasethandsubmittethitself.NayratherleteveryChristianmanherebeproudandsparenot,
excepthewilldenyChrist.
Wherefore,Godassistingme,myforeheadshallbemorehardthanallmensforeheads.
HereItakeuponmethisrifle,accordingtotheproverb:cedonulli,Igiveplacetonone.Yea,
Iamgladevenwithallmyheart,inthispointtoseemrebelliousandobstinate.AndhereI
confessthatIamandeverwillbestoutandstern,andwillnotoneinchgiveplacetoany
creature.Charitygivethplace,foritbearethallthings,believethallthings,hopethallthings,
endurethallthings(1Corinthians13:7),butfaithgivethnoplace,yeaitcansuffernothing,
accordingtothisancientverse:Nonpatiturludumfama,fides,oculusthatis,Mansgood
name,hisfaith,andhiseye,willnotbedalliedwithal.Wherefore,aChristian,astouchinghis
faith,canneverbetooproudnortoostout,neithermustherelentorgiveplace,no,notthe
breadthofonehair:forfaithmakethamanherelikeuntoGod(2Peter1:4):butGodsuffereth
nothing,hegivethplacetonone,forheisimmutablesoisfaithimmutable,andtherefore
maysuffernothing,giveplacetonoman.Butastouchingcharity,letaChristianmanyield
andsufferallthings,forthereinheisbutaman.
Butcontrariwise,whentheysawthatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwascommitted
untome,asthegospelofthecircumcisionwasuntoPeter(forhethatwasmightyby
Peterintheapostleshipofthecircumcision,wasalsomightybymetowardsthegentiles),
&c.
WiththesewordsPaulmightilyconfuteththefalseapostles,forherehechallengethtohimself
thesameauthoritywhichthefalseapostlesattributedtothetrueApostlesandheusethherea
figurewhichiscalledaninversion,returningtheirargumentagainstthemselves.Thefalse
apostles,saithhe,doallegeagainstmetheauthorityofthegreatApostles,tomaintaintheir
causebutI,contrariwise,doallegethesameagainstthemformydefense,fortheApostles
areonmyside.Wherefore,OmyGalatians,believenotthesecounterfeitapostles,whichbrag
somuchoftheauthorityoftheApostlesagainstme.FortheApostles,whentheysawthe
Gospeloftheuncircumcisiontobecommittedtome,andknewofthegracethattomewas
given,gavetomeandBarnabastherighthandoffellowship,approvingmy.ministryand
givingthanksuntoGodforthegiftswhichIhadreceived.Thushereturneththeargumentof

thefalseapostlesuponthemselves.Andinthesewordsthereisanardentvehemency,and
morecontainedinmatter,thaninwordsisabletobeexpressed.Whereforealsoitcomethto
passthatPaul,forgettingthegrammar,hathconfoundedtheconstruction.
Nowwhenhesaith:whichwerereputedtobepillars,thiswasnoemptyshew,butthey
wereinverytruthheldtobepillars.FortheApostleswerereverencedandhonored
throughoutthewholeChurch,andwiththemwastheauthoritytoapproveandpublishthe
doctrineofthetruth,andtocondemnthecontrary.Thisisaverynotabletext,whereinPaul
saiththattheGospeloftheuncircumcisionwascommitteduntohim,andofthecircumcision
untoPeter,whennotwithstanding,PaulalmosteverywherepreachedtotheJewsintheir
synagogues,andPeterlikewisetotheGentiles.Thereareexamplesandtestimoniesofbothin
theActs.PeterconvertedtheCenturionwithhisfamily,whichwasaGentile(Acts10:1ff.).
HewrotealsototheGentiles,ashisfirstEpistletestifieth.Paul,preachingChristamongthe
Gentiles,enterethnotwithstandingintothesynagoguesoftheJews,andtherepreacheththe
Gospel(Acts9:20etc.).AndourSaviorChrist,inMatthewandMark,commandethhis
Apostlestogothroughoutthewholeworld,andpreachtheGospeltoeverycreature(Matthew
28:19Mark16:15).Paullikewisesaith:theGospelpreachedtoeverycreaturewhichis
underheaven(Colossians1:23).WhythendothhecallhimselftheApostleoftheGentiles,
andPeterwiththeother,theApostlesofthecircumcision?
Paulhathrespectuntothis,thattheotherApostlesremainedspeciallyinJudeaand
Jerusalem,untilGodcalledthem.untootherplaces.Thusstoodthematterthenforthetime,
thatwhilethepoliticalstateoftheJewscontinued,theApostlesstillremainedmJudaeabut
whenthedestructionofJerusalemapproached,theyweredispersedthroughoutthewhole
world.
ButPaul,asitiswrittenintheActs(13:2),byasingularvocationwaschosentobethe
ApostleoftheGentiles,andbeingsentoutofJudaea,hetraveledthroughthecountriesofthe
Gentiles.NowweretheJewsdispersedalmostthroughoutthewholeworld,anddwelthere
andthereincitiesandotherplacesamongtheGentiles.Paulcomingthither,waswonttogo
intothesynagoguesoftheJews,andbythisoccasionhefirstbroughtuntothem,asthe
childrenofthekingdom,thisgladtidings,thatthepromisesmadeuntothefatherswere
accomplishedbyJesusChrist.Whentheywouldnothearthis,heturnedtotheGentiles,as
Lukewitnesseth,Acts13:46,wherehebringethinPaulthusboldlyspeakingagainsttheJews:
ItwasnecessarythatweshouldfirstpreachthewordofGoduntoyoubutseeingyerejectit,
andjudgeyourselvesunworthyofeverlastinglife,lo!weturntotheGentilesandActs
28:28:Beitknownthereforeuntoyou,thatthissalvationofGodissentuntotheGentiles,
andtheyshallhearit.Wherefore,PaulwassentspeciallyuntotheGentiles.
Butbecausehewasadebtoruntoall,andbecameallthingsuntoallmen,therefore
occasionbeingoffered,hewentintothesynagoguesoftheJews,wherenotonlytheJews,but
alsotheGentiles,heardhimpreachingChrist.
Otherwhiles,hepreachedpubliclyinthemarketplace,inhouses,andbytheriverssides.
HewasspeciallythentheApostleoftheGentiles,asPeterwasoftheJewswho,
notwithstanding,preachedChristtotheGentilesalsowhenoccasionwasoffered.

AndherehecallethuncircumcisiontheGentiles,andcircumcisiontheJews,byafigure
namedsynecdoche,whichunderapartcomprehendeththewholewhichfigureiscommonly
usedmtheScripture:theGospelthenoftheuncircumcision,isthatwhichwasappointedto
besentuntotheGentiles.ThisGospel,saithhe,wascommitteduntohim,astheGospelofthe

circumcisionwasuntoPeterforasPeterpreachedtheGospelamongtheJews,sodidhe
amongtheGentiles.Hereitistobenoted,thattheHebrewstakethegenitiveconstruction
variously,nowactively,nowpassivelywhichoftentimesobscureththesense.Examplesare
tobefoundeverywhereinPaulandinthewholeScriptureasforexamplethisphrase,the
gloryofGod,whichisnotalittleobscure,sinceitcanbeinterpretedbothactivelyand
passively.
Actively,thegloryofGodisthatglorywhichGodhathinhimselfpassively,itisthat
wherewithwegloryinGod.LikewisefidesChristi,orthefaithofChrist,etc.Weforthe
mostpartinterpretsuchphrasespassively,thus:thefaithofChrististhatwherewithChristis
believed.Inlikemanner,theGospelofGodistakenactively,asthatwhichGodalone
givethandsendethintotheworld,buttheGospelofthecircumcisionandofthe
uncircumcisionistakenpassively,asthatwhichissenttotheGentilesandtheJewsandis
receivedofthem.NowPaulmeanethnothingelsebutthattheGospeloftheuncircumcision,
thatistosay,theGospelwhichwastobesenttotheGentiles,hadbeencommitteduntohim,
likeastheGospelofthecircumcisionhadbeencommitteduntoPeter.
Thisheoftenrepeateth,thatPeter,James,andJohn,whichseemedtobethepillarsofthe
church,taughthimnothing,norcommitteduntohimtheofficeofpreachingtheGospel,as
havingauthorityandruleoverhim.
Buttheythemselves,saithhe,didseethattheGospelwascommitteduntome,butnotby
PeterforasIdidnotreceiveorlearntheGospelofman,sodidIreceivenocommandment
bymantopreachthesame,butboththeknowledgeandthecommandmenttopreachitamong
theGentiles,IreceivedimmediatelyfromChristlikeasthechargewasgivenofGodunto
PetertopreachthesameamongtheJews.
ThisplacewitnessethveryplainlythattheApostleshadlikecalling,likecharge,andall
oneGospel.PeterpreachednootherGospelthantherestoftheApostlesdid,neitherdidhe
appointtootherstheirchargeandofficebuttherewasanequalityamongthemall,forthey
werealltaughtandcalledofGod,thatis,boththeirvocationandchargewaswhollyand
immediatelyfromGod.Therewasnone,therefore,greaterthanother,nonethathadany
prerogativeaboveother.Andtherefore,whenthePopevaunteththatPeterwasthechiefof
theApostles,thattherebyhemightconfirmandestablishhisprimacy,itisanimpudentlie.
ForhethatwasmightybyPeteretc.
Thisisaconfutationofanotherargumentofthefalseapostles.Whydothefalseapostles
boast,saithhe,thattheGospelofPeterwasmighty,thatheconvertedmany,thathewrought
manyandgreatmiracles,raisedupthedead,andwithhisshadowhealedthesick?(Acts
5:15).Igrantallthesethingstobetrue:butPeterreceivedthispowerfromheaven.Godgave
avirtuetohisword,sothatmanydidbelievehim,andgreatmiracleswerewroughtbyhim.
ThesamepowerhadIalsowhichIreceivednotofPeter,butthesameGodandthesame
SpiritwhichwasmightyinPeter,wasmightyinmealso.IhadthesamegraceItaughtmany
Iwroughtmanymiracles,andthroughmyshadowalsoIhealedthesick.AndthisLuke
testifiethinthesewords:AndGodwroughtnosmallmiraclesbythehandsofPaul,sothat
fromhisbodywerebroughtuntothesicknapkinsandhandkerchiefs,andthediseases
departedfromthem,andtheevilspiritswentoutofthem(Acts19:11f.).Readmorehereof
inActs13,16,20,28.
Toconclude,PaulwillbecountedinnopointinferiortotherestoftheApostlesand

hereinhegloriethwithagodlyandaholypride.Necessityconstrainedhimstoutlyto
withstandPeter,andtheburningzealhehadforthegloryofGodmovedhimsotodo.Certain
profanespirits,asJulianandPorphyrius,notconsideringthis,thoughtittobebutacarnal
pridethatcausedPaulthustodosuchasatthisdayweseeinthePopeandhisbishops.But
Paulhadnotherehisownbusinessinhand,butamatteroffaith.Now,asconcerningfaithwe
oughttobeinvincible,andmorehard,ifitmightbe,thantheadamantstonebutastouching
charity,weoughttobesoft,andmoreflexiblethanthereedorleafthatisshakenwiththe
wind,andreadytoyieldtoeverything.Thereforethecontroversywasnotheretouchingthe
gloryofPaul,butthegloryofGod,theWordofGod,thetrueworshipofGod,truereligion,
andtherighteousnessoffaith,totheendthatthesethingsmightstillremainpureand
uncorrupt.
Andwhentheyknewofthegracethatwasgivenuntome,JamesandcephasandJohn
(whichwerecountedtobepillars)gavetomeandtobarnabastherighthandsof
fellowship,thatweshouldpreachuntothegentiles,andtheyuntothecircumcision
Thatistosay,whentheyheardthatIhadreceivedmycallingandchargefromGod,topreach
theGospelamongtheGentiles,andthatGodhadwroughtsomanymiraclesbyme
moreover,thatsogreatanumberoftheGentileswerecometotheknowledgeofChrist
throughmyministry,andthattheGentileshadreceivedtheHolyGhost,withoutthelawand
circumcision,bytheonlyhearingoffaiththeyglorifiedGodforthisgracewhichwasgiven
untome.
Hecallethgracehere,whatsoeverhehadreceivedofGod:towit,thatofapersecutorand
wasteroftheChurchhewasmadeanApostle,wastaughtbyJesusChrist,andenrichedwith
spiritualgifts.Andherewithalhesheweth,thatPetergavetestimonyuntohimthathewasa
trueApostle,sentandtaughtnotbyhimself,norbytheotherApostles,butbyGodaloneand
sohenotonlyhumblyacknowledgedtheministryandauthorityofPaul,andthegiftsofthe
Spiritwhichwereinhim,asheavenlythings,butalsoapprovedandconfirmedthesame,and
yetnotasasuperiorandruler,butasabrotherandwitness.JamesandJohndidlikewisethe
same.Whereforeheconcludeththattheywhichareesteemedforthechiefpillarsamongthe
Apostles,arewhollywithhim,andnotagainsthim.
Therighthandsoffellowship
Asiftheyshouldhavesaid:We,OPaul,inpreachingtheGospel,doagreewiththeeinall
thingsthereforeindoctrinewearecompanions,andhavefellowshiptogetherthereinthatis
tosay,wehaveallonedoctrine,forwepreachoneGospel,onebaptism,oneChrist,andone
faith.Whereforewecanteachorenjointheenothing,sincethereisonemutualconsent
betwixtusinallthings.Forwedonotteachanyotherormoreexcellentthingsthanthoudost
butthesamegiftwhichwehave,weseetobeintheealso,savingthattotheeiscommitted
theGospel.oftheuncircumcision,astheGospelofthecircumcisionisuntous.Butwe
concludehere,thatneitheruncircumcisionnorcircumcisionoughttohinderoursocietyand
fellowship,sinceitisbutoneGospelwhichwebothpreach.Thisplaceadmonishethusthat
thereisbutoneandthesameGospelforbothGentilesandJews,monksandlaymen,young
andold,menandwomen,etc.Thereisnorespectofpersons,butforallmentheWordand
doctrineisoneandthesame.Whosoeverhearethandbelievethit,issaved,nomatterwhether

hebeuncircumcisedorcircumcised.
HithertoPaulhathprovedbymanifestwitness,notonlyfromGod,butalsofromman,
thatistosay,theApostles,thathehadtrulyandfaithfullypreachedtheGospel.Thereforehe
sheweththatwhatsoeverthefalseapostlessaidtodiminishhisauthority,isbutfeignedand
forgedmatter,andthatthetestimonyoftheApostlesmakethforhim,andnotforthefalse
apostles.Butforthatheisaloneandwithoutwitness,thereforeheaddethanoath,andcalleth
Godtorecordthatthethingswhichhehathspokenaretrue.
Warningonlythatweshouldremember.Thepoor,whichthingalsoIwasdiligenttodo.
AfterthepreachingoftheGospel,theofficeandchargeofatrueandfaithfulpastoris,tobe
mindfulofthepoor.ForwheretheChurchis,theremustneedsbepoorwhoforthemostpart
aretheonlytruedisciplesoftheGospel,asChristsaith:Thepoorhavethegladtidingsofthe
Gospelpreacheduntothem(Matthew11:5)Fortheworldandthedevildopersecutethe
Church,andbringmanytopoverty,whoareafterwardsforsakenanddespisedoftheworld.
Moreover,theworldnotonlyoffendethherein,butalsoiscarelessforthepreservationofthe
Gospel,truereligion,andthetrueserviceofGod,thereisnonethatwillnowtakeanycarefor
themaintenanceoftheministersoftheChurch,anderectingofschoolsbutfortheerecting
andestablishingoffalseworship,superstitionandidolatry,nocostwasspared,buteveryman
wasreadytogivemostliberallyandlargely.Andhereofcamesomanymonasteries,somany
cathedralchurches,somanybishopricsinthePopeschurch,whereallimpietyreigned,With
sogreatrevenuesprovidedfortheirsustentationwhereasnowawholecitythinkethmuchto
supportoneortwopoorministersandpreachersofthe.Gospel,whichbefore,whilethePope
andallimpietyreigned,didsustainsundrymonasteriesofmonks,friars,nuns,andwhole
swarmsofmassingpriestsetc.Tobebrief,truereligioniseverinneed,andChrist
complaineththatheishungry,thirsty,harborless,naked,andsick(Matthew25:35).
Contrariwise,falsereligionandimpietyflourishethandaboundethWithallworldlywealth
andprosperity.
Whereforeatrueandfaithfulpastormusthaveacareofthepooralso:andthiscarePaul
hereconfesseththathehad.
AndwhenPeterwascometoAntiochia,Iwithstoodhimtohisface:forhewastobe
blamed
Paulgoethonstillinhisconfutation,sayingthathenotonlyhathforhisdefensethe
testimonyofPeterandtheotherApostlesWhichwereatJerusalem,butalsothathewithstood
PeterinthepresenceofthewholechurchofAntioch.Heshewethhereamatternotdoneina
corner,butinthefaceofthewholechurch.Andthisisamarvelloushistory,whichhathgiven
occasionoffalseaccusationtomany,asPorphyrius,Celsus,Julianandother,whichcharge
Paulwithpride,becauseheassailedthechiefoftheApostles,andthatinthefaceofthewhole
churchwhereby(saythey)heexceededtheboundsofChristianmodestyandhumility.Butit
isnomarvelthattheythusthinkandspeakwhoperceivenotthepointofthisdisputationof
Paul.For,asIbeforehavesaid,hehathherenotriflingmatterinhand,butthechiefestarticle
ofallChristiandoctrine.Theutilityandmajestywhereofwhosorightlyesteemeth,tohimall
otherthingsshallseembutvileandnothingworth.ForwhatisPeter?WhatisPaul?Whatis
anangelfromheaven?Whatareallothercreaturestothearticleofjustification?Whichifwe

know,thenareweintheclearlight:butifwebeignorantthereof,thenareweinmost
miserabledarkness.Wherefore,ifyeseethisarticleimpugned,ordefaced,fearnottoresist
eitherPeteroranangelfromheaven.Foritcannotbesufficientlyextolled.ButPorphyrius
andtheothers,beholdingthegreatdignityofPeter,doadmirehispersonandforgetthe
majestyofthisarticle.Pauldoeththecontrary:hedothnotsharplyinveighagainstPeter,but
handlethhimwithreverenceenoughbutbecauseheseeththemajestyofthisarticleof
justificationtobeindangerforthedignityofPeter,hetakethnoaccountofhisdignity,that
hemaykeepthesamepureanduncorrupt.Foritiswritten:Hethatlovethfatherormother,
orhisownlifemorethanme,isnotworthyofme(Matthew10:37).
Whereforewearenotashamed,forthedefenseofthetruth,tobecountedandcalledof
thehypocrites,proudandobstinate,andsuchaswillbeonlywise,willhearnone,willgive
placetonone.Herewemustneedsbeobstinateandinflexible.Forthecausewhyweoffend
man,thatistosay,treaddownthemajestyofthepersonoroftheworld,issogreat,thatthe
sinswhichtheworldjudgethtobemostheinous,arecountedsingularvirtuesbeforeGod.In
thatweloveourparents,honorthemagistrates,shewreverencetoPeterandotherministersof
theWord,wedowell.ButherewehaveinhandthecauseneitherofPeter,norparents,nor
magistrate,noroftheworld,norofanyothercreature,butofGodhimself.
HereifIgivenoplacetomyparents,tothemagistrate,oranangelfromheaven,Ido
well.ForwhatisthecreatureinrespectoftheCreator?Yea,whatareallcreatures,being
compareduntohim?Evenasonedropofwaterinrespectofthewholesea.WhythenshouldI
sohighlyesteemPeter,whichisbutalittledrop,andsetGodaside,whichisthewholesea?
Letthedropthereforegiveplacetothesea,andletPetergiveplaceuntoGod.ThisIsay
totheendthatyeshoulddiligentlyweighandconsiderthematterwhereofPaulintreateth:for
heintreatethoftheWordofGod,whichcanneverbemagnifiedenough.Augustinehath
betterweighedthismatterthanJerome,whohathrespectuntothedignityandauthorityof
Peter,andreasoneththus:PeterwasthechiefApostle,thereforeitwasnotmeetthatheshould
bereprovedofPaulandifPaulreprovedhim,hedidbutdissembletherein.ThusuntoPaul
heattributethdissimulation,allegingthathefeignedPetertobereprovabletotheendthathe
mightpromotehisownapostleshipanddefendhisGentiles:butPeterheexcusetheveryway,
andattributethuntohimthetruth.Thisisamostuntowardinversionofthetext,whichplainly
declareththatPeterwasreprovableandhadstrayedfromthetruthalsothatotherJewshad
dissembledwithhim,sothatevenBarnabaswasledastraybythemintothatdissimulation.
TheseplainwordsJeromeseethnot,forhestickethonlytothis:PeterwasanApostle,
thereforehewasunreprovableandcouldnotsin.TothissentenceAugustineanswereth,
saying:ItisnottobebornethatthereshouldbedissimulationinPaul,seeingheconfirmeth
withanoaththathespeakeththetruth.
WhereforeJeromeandErasmusdoinjurytoPaul,whentheyinterpretthesewords:to
hisfacetomean:onthefaceofit,thatis,notfromtheheart,butinoutwardshewonly
allegingthatPaulresistedPeter,notsincerely,butwithanecessarydissimulation,lestthe
Gentilesshouldbeoffendedifhealtogetherkeptsilence.Buttohisfacesignifiethinhis
sightforheresistedPeteropenlyandnotinacorner,Peterhimselfbeingpresentandthe
wholechurchstandingby.
Andwherehesaithtohisface,thisclausemakethspeciallyagainstthevenomous
vipersandapostlesofSatan,whichslanderthosethatareabsent,andintheirpresencedare
notonceopentheirmouthasthefalseapostlesdid,whomalsoherehetouchethbytheway,
whichdurstnotspeakevilofhiminhispresence,butinhisabsenceslanderedhimmost

spitefully.SodidnotI(saithhe)speakevilofPeter,butfranklyandopenlyIwithstoodhim,
notofanycolorablepretense,ambition,orothercarnalaffection,ordiseaseofthemind,but
becausehewastobeblamedandsharplyremoved.
HereletothermendebatewhetheranApostlemaysinorno:thissayI,thatweoughtnot
tomakePetersfaultlessthanitwasindeed.Theprophetsthemselveshavesometimeserred
andbeendeceived.NathanofhisownspiritsaiduntoDavid,thatheshouldbuildthehouseof
theLord(2Samuel7:3).Butthisprophecywasbyandbyaftercorrectedbyarevelationfrom
God,thatitshouldnotbeDavid,becausehewasamanofwarandhadshedmuchblood,but
hissonSolomon,thatshouldbuildupthehouseoftheLord.SodidtheApostleserralso:for
theyimaginedthatthekingdomofChristshouldbecarnalandworldly,aswemayseeinthe
firstoftheActs,whentheyaskedofChrist,saying:Lordwiltthouatthistimerestorethe
kingdomtoIsrael?(Acts1:6)andPeter,althoughheheardthiscommandmentofChrist:
Gointothewholeworld,etc.(Mark16:15),hadnotgoneuntoCornelius,ifhehadnotbeen
admonishedbyavision(Acts10:9ff.)Andinthismatterhedidnotonlyerr,butalso
committedagreatsin,andifPaulhadnotresistedhim,alltheGentileswhichdidbelieve,had
beenconstrainedtoreceivecircumcisionandtokeepthelaw.ThebelievingJewsalsohad
beenconfirmedintheiropinion:towit,thattheobservationofthesethingswerenecessaryto
salvationandbythismeanstheyhadreceivedagainthelawinsteadoftheGospel,Moses
insteadofChrist.Andofallthisgreatenormityandhorriblesin,Peterbyhisdissimulation
hadbeentheonlyoccasion.Thereforewemaynotattributetothesaintssuchperfectionas
thoughtheycouldnotsin.
LukewitnesseththattherewassuchgreatdissensionbetweenPaulandBarnabas(which
wereputaparttogetherfortheministryoftheGospelamongtheGentiles,andhadtraveled
throughmanyregionsandpreacheduntothemtheGospel)thattheonedepartedfromthe
other.Herewemustneedssay,thattherewasafaulteitherinPaulorBarnabas.And
doubtlessitcouldnotbe,butthatthediscordwasexceedinggreatwhichseparatedthesetwo,
beingjoinedtogetherinsuchaholyfellowship,asthetextwitnesseth.Suchexamplesare
writtenforourconsolation.Foritisagreatcomfortuntous,whenwehearthateventhe
saints,whichhavetheSpiritofGod,dosin.Whichcomforttheywouldtakefromuswhich
saythatthesaintscannotsin.
Samson,David,andmanyotherexcellentmen,fulloftheHolyGhost,fellintogreatsins
JobandJeremiahcursethedayoftheirnativity(Job3:3ff.Jeremiah20:14)Elijahand
Jonaharewearyoftheirlife,anddesiredeath(1Kings19:4Jonah4:8).Sucherrorsand
offensesofthesaints,theScripturesettethforthtothecomfortofthosethatareafflictedand
oppressedwithdesperation,andtotheterroroftheproud.Nomanhathsogrievouslyfallenat
anytime,buthemayriseagain.Andontheotherside,nomantakethsofastfooting,buthe
mayfall.IfPeterfell,Imaylikewisefall.Ifheroseagain,Imayalsoriseagain.Andsuch
examplesastheseare,theweakhearted,andtenderconsciencesoughttomakemuchof,that
theymaythebetterunderstandwhattheyprayforwhentheysay:Forgiveusourtrespasses,
and:Ibelievetheforgivenessofsins.Wehavetheselfsamespiritofgraceandprayer
whichtheApostlesandallthesaintshad,neitherhadtheyanyprerogativeaboveus.
Wehavethesamegiftswhichtheyhad,thesameChrist,Baptism,Word,forgivenessof
sinsallwhichtheyhadnolessneedofthanwehave,andbythesamearesanctifiedand
savedaswebe.AndthisIsayagainstthemonstrouscommendationsandpraiseswherewith
thefoolishsophistersandmonkshaveadornedthesaints,andhavesaidthattheChurchisin
suchwiseholyasbeingaltogetherwithoutsin.indeedtheChurchisholy,asourfaith

confesseth:Ibelieveaholychurch,etc.andyetnotwithstandingithathsin.Thereforealso
itbelieveththeremissionofsins,andprayeth:Forgiveusourdebts(Matthew6:12).
WhereforetheChurchisnotsaidtobeholyformally,asthewallissaidtobewhitefromthe
whitenessinhering.Thatinherentholinessisnotenough,butChristisitsperfectandentire
holinessandwherethatwhichinherethisnotenough,Christisenough.
ForbeforethatcertaincamefromJames,hedideatwiththegentiles
TheGentileswhichwereconvertedtothefaithdideatmeatsforbiddenbythelaw,andPeter
beingconversantwiththeGentileswhichwereconverted,dideatwiththem,anddrunkwine
alsowhichwasforbidden,knowingthathereinhedidwell,andthereforeboldlytransgressed
thelawwiththeGentiles.Paulconfesseththathealsodidthelike,whenhesaith,thathe
becameasaJewtotheJews,andtothemthatwerewithoutlaw,asthoughhewerewithout
law:thatistosay,withtheGentileshedideatanddrinklikeaGentile,andkeptnolawatall
withtheJews,accordingtothelaw,heabstainedfromallthingsforbiddeninthelawforhe
laboredtoserveandpleaseallmen,thathemightgainall(1Corinthians9:19ff.).
WhereforePeterineatinganddrinkingwiththeGentilesstonednot,butdidwell,and
knewthatitwaslawfulforhimsotodo.Forheshewedbythistransgressionthatthelawwas
notnecessarytorighteousness,andalsodeliveredtheGentilesfromtheobservationofthe
law.ForifitwerelawfulforPeterinonethingtobreak,thelaw,itwaslawfulforhimto
breakitinallthings.AndPauldothnotherereprovePeterforhistransgression,butforhis
dissimulation,asfolloweth.
Butwhentheywerecome,hewithdrewandseparatedhimself,fearingthemwhichwere
ofthecircumcision
HerethenyeseePetersoffense,asPaulplainlysettethitforth.Paulaccusethhimnotof
maliceorignorance,butofdissimulationandinfirmity,inthatheabstainedfrommeats
forbiddeninthelaw,fearinglesttheJewswhichcamefromJamesshouldbeoffended
thereby,andhadmorerespecttotheJewsthantotheGentiles.Herebyhegaveoccasion,as
muchasinhimwas,tooverthrowChristianlibertyandthetruthoftheGospel.Forinthathe
didwithdrawandutterlyseparatehimself,abstainingfrommeatsforbiddeninthelaw(which
notwithstandinghehadeatenofbefore),heministeredascrupleofconsciencetothefaithful,
thustogatheruponhisexample:Peterabstainethfrommeatsforbiddeninthelawtherefore
hethateatethmeatsforbiddeninthelaw,sinnethandtransgresseththelawbuthethat
abstainethisrighteousandkeepeththelaw,forelsewouldnotPeterhavewithdrawnhimself
butbecausehehathdoneso,andofpurposerefuseththosemeatswhichbeforehedideat,itis
asureargumentthatsuchaseatagainstthelawdosin,andsuchasabstainfrommeatswhich
thelawforbiddeth,dokeepthelaw,andarejustifiedthereby.
Herenote(asJeromedothnot),thattheendofthisactofPeterisreprovedofPaul,and
nottheactitselffortheactinitselfwasnotevil.Toeatanddrink,ornottoeatordrink,is
nothingbuttheend,thatisifthoueat,thousinnestifthouabstain,thouartrighteous,is
evil.Socircumcisionofitselfisgood,butthisendisevil:ifthoubenotcircumcisedafterthe
lawofMoses,thoucanstnotbesaved.Alsotoeatmeatsprohibitedinthelaw,isnotevilbut
thisshrinkinganddissimulationofPeterisevil.Foritmightbesaid:Peterabstainethfrom
meatsforbiddeninthelawwhereforeifthoudostnotlikewiseabstain,thoucanstnotbe

saved.ThisPaulmightinnowisedissembleforthetruthoftheGospelwashereindanger.
Totheendthereforethatthistruthmightcontinuesoundanduncorrupt,heresistedPeterto
hisface.
Andherewemustmakeadistinction.Formeatsmayberefusedtwomannerofways.
First,forChristiancharityssake.Andhereinthereisnodanger:fortobearwiththeinfirmity
ofmybrother,isgood.SoPaulhimselfbothbidandtaught.Secondly,byabstainingfrom
themtoobtainrighteousnessandsalvation,andfornotabstaining,tosinandtobedamned.
Hereaccursedbecharitywithalltheserviceandworksofcharitywhatsoever.Forthusto
refrainfrommeats,istodenyChrist,totreadhisbloodunderourfeet,toblasphemetheHoly
Ghost,andtodespiseGodandallholythings.Wherefore,ifwemustlosetheone,letus
ratherlosemanourfriendandbrother,thanGodourFather.ForifweloseGodourFather,
manourfriendandbrothercannotcontinue.
Jerome,notseeingthis,understoodneitherthisplacenorthewholeEpistlebesides.He
thinkeththistobebutafeignedreprehensionofPaul,andthereforeheexcusethPetersfall,
sayingthatitwasdonebyignorance.ButPeteroffendednotthroughignorance,butthrough
dissimulation,andtherebyhadestablishedthenecessityofthelaw,hadconstrainedboth
GentilesandJewstorevoltfromthetruthoftheGospel,hadgiventhemgreatoccasionto
forsakeChrist,todenygrace,toreturntotheJewishreligion,andtobearalltheburdensof
thelaw,ifPaulhadnotreprovedhim,andbythatmeansrevokedtheGentilesandJewswhich
wereoffendedthroughthisexampleofPeter,tothelibertywhichisinChristJesus,andtothe
truthoftheGospel.WhereforeifamanwouldheresetforthandamplifyPetersoffense,it
shouldappeartobeverygreat,andyetwasitnotdonebymaliceorignorance,butby
occasionandfearonly.
Thusweseewhatruinsmaycomebyonemansfallandoffense,ifitbenotwellseento
andcorrectedintime.Wherefore,wemaynottriflewiththisarticleofjustificationneitheris
itwithoutgoodcausethatwedosooftenandsodiligentlyputyouinmindthereof.
AnditismuchtobemarveledthatPeter,beingsuchanexcellentApostle,shouldthusdo:
whobefore,intheCouncilofJerusalem,stoodinamanneraloneindefenseofthisarticle,
andprevailedtherein,namely,thatrighteousnesscomethbyfaithwithoutthelaw.Hethat
beforedidsoconstantlydefendthetruthandlibertyoftheGospel,nowbyhisfallin
abstainingfrommeatsforbiddeninthelaw,isnotonlythecauseofgreatoffense,butalso
offendethagainsthisowndecree.Whereforelethimwhichthinkethhestandeth,takeheed
lesthefall(1Corinthians10:12).
Nomanwouldthinkwhatdangerthereisintraditionsandceremonies:which
notwithstandingwecannotwant.Whatismorenecessaryintheworldthanthelawandthe
worksthereof?Yetthereisgreatdangerlestbythesame,menbebroughttothedenialof
Christ.Forofthelawcomethoftentimesatrustandaffianceinworks,andwherethatis,there
canbenotrustinChrist.Christthereforeissoondeniedandsoonlost,aswemayseeinPeter
whoknewthisarticleofjustificationbetterthanwedo,andyethoweasilyshouldhehave
givenoccasionofsuchanhorribleruin,ifPaulhadnotwithstoodhim,thatalltheGentiles
shouldtherebyhavefallenawayfromthepreachingofPaul,andbythismeansshouldhave
losttheGospelandChristhimself?Andthisshouldhavebeendoneunderaholypretense.
Fortheymighthavesaid:Paul,hithertothouhasttaughtusthatwemustbejustifiedbygrace
withoutthelawthouseestnowthatPeterdoththecontrary:forheabstainethfrommeats
forbiddeninthelaw,andherebyheteachethusthatwecannotbesavedexceptwereceive
circumcisionandobservethelaw,etc.

Andtheotherjewsdissembledlikewisewithhiminsomuchthatbarnabaswasbrought
intotheirdissimulationalso
Hereyoumayplainlysee,thatPaulchargethPeterwithdissimulation.(Contrariwise,St.
JeromechargethPaul.)IfPeterdissembled,thendidhecertainlyknowwhatwasthetruth,
andwhatwasnot.Hethatdissembleth,sinnethnotofignorance,butdeceivethbyacolor
whichheknowethhimselftobefalse.Andother,saithhe,dissembledlikewisewithPeter,
insomuchthatBarnabasalso(whowasPaulscompanion,andhadnowalongtimepreached
amongtheGentilesfaithinChristwithoutthelaw,togetherwithPaul)wasbroughtintotheir
dissimulation.YehaveherethenPetersoffenseplainlydescribedtobemeredissimulation,
whichafterwardshadbeenanoccasionoftheruinoftheGospelthennewlyreceived,ifPaul
hadnotresistedhim.
Andthisisawonderfulmatter,thatGodpreservedtheChurch,beingyetbutyoung,and
theGospelitself,byoneonlyperson.Paulalonestandethtothetruthforhehadlost
Barnabashiscompanion,andPeterwasagainsthim.Sosometimesonemanisabletodo
moreinacouncilthanthewholecouncilbesides.WhichthingsthePapiststhemselvesdo
witness.AndforexampletheyallegePaphnutius,whowithstoodthewholecouncilofNicaea
(whichwasthebestofallthatwereafterthecounciloftheApostlesatJerusalem),and
prevailedagainstit.
ThisIsay,totheendthatweshoulddiligentlylearnthearticleofjustification,andmake
aplaindifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospel,andthatinthismatterweshoulddo
nothingbydissimulation,norgiveplacetoanyman,ifwewillretainthetruthoftheGospel,
andfaithsoundanduncorruptwhich,asIhavesaid,aresoonhurt.Whereforeinthiscase,
awaywithreason,thatenemytofaith,whichintemptationsofsinanddeath,leanethnotto
therighteousnessoffaith,orChristianrighteousness(forthereofitisutterlyignorant),butto
herownrighteousness,orattheleast,totherighteousnessofthelaw.Now,assoonasthelaw
andreasonjointogether,faith1osethhervirginityfornothingfightethmorestronglyagainst
faiththanthelawandreason.Andthesetwoenemiescannotbeconquered,butwithgreat
laboranddifficultywhichwemustconquernotwithstanding,ifwewillbesaved.
Wherefore,whenthyconscienceisterrifiedwiththelaw,andwrestlethwiththe
judgmentofGod,askcounselneitherofreasonnorofthelaw,butrestonlyupongraceand
thewordofconsolation,andsostandherein,asifthouhadstneverheardanythingofthelaw,
ascendingupintothedarkness,whereneitherthelawnorreasondoshine,butonlythedim
lightoffaith,whichassurethusthatwearesavedbyChristalonewithoutanylaw.
ThustheGospelleadethusbeyondandabovethelightofthelawandreason,intothe
deepsecretsoffaith,wherethelawandreasonhavenothingtodo.Notwithstandingwemust
hearkenalsountothelaw,butinplaceandtime.Moses,whilehewasinthemountainwhere
hetalkedwithGodfacetoface,hadnolaw,madenolaw,ministerednolaw.Butwhenhe
wascomedownfromthemountain,hewasalawgiver,andgovernedthepeoplebythelaw.
Sotheconsciencemustbefreefromthelaw,butthebodymustbeobedienttothelaw.
HerebyitappeareththatPaulreprovedPeterfornolightmatter,butforthechiefest
articleofallChristiandoctrine,whichbyPetersdissimulationwasingreatdanger.For
BarnabasandtheotherJewsdissembledtogetherwithhim,whichdidalloffend,notthrough
ignoranceormalice,butforfearoftheJewswherebytheirheartsweresoblinded,thatthey
didnotseetheirsin.Andcertainlyitismuchtobemarveled,thatsuchexcellentmenasPeter,

Barnabas,andother,shouldsosuddenlyandsolightlyfall,especiallyinthatthingwhichthey
knewtobewelldone,andhadalsobeforetaughtuntoothers.Itisaperilousthingtherefore
(asDr.Staupitiusoftenadmonishedus),totrusttoourownstrength,beweneverasholy,
neversowelllearned,andalthoughwethinkourselvesneversosureofthatweknowforin
thatwhereofwethinkourselvesmostsure,wemayerrandfall,andbringourselvesand
othersintogreatdanger.Letusthereforediligently,andwithallhumility,exerciseourselves
inthestudyoftheholyScriptures,andletusheartilypraythatweneverlosethetruthofthe
Gospel.
Thusweseethen,thatwearenothingwithallourgifts,betheyneversogreat,except
Godassistus.Whenheleavethustoourselves,ourwisdomandknowledgeisnothing.Except
hesustainuscontinually,noteventhehighestlearning,no,notdivinityherveryself,availeth
anythingatall.
Forinthehouroftemptationitmaysuddenlycometopass,thatbythesubtiltyofthe
devil,allthecomfortableplacesoftheScriptureshallbetakenoutofoursight,andsuch
placesonlyascontainthreatenings,shallbesetbeforeoureyes,whichshalloppressusand
utterlyconfoundus.Letuslearntherefore,thatifGodwithdrawhishand,wemaysoonbe
overthrownandletnomangloryofhisownrighteousness,wisdom,andothergifts,butlet
himhumblehimselfandpraywiththeApostles,Lord,increaseourfaith!(Luke17:5).
ButwhenIsawthattheywentnottherightwaytothetruthofthegospel
Thisisawonderfulexampleofsuchexcellentmenandpillarsofthechurches.Thereisnone
butPaulthathathhiseyesopen,andseeththeoffenseofPeter,ofBarnabasandtheother
JewswhichdissembledwithPeter.Ontheotherside,theydonotseetheirownoffensenay,
theyratherthinkthattheydowellinbearingcharitablywiththeinfirmityoftheweakJews.
WhereforeitwasverynecessarythatPaulshouldreprovetheiroffense,andnotdissembleit,
andthereforeheaccusethPeter,Barnabasandother,thattheywentnottherightwaytothe
truthoftheGospelthatistosay,theyswervedfromthetruthoftheGospel.Itisagreat
matterthatPetershouldbeaccusedofPaulasonethatwasfallenfromthetruthofthe
Gospel.Hecouldnotbemoregrievouslyreprehended.Yethesuffereditpatientlyandno
doubtbuthegladlyacknowledgedhisoffense.
Isaidbefore,thatmanyhavetheGospel,butnotthetruthoftheGospel.
SoPaulsaithhere,thatPeter,Barnabas,andotheroftheJews,wentnottherightwayto
thetruthoftheGospel:thatistosay,theyhadtheGospel,buttheywalkednotuprightly
accordingtotheGospel.ForalbeittheypreachedtheGospel,yetthroughtheirdissimulation
(whichcouldnotstandwiththetruthoftheGospel)theyestablishedthelaw:butthe
establishingofthelawistheabolishingoftheGospel.
WhosothencanrightlyjudgebetweenthelawandtheGospel,lethimthankGod,and
knowthatheisarightdivine.InthetimeoftemptationIconfessthatImyselfdonotknow
howtodoitasIought.Nowthewaytodiscerntheonefromtheother,istoplacetheGospel
inheaven,andthelawontheearthtocalltherighteousnessoftheGospelheavenlyand
divine,andtherighteousnessofthelawearthlyandhuman,andtoputasgreatdifference
betweentherighteousnessoftheGospelandofthelaw,asGodhathmadebetweenheaven
andearth,betweenlightanddarkness,betweendayandnight.Lettheonebeasthelightand
thedayandtheotherasthedarknessandthenight.AndwouldtoGodwecouldfurther
separatetheonefromtheother.Wherefore,ifthequestionbeconcerningthematteroffaith

orconscience,letusutterlyexcludethelaw,andleaveitontheearthbut,ifwehavetodo
withworks,thenletuslightthelanternofworksandoftherighteousnessofthelaw.Solet
thesunandtheinestimablelightoftheGospelandgraceshineintheday,andthelanternof
thelawinthenight.Wherefore,ifthyconsciencebeterrifiedwiththesenseandfeelingof
sin,thinkthuswiththyself:Thouartnowremaininguponearththerelettheasslaborand
travailtherelethimserveandcarrytheburdenthatislaiduponhimthatistosay,letthe
bodywithhismembersbesubjecttothelaw.Butwhenthoumountedupintoheaven,then
leavetheasswithhisburdenontheearthfortheconsciencehathnothingtodowiththelaw
orworks,orwiththeearthlyrighteousness.Sodoththeassremaininthevalley,butthe
conscienceascendethwithIsaacintothemountain,knowingnothingatallofthelaworthe
worksthereof,butonlylookingtotheremissionofsinsandpurerighteousnessofferedand
freelygivenuntousinChrist.
Contrariwiseincivilpolicy,obediencetothelawmustbeseverelyrequired.There
nothingmustbeknownasconcerningtheGospel,conscience,grace,remissionofsins,
heavenlyrighteousness,orChristhimself,butMosesonlywiththelawandtheworksthereof.
Ifwemarkwellthisdistinction,neithertheonenortheothershallpasshisbounds,butthe
lawshallabidewithoutheaventhatis,withouttheheartandconscience:andcontrariwise,
thelibertyoftheGospelshallabidewithouttheearththatistosay,withoutthebodyand
membersthereof.Nowtherefore,assoonasthelawandsincomeintoheaven(thatis,intothe
conscience),letthembyandbybecastout.Fortheconscience,beingfearedwiththeterrorof
thewrathandjudgmentofGod,oughttoknownothingofthelawandsin,butofChristonly.
Andontheotherside,whengraceandlibertycomeintotheearth(thatis,intothebody),then
say:
Thououghtestnottodwellinthedregsanddunghillofthiscorporallife,butthou
belongestuntoheaven,etc.
ThisdistinctionofthelawandtheGospel,Peterconfoundedthroughhisdissimulation,
andtherebypersuadedthebelievingJews,thattheymustbejustifiedbytheGospelandthe
lawtogether.ThismightnotPaulsuffer,andthereforehereprovedPeternottoputhimto
anyreproach,buttotheendthathemightagainestablishaplaindifferencebetweenthese
twonamely,thattheGospeljustifiethinheaven,andthelawonearth.ButthePopehathnot
onlymixedthelawwiththeGospel,butalsooftheGospelhathmademerelaws,yeaand
suchasareceremonialonly.Hehathalsoconfoundedandmixedpoliticalandecclesiastical
matterstogetherwhichisadevilishandhellishconfusion.
Thisplace,touchingthedifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospel,isverynecessaryto
beknown,foritcontaineththesumofallChristiandoctrine.
WhereforeletallthatwouldloveandfearGod,diligentlylearntodiscerntheonefrom
theother,notonlyinwords,butindeedandinpracticethatistosay,inheartand
conscience.Forastouchingthewords,thedistinctioniseasy:butintimeoftemptationthou
shaltfindtheGospelbutasastrangerandarareguestinthyconsciencebutthelaw,
contrariwise,thoushaltfindafamiliarandacontinualdwellerwithintheeforreasonhaththe
knowledgeofthelawnaturally.Whereforewhenthyconscienceisterrifiedwithsin,.which
thelawrevealethandincreaseth,thensaythou:
Thereisatimetodieandatimetolivethereisatimetohearthelaw,andatimeto
despisethelawthereisatimetoheartheGospel,andthereisatimetobeignorantofthe
Gospel.Letthelawnowdepart,andlettheGospelcomeforthereisnownotimetohearthe
law,buttheGospel.Butthouhastdonenogood:nay,thouhastdonewickedly,andhast

grievouslysinned.IgrantnotwithstandingIhavetheremissionofsinsthroughChrist,for
whosesakeallmysinsareforgivenme.Butoutoftheconflictofconscience,whenexternal
dutiesmustbedone,then,whetherthoubeaministeroftheWord,amagistrate,ahusband,a
teacher,ascholar,etc.,thereisnotimetohearkentotheGospel,butthoumusthearthelaw
andfollowthyvocation.
IsaiduntoPeteropenly:ifthou,beingajewlivestasthegentilesandnotasthejews,
whyconstrainestthouthegentilestodolikethejews?
Thatistowit,thouartaJew,andthereforethouartboundtolivelikeaJewthatis,toabstain
frommeatsforbiddeninthelaw.NotwithstandingthoulivestlikeaGentilethatistosay,
thoufreelydoestcontrarytothelaw,andtransgressestthelaw.For,asaGentilewhichisfree
fromthelaw,thoueatestcommonanduncleanmeats,andthereinthoudoestwell.Butinthat
thou,beingafraidatthepresenceofthebrethrenconvertedfromtheJewishreligion,
abstainestfrommeatsforbiddeninthelaw,andkeepestthelaw,thoucompellesttheGentiles
todoastheJewsthatis,thouconstrainestthemofnecessitytoobservethelaw.Forinthat
thouabstainestfromprofanemeats,thougivestoccasiontotheGentilesthustothinkPeter
abstainethfromthosemeatswhichtheGentilesusetoeat,whichalsohehimselfbeforedid
eatthereforeweoughtlikewisetoavoidthesame,andtoliveafterthemanneroftheJews
otherwisewecannotbejustifiedorsaved.WeseethenthatPaulreprovethnotignorancein
Peter(forheknewthathemightfreelyeatwiththeGentilesallmannerofmeats),but
dissimulation,wherebyhecompelleththeGentilestoliveliketheJews.
HereIsayagain,thattoliveastheJew,isnotevilofitselfforitisathingindifferent,
eithertoeatswinesflesh,oranyothermeats.ButsotoplaytheJew,thatforconsciencesake
thouabstainestfromcertainmeats,thisistodenyChrist,andtooverthrowtheGospel.
ThereforewhenPaulsawthatPetersacttendedtothisend,hewithstoodhim,andsaid:Thou
knowestthatthekeepingofthelawisnotnecessarytorighteousness,butthatwearejustified
onlythroughfaithinChrist,andthereforethoukeepestnotthelaw,buttransgressestthelaw,
andeatestallmannerofmeats.
Notwithstanding,bythyexamplethouconstrainesttheGentilestoforsakeChristandto
returntothelaw.Forthougivestthemoccasionthustothink:Faithonlyisnotsufficientto
righteousness,butthelawandworksarealsorequiredandthisPeterteachethusbyhis
example:thereforetheobservationofthelawmustneedsbejoinedwithfaithinChrist,ifwe
willbejustified.Wherefore,Peterbyhisexampleisnotonlyprejudicialtothepurityof
doctrine,butalsotothetruthoffaithandChristianrighteousness.
FortheGentilesreceivedthisthereof,thatthekeepingofthelawwasnecessaryto
righteousnesswhicherrorincaseitbeadmitted,thendothChristprofitusnothingatall.
HerebyitplainlyappearethtowhatendthisdiscordbetweenPaulandPetertendeth.Paul
dothnothingbydissimulation,butdealethsincerely,andgoethplainlytoworkbutPeter
dissembleth,asthetextplainlysaith,andhisdissimulationPaulreproveth.Wherefore,inPaul
thereisnodissimulation,butpureandChristianseverityandholypride,whichhadbeena
faultifPeterhadcommittedbutsomelightsin,andhadnotsinnedagainsttheprincipalarticle
ofChristiandoctrine.ButbecausethetruthoftheGospelsufferethbythefaultofPeter,Paul
neitherwillnorcanleaveoffhisdefenseofitandtotheendthatitmaybekeptsoundand
uncorrupt,hehathnocareofPeter,andBarnabasandalltherestarenothingtohim.
WhereforePorphyriusandJuliandowronguntoPaul,whentheyallegethatheofmere

arrogancedidreprehendPeter.Nay,evenreasonitself,ifitdobutperceivetheendofthe
matterwhichPaulhathinhand,isforcedtoconfessthatitisbetterthatPetershouldbeset
aside,thanthatthemajestyofGodshouldgiveplaceandfaithbeputindanger.Forthatisthe
issuewhichishereindebate:eitherPetermustbeseverelyrebuked,orChristremovedutterly
away.HereitisbetterthatPetershouldperishanddepartintohell,ifneedbe,thanthatChrist
shouldbelost.TothissentenceoughtPorphyriusandallothertoassentandnomancandeny
butthatPaulinthiscasedidwellandgodly.Ifithadbeenadisputationaboutsome
indifferentmatter(asincomparisonofit,thatdiscordbetweenPaulandBarnabas,Acts
15:39,isplainlybutavainthingandajest),thenmightPaulhaveyielded.Butinthisthe
greatestofcauses,hemustgivenoplaceatall.LeteveryChristianthereforebeproudafter
theexampleofPaul.Charitybearethallthings,believethandhopethallthings,butfaith
ruleth,commandeth,triumpheth,anddoethallthings,givingplaceuntononeforallthings
oughttobesubjectandgiveplaceuntofaithallpeoplesandnations,kingsandJudgesofthe
earth,asitissaidinPsalm2:10f.:growthereforebewise,OyekingsbeinstructedOye
judgesoftheearth.ServetheLordwithfear,etc.Elseshallyeperishfromtheway.
Thereforetheeffects,officesandvirtuesofcharityandoffaithareplainlycontrarytheoneto
theother.
Thereforethewholeforceliethinthisclause:ThoucompellesttheGentilestodoasthe
Jews,thatistosay,thoucompellestthemtofallfromgraceandfaithtothelawandworks,
andtodenyChrist,asthoughhehadsinnedanddiedinvain,etc.Thisword:Thou
compellest,containethallthoseperilsandsins,whichPaulurgethandamplifieththroughout
allthisEpistle.Forifthatcompulsionornecessitybeadmitted,thenisfaithabolishedand
wherefaithperisheth,allthepromisesofGodaremadevoid,allthegiftsoftheHolyGhost
troddenunderfoot,andallmenmustofnecessitysimplyperishandbedamned.
ManypropertiesofthiskinddothPaulattributetotherighteousnessofthelaw
throughoutthiswholeEpistle.
Sincethenitissodangerousathingtohavetodowiththelaw,andthatthisfallwasso
suddenandsogreat,asithadbeenfromheavenaboveevendownintohell,letevery
ChristiandiligentlylearntodiscernbetweenthelawandtheGospel.Lethimsufferthelawto
ruleoverthebodyandthemembersthereof,butnotovertheconscience.Forthatqueenand
spousemaynotbedefiledwiththelaw,butmustbekeptwithoutspotforheronlyhusband
Christ,asPaulsaith(2Corinthians11:2):Ihaveespousedyoutoonehusband,etc.Letthe
consciencehaveherbridechamber,notinthelowvalley,butinthehighmountain:mthe
whichletChristlieandthereruleandreign,whodothnotterrifyandafflictsinners,but
comforteththem,pardoneththeirsins,andsayeththemWhereforelettheafflictedconscience
thinkuponnothing,knownothing,setnothingagainstthejudgmentofGod,butthewordof
Christ,whichisthewordofgrace,ofremissionofsins,ofsalvationandeverlastinglife.But
thistoperformindeed,isahardmatterFormansreasonandnaturecannotsteadfastlycleave
untoChrist,butoftentimesitiscarriedawaywiththecogitationsofthelawandsin,andso
alwaysseekethtobeatlibertyaftertheflesh,butaccordingtoconscienceaservantandslave.
Wewhicharejewsbynature,andnotsinnersofthegentiles
Thatistosay,wearebornuntotherighteousnessofthelaw,toMoses,andtocircumcision,
andeveninourbirthwebringthelawwithus.Wehavetherighteousnessofthelawnotby
choice,astheGentiles,butbynature,asPaulbeforesaithofhimselfinthefirstchapter:

beingzealousofthetraditionsofthefathersetc.Wherefore,ifwebecomparedwiththe
Gentiles,wearenosinnerswearenotwithoutthelawandwithoutworks,likeuntothe
Gentiles:butweareJewsborn,wearebornrighteous,andbroughtupinrighteousness.Our
righteousnessbeginnethevenwithourbirthfortheJewishreligionisnaturaluntous.For
GodcommandedAbrahamtocircumciseeverymanchildtheeighthday(Genesis17:10ff.).
Thislawofcircumcision,receivedfromthefathers,Mosesafterwardsconfirmed.Itisagreat
mattertherefore,thatweareJewsbynature.
Notwithstanding,althoughwehavethisprerogative,thatwearerighteousbynature,born
tothelawandtheworksthereof,andarenotsinnersastheGentiles,yetarewenottherefore
righteousbeforeGod.Eventhoughthoushewestmethere,reamanmostexcellent,thatisa
Jewbybirth,andfromhisbirthhathkeptthelawmostperfectly,yetishenottherefore
righteousbeforeGod.Weareindeedcircumcised,butwearenotjustifiedthereby.For
circumcisionisasealofrighteousness(Romans4:11)andchildrencircumcisedinthefaith
ofAbrahamarenotsavedfortheircircumcision,butfortheirfaith.Beweneversomuch
Jewsborn,andneversoholy,andabletogloryagainsttheGentilesthatwehavethe
justificationofthelaw,thetrueworshipofGod,thepromises,thefathers,(whichisgreat
gloryindeed),yetarewenotthereforerighteousbeforeGod,neitherhaveanyadvantageover
theGentiles.
Herebyitisevident,thatPaulspeakethnothereofceremonies,sayingthatafterthe
revelationofChristtheyaredeadly,asOrigenandJeromedoaffirm,butofafarweightier
matter,namely,ofthenativityoftheJews,whomhedeniethtoberighteousalthoughtheybe
bornholy,becircumcised,keepthelaw,havetheadoption,theglory,thecovenants,the
fathers,thetrueworship,God,Christ,thepromises,liveinthemandgloryinthesameas
theysay:WearetheseedofAbraham,and:Wehaveonefather,whichisGod(John
8:33,41)andintheEpistletotheRomans(2:17):BeholdthouartcalledaJew,andrestestin
thelaw,etc.Wherefore,althoughPeter,Paul,andtheotherApostleswerethechildrenof
God,righteousaccordingtothelaw,andveryApostlesofChrist,yettheywerenottherefore
pronouncedrighteousbeforeGod.Foralthoughthouhastallthesetogetherthelaw,the
worksandtherighteousnessthereof,circumcision,theadoption,thecovenants,thepromises,
theapostleship,etc.yetChristianrighteousnesscomethnotthereby:fornoneofalltheseis
faithinChrist,whichonly(asfollowethinthetext)justifieth,andnotthelaw.Notthatthe
lawisevilordamnableforthelaw,circumcisionandsuchlike,arenotthereforecondemned
becausetheyjustifynot:butPaulthereforetakethfromthemtheofficeofjustification,
becausethefalseapostlescontendedthatbythem,withoutfaith,andonlybythework
wrought,menarejustifiedandsaved.ThiswasnottobesufferedofPaulforwithoutfaithall
thingsaredeadly.Thelaw,circumcision,theadoption,theTemple,theworshipofGod,the
promises,yeaGodandChristhimself,withoutfaith,profitnothing.Paulthereforespeaketh
generallyagainstallthingswhicharecontrarytofaith,andnotagainstceremoniesonly.
KnowingthatamanisnotjustifiedbytheworksofthelawsbutbythefaithofJesus
Christ
Thisword,theworkofthelaw,reachethfarandcomprehendethmuch.ThisIsaybecause
ofthesecureandidlesophistersandmonks,whichdoobscuresuchwordsinPaul,yeathey
obscureandcorrupthiswholeargumentconcerningjustification,withtheirfoolishand
wickedglosseswhicheventheythemselvesdonotunderstand.Takethoutheworkofthelaw

thereforegenerallyforthatwhichiscontrarytograce.Whatsoeverisnotgrace,isthelaw,
whetheritbejudicial,ceremonial,ortheTenCommandments.Whereforeifthoucouldestdo
theworkofthelawaccordingtothiscommandment:ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwith
allthyheart,etc.(nottosayherethatnomanyeteverdidorcoulddoso),yetthoushouldest
notbejustifiedbeforeGodforamanisnotjustifiedbytheworksofthelaw.Buthereofwe
willspeakmorelargelyhereafter.
Theworkofthelawthen,accordingtoPaul,signifieththeworkofthewholelaw,
whetheritbejudicial,ceremonial,ormoral,Now,iftheworkofthemorallawdonotjustify,
muchlessdothcircumcisionjustify,whichisaworkoftheceremoniallaw.Wherefore,when
Paulsaith(asheoftentimesdoth)thatamanisnotjustifiedbythelaw,orbytheworksofthe
law(whicharebothone)hespeakethgenerallyofthewholelaw,settingtherighteousnessof
faithagainsttherighteousnessofthewholelaw,orallthatcanbedone,whetherbydivine
powerorbymansownstrength,accordingtothelaw.Forbytherighteousnessofthelaw,
saithhe,amanisnotpronouncedrighteousbeforeGodbuttherighteousnessoffaithGod
imputethfreelythroughgrace,forChristssake.
Thelaw,nodoubt,isholy,righteousandgood,andconsequentlytheworksofthelaware
holy,righteousandgood:yetnotwithstandingamanisnotjustifiedtherebybeforeGod.We
mustthereforerejecttheopinionofJeromeandothers,whichdreamthatPaulherespeaketh
notoftheworksofthemorallaw,butoftheceremoniallaw,althoughtheyareforcedto
admitthattheceremoniallawalsowasgoodandholy.Forassuredlycircumcisionandother
lawsconcerningtheritesoftheTemplewererighteousandholyfortheywerenoless
commandedandordainedofGodthanthemorallaws.Butheretheysay:ButafterChristthe
lawsofceremoniesweredeadly.Thistheyinventoutoftheirownhead.NeitherdothPaul
speakhereoftheGentiles,untowhomtheceremoniesaredeadly,butoftheJews,untowhom
theyweregoodyea,andPaulhimselfdidkeepthem.Thereforeevenatthattime,whenthe
lawsofceremonieswereholyandjustandgood,theycouldnotjustify.
Paulthereforespeakethnotofapartofthelawonly(whichalsoisgoodandholy),butof
thewholelaw,sayingthataworkdoneaccordingtothewholelawjustifiethnot.Neither
speakethheofsinagainstthelaw,oraworkoftheflesh,butoftheworkofthelaw,thatis,a
workdoneaccordingtothelaw.Therefore,todonomurder,nottocommitadultery,etc.,
whetheritbedoneaccordingtonature,orthestrengthofman,orfreewill,oraccordingtothe
giftandpowerofGod,yetitjustifiethnot.
Nowtheworksofthelawmaybedoneeitherbeforejustificationorafter.
Beforejustification,manygoodmenevenamongstthepagans,asXenophon,Aristides,
Fabius,Cicero,PomponiusAtticusandothers,performedthedeedsofthelawanddidnotable
works.Cicerosuffereddeathvaliantlyinagoodandjustcause.Pomponiuswasaconstant
man,andlovedtruth,forhenevermadealiehimself,norcouldsufferthesameinanyother.
Now,constancyandtrutharenoblevirtuesandexcellentworksofthelaw,andyetwerethey
notjustifiedthereby.Afterjustification,Peter,Paul,andallotherChristianshavedoneanddo
theworksofthelaw,yetaretheynotjustifiedthereby.Iknownotmyselfguiltyinanything
(saithPaul)andyetamInottherebyjustified(1Corinthians4:4).Weseethenthathe
speakethnotofanypartofthelaw,andnotofsinsagainstthelaw,butofthewholelawand
alltheworksthereof.
TheDivinityofthePopishSophisters,commonlycalledtheSchoolmen.Whereforethe
wickedandperniciousopinionofthePapistsisutterlytobecondemned,whichattributethe
meritofgraceandremissionofsinstotheworkwrought.Fortheysaythatagoodwork

beforegrace,isabletoobtaingraceofcongruence[whichtheycallmeritumdecongruo
becauseitismeetthatGodshouldrewardsuchawork].Butwhengraceisobtained,thework
followingdeservetheverlastinglifeofduedebtandworthinesswhichtheycallmeritumde
condigno].Asforexampleifamanbeingindeadlysin,withoutgrace,doagoodworkofhis
owngoodnaturalinclinationthatis,ifhesayorhearamass,orgivealmsandsuchlike
thismanofcongruencedeservethgrace.Whenhehaththusobtainedgrace,hedothnowa
workwhichofworthinessdeservetheverlastinglife.
Forthefirst,Godisnodebtorbutbecauseheisjustandgood,itbehoovethhimto
approvesuchagoodwork,thoughitbedoneindeadlysin,andtogivegraceforsucha
service.Butwhengraceisobtained,Godisbecomeadebtor,andisconstrainedofrightand
dutytogiveeternallife.
Fornowitisnotonlyaworkoffreewill,doneaccordingtothesubstance,butalsodone
ingracewhichmakethamanacceptableuntoGod,thatistosay,ancharity.Thisisthe
divinityoftheAntichristiankingdomwhichhereIrecite,totheendthatthedisputationof
Paulmaybethebetterunderstood(fortwocontrarythingsbeingsettogether,maybethe
betterknown)andmoreover,thatallmenmayseehowfarfromthetruththeseblindguides
andleadersoftheblind(Matthew23:18)havewandered,andhowbythiswickedand
blasphemousdoctrinetheyhavenotonlydarkenedtheGospel,buthavetakenitcleanaway,
andburiedChristutterly.ForifIbeingindeadlysin,candoanylittleworkwhichisnotonly
acceptableinGodssightofitself,andaccordingtothesubstance,butalsoisabletodeserve
graceofcongruence,andwhenIhavereceivedgrace,Imaydoworksaccordingtograce,that
istosay,accordingtocharity,andgetofrightanddutyeternallifewhatneedhaveInowof
thegraceofGod,forgivenessofsins,ofthepromise,andofthedeathandvictoryofChrist?
Christisnowtomeunprofitable,andhisbenefitofnoneeffectforIhavefreewilland
powertodogoodworks,wherebyIdeservegraceofcongruence,andafterwardsbythe
worthinessofmywork,eternallife.
SuchmonstrousandhorribleblasphemiesshouldhavebeensetforthtotheTurksand
Jews,andnottotheChurchofChrist.Andherebyitplainlyappeareth,thatthePopewithhis
bishops,doctors,monks,andallhisreligiousrabble,hadnoknowledgeorregardofholy
matters,andthattheywerenotcarefulforthehealthofthesillyandmiserablescatteredflock.
Foriftheyhadseen,butasitwerethroughacloud,whatPaulcallethsin,andwhathe
callethgrace,theywouldneverhavecompelledthepeopletobelievesuchabominationsand
execrablelies.Bydeadlysintheyunderstoodonlytheexternalworkcommittedagainstthe
law,asmurder,adultery,theft,andsuchlike.Theycouldnotseethatignorance,hatred,and
contemptofGodintheheart,ingratitude,murmuringagainstGod,andresistingthewillof
God,arealsodeadlysin,andthatthefleshcannotthink,speak,ordo,anythingbutthatwhich
isdevilishandaltogetheragainstGod.Iftheyhadseenthesemischiefsfastrootedmthe
natureofman,theywouldneverhavedevisedsuchimpudentandexecrabledreamstouching
thedesertofcongruenceandworthiness.
Whereforewemustproperlyandplainlydefinewhatawickedmanordeadlysinneris.
HeissuchaholyandbloodyhypocriteasPaulwaswhenhewenttoDamascus,topersecute
JesusofNazareth,toabolishthedoctrineoftheGospel,tomurderthefaithful,andutterlyto
overthrowtheChurchofChrist.Andwhowillnotsay,butthatthesewerehorriblesins
againstGod?YetcouldnotPaulseethem.ForhewassoblindedwithaperversezealofGod,
thathethoughttheseabominationstobeperfectrighteousnessandmostacceptableservice
untoGod:andshallwesaythatsuchasdefendthesehorriblesinstobeperfectrighteousness,

dodeservegrace?
WhereforewithPaul,weutterlydenythemeritofcongruenceandworthiness,andaffirm
thatthesespeculationsarenothingelsebutmeredeceitsofSatan,whichwereneverdonein
deed,nornotifiedbyanyexamples.ForGodnevergavetoanymangraceandeverlastinglife
forthemeritofcongruenceorworthiness.Thesedisputationsthereforeoftheschoolmen
touchingthemeritofcongruenceandworthiness,arenothingelsebutvaintoysanddreamsof
idlebrains.YethereuponisthewholePapacygrounded.Forthereisnoreligiousperson,but
hehaththisimaginationIamablebytheobservationofmyholyordertodeservegraceof
congruence,andbytheworkswhichIdoafterthatIhavereceivedthisgrace,Iamableto
heapupsuchtreasureofmerit,asshallnotonlybesufficientformetoobtaineternallife,but
also.toogiveorselluntoothers.
Thushaveallthereligiousorderstaught,andthushavetheylived.Andtodefendthis
horribleblasphemyagainstChrist,thePapistsdoatthisdayattemptagainstuswhattheycan
andthereisnotoneofthemall,butthemoreholyhypocriteandmeritmongerheis,themost
cruelanddeadlyenemyheistotheGospelofChrist.
THETRUEWAYTOCHRISTIANITY
Now,thetruewaytoChristianityisthis,thatamandofirstacknowledgehimselfbythelaw,
tobeasinner,andthatitisimpossibleforhimtodoanygoodwork.Forthelawsaith:Thou
artaneviltree,andthereforeallthatthouthinkest,speakest,ordoest,isagainstGod.Thou
canstnotthereforedeservegracebythyworkswhichifthougoabouttodo,thoudoublestthy
offenseforsincethouartaneviltree,thoucanstnotbutbringforthevilfruits,thatistosay,
sins.Forwhatsoeverisnotoffaith,issin(Romans14:23).Whereforehethatwoulddeserve
gracebyworksgoingbeforefaith,goethabouttopleaseGodwithsins,whichisnothingelse
buttoheapsinuponsin,tomockGod,andtoprovokehiswrath.
Whenamanisthustaughtandinstructedbythelaw,thenisheterrifiedandhumbled,
thenheseethindeedthegreatnessofhissin,andcannotfindinhimselfonesparkofthelove
ofGod:thereforehejustifiethGodinhisWord,andconfesseththatheisguiltyofdeathand
eternaldamnation.ThefirstpartthenofChristianityisthepreachingofrepentance,andthe
knowledgeofourselves.
Thesecondpartis:ifthouwiltbesaved,thoumayestnotseeksalvationbyworksfor
GodhathsenthisonlybegottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughhim.Hewas
crucifiedanddiedforthee,andbarethysinsinhisownbody.Hereisnocongruenceorwork
donebeforegrace,butwrath,sin,terroranddeath.Whereforethelawdothnothingelsebut
uttersin,terrifyandhumble,andbythismeanspreparethustojustification,anddrivethusto
Christ.ForGodhathrevealeduntousbyhisWord,thathewillbeuntousamercifulfather,
andwithoutourdeserts(seeingwecandeservenothing)willfreelygiveuntousremissionof
sins,righteousnessandlifeeverlasting,forChristhisSonssake.ForGodgivethhisgifts
freelyuntoallmen,andthatisthepraiseandgloryofhisdivinity.Butthejusticiariesand
meritmongerswillnotreceivegraceandeverlastinglifeofhimfreely,butwilldeservethe
samebytheirownworks.Forthiscausetheywouldutterlytakefromhimthegloryofhis
divinity.Totheendthereforethathemaymaintainanddefendthesame,heisconstrainedto
sendhislawbefore,whichasalightningandthunderingfromheaven,maybruiseandbreak
thosehardrocks.
ThisbrieflyisourdoctrineastouchingChristianrighteousness,contrarytothe
abominationsandblasphemiesoftheschoolmenconcerningthemeritofcongruenceand

worthiness,orworksbeforegraceandaftergrace.
Whichmonstrousdreamsweredevisedbysuchaswereneverexercisedwithany
temptations,neverhadanytruefeelingofsin,oroftheterrorofdeath,andthereforethey
knownotwhattheysay,orwhattheyteach.
Moreover,theycanshewnoexampleofanyworkdoneeitherbeforeoraftergracethat
couldjustifybeforeGod.Whereforetheyarenothingelsebutvaintoysandfoolishfables,
wherebythePapistsdeceiveboththemselvesandother.ForPaulhereplainlyaffirmeth,that
nomanisjustifiedbytheworksofthelaweithergoingbeforegrace(whereofhespeakethin
thisplace)orcomingaftergrace.YouseethenthatChristianrighteousnessisnotsuchan
essentialqualityengraftedinthenatureofman,astheschoolmendoimagine,whentheysay:
THEDIVINITYOFTHESCHOOLMEN
Whenamandothanygoodwork,Godacceptethit,andforthatworkhepourethintohim
charity,whichtheycallcharityinfused.Thischarity,saythey,isaqualityremaininginthe
heart,andthistheycallformalrighteousness(whichmannerofspeakingitisexpedientfor
youtoknow),andtheycanabidenothinglessthantohearthatthisqualityformingand
adorningthesoul,aswhitenessdoththewall,shouldnotbecountedrighteousness.Theycan
climbnohigherthantothiscogitationofmansreason,thatmanisrighteousbyhisown
formalrighteousness,whichisgracemakinghimacceptableuntoGod,thatistosay,charity.
Sotothisqualitycleavinguntothesoul,thatistowit,charity(whichisaworkafterthelaw,
forthelawsaith:ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGod,etc.),theyattributeformalrighteousness
[thatistosay,trueChristianrighteousness],andtheysaythatthisrighteousnessisworthyof
everlastinglife,andhethathathitisformallyrighteousandmoreoverheiseffectuallyor
actuallyrighteous,becausehenowdothgoodworks,whereuntoeverlastinglifeisdue.Thisis
theopinionofthePopishschoolmen,yea,evenofthebestofthemall.
Someotherstherebewhicharenotsogood,asScotusandOccam,whichsaid,thatfor
theobtainingofthegraceofGod,thischarityinfusedorgivenofGod,isnotnecessarybut
thatamanevenbyhisownnaturalstrength,mayprocurethischarityaboveallthings.Forso
reasonethScotusIfamanmayloveacreature,ayoungmanamaiden,acovetousman
money,whicharethelessgood,hemayalsoloveGod,whichisthegreatergood.Ifhehavea
loveofthecreaturethroughhisnaturalstrength,muchmorehathhealoveoftheCreator.
Withthisargumentwereallthesophistersconvicted,andnoneofthemallwasabletorefute
it.
Notwithstandingthustheyreply:
TheScripturecompellethustoconfess(saythey)thatGod,besidesthatnaturalloveand
charitywhichisengraftedinus(wherewithaloneheisnotcontented),requirethalsocharity
whichhehimselfgiveth.AndherebytheyaccuseGodasatyrantandacruelexactor,whois
notcontentthatwekeepandfulfillhislaw,butabovethelaw(whichweourselvesarewell
abletofulfill),requirethalsothatweshouldaccomplishitwithothercircumstanceand
furniture,asappareltothesame.Asifamistressshouldnotbecontentedthathercookhad
dressedhermeatexcellentlywell,butshouldchideherforthatshedidnotpreparethesame,
beingdeckedwithpreciousapparel,andadornedwithacrownofgold.Nowwhatamistress
werethis,whowhenhercookhaddoneallthatshewasboundtodo,andalsoexactly
performedthesame,wouldmoreoverrequirethatsheshouldwearsuchornamentsasshe
couldnothave?Evenso,whataoneshouldGodbe,ifheshouldrequirehislawtobe
fulfilledofus(whichnotwithstandingbyourownnaturalstrengthweobserveandfulfill)

withsuchfurnitureaswecannothave?
Butherelesttheyshouldseemtoavouchcontrarythings,theymakeadistinction,andsay
thatthelawisfulfilledtwomannerofways:firstaccordingtothesubstanceofthedeed,and
secondly,accordingtothemindofthecommander.Accordingtothesubstanceofthedeed,
saythey,wemayfulfillallthingswhichthelawcommandeth,butnotaccordingtothemind
ofthecommander,whichis,thatGodisnotcontentedthatthouhastdoneandfulfilledall
thingswhicharecommandedinthelaw(althoughhehathnomoretorequireofthee),buthe
furtherrequireth,thatthoushouldestfulfillthelawincharitynotthatcharitywhichthouhast
bynature,butthatwhichisabovenatureandheavenly,whichhehimselfgiveth.Andwhatis
thiselsebuttomakeofGodatyrantandatormentor,whichrequireththatofuswhichweare
notabletoperform?Anditisinamannerasmuchasiftheyshouldsay,thatthefaultisnot
inusifwebedamned,butinGod,whichwiththiscircumstancerequirethhislawtobe
accomplishedofus.
ThesethingsIdothemorediligentlyrepeat,thatyoumayseehowfartheyhavestrayed
fromthetruesenseoftheScripture,whichhavesaidthatbyourownnaturalstrengthwemay
loveGodaboveallthings,oratleast,bytheworkwroughtwemaydeservegraceand
everlastinglife.AndbecauseGodisnotcontentthatwefulfillthelawaccordingtothe
substanceofthedeed,butwillhaveusalsotofulfillthesameaccordingtothemindofthe
commander,thereforetheScripturefurthercompellethustohaveaqualityabovenature
pouredintousfromaboveandthatischarity,whichtheycallformalrighteousness,adorning
andbeautifyingfaith,beingalsothecausethatfaithjustifiethus.Sofaithisthebodyandthe
shell:charitythelife,thekernel,theformandfurniture.Thesearethemonstrousdreamsof
theschoolmen.
Butwe,inthesteadofthischaritydoplacefaith,andwhereastheysaythatfaithisthe
bareoutline,andcharitythelivelycolouringandfillingupofthesame,wesaycontrariwise
thatfaithJesusChrist,whoistheformwhichadornethandfurnishethfaith,asthecolor
adornethandbeautifieththewall.Christianfaiththereforeisnotanidlequalityoremptyhusk
intheheart,whichmaybeindeadlysinuntilcharitycomeandquickenit:butifitbetrue
faith,itisasuretrustandconfidenceoftheheart,andafirmconsentwherebyChristis
apprehended:sothatChrististheobjectoffaith,yearatherheisnottheobject,but,asit
were,inthefaithitselfChristispresent.Faiththereforeisacertainobscureknowledge,or
ratherdarknesswhichseethnothing,andyetChristapprehendedbyfaithsittethinthis
darknesslikeasGodinSinaiandintheTemplesatinthemidstofdarkness(Exodus19:9,
20:21:1Kings8:10,12).Whereforeourformalrighteousnessisnotcharityfurnishingand
beautifyingfaith,butitisfaithitself,whichis,asitwere,acertaincloudinourhearts:thatis
tosay,asteadfasttrustandaffianceinthethingwhichweseenot,whichisChrist:who
althoughhebenotseenatall,yetheispresent.
Faiththereforejustifieth,becauseitapprehendethandpossesseththistreasure,even
Christpresent.Butthemannerofthispresencecannotbecomprehendedofus,becauseitisin
darkness,asIhavesaid.Wherefore,whereassuredtrustandaffianceoftheheartis,there
Christispresent,yeaeveninthecloudandobscurityoffaith.Andthisisthetrueformal
righteousness,wherebyamanisjustified,andnotbycharity,asthepopishschoolmendo
affirm.
Toconclude,likeastheschoolmensaythatcharityfurnishethandadornethfaith,sodo
wesaythatitisChristwhichfurnishethandadornethfaith,orwhichistheformand
perfectionoffaith.WhereforeChristapprehendedbyfaith,anddwellingintheheart,isthe

trueChristianrighteousness,forthewhichGodcountethusrighteousandgivethuseternal
life.Hereisnoworkofthelaw,nocharity,butafarothermannerofrighteousness,anda
certainnewworldbeyondandabovethelaw.ForChristorfaithisnotthelawnortheworkof
thelaw.Butconcerningthismatter,whichtheschoolmenneithertaughtnorunderstood,we
intendtospeakmorelargelyhereafter.Nowitshallbeenoughthatwehaveshewed,thatPaul
speakethnothereoftheceremoniallawonly,butofthewholelaw.Ihaveplainlydeclared
already,howgreatistheerroroftheschooldivines,whichhavetaughtthatamanthus
obtainethremissionofsinsandjustification,namely,ifbyworksgoingbefore,whichthey
callmeritsofcongruence,hedeservegrace,whichtothemisaqualitythatcleavethtothe
will,beinggivenbyGodoverandabovethatlovewhichwehavebyournaturalpowers.
Whenamanhathreceivedthisgrace(saythey),heisformallyrighteousandtrulyaChristian.
This,Isay,isanungodlyandpestilentopinion,foritmakethnotaChristian,butaTurk,a
Jew,anAnabaptist,afantasticalhead,etc.Forwhatmanistherethatwouldnotbeablebyhis
ownstrengthwithoutgracetodoagoodworkandinthiswaymeritgrace,etc.?Afterthis
mannerhavethesedreamersmadeoffaithanemptyqualityinthesoul,whichaloneand
withoutcharityavailethnothingatall,butwhencharityisaddedthereto,itiseffectiveand
justifieth.Andtheworksthatdofollow(saythey)havepowertomeriteternallifeof
worthiness,sinceGodforthesakeofthecharitywhichhehathinfusedintomanswill,doth
accepttheworkfollowinguntoeternallife.ForthussaytheythatGodacceptethagoodwork
untoeternallife,butanevilworkhenonacceptethuntocondemnationandeternal
punishment.Theyhaveheardsomewhatinadreamconcerningacceptation,andthenthey
haveattributedthisrelationuntoworks.Allthesethingsarefalseandblasphemousagainst
Christ.Howbeitnotallspeaksowell,butsome,aswehavesaid,havetaughtthatweareable
ofourownnaturalstrengthtoloveGodaboveallthings.Itisprofitabletoknowthesethings,
totheendthattheargumentofPaulmaybemadethemoreclear.
THETRUERULEOFCHRISTIANITY
Contrarytothesevaintriflesanddotingdreams(aswehavealsonotedbefore)weteachfaith,
andgiveatrueruleofChristianityinthissort:first,thatamanmustbetaughtbythelawto
knowhimself,thatsohemaylearntosaywiththeprophet:Allhavesinnedandhaveneedof
thegloryofGod(Romans3:23)also,Thereisnotonerighteous,nonotone:notonethat
understandeth,notonethatseekethafterGod:allhavegoneastray(Romans3:10ff.Psalm
14:1ff.53:1ff.)also:AgainsttheeonlyhaveIsinned(Psalm51:4).Thuswebyacontrary
waydodrivemenfromthemeritofcongruenceandworthiness.Now,whenamanis
humbledbythelaw,andbroughttotheknowledgeofhimself,thenfollowethtruerepentance
(fortruerepentancebeginnethatthefearandjudgmentofGod),andheseethhimselftobeso
greatasinnerthathecanfindnomeanshowhemaybedeliveredfromhissinbyhisown
strength,endeavorandworks.ThenheperceivethwellwhatPaulmeanethwhenhesaiththat
manistheservantandbondslaveofsin(Romans7:14)alsothatGodhathshutupallunder
sin(Romans11:52Galatians3:22)andthatthewholeworldisguiltybeforeGod(Romans
3:19).Thenheseeththatallthedivinityoftheschoolmentouchingthemeritofcongruence
andworthiness,isnothingelsebutmerefoolishness,andthatbythismeansthewholePapacy
falleth.
Herenowhebeginnethtosigh,andsaithinthiswise:Whothencangivesuccor?Forhe
beingthusterrifiedwiththelaw,utterlydespairethofhisownstrength:helookethabout,and
sighethforthehelpofamediatorandSavior.Herethencomethingoodtimethehealthful

wordoftheGospel,andsaith:Son,thysinsareforgiventhee(Matthew9:2).Believein
ChristJesuscrucifiedforthysins,etc.Ifthoufeelthysinsandtheburdenthereof,looknot
upontheminthyself,butrememberthattheyaretranslatedandlaiduponChrist,whose
stripeshavemadetheewhole(Isaiah53:5).
Thisisthebeginningofhealthandsalvation.Bythismeanswearedeliveredfromsin,
justifiedandmadeinheritorsofeverlastinglifenotforourownworksanddeserts,butforour
faith,wherebywelayholduponChrist.Whereforewealsodoacknowledgeaqualityanda
formalrighteousnessintheheart:notcharity(asthesophistersdo)butfaithandyetso
notwithstanding,thattheheartmustbeholdandapprehendnothingbutChristtheSavior.And
hereitisnecessarythatyouknowthetruedefinitionofChrist.Theschoolmenbeingutterly
ignoranthereof,havemadeChristajudgeandatormentor,devisingthisfondfancy
concerningthemeritofcongruenceandworthiness.
ButChrist,accordingtohistruedefinition,isnolawgiver,butaforgiverofsinsanda
Savior.Thisdothfaithapprehendandundoubtedlybelieve,thathehathwroughtworksand
meritsofcongruenceandworthinessabundantly.Forhemighthavesatisfiedforallthesins
oftheworldbyoneonlydropofhisbloodbutnowhehathsheditplentifully,andhath
satisfiedabundantly.Byhisownbloodhathheenteredintotheholyplaceonceforall,and
obtainedeternalredemption(Hebrews9:12)andWearejustifiedfreelybyhisgrace,
throughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus,whomGodhathsetforthtobeareconciliation
untous,throughfaithinhisblood(Romans3:24f.).Whereforeitisagreatmatter,byfaith,
tolayholduponChristbearingthesinsoftheworld.Andthisfaithaloneiscountedfor
righteousness(Romans34).
Hereistobenoted,thatthesethreethings,faith,Christ,acceptation,orimputation,must
bejoinedtogether.FaithtakethholdofChrist,andhathhimpresent,andholdethhim
inclosed,astheringdoththepreciousstone.
AndwhosoevershallbefoundhavingthisconfidenceinChristapprehendedintheheart,
himwillGodaccountforrighteous.Thisisthemean,andthisisthemeritwherebyweattain
theremissionofsinsandrighteousness.Becausethoubelievestinme,saiththeLord,andthy
faithlayethholduponChrist,whomIhavefreelygivenuntotheethathemightbethy
mediatorandhighpriest,thereforebethoujustifiedandrighteous.
WhereforeGoddothacceptoraccountusasrighteous,onlyforourfaithinChrist.
Andthisacceptation,orimputation,isverynecessary:first,becausewearenotyet
perfectlyrighteous,butwhileweremaininthislife,sindwellethstillinourfleshandthis
remnantofsinGodpurgethinus.Moreover,wearesometimesleftoftheHolyGhost,and
fallintosins,asdidPeter,David,andotherholymen.Notwithstandingwehavealways
recoursetothisarticle:thatoursinsarecovered,andthatGodwillnotlaythemtoourcharge
(Romansiv.).Notthatsinisnotinus(asthesophistershavetaught,saying,thatwemustbe
alwaysworkingwelluntilwefeelthatthereisnosinremaininginus):yea,sinisindeed
alwaysinus,andthegodlydofeelit,butitiscovered,andisnotimputeduntousofGodfor
Christssakewhombecausewedoapprehendbyfaith,alloursinsarenownosins.
ButwhereChristandfaithbenot,thereisnoremissionorcoveringofsins,butmere
imputationofsinsandcondemnation.ThuswillGodglorifyhisSon,andwillbeglorified
himselfinusthroughhim.
WhenwehavethustaughtfaithinChrist,thendoweteachalsogoodworks.Because
thouhastlaidholduponChristbyfaith,throughwhomthouartmaderighteous,beginnowto
workwell.LoveGodandthyneighbor,calluponGod,givethanksuntohim,praisehim,

confesshim.Dogoodtothyneighborandservehim:fulfillthineoffice.Thesearegood
worksindeed,whichflowoutofthisfaithandthischeerfulnessconceivedintheheart,for
thatwehaveremissionofsinsfreelybyChrist.
Nowwhatcrossorafflictionsoeverdoafterwardsensue,theyareeasilyborne,and
cheerfullysuffered.FortheyokethatChristlayethuponus,issweet,andhisburdenislight
(Matthew11:30).Whensinispardoned,andtheconsciencedeliveredfromtheburdenand
stingofsin,thenmayaChristianbearallthingseasily:becausehefeelethallthingswithin
sweetandcomfortable,thereforehedoethandsufferethallthingswillingly.Butwhenaman
walkethinhisownrighteousness,whatsoeverhedoethisgrievousandtediousuntohim,
becausehedoethitunwillingly.
WethereforedomakethisdefinitionofaChristian,thataChristianisnothewhichhath
nosin,orfeelethnosin,buthetowhomGodimputethnothissinbecauseofhisfaithin
Christ.Thisdoctrinebringethstrongconsolationtoafflictedconsciencesinseriousand
inwardterrors.Itisnotwithoutgoodcause,therefore,thatwedosooftenrepeatandbeatinto
yourmindstheforgivenessofsins,andimputationofrighteousnessforChristssake:also
thataChristianhathnothingtodowiththelawandsin,especiallyinthetimeoftemptation.
ForinasmuchasheisaChristian,heisabovethelawandsin.ForhehathChristtheLordof
thelawpresentandinclosedinhisheart(aswehavesaid)evenasaringhathajewelor
preciousstoneinclosedinit.Thereforewhenthelawaccusethandsinterrifiethhim,he
lookethuponChrist,andwhenhehathapprehendedhimbyfaith,hehathpresentwithhim
theconquerorofthelaw,sin,deathandthedevil:whoreignethandrulethoverthem,sothat
theycannothurthim.
WhereforeaChristianman,ifyedefinehimrightly,isfreefromalllaws,andisnot
subjectuntoanycreature,eitherwithinorwithout:inasmuchasheisaChristian,Isay,and
notinasmuchasheisamanorawoman,thatistosay,inasmuchashehathhisconscience
adornedandbeautifiedandenrichedwiththisfaith,withthisgreatandinestimabletreasure,
or,asPaulsaith,thisunspeakablegift(2Corinthians9:15),whichcannotbemagnifiedand
praisedenough,foritmakethusthechildrenandheirsofGod.AndbythismeansaChristian
isgreaterthanthewholeworld.Forhehathsuchagift,suchatreasureinhisheart,that
althoughitseemethtobebutlittle,yetnotwithstandingthesmallnessthereof,is.greaterthan
heavenandearth,becauseChrist,whichisthisgift,isgreater.
Whilethisdoctrine,pacifyingandquietingtheconscience,remainethpureanduncorrupt,
Christiansaremadejudgesoverallkindsofdoctrine,andarelordsoverthelawsofthewhole
world.ThencantheycertainlyjudgethattheTurkwithhisAlcoranisdamned,becausehe
goethnottherightway,thatis,heacknowledgethnothimselftobeamiserableanddamnable
sinner,norapprehendethChristbyfaith,forwhosesakehemightbeassuredthathissinsare
pardoned.InlikemannertheyboldlypronouncesentenceagainstthePope,thatheis
condemnedwithallhiskingdom,becausehesowalkethandsoteacheth(withallhisreligious
rabbleofsophistersandschoolmen),thatbythemeritofcongruencewemustcometograce,
andthatafterwardbythemeritofworthinesswearereceivedintoheaven.Heresaiththe
Christian:thisisnottherightwaytojustifyus,neitherdoththiswayleadtoheaven.ForI
cannot,saithhe,bymyworksgoingbeforegrace,deservegraceofcongruence,norbymy
worksfollowinggrace,obtaineternallifeofworthiness:buttohimthatbelievethinChrist,
sinispardonedandrighteousnessimputed.Thistrustandthisconfidencemakethhimthe
childofGodandheirofhiskingdomforinhopehepossessethalreadyeverlastinglife,
assureduntohimbypromise.ThroughfaithinChristthereforeallthingsaregivenuntous,

grace,peace,forgivenessofsins,salvationandeverlastinglife,andnotforthemeritof
congruenceandworthiness.
Whereforethisdoctrineoftheschoolmen,withtheirceremonies,masses,andinfinite
foundationsofthepapisticalkingdom,aremostabominableblasphemiesagainstGod,
sacrilegesandplaindenialsofChrist,asPeterhathforetoldinthesewords:Thereshallbe,
saithhe,falseteachersamongyou,whichshallprivilybringindamnableheresies,denying
theLordthathathboughtthem,etc.(2Peter2:1).Asthoughhewouldsay:TheLordhath
redeemedandboughtuswithhisblood,thathemightjustifyandsaveusthisisthewayof
righteousnessandsalvation.Butthereshallcomefalseteachers,whichdenyingtheLord,
shallblasphemethewayoftruth,ofrighteousnessandsalvationtheyshallfindoutnewways
offalsehoodanddestruction,andmanyshallfollowtheirdamnableways.
PeterthroughoutthiswholechaptermostlivelypaintethoutthePapacy,whichneglecting
anddespisingtheGospelandfaithinChrist,hathtaughttheworksandtraditionsofmen:as
themeritofcongruenceandworthiness,thedifferenceofdays,meatsandpersons,vows,
invocationofsaints,pilgrimages,purgatory,andsuchlike.Inthesefantasticalopinionsthe
Papistsaresomisled,thatitisimpossibleforthemtounderstandonesyllableoftheGospel,
offaith,orofChrist.
Andthisthethingitselfdothwelldeclare.Fortheytakethatprivilegeuntothemselves
whichbelongethuntoChristalone.Heonlydeliverethfromsins,heonlygivethrighteousness
andeverlastinglifeandtheymostimpudentlyandwickedlydovauntthatweareableto
obtainthesethingsapartfromChristbythemeritsofcongruenceandworthiness.This,saith
PeterandtheotherApostles,istobringindamnableheresiesandsectsofperdition.Forby
thesemeanstheydenyChrist,treadhisbloodundertheirfeet,blasphemetheHolyGhost,and
despisethegraceofGod.Whereforenomancansufficientlyconceivehowhorriblethe
idolatryofthePapistsis.
AsinestimableasthegiftiswhichisoffereduntousbyChrist,evensoandnoless
abominablearetheseprofanationsofthePapists.Whereforetheyoughtnottobelightly
esteemedorforgotten,butdiligentlyweighedandconsidered.Andthismakethverymuch
alsofortheamplifyingofthegraceofGodandthebenefitofChrist,asbythecontrary.For
themoreweknowtheprofanationofthepapisticalMass,somuchthemoreweabhorthe
detestthesame,andembracethetrueuseoftheMass,whichthePopehathtakenaway,and
hathmademerchandisethereof,thatbeingboughtformoney,itmightprofitothers.Forhe
saiththatthemassingpriest,anapostatedenyingChristandblasphemingtheHolyGhost,
standingatthealtar,dothagoodwork,notonlyforhimself,butalsoforothers,bothquick
anddead,andforthewholeChurch,andthatonlybytheworkwrought,andbynoother
means.
WhereforeevenbythiswemayplainlyseetheinestimablepatienceofGod,inthathe
hathnotlongagodestroyedthewholePapacy,andconsumeditwithfireandbrimstone,ashe
didSodomandGomorrah.Butnowthesejollyfellowsgoabout,notonlytocover,buthighly
toadvancetheirimpietyandfilthiness.Thiswemayinnocasedissemble,Wemusttherefore
withalldiligencesetforththearticleofjustification,thatasamostclearsun,itmaybringto
lightthedarknessoftheirhypocrisy,anddiscovertheirfilthinessandshame.Forthiscause
wedosooftenrepeatandsoearnestlysetforththerighteousnessoffaith,thattheadversaries
maybeconfoundedandthisarticleestablishedandconfirmedinourhearts.
Andthisisamostnecessarything:forifweoncelosethissun,wefallagainintoour
formerdarkness.Andmosthorribleitis,thatthePopeshouldeverbeabletobringthisto

passintheChurch,thatChristshouldbedenied,troddenunderfoot,spitupon,blasphemed,
yeaandthatevenbytheGospelandsacramentswhichhehathsodarkened,andturnedinto
suchanhorribleabuse,thathehathmadethemtoservehimagainstChrist,forthe
establishingandconfirmingofhisdetestableabominations.Odeepdarkness!Ohorrible
wrathofGod!
Evenwe,Isay,havebelievedinChristJesus,thatwemightbejustifiedetc.
ThisisthetruemeanofbecomingaChristian,eventobejustifiedbyfaithinJesusChrist,and
notbytheworksofthelaw.Herewemuststand,notuponthewickedglossoftheschoolmen,
whichsay,thatfaiththenjustifieth,whencharityandgoodworksarejoinedwithal.Withthis
pestilentglossthesophistershavedarkenedandcorruptedthisandotherlikesentencesin
Paul,whereinhemanifestlyattributethjustificationtofaithonlyinChrist.Butwhenaman
heareththatheoughttobelieveinChrist,andyetnotwithstandingfaithjustifiethnotexceptit
beformedandfurnishedwithcharity,byandbyhefallethfromfaith,andthushethinketh:
Iffaithwithoutcharityjustifiethnot,thenisfaithinvainandunprofitable,andcharity
alonejustifiethforexceptfaithbeformedandbeautifiedwithcharity,itisnothing.
Andtoconfirmthisperniciousandpestilentgloss,theadversariesdoallegethisplace,1
Corinthians13:1f.:ThoughIspeakwiththetonguesofmenandangels,etc.,andhaveno
love,Iamnothing.Andthisplaceistheirbrazenwall.Buttheyaremenwithout
understanding,andthereforetheycanseeorunderstandnothinginPaulandbythisfalse
interpretation,theyhavenotonlypervertedthewordsofPaul,buthavealsodeniedChrist,
andburiedallhisbenefits.Whereforewemustavoidthisglossasamostdeadlyanddevilish
poison,andconcludewithPaul,thatwearejustified,notbyfaithfurnishedwithcharity,but
byfaithonlyandalone.Wemustnotattributethepowerofjustifyingtothatform[sc.
charity]whichmakethamanacceptableuntoGod,butwemustattributeittofaith,which
apprehendethandpossessethintheheartChristtheSaviorhimself.Thisfaithjustifieth
withoutandbeforecharity.
Wegrantthatwemustteachalsogoodworksandcharity,butitmustbedoneintimeand
place,thatistosay,whenthequestionisconcerningworks,andtouchethnotthisarticleof
justification.Butherethequestionis,bywhatmeanswearejustifiedandattaineternallife.
TothisweanswerwithPaul,thatbyfaithonlyinChristwearepronouncedrighteous,andnot
bytheworksofthelaworcharitynotbecausewerejectgoodworks,asouradversaries
accuseus,butforthatwewillnotsufferourselvestobeturnedasidefromtheprincipalpoint
ofthispresentmatterasSatanmostdesireth.Whereforesincewearenowinthematterof
justification,werejectandcondemnallgoodworksforthisplacewilladmitnodisputation
ofgoodworks.Inthismatterthereforewedogenerallycutoffalllawsandalltheworksof
thelaw.
Butthelawisgood,just,andholy.True,itis.Butwhenwearedisputingofjustification,
thereisnotimeorplacetospeakofthelawbutthequestionis,whatChristis,andwhat
benefithehathbroughtuntous.
Christisnotthelaw,heisnotmywork,ortheworkofthelaw,heisnotmycharity,heis
notmychastity,obedience,orpoverty,butheistheLordoflifeanddeath,amediatoranda
Saviorofsinners,aredeemerofthosethatareunderthelaw.Inhimwearebyfaith,andhein
us.Thisbridegroommustbealonewiththebrideinhissecretchamber,alltheservantsand
familybeingputapart.Butafterwards,whenheopeneththedoorandcomethforth,thenlet

theservantsandhandmaidensreturn,tofulfilltheirministry.Thereletcharitydoheroffice,
andletgoodworksbedone.
Wemustlearnthereforetodiscernalllaws,yeaeventhelawofGod,andallworks,from
thepromiseoftheGospelandfromfaith,thatwemaydefineChristrightly.ForChristisno
law,andthereforeheisnoexactorofthelawandworks,butheistheLambofGod,that
takethawaythesinsoftheworld(John1:29).Thisdothfaithalonelayholdof,andnot
charity,whichnotwithstanding,asacertainthankfulness,mustfollowfaith.
Whereforevictoryoversinanddeath,salvationandeverlastinglife,comenotbythelaw,
norbytheworksofthelaw,noryetbythepoweroffreewill,butbytheLordJesusChrist
onlyandalone.Thereforefaithaloneapprehendingthisjustifieth,asappearethbyasufficient
divisionandinduction:ThevictoryoversinanddeathcomethbyJesusChristonlyandalone:
thereforeitcomethnotbytheworksofthelaw,noryetbyourwill,etc.Herewewillgladly
sufferourselvestobecalledsolariansbyouradversaries,whichunderstandnothingofthis
disputationofPaul.
ThatwemightbejustifiedbyfaithinChristandnotbytheworksofthelaw
Paulspeakethnothereoftheceremoniallawonly,asbeforewehavesaid,butofthewhole
law.FortheceremoniallawwasaswellthelawofGodasthemorallawwas.Asfor
example,circumcision,theinstitutionofthepriesthood,theserviceandceremoniesofthe
Temple,wereaswellcommandedofGod,astheTenCommandments.Moreover,when
AbrahamwascommandedtoofferuphissonIsaacinsacrifice,itwasalaw.Thisworkof
AbrahampleasedGodnolessthanotherworksoftheceremoniallawdid,andyetwashenot
justifiedbythiswork,butbyfaithfortheScripturesaith:AbrahambelievedGod,anditwas
countedtohimforrighteousness(Genesis15:6Romans4:3).
ButsincetherevealingofChrist,saythey,theceremoniallawkillethandbringethdeath.
Yea,sodoththelawoftheTenCommandmentsalso,withoutfaithinChrist.Moreover,there
maynolawbesufferedtoreignintheconscience,butonlythelawofthespiritoflife,
wherebywearemadefreeinChristfromthelawoftheletterandofdeath,fromtheworks
thereof,andfromallsins:notbecausethelawisevil,butforthatitisnotabletojustifyus
forithathaplaincontraryeffectandworking.Itisanhighandanexcellentmattertobeat
peacewithGod,andthereforeinthiscase,wehaveneedofafarothermediatorthanMoses
orthelaw,thanourownwill,yeaeventhanthatgracewhichtheycalltheloveofGod.Here
weourselvesmustbenothingatall,butonlyreceivethetreasurewhichisChrist,
apprehendedinourheartsbyfaith,althoughwefeelourselvestobeneversofullofsin.These
wordsthereforeoftheApostleThatwemightbejustifiedbyfaithinChrist,andnotbythe
worksofthelaw,areveryeffectual,andnotinvainorunprofitable,astheschoolmenthink,
andthereforetheypassthemoversolightly.
HithertoyehaveheardthewordsofPaulwhichhespakeuntoPeterwhereinhehath
brieflycomprisedtheprincipalarticleofallChristiandoctrine,whichmakethtrueChristians
indeed.NowheturnethtotheGalatians,towhomhewriteth,andthusheconcludeth:Sinceit
isso,thatwearejustifiedbyfaithinChrist,thenbytheworksofthelawshallnofleshbe
justified.
Becausebythedeedsofthelaw,nofleshshallbejustified

NonomniscaroisaHebraismwhichoffendethagainstthegrammar.SoGenesis4:5:That
noteveryonethatfindethhimshouldsmitehim.
TheGreeksandLatinsspeaknotso.Noteveryonesignifiethnooneandnotall
fleshsignifiethnoflesh.ButnotallfleshinLatinseemethtosaysomeflesh.Howbeit
theHolyGhostkeepethnotthisstrictnessofthegrammar.
Nowflesh,inPaul,dothnotsignify(astheschoolmendream)manifestandgrosssins
forthoseheusethtocallbytheirpropernames,asadultery,fornication,uncleanness,and
suchlike(Galatians5:19ff.):butbyflesh,Paulmeanethhere,asChristdothinthethird
chapterofJohn:Thatwhichisbornoftheflesh,isflesh(John3:6).Fleshtherefore
signifieththewholenatureofman,withreasonandallotherpowerswhatsoeverdobelongto
man.Thisflesh,saithhe,isnotjustifiedbyworks,nonotevenofthelaw.Hesaithnot:Flesh
isnotjustifiedbyworkscontrarytothelaw,asaremurder,adultery,drunkenness,andsuch
like,butbyworksdoneaccordingtothelaw,whicharegood.Fleshtherefore,accordingto
Paul,signifiethalltherighteousness,wisdom,devotion,religion,understandingandwill,that
ispossibletobeinanaturalman.NowifaJewisnotjustifiedbyworksdoneaccordingtothe
lawofGod,muchlessshallamonkbejustifiedbyhisorder,apriestbythemassand
canonicalhours,aphilosopherbyhiswisdom,adivinebyhisdivinity,aTurkbytheAlcoran.
Briefly,thoughamanbeneversowiseandrighteousaccordingtoreasonandthelawof
God,yetwithallhisrighteousness,works,merits,devotionandreligion,heisnotjustified.
ThisthePapistsdonotbelieve,butbeingblindandobstinate,theydefendtheir
abominationsagainsttheirownconscience,andcontinuestillinthistheirblasphemy,having
intheirmouthstheseexecrablewords:Hethatdoththisgoodworkorthat,deserveth
forgivenessofhissinswhosoeverenterethintothisorthatholyorder,andkeepethhisrule,to
himweassuredlypromiseeverlastinglife.Itcannotbeutteredwhatanhorribleblasphemyit
istoattributethattothedoctrinesofdevils,tothedecreesandordinancesofmen,tothe
wickedtraditionsofthePope,totheworksandmeritsofmonksandfriars,whichPaulthe
ApostleofChristtakethfromthelawofGodandtheworksthereof.Forifnofleshbe
justifiedbytheworksofthelawofGod,muchlessshallitbejustifiedbytheruleof
Benedict,Francis,orAugustine,inwhichthereisnotonejotoftruefaithinChrist:butthis
onlytheyteach,thatwhosoeverkeepeththesethingshathlifeeverlasting.
WhereforeIhavemuchandoftenmarveled,thatthesesectsofperditionreigningso
manyyearsinsogreatdarknessanderrors,theChurchcouldendureandcontinueasithath
done.SometherewerewhomGodcalledpurelybythetextoftheGospel(which
notwithstandingremainedinthepulpit)andbyBaptism.Thesewalkedinsimplicityand
humblenessofheart,thinkingthemonksandfriarsandsuchonlyaswereanointedofthe
bishops,tobereligiousandholy,andthemselvestobeprofaneandsecular,andnotworthyto
becompareduntothem.Whereforetheyfindinginthemselvesnogoodworkstosetagainst
thewrathandjudgmentofGod,didflytothedeathandpassionofChrist,andweresavedin
thissimplicity.
HorribleandunspeakableisthewrathofGod,inthathehathsolongtimepunishedthe
contemptoftheGospelandChristinthePapists,andalsotheiringratitude,ingivingthem
overuntoareprobatemind(Romans1:24.ff.),insomuchthattheyblaspheminganddenying
Christaltogetherastouchinghisoffice,insteadoftheGospel,receivedtheexecrablerules,
ordinancesandtraditionsofmen,whichtheydevoutlyadoredandhonored,yeaandpreferred
thesamefarabovetheWordofGod,untilatlengththeywereforbiddentomarry,andwere
boundtothatincestuoussinglelifewhereintheywereoutwardlypollutedanddefiledwithall

kindsofhorriblewickedness,asadultery,whoredom,uncleanness,sodomy,andsuchother
abominations.Thiswasthefruitofthatfilthysinglelife.
SoGod,punishingsinwithsin,inwardlygavethemoveruntoareprobatemind,and
outwardlysufferedthemtofallintosuchhorriblecrimes,andthatjustly,becausethey
blasphemedtheonlySonofGod,inwhomtheFatherwouldbeglorified,andwhomhe
deliveredtodeath,thatallwhichbelieveinhimmightbesavedbyhim,andnotbytheirown
rulesandorders.Himthathonorethme,saithhe,Iwillhonor(1Samuel2:30).Now,God
ishonoredinhisSon(John5:23).WhosothenbelieveththattheSonisourmediatorand
savior,hehonoreththeFather,andhimagaindothGodhonor,thatistosay,adornethhim
withhisgifts,forgivenessofsins,righteousness,theHolyGhost,andeverlastinglife.
Contrariwise,Theythatdespiseme,saithhe,shallbedespised(Samuel2:30Matthew
10:33).
Thereisthenageneralconclusion:Bythedeedsofthelawnofleshshallbejustified.
Thisdothouamplifyandrunthroughallstatesandconditionsoflifethus:Ergonomonk
shallbejustifiedbyhisorder,nonunbyherchastity,nocitizenbyhisprobity,noprinceby
hisbeneficence,etc.ThelawofGodisgreaterthanthewholeworld,foritcomprehendethall
men,andtheworksofthelawdofarexceleventhemostgloriouswillworksofallthemerit
mongersandyetPaulsaiththatneitherthelawnortheworksofthelawdojustify.Therefore
weconcludewithPaul,thatfaithonlyjustifieth.Thispropositionhegoethabouttoconfirmin
thismanner:
IfthenwhileweseektobejustifiedinChrist,weourselvesarefoundsinners,isChrist
thereforetheministerofsin?Godforbid
ThesearenotLatinphrases,butHebrewandtheological.Ifthisbetrue,saithhe,thatweare
justifiedbyChrist,thenisitimpossiblethatweshouldbesinners,orshouldbejustifiedby
thelaw.Onthecontrary,ifthisbenottrue,butthatwemustbejustifiedbythelawandthe
worksofthelaw,itisthenimpossiblethatweshouldbejustifiedbyChrist.Oneofthesetwo
mustneedsbefalse.EitherwearenotjustifiedbyChrist,orwearenotjustifiedbythelaw.
ButthetruthisthatwearejustifiedbyChristthereforewearenotjustifiedbythelaw.He
reasoneththereforeafterthismanner:IfthenwhileweseektobemaderighteousbyChrist,
etc.Thatis:IfweseektobejustifiedbyfaithinChrist,andsobeingjustifiedareyetfound
sinners,havingneedofthelawtojustifyusbeingsinners:ifwehaveneed,Isay,ofthe
observationofthelawtojustifyus,sothattheywhicharerighteousinChristarenot
righteous,butyethaveneedofthelawtojustifythem:orifhethatisjustifiedbyChristmust
yetfurtherbejustifiedbythelaw,thenChristisnothingelsebutalawgiverandaministerof
sin.
ThereforehethatisjustifiedandholyinChrist,isnotjustifiedorholy,buthathyetneed
oftherighteousnessandholinessofthelaw.
ButweareindeedjustifiedandmaderighteousinChristforthetruthoftheGospel
teachethus,thatamanisnotjustifiedinthelaw,butinChrist.
Now,iftheywhicharejustifiedinChristareyetfoundsinners,thatisdoyetstillbelong
tothelaw,andareunderthelaw(asthefalseapostlesteach),thenaretheynotyetjustified.
Forthelawaccuseththem,andsheweththemtobeyetsinners,andrequirethofthemthe
worksofthelaw,asnecessarytotheirjustification.ThereforetheythatarejustifiedinChrist,
arenotjustifiedandsoitfolloweth,thatChristisnotajustifier,butaministerofsin.

Withthesewordshevehementlychargeththefalseapostlesandallmeritmongers,that
theypervertalltogether:fortheymakeofthelawgrace,andofgracethelaw,ofMoses
Christ,andofChristMoses.FortheyteachthatbesidesChristandalltherighteousnessof
Christ,theobservationofthelawisnecessarytojustification.Andthusweseethatbytheir
intolerableperverseness,theymakethelawChristforbythismeanstheyattributethattothe
law,whichproperlybelongethuntoChrist.Ifthoudotheworksofthelaw,saythey,thou
shaltbejustifiedbutifthoudothemnot,thoushaltnotbejustified,althoughthoudobelieve
inChristneversomuch.Nowifitbeso,thatChristjustifiethnot,butistheministerofsin(as
itneedsmustfollowbytheirdoctrine),thenisChristthelawforwehavenothingelseofhim
(seeingheteacheththatwearesinners)thanthatwehavebythelaw.SoChristbeingthe
teacherofsin,sendethustothelawandtoMoses,astoourjustifier.
Itcannotbetherefore,butthatthePapistsandallsuchasareignorantofthe
righteousnessofChrist,orhavenotthetrueknowledgethereof,mustneedsmakeofChrist
Mosesandthelaw,andofthelawChrist.Forthustheyteach:Itistrue(saythey)thatfaithin
Christjustifieth,butwithalwemustneedskeepthecommandmentsofGod.Foritiswritten:
Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments(Matthew19:17).Hereevenatthefirst
dash,Christisdeniedandfaithabolished,becausethatisattributedtothecommandmentsof
God,ortothelaw,whichbelongethtoChristalone.ForChrist,accordingtohistrue
definition,isajustifierandaredeemerfromsins.IfIattributethistothelaw,thenisthelaw
myjustifier,deliveringmefrommysins,becauseIdotheworksthereof:andsonowthelaw
isChrist,andChristutterlylosethhisname,hisofficeandglory,andisnothingelsebuta
ministerofthelaw,reproving,terrifying,presentingandsendingthesinnertoanotherthat
mayjustifyhim:whichistheproperofficeofthelaw.
ButtheproperofficeofChristis,afterthelawhathpronouncedamantobeguilty,to
raisehimupagain,andtoloosehimfromhissins,ifhebelievetheGospel.ForChrististhe
endofthelawuntorighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth(Romans10:4)heistheLamb
ofGodthattakethawaythesinsoftheworld(John1:29).ButthePapistsandtheAnabaptists,
becausetheyunderstandnotthisdoctrine,doturnallcleancontrary,makingofChristMoses,
andofMosesChrist.Andthisisindeed(althoughtheywillsayotherwise)theirprincipal
proposition:thatChristisMoses.Moreover,theyderideus,becausewedosodiligentlyteach
andsoearnestlyrequirefaith.Ha,ha,(saythey),faith,faithwaitthouthetimeuntilthou
cometoheavenbyfaith.Nay,thoumuststrivetodogreaterandweightiermatters.Thoumust
fulfillthelawofGod,accordingtothatsaying:Dothis,andthoushaltlive(Luke10:28).
Thoumustsuffermanythings,shedthyblood,leavethyhouse,wife,children,imitatethe
exampleofChrist.Faith,whichyesohighlyextol,dothnothingelsebutmakemencareless,
idleandnegligent.Thusaretheybecomenothingelsebutministersofthelaw,andlaw
workers,callingbackthepeoplefromChristtoMoses,frombaptism,faith,thepromisesof
Christ,tothelawandworks,turninggraceintothelaw,andthelawintograce.
Whowouldeverbelievethatthesethingscouldsoeasilybeconfoundedandmingled
together?Thereisnomansounsensible,whichdothnotperceivethisdistinctionofthelaw
andgracetobemostplainandmanifest.
Fortheverynatureandsignificationofthewordsmakeththisdistinctionanddifference.
Forwhounderstandethnotthatthesewords,lawandgrace,dodifferinnameand
signification?Whereforeitisamonstrousthing,thatthisdistinctionbeingsoplain,the
adversariesshouldbesodevilishandperverse,astomingletogetherthelawandgrace,andto
transformChristintoMoses.ThereforeIoftentimessay,thatthisdoctrineoffaithisvery

plain,andthateverymanmayeasilyunderstandthisdistinctionofthelawandgrace,as
touchingthewordsbutastouchingtheuseandpractice,itisveryhard.
ThePopeandhisschooldoctorsdoplainlyconfess,thatthelawandgracearediverse
anddistinctthings,andyetwhentheycometotheuseandpracticethereof,theyteachclean
contrary.FaithinChrist,saythey,whetheritbegottenbythestrength,operationandqualities
ofnature,orwhetheritbefaithinfusedandpouredintousofGod,yetisitbutadeadfaith,if
charitybenotjoinedtherewith.Whereisnowthedistinctionanddifferenceofthelawand
grace?Indeed,theydodistinguishtheminname,butineffecttheycallgracecharity.Thusdo
alltheywhichsostraitlyrequiretheobservationofthelaw,andattributejustificationtothe
lawandworks.Whereforewhosoeverdothnotperfectlyunderstandthearticleofjustification
mustneedsconfoundandminglethelawandgracetogether.
Leteverygodlymanthereforediligentlylearnaboveallthings,toputadifference
betweenthelawandgraceindeedandinpractice:notinwordsonly,asthePopeandthe
fantasticalspiritsdowhoastouchingthewords,doconfessthattheyaretwodistinctthings
butinverydeed(asIhavesaid),theyconfoundandminglethemtogether,fortheywillnot
grantthatfaithjustifiethwithoutworks.Ifthisbetrue,thenChristprofitethmenothing.For
thoughmyfaithbeneversoperfect,yetaftertheiropinion,ifthisfaithbewithoutcharity,I
amnotjustifiedandalthoughIhaveneversomuchcharity,yetIlovenotenough.Andthus
Christapprehendedbyfaithisnotajustifier,graceprofitethnothing,neithercanfaithbetrue
faithwithoutcharity(orastheAnabaptistssay:withoutthecross,passionandsheddingof
blood).Butifcharity,worksandthecrossarepresent,thenthefaithistruefaithand
justifieth.
WiththisdoctrinethefantasticalsectsdodarkenanddefacethebenefitofChristagainat
thisday:theytakeawayfromhimthegloryofajustifier,andmakehimaministerofsin.
Theyhavelearntnothingfromusbuttorepeatthewords:thematteritselftheyunderstand
not.TheywouldhaveitappearthattheyalsoteachtheGospelandthefaithofChristpurely,
aswedo,butwhenitcomethtotheuseandpractice,theyareteachersofthelaw,inallthings
liketothefalseapostlesthemselves.Forevenastheythroughoutallthechurchesdidrequire
circumcisionandtheobservationofthelawbesidesfaithinChrist,insomuchthatwithout
circumcisionandkeepingofthelaw,theydeniedthejustificationoffaith(forExceptyebe
circumcised,saidthey,afterthelawofMoses,yecannotbesaved(Acts15:10)):evenso,
atthisday,thesestraightexactorsofthelaw,besidestherighteousnessoffaith,dorequirethe
keepingofthecommandmentsofGod,accordingtothatsaying:Dothisandthoushaltlive
(Luke10:28)also,Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments(Matthew19:17).
Whereforethereisnotoneamongthem,beheneversowise,thatunderstandeththe
differencebetweenthelawandgraceforbytheirveryuseandpracticeandthetestimonyof
factstheyareconvicted.
Butweputadifference,andsay,thatwedonotheredisputewhetherweoughttodo
goodworks:whetherthelawbegood,holyandjust,andwhetheritoughttobekeptornofor
thisisanothermannerofquestion,Butourquestionisconcerningjustification,andwhether
thelawdojustifyorno.Thistheadversarieswillnothear:theywillnotanswertothis
question,normakeanydistinctionaswedobutonlycryout,thatgoodworksoughttobe
done,thatthelawoughttobeobserved.Weknowthatwellenough.Butbecausetheseare
diversdistinctmatters,wewillnotsufferthemtobemingledtogether.Thatgoodworksought
tobedone,wewillhereafterdeclarewhentimeshallserve.Butsincewearenowinthe
matterofjustification,wesetasidehereallgoodworks,forwhichtheadversariesdoso

earnestlystrive,ascribinguntothemwhollytheofficeofjustifyingwhichistotakefrom
Christhisgloryandtoascribethesameuntoworks.
Whereforethisisastrongargument,whichIhaveoftentimesusedtomygreatcomfort:
IfthenwhileweseektobemaderighteousbyChrist,etc.
AsthoughPaulshouldsay:IfwebeingjustifiedbyChrist,arecountedyetasnotjustified
andrighteous,butassinnerswhichareyettobejustifiedbythelaw,thenmaywenotseek
justificationinChrist,butinthelaw.Butifjustificationcomethbythelaw,thencomethitnot
bygrace.Nowifjustificationcomethnotbygracebutbythelaw,whathathChristdoneand
wroughtbyhispassion,byhispreaching,byhisvictorywhichhehathobtainedoverthelaw,
sinanddeath,andbysendingtheHolyGhost?Wemustconcludetherefore,thateitherweare
justifiedbyChrist,orelsethatwearemadesinners,culpableandguiltythroughhim.Butif
thelawdojustify,thencanitnotbeavoided,butitmustneedsfollow,thatwearemade
sinnersthroughChrist,andsoChristisaministerofsin.Thecasestandingthus,letusthen
setdownthisproposition:EveryonethatbelievethintheLordJesusChristisasinner,andis
guiltyofeternaldeath,andifheflynotuntothelaw,doingtheworksthereof,heshallnotbe
saved.
TheholyScripture,especiallytheNewTestament,makethoftenmentionoffaithin
Christ,andhighlyadvanceththesame:whichsaiththatwhosoeverbelievethinhimissaved,
perishethnot,isnotjudged,isnotconfounded,hatheternallife,etc.(John3:16,etc.).But
contrariwisetheysay,hethatbelievethinhimiscondemned,etc.,becausehehathfaith
withoutworks,whichdothcondemn.Thusdotheypervertallthings,makingofChristsimply
adestroyer,andofMosesaSavior.Andisnotthisanhorribleblasphemy,sototeach,thatby
doingtheworksofthelawthoushaltbemadeworthyofeternallifebutbybelievingin
Christthoushaltbemadeguiltyofeternaldeaththatthelawbeingkeptandaccomplished
saveth,andfaithinChristcondemneth?
Theselfsamewords,Igrant,theadversariesdonotusebutinverydeedsuchistheir
doctrine.Forfaithinfused,saythey,whichproperlytheycallfaithinChrist,dothnotmakeus
freefromsin,butthatfaithwhichisfurnishedwithcharity.Hereofitfolloweththatfaithin
Christ,withoutthelawandworks,savethusnot.Thisisplainlytoaffirm,thatChristleaveth
usinoursinsandinthewrathofGod,andmakethusguiltyofeternaldeath.Ontheother
side,ifthoukeepthelawanddotheworksthereof,thenfaithjustifieththee,becauseithath
works,withoutthewhichfaithavailethnothing.Thereforeworksjustify,andnotfaith.For
thatwhichcausethanythingtobeso,isitselfmoreso,andifitbeworksthatcausefaithto
justify,thenworksdojustifymorethanfaith.Ohorribleimpiety!
Whatperniciousandcurseddoctrineisthis?
Paulthereforegroundethhisargumentuponanimpossibilityandasufficientdivision.If
webeingjustifiedinChrist,areyetfoundsinners,andcannotbejustifiedbutbyanothermean
thanChrist,thatistowit,bythelaw,thencannotChristjustifyus,butheonlyaccusethand
condemnethus:andsoconsequentlyitfolloweth,thatChristdiedinvain,andthesewith
otherlikephrasesarefalse:BeholdtheLambofGod,thattakethawaythesinsoftheworld
(John1:29)also:HethatbelievethintheSon,hatheverlastinglife(John3:36).Yeathe
wholeScriptureisfalse,whichbearethwitnessthatChrististhejustifierandsaviorofthe
world.ForifwebefoundsinnersafterthatwebejustifiedbyChrist,itfollowethofnecessity
thattheywhichfulfillthelawwithoutChristarejustified.Ifthisbetrue,thenareweeither
Turks,orJews,orTartarians,professingthenameandwordofChristinoutwardshow,butin
deedandverityutterlydenyingChristandhisWord.ButPaulwillhavefaithtobe

unfeigned(1Timothy1:5).Itisagreaterrorandimpietythereforetoaffirmthatfaith
infused,exceptitbeadornedwithworksofcharity,justifiethnot.Butiftheadversarieswill
needsdefendthisdoctrine,whydotheynotthenrejectfaithinChristaltogether:especially
seeingtheymakenothingelseofitbutavainqualityinthesoul,whichwithoutcharity
availethnothing?Whydotheynotcallaspadeaspade?Thatis:whydotheynotsayinplain
words,thatworksdojustifyandnotfaith?Yea,whydotheynotgenerallydeny,notonly
Paul,butalsothewholeGospel(asinverydeedtheydo),whichattributethrighteousnessto
faithaloneandnottoworks?
ForiffaithandworkstogetherdojustifythenisthedisputationofPaulaltogetherfalse,
whichplainlypronounceth,thatamanisnotjustifiedbythedeedsofthelaw,butbyfaith
aloneinJesusChrist.
IsChristthereforetheministerofsin?
ThisisakindofspeechusedoftheHebrews,whichPaulinCorinthians3(7ff.)dothalsouse
wherehemostdivinelyandplainlyspeakethofthesetwoministries:towit,oftheletterand
thespirit,ofthelawandgrace,orofdeathandlife.AndhesaiththatMoseshaththeministry
ofthelaw,whichhecalleththeministryofsin,ofwrath,deathandcondemnation.ForPaulis
wonttogivereproachfulnamesuntothelawofGod,andamongsttheApostlesheonlyuseth
thismannerofspeech:theotherdonotsospeak.Andverynecessaryitis,thatsuchasare
studiousoftheholyScriptureshouldunderstandthismannerofspeechusedoftheApostle.
Nowaministerofsinisnothingelsebutalawgiver,oraschoolmasterofthelaw,which
teachethgoodworksandcharity,andthatamanmustsufferthecrossandafflictions,and
followtheexampleofChristandofthesaints.Hethatteachethandrequireththis,isa
ministerofthelaw,ofsin,ofwrathandofdeath:forbythisdoctrinehedoethnothingelse
butterrifyandafflictmensconsciences,andshutthemundersin.Foritisimpossibleforthe
natureofmantoaccomplishthelawyea,inthosethatarejustifiedandhavetheHolyGhost,
thelawofthemembersfightethagainstthelawofthemind(Romans7:23).Whatwillitnot
thendointhewickedwhichhavenottheHolyGhost?Whereforehethatteacheththat
righteousnesscomethbythelaw,dothnotunderstandwhathesaithorwhatheaffirmeth,and
muchlessdothhekeepthelaw,butratherhedeceivethhimselfandothers,andlayethupon
themsuchaburdenastheyarenotabletobear,requiringandteachingimpossiblethings,and
atthelasthebringethhimselfandhisdisciplesuntodesperation.
Theproperuseandendthereforeofthelawis,toaccuseandcondemnasguiltysuchas
liveinsecurity,thattheymayseethemselvestobeindangerofsin,wrath,anddeatheternal,
thatsotheymaybeterrifiedandbroughteventothebrinkofdesperation,tremblingand
quakingatthefallingofaleaf:andinthattheyaresuch,theyareunderthelaw.Forthelaw
requirethperfectobedienceuntoGod,andcondemnethallthosethatdonotaccomplishthe
same.Now,itiscertainthatthereisnomanlivingwhichisabletoperformthisobedience
whichnotwithstandingGodstraitlyrequirethofus:thelawthereforejustifiethnot,but
condemneth,accordingtothatsaying:Cursedishethatabidethnotinallthingswrittenin
thislaw,etc.(Deuteronomy27:26Galatians3:10).Thereforehethatteacheththelawisthe
ministerofsin.
Whereforeitisnotwithoutgoodcause,thatPaulin2Corinthians3calleththeministry
ofthelawtheministryofsin:forthelawaccusethconsciencesandshewethsin,which
withoutthelawisdead.Nowtheknowledgeofsin(Ispeaknothereofthatspeculative

knowledgeofhypocrites,butofatrueknowledge,bywhichweseethewrathofGodagainst
sin,andfeelatruetasteofdeath)terrifieththeheart,drivethdowntodesperation,killethand
destroyeth(Romans7:11).Whereforetheseschoolmastersofthelawandworks,arecalledin
theScripturesoppressorsandtyrants.ForasthetaskmastersinEgyptdidoppressthechildren
ofIsraelwithcorporalservitude,sodotheselawgiversandtaskmastersdrivemeninto
spiritualandmostmiserablebondageofsoul,andatlengthbringthemtodesperationand
utterdestruction.Thesedoneitherknowthemselvesnorfeeltheforceofthelawneitherisit
possibleforthemtohavequietnessandpeaceofconscienceingreatandinwardterrors,and
intheagonyofdeath,yeathoughtheyhaveobservedthelaw,lovedtheirneighbours,done
manygoodworks,andsufferedgreatafflictions:forthelawalwaysterrifiethandaccuseth,
saying:Thouneverdidstaccomplishallthatiscommandedinthelawbutaccursedishethat
hathnotdoneallthingscontainedtherein,etc.Whereforetheseterrorsremainstillinthe
conscienceandincreasemoreandmoreandifsuchschoolmastersofthelawbenotraisedup
byfaithandtherighteousnessofChrist,theyaredrivendownheadlongtodesperation.Ofthis
thingthereisanotableexampleintheLivesoftheFathersconcerningacertaineremite
who,shortlybeforehedied,stoodsadandmotionlessforthreedayswithhiseyesfixedonthe
heavens.Beingaskedwhyhedidso,heansweredthathefeareddeath.Whenhisdisciples
soughttocomforthim,sayingthathehadnocausetofeardeath,sincehehadlivedamost
holylife,hereplied:HolilyhaveIlivedindeed,andkeptthecommandmentsofGod:butthe
judgmentsofGodarefarotherthanthoseofmen.Thisman,whenheperceiveddeathat
hand,althoughhehadlivedblamelesslyandhadkeptthelawofGod,wasyetnotabletohave
aquietmind,becauseitcameintohisthoughtthatGodjudgethfarotherwisethanmen.And
sohelostconfidenceinallhisgoodworksandmerits,andunlesshewasraisedupbythe
promiseofChrist,hemusthavedespaired.Sothelawcandonothingelsebutstripusbare
andmakeusculpable,andthenthereisnocounselorhelp,butallislost.Herethelifeand
martyrdomsofallthesaintsarenotabletohelpus.
Thisalsowasnotablyfiguredwhenthelawwasgiven,aswemayseeinthe19thand
20thofExodus.MosesbroughtthepeopleoutofthetentstomeetwiththeLord,thatthey
mighthearhimspeakuntothemoutofthedarkcloud.Thenthepeoplebeingastonishedand
tremblingforfear,fledback(whichalittlebeforehadpromisedtodoallthatGodhad
commanded)and,standingaloofoff,saiduntoMoses:Whocanabidetoseethefire,andto
hearthethunderingsandnoiseofthetrumpet?Talkthouwithus,andwewillhearthee:but
letnotGodtalkwithus,lestwedie.Sotheproperofficeofthelawistoleadusoutofour
tentsandtabernacles,thatistosay,fromthequietnessandsecuritywhereinwedwell,and
fromtrustinginourselves,andtobringusbeforethepresenceofGod,torevealhiswrath
untous,andtosetbeforeusoursins.Heretheconsciencefeeleththatithathnotsatisfiedthe
law,neitherisitabletosatisfyit,nortobearthewrathofGod,whichthelawrevealethwhen
itbringethusforthafterthismannerbeforethepresenceofGod,thatistosay,whenitfeareth
us,accusethus,andsettethbeforeusoursins.Hereitisimpossiblethatweshouldbeableto
standandthereforebeingthoroughlyafraid,wefly,andwecryoutwiththechildrenof
Israel:Weshalldie,weshalldie:letnottheLordspeakuntous,butspeakthouuntous,etc.
HethenwhichteacheththatfaithinChristjustifiethnotwithouttheobservationofthe
law,makethChristaministerofsin,thatistosay,aschoolmasterofthelaw,whichteacheth
theselfsamedoctrinethatMosesdid.BythismeansChristisnoSavior,nogiverofgrace,but
acrueltyrant,whorequirethimpossiblethings(asMosesdid),whichnomanisableto
perform.SeehowallthemeritmongersdotakeChristtobebutanewlawgiver,andthe

Gospeltobenothingelsebutacertainbookwhichcontainethnewlawsconcerningworks,as
theTurksdreamoftheirAlcoran.ButastouchinglawsthereisenoughinMoses.TheGospel
thenisapreachingofChrist,whichforgivethsins,givethgrace,justifiethandsavethsinners.
NowwhereastherearecommandmentsfoundintheGospel,theyarenottheGospel,but
expositionsofthelaw,andmattersdependingupontheGospel.
Toconclude,ifthelawbetheministryofsin,thenitisalsotheministryofwrathandof
death.Forasthelawrevealethsin,sodothitterrifyaman,itshowethuntohimthewrathof
God,andstrikethintohimaterrorofdeath.
ForthistheconsciencebyandbygatherethThouhastnotkeptthecommandmentsof
God,thereforeisGodoffendedandangrywiththee.
Anditthinkeththistobeaninfallibleconsequence:Ihavesinned,thereforeImustdie.
Andsoitfolloweth,thattheministryofsinistheministryofwrathanddeath.Forafterthat
sinisrevealed,byandbyensueththewrathofGod,death,anddamnation.Forthusreasoneth
theconscience:Thouhastsinned,thereforeGodisangrywiththee:ifhebeangrywiththee,
hewilldestroytheeandcondemntheeforever.Andhereofitcometh,thatmanywhichare
notabletobearthejudgmentandwrathofGod,whichthelawsettethbeforetheireyes,do
kill,hang,ordrownthemselves.
Godforbid
Asthoughhewouldsay:Christisnottheministerofsin,butthegiverofrighteousnessand
eternallife.WhereforePaulseparatethChristfarfromMoses.LetMosesthentarryonthe
earthlethimbetheschoolmasteroftheletter,andexactorofthelawlethimtormentand
crucifysinners.Butthebelievers,saithPaul,haveanotherschoolmasterintheirconscience:
notMoses,butChrist,whichhathabolishedthelawandsin,hathovercomethewrathofGod,
anddestroyeddeath.Hebiddethusthatlaborandareoppressedwithallmannerofcalamities,
tocomeuntohim.Thereforewhenweflyuntohim,Moseswithhislawvanishethaway,so
thathissepulchercannowherebeseen(Deuteronomy34:6),andsinanddeathcanhurtusno
more.ForChristourinstructorisLordoverthelaw,sin,anddeath,sothattheywhichbelieve
inhimaredeliveredfromthesame.ItisthereforetheproperofficeofChristtodeliverfrom
sinanddeathandthisPaulteachethandrepeatetheverywhere.
Wearecondemnedandkilledbythelaw,butbyChristwearejustifiedandrestoredto
life.Thelawastonishethus,anddrivethusfromGodbutChristreconcilethustoGod,and
makethforusanentrance,thatwemayboldlycomeuntohim.ForheistheLambofGod,
thattakethawaythesinsoftheworld.Now,ifthesinoftheworldbetakenaway,thenisit
takenawayfrommealso,whichdobelieveinhim.Ifsinbetakenaway,thenisthewrathof
God,deathanddamnationtakenawayalso.Andintheplaceofsinsucceedethrighteousness
intheplaceofwrath,reconciliationandgraceintheplaceofdeath,lifeandintheplaceof
damnation,salvation.Letuslearntopracticethisdistinction,notinwordsonly,butinlifeand
livelyexperienceandfeeling.ForwhereChristis,theremustneedsbejoyofheartandpeace
ofconscience:forChristisourreconciliation,righteousness,peace,lifeandsalvation.
Briefly,whatsoeverthepoorafflictedconsciencedesireth,itfindethinChristabundantly.
NowPaulgoethabouttoamplifythisargument,andtopersuadeasfolloweth.
ForifIbuildagainthethingsthatIhavedestroyed,Imakemyselfatrespasser.

Asifheshouldsay:Ihavenotpreachedtothisend,thatImightbuildagainthosethings
whichIoncedestroyed.ForifIshouldsodo,Ishouldnotonlylaborinvain,butshouldmake
myselfalsoatransgressor,andoverthrowalltogether,asthefalseapostlesdothatistosay,
off,raceandofChristIshouldagainmakethelawandMosesandcontrariwiseofthelaw
andMosesIshouldmakegraceandChrist.Now,bytheministryoftheGospelIhave
abolishedsin,heavinessofheart,wrathanddeath.ForthushaveItaught:Thyconscience,O
man,issubjecttothelaw,sinanddeathfromwhichthoucanstnotbedeliveredeitherby
menorangels.ButnowcomeththeGospel,andpreachethuntotheeremissionofsinsby
JesusChrist,whohathabolishedthelaw,andhathdestroyedsinanddeathbelieveinhim,
andsoshaltthoubedeliveredfromthecurseofthelaw,andfromthetyrannyofsinand
deaththoushaltberighteousandhaveeternallife.
BeholdhowIhavedestroyedthelaw,bythepreachingoftheGospel,totheendthatit
shouldnotreignmthyconscienceanymore.ForwhenthenewguestChristJesuscometh
intothenewhouse,theretodwellalone,Mosestheoldinhabitermustgiveplaceuntohim,
anddepartsomewhitherelse.AlsowhereChristthenewguestiscometodwell,therecanthe
law,sin,wrath,anddeathhavenoplacebuttherenowdwellethmeregrace,righteousness,
joy,life,merefilialtrustintheFather,nowpacifiedandreconcileduntous,gracious,
longsuffering,andfullofmercy,forhisSonChristssake.ShouldIthen,drivingoutChrist,
anddestroyinghiskingdom,whichIhaveplantedthroughthepreachingoftheGospel,now
buildupagainthelaw,andsetupthekingdomofMoses?IndeedthisshouldIdo,ifIshould
teachcircumcisionandtheobservationofthelawtobenecessarytosalvation,asthefalse
apostlesdoandbythismeans,inthesteadofrighteousnessandlife,Ishouldrestoreagain
sinanddeath.Forthelawdothnothingelsebututtersin,procureGodswrath,killand
destroy.
WhatarethePapists(Iprayyou),yeathebestofthemall,butdestroyersofthekingdom
ofChrist,andbuildersupofthekingdomofthedevilandofsin,ofwrathandeternaldeath?
Yea,theydestroytheChurch,whichisGodsbuilding,notbythelawofMoses,asdidthe
falseapostles,butbymenstraditionsanddoctrinesofdevils.Andevenso,thefantastical
headswhichareatthisday,andshallcomeafterus,dodestroyandshalldestroythosethings
whichwehavebuiltdobuild,andshallbuildupagainthosethingswhichwehavedestroyed.
ButwebythegraceofChristholdingthearticleofjustification,doassuredlyknowthat
wearejustifiedbyfaithonlyinChrist.Thereforewedonotminglethelawandgrace,faith
andworkstogetherbutweseparatethemfarasunder.Andthisdistinctionordifference
betweenthelawandgrace,leteveryseekeraftergodlinessmarkdiligently,andlethimsuffer
thesametotakeplace,notinlettersandsyllables,butinpracticeandexperiencesothat
whenheheareththatgoodworksoughttobedone,andthattheexampleofChrististobe
followed,hemaybeabletojudgerightlyandsay:Well,allthesethingswillIgladlydo.
Whatthenfolloweth?Thoushaltthenbesavedandobtaineverlastinglife?Nay,notso.I
grantindeed,thatIoughttodogoodworks,patientlytosuffertroublesandafflictions,andto
shedmybloodalso,ifneedbe,forChristscause:butyetamInotjustified,neitherdoI
obtainsalvationthereby.
Wemustnotthereforedrawgoodworksintothearticleofjustification,asthemonks
havedone,whichsaythatnotonlygoodworks,butalsothepunishmentsandtormentswhich
malefactorssufferfortheirwickeddeeds,dodeserveeverlastinglife.Forthustheycomfort
themwhentheyarebroughttothegallows,orplaceofexecution:Thoumustsufferwillingly
andpatientlythisshamefuldeathwhichifthoudo,thoushaltdeserveremissionofthysins

andeverlastinglife.Whatanhorriblethingisthis,thatawretchedthief,amurderer,arobber,
shouldbesomiserablyseducedinthatextremeanguishanddistress,thatevenatthevery
pointofdeath,whenheisnowreadytobehanged,ortohavehisheadcutoff,heshouldbe
deprivedoftheGospelandgladtidingsofChrist,whichonlyisabletobringcomfortand
salvation,andshouldbecommandedtohopeforpardonandremissionofhissins,ifhe
willinglyandpatientlyendurethatopprobriousdeathwhichhesufferethforhismischievous
deeds?Whatisthiselsebuttoheapuponhimwhichisalreadymostmiserablyafflicted,
extremeperditionanddestruction,andthroughafalseconfidenceinhisowndeath,toshow
himthereadywaytohell?
Herebythesehypocritesdoplainlydeclare,thattheyneitherteachnorunderstandone
letterorsyllableconcerninggrace,theGospel,orChrist.
TheyretainonlyinoutwardshowthenameoftheGospelandofChrist,thattheymay
beguiletheheartsofthepeople.NotwithstandingtheydenyingandrejectingChristindeed,do
attributemoretothetraditionsofmen,thantotheGospelofChrist.Whichthingtobetrue,so
manykindsofworships,somanyreligiousorders,somanyceremonies,andsomany
willworksdoplainlywitness:allwhichthingswereinstitutedasavailabletodeservegrace,
righteousnessandeverlastinglife.Intheirconfessionstheymadenomentionoffaithorthe
meritofChrist,buttheytaughtandsetforththesatisfactionsandmeritsofmen,asitmay
plainlyappearinthisformofabsolution(Ispeaknothinghereofothermatters)whichthe
monksusedamongthemselves,yeaandsuchaswouldbecountedmoredevoutandmore
religiousthanothers:whichIthinkgoodheretosetdown,thatourposteritymayseehow
greatandhowhorriblethekingdomofthePopeas.
THEFORMOFAMONKISHABSOLUTION
Godforgivetheemybrother.ThemeritofthepassionofourLordJesusChrist,andof
blessedSaintMary,alwaysavirgin,andofallthesaints:themeritofthineorder,the
straitnessofthyreligion,thehumilityofthyconfession,thecontritionofthyheart,thegood
workswhichthouhastdoneandshaltdofortheloveofourLordJesusChrist,beuntothee
availablefortheremissionofthysins,theincreaseofmeritandgrace,andtherewardof
everlastinglife.Amen.
YehearthemeritofChristmentionedinthesewords:butifyeweighthemwell,yeshall
perceivethatChrististherealtogetherunprofitable,andthatthegloryandnameofajustifier
andSaviorisquitetakenfromhim,andgiventomonkishworks.Isnotthistotakethename
ofGodinvain?IsnotthistoconfessChristinwords,andinverydeedtodenyhispowerand
blasphemehisname?Imyselfalsowasonceentangledwiththiserror:IthoughtChristtobea
judge(althoughIconfessedwithmymouth,thathesufferedanddiedformansredemption)
andoughttobepacifiedbytheobservationofmyruleandorder.ThereforewhenIprayedor
saidMass,IusedtoaddthisintheendOLordJesus,Icomeuntothee,andIpraytheethat
theseburdensandthisstraitnessofmyruleandreligionmaybeafullrecompenseforallmy
sins.ButnowIgivethanksuntoGodtheFatherofallmercies,whichhathcalledmeoutof
darknessuntothelightofhisgloriousGospel,andhathgivenuntomeplentifulknowledgeof
ChristJesusmyLordforwhosesakeIcountallthings(asPauldoth,Philippians3:8f.)tobe
butloss,yeaIesteemthembutasdung,thatImaygainChrist,andthatImaybefoundin
him,nothavingmineownrighteousnessoutoftheruleofAugustine,butthatrighteousness
whichcomethbyfaithinChristuntowhom,withtheFatherandtheHolyGhost,bepraise
andgloryworldwithoutend.Amen.

WeconcludethereforewithPaul,thatwearejustifiedbyfaithonlyinChrist,withoutlaw
andworks.Nowafterthatamanisoncejustified,andpossessethChristbyfaith,andknoweth
thatheishisrighteousnessandlife,doubtlesshewillnotbeidle,butasagoodtreehewill
bringforthgoodfruits.ForthebelievingmanhaththeHolyGhost,andwheretheHolyGhost
dwelleth,hewillnotsufferamantobeidle,butstirrethhimuptoallexercisesofpietyand
godliness,totheloveofGod,tothepatientsufferingofafflictions,toprayer,tothanksgiving,
totheexerciseofcharitytowardsallmen.Whereforewealsosaythatfaithwithoutworksis
vainandnothingworth.
Thisthepapistsandfantasticalspiritsdothusunderstand:thatfaithwithoutworks
justifiethnot,orthatfaith,beitneversotrueandsincere,ifithavenotworks,isofnoavail.
Thatisfalsebutfaithwithoutworks,thatistosay,afantasticalcogitationandmerevanity
anddreamoftheheart,isfalsefaithandjustifiethnot.
Hithertowehavehandledthefirstargument,whereinPaulcontendeththateitherwe
cannotbejustifiedbythelaw,orelsethatChristmustneedsbetheministerofsin.Butthisis
impossible:whereforeweconclude,thatjustificationcomethnotbythelaw.Ofthisplacewe
havelargelyintreated,asitiswellworthy,andyetcanatnotbetaughtandbeatenintomens
headssufficiently.
ForIthroughthelawamdeadtothelaw,thatImightliveuntoGod
Thesearemarvelouswords,andunknownkindsofspeechwhichmansreasoncaninnowise
understand.Andalthoughtheybebutfew,yetaretheyutteredwithgreatzealandvehemency
ofspirit,andasitwereingreatdispleasure.Asifheshouldsay:Whydoyeboastsomuchof
thelaw,whereofinthiscaseIwillbeignorant?ButifyewillneedshavethelawIalsohave
mylaw.Wherefore,asthoughheweremovedthroughindignationoftheHolyGhost,he
callethgraceitselfthelaw,givinganewnametotheeffectandworkingofgrace,incontempt
ofthelawofMosesandthefalseapostles,whichcontendedthatthelawwasnecessaryto
justification:andsohesetteththelawagainstthelaw.Andthisisasweetkindofspeech,
and/tillofconsolation,whenintheScriptures,andspeciallyinPaul,lawissetagainstthelaw,
sinagainstsin,deathagainstdeath,captivityagainstcaptivity,hellagainsthell,thealtar
againstthealtar,thelambagainstthelamb,thepassoveragainstthepassover.
InRomans8:3itissaid:ForsinhecondemnedsininPsalm68:18,Ephesians4:8:He
hathledcaptivitycaptiveinHosea13:14:OdeathIwillbethydeath:OhellIwillbethy
destruction!Sohesaithhere,thatthroughthelawheisdeadtothelaw.Asifhesaid:thelaw
ofMosesaccusethandcondemnethmebutagainstthataccusingandcondemninglaw,Ihave
anotherlaw,whichisgraceandliberty:Thislawaccuseththeaccusinglaw,andcondemneth
thecondemninglaw.Sodeathkillethdeath:butthiskillingdeathislifeitself.Butitiscalled
thedeathofdeath,byavehementindignationofspiritagainstdeath.Sorighteousnesstaketh
thenameofsin,becauseitcondemnethsin,andthiscondemningofsinistruerighteousness.
AndherePaulseemethtobeanheretic,yeaofallhereticsthegreatestandhisheresyis
strangeandmonstrous.Forhesaiththathebeingdeadtothelaw,livethtoGod.Thefalse
apostlestaughtthisdoctrine:Exceptthoulivetothelaw,thoulivestnottoGodthatistosay,
unlessthouliveafterthelaw,thouartdeadbeforeGod.ButPaulsaithquitecontrary:Except
thoubedeadtothelaw,thoucanstnotlavetoGod.Thedoctrineofouradversariesatthis
day,isliketothedoctrineofthefalseapostlesofthattime.IfthouwiltlivetoGod,saythey,
live\0thelaw,orafterthelaw.

Butcontrariwisewesay:IfthouwiltlivetoGod,thoumustutterlydietothelaw.Mans
reasonandwisdomunderstandethnotthisdoctrinethereforeitteachethalwaysthecontrary,
thatisIfthouwiltliveuntoGod,thoumustkeepthelawforitiswritten,Dothisandthou
shaltlive.AndthisisaspecialprincipleamongstallthedivinesHethatlivethafterthelaw,
livethuntoGod.Paulsaithplainlythecontrary:thatis,wecannotliveuntoGod,unlesswebe
deadtothelaw.Whereforewemustmountuptothisheavenlyaltitude,thatwemaybe
assuredthatwearefarabovethelaw,yea,thatweareutterlydeaduntothelaw.Now,ifwe
bedeaduntothelaw,thenhaththelawnopoweroverus,likeasithathnopoweroverChrist,
whohathdeliveredusfromthesame,thatthroughhimwemightliveuntoGod.Allthese
thingstendtothisend,toprovethatwearenotjustifiedbythelaw,butbyfaithonlyinJesus
Christ.
AndherePaulspeakethnotoftheceremoniallawforhesacrificedintheTemple,
circumcisedTimothy,shavedhisheadatCenchrea.Thesethingshadhenotdone,ifhehad
beendeadtotheceremoniallaw,buthespeakethofthewholelaw.Thereforethewholelaw,
whetheritbeceremonialormoral,toaChristianisutterlyabrogate,forheisdeaduntoit.Not
thatthelawisutterlytakenawaynay,itremaineth,liveth,andreignethstillinthewicked.
Butagodlymanisdeaduntothelawlikeasheisdeaduntosin,thedevil,death,andhell
whichnotwithstandingdostillremain,andtheworldwithallthewickedshallstillabidein
them.
Whereforewhenthesophisterunderstandeththattheceremoniallawonlyisabolished,
understandthou,thatPaulandeveryChristianisdeadtothewholelaw,andyetthelaw
remainethstill.
Asforexample:Christrisingfromdeathisfreefromthegrave,andyetthegrave
remainethstillPeterisdeliveredfromtheprison,thesickofthepalsyfromhisbed,theyoung
manfromhiscoffin,themaidenfromhercouch,andyettheprison,thebed,thecoffin,the
couchdoremainstill.Evenso,thelawisabolishedwhenIamnotsubjectuntoit,thelawis
deadwhenIamdeaduntoit,andyetremainethstill.ButbecauseIbyanotherlawamdead
untoit,thereforeitisdeadalsountome:asthegraveofChrist,theprisonofPeter,thecouch
ofthemaiden,etc.dostillremainandyetChristbyhisresurrectionisdeaduntothegrave,
Peterbyhisdeliveranceisfreedfromtheprison,andthemaidthroughlifeisdeliveredfrom
thecouch.
Whereforethesewords:Iamdeadtothelaw,areveryeffectual.ForhesaithnotIam
freefromthelawforatime,or:IamlordoverthelawbutsimplyIamdeadtothelaw,that
istosay,Ihavenothingtodowiththelaw.Paulcouldhaveutterednothingmoreeffectual
againstthejustificationofthelaw,thantosay:Iamdeadtothelaw,thatis,Icarenothingat
allforthelawthereforeIamnotjustifiedbyit.
Now,todietothelaw,is,nottobeboundtothelaw,buttobefreefromthelawandnot
toknowit.ThereforelethimthatwilllivetoGod,endeavorthathemaybefoundwithoutthe
law,andlethimcomeoutofthegravewithChrist.ThesoldierswereastonishedwhenChrist
wasrisenoutofthegraveandtheyalsowhichsawthemaidenraisedupfromdeathtolife,
wereamazed.Somansreasonandwisdomisastonishedandbecomethfoolish,whenit
heareththatwearenotjustifiedexceptwebedeadtothelawforitisnotabletoreachinto
thismystery.ButweknowthatwhenbyfaithweapprehendChristhimselfinourconscience,
weenterintoacertainnewlaw,whichswallowethuptheoldlawthathelduscaptive.Asthe
graveinwhichChristlaydead,afterthathewasrisenagainwasvoidandempty,andChrist
vanishedawaysowhenIbelieveinChrist,Iriseagainwithhim,anddietomygrave,thatis

tosay,thelawwhichheldmecaptive:sothatnowthelawisvoid,andIamescapedoutof
myprisonandgrave,thatistosay,thelaw.Whereforethelawhathnorighttoaccuseme,or
toholdmeanylonger,forIamrisenagain.
Itisnecessarythatmensconsciencesbediligentlyinstructed,thattheymayunderstand
thedifferencebetweentherighteousnessofthelawandofgrace.Therighteousnessofgrace,
orthelibertyofconscience,dothinnowisepertaintotheflesh.Forthefleshmaynotbeat
liberty,butmustremaininthegrave,theprison,thecouch:itmustbeinsubjectiontothelaw,
andexercisedbytheEgyptians.ButtheChristianconsciencemustbedeadtothelaw,thatis
tosay,freefromthelaw,andmusthavenothingatalltodowithit.Itisgoodtoknowthis
forithelpethverymuchtothecomfortingofpoorafflictedconsciences.Wherefore,when
youseeamanterrifiedandcastdownwiththesenseandfeelingofhissin,sayuntohim:
Brother,thoudostnotrightlydistinguishthouplacestthelawinthyconscience,which
shouldbeplacedintheflesh.Awake,ariseup,andrememberthatthoumustbelieveinChrist
theconquerorofthelawandsin.Withthisfaiththoushaltmountupaboveandbeyondthe
law,intothatheavenofgracewhereisnolawnorsin.Andalbeitthelawandsinsdostill
remain,yettheypertainnothingtotheeforthouartdeadtothelawandsins.
Thesethingsareeasilysaid:butblessedishewhichknowethhowtolaysureholdon
themindistressofconscience,thatis,whichcansaywhensinoverweightethhim,andthe
lawaccusethandterrifiethhim:Whatisthistome,Olaw,thatthouaccusestme,andsayest
thatIhavecommittedmanysins?IndeedIgrantthatIhavecommittedmanysins,yeaandyet
stilldocommitsinsdailywithoutnumber.Thistouchethmenothing:Iamnowdeafand
cannothearthee.Thereforethoutalkesttomeinvain,forIamdeaduntothee.Butifthou
wiltneedsdisputewithmeastouchingmysins,gettheetomyfleshandmembersmy
servants:teachthem,exerciseandcrucifythem,buttroublenotme,notConscience,Isay,
whichamaladyandaqueen,andhavenothingtodowiththee:forIamdeadtothee,and
nowIlivetoChrist,withwhomIamunderanotherlaw,towitthelawofgrace,whichruleth
oversinandthelaw.Bywhatmeans?ByfaithinChrist,asPauldeclarethhereafter.
Butthisseemethastrangeandwonderfuldefinition,thattolivetothelawistodieto
Godandtodietothelaw,istolivetoGod.Thesetwopropositionsarecleancontraryto
reason,andthereforenocraftysophisterorlawworkercanunderstandthem.Butlearnthou
thetrueunderstandingthereof.Hethatlivethtothelaw,thatis,seekethtobejustifiedbythe
worksofthelaw,isandremainethasinner:thereforeheisdeadandcondemned.Forthelaw
cannotjustifyandsavehim,butaccuseth,terrifieth,andkillethhim.Thereforetoliveuntothe
lawistodieuntoGodandcontrariwise,todietothelawistoliveuntoGod.Whereforeif
thouwiltliveuntoGod,thoumustdietothelaw:butifthouwiltlivetothelaw,thoushalt
dietoGod.Now,toliveuntoGod,istobejustifiedbygraceorbyfaithforChristssake,
withoutthelawandworks.
ThisisthentheproperandtruedefinitionofaChristian:thatheasthechildofgraceand
remissionofsins,whichisundernolaw,butisabovethelaw,sin,deathandhell.Andeven
asChristisfreefromthegrave,andPeterfromtheprison,soisaChristianfreefromthelaw.
Andsucharespectthereisbetweenthejustifiedconscienceandthelaw,asisbetweenChrist
raisedupfromthegrave,andthegraveandasisbetweenPeterdeliveredfromtheprison,
andtheprison.AndlikeasChristbyhisdeathandresurrectionisdeadtothegrave,sothatit
hathnownopoweroverhim,norisableanylongertoholdhim,butthestonebeingrolled
away,thesealsbroken,andthekeepersastonished,herisethagain,andgoethawaywithout
anyletandasPeterbyhisdeliveranceisdeadtotheprison,andgoethwhitherhewilleven

sotheconsciencebygraceisdeliveredfromthelaw.Soiseveryonethatisbornofthe
Spirit(John3:8).Butthefleshknowethnotfromwhencethiscometh,norwhitheritgoeth,
foritcannotjudgebutafterthelaw.Butonthecontrary,theSpiritsaith:Letthelawaccuse
me,letsinanddeathterrifymeneversomuch,yetIdonotthereforedespairforIhavealaw
againstthelaw,sinagainstsin,anddeathagainstdeath.
ThereforewhenIfeeltheremorseandstingofconscienceforsin,Ibeholdthatbrazen
serpentChristhangingupontheCross.ThereIfindanothersinagainstmysinwhichaccuseth
anddevourethme.Now,thisothersin(namelyinthefleshofChrist)whichtakethawaythe
sinofthewholeworld,isalmighty,itcondemnethandswallowethupmysin.Somysin,that
itshouldnotaccuseandcondemnme,iscondemnedbysin,thatis,byChristcrucified:who
ismadesinforus,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodthroughhim(1
Corinthians5:21).InlikemannerIfinddeathinmyflesh,whichafflictethandkillethme:but
Ihaveinmeacontrarydeath,whichisthedeathofmydeathandthisdeathcrucifiethand
swallowethupmydeath.
Thesethingsbenotdonebythelaworworks,butbyChristcrucifieduponwhose
shouldersliealltheevilsandmiseriesofmankind,thelaw,sin,death,thedevilandhell:and
allthesedodieinhim,forbyhisdeathhehathkilledthem.Butwemustreceivethisbenefit
ofChristwithasurefaith.Forlikeasneitherthelawnoranyworkthereofisoffereduntous,
butChristalone:sonothingisrequiredofusbutfaithalone,wherebyweapprehendChrist,
andbelievethatoursinsandourdeatharecondemnedandabolishedinthesinanddeathof
Christ.
Thushavewealwaysmostcertainandsureargumentswhichnecessarilyconcludethat
justificationcomethbyfaithalone.Forhowshouldthelawandworksavailtojustification,
seeingthatPaulissoearnestbothagainstthelawandworks,andsaithplainlythatwemust
bedeadtothelaw,ifwewilllivetoGod.Butifwebedeadtothelaw,andthelawbedeadto
us,thenhathitnothingtodowithus.Howthenshoulditavailanythingatalltoour
justification?Whereforewemustneedssay,thatwebepronouncedrighteousbygracealone,
orbyfaithaloneinChrist,withoutthelawandworks.
Thistheblindsophistersdonotunderstand,andthereforetheydreamthatfaithjustifieth
not,exceptitdotheworksofcharity.BythismeansfaithwhichbelievethmChrist,becometh
unprofitableandofnoneeffectforthevirtueofjustifyingistakenfromit,exceptitbe
furnishedwithcharity.Butnowletussetapartthelawandcharityuntilanothertime,andlet
usrestupontheprincipalpointofthispresentmatterwhichisthis,thatJesusChristtheSon
ofGoddieduponthecross,didbearinhisbodymysin,thelaw,death,thedevilandhell.
Theseinvincibleenemiesandtyrantsdooppress,vexandtroubleme,andthereforeIam
carefulhowImaybedeliveredoutoftheirhands,justifiedandsaved.HereIfindneitherlaw,
work,norcharity,whichisabletodelivermefromtheirtyranny.ThereisnonebutChrist
onlyandalone,whichtakethawaythelaw,killethmysin,destroyethmydeathinhisbody,
andbythismeansspoilethhell,judgethandcrucifieththedevil,andthrowethhimdowninto
hell.Tobebrief,alltheenemieswhichdidbeforetormentandoppressme,ChristJesushath
broughttonought:hehathspoiledthemandmadeashowofthemopenly,triumphingby
himselfoverthem(Colossians2:15),insuchsort,thattheynowruleandreignnomoreover
me,butareconstrainedtoserveme.
Bythiswemayplainlysee,thatthereisnothinghereforustodoonlyitbelongethunto
us,tohearthatthesethingshavebeenwroughtanddoneinthissort,andbysureand
confidentfaithtoapprehendthesame.Andthisisthetrueformed[andfurnished]faith

indeed.Now,whenIhavethusapprehendedChristbyfaith,andthroughhimamdeadtothe
law,justifiedfromsin,deliveredfromdeath,thedevilandhell,thenIdogoodworks,Ilove
God,Igivethankstohim,Iexercisecharitytowardsmyneighbor.
Butthischarityorworksfollowing,doneitherformnoradornmyfaith,butmyfaith
formethandadornethcharity.Thisisourdivinitywhichseemethstrangeandmarvellous,or
ratherfoolish,tocarnalreason:towit,thatIamnotonlyblindanddeaftothelaw,yea
deliveredandfreedfromthelaw,butalsowhollydeaduntothesame.
ThissentenceofPaul:throughthelawIamdeadtothelaw,isfullofconsolation.
Whichifitmayenterintoamanindueseason,andtakesureholdinhisheartwithgood
understanding,itmaysowork,thatitwillmakehimabletostandagainstalldangersofdeath,
andallterrorsofconscienceandsin,althoughtheyassailhim,accusehim,andwoulddrive
himtodesperationneversomuch.Trueitis,thateverymanistempted:ifnotinhislife,yet
athisdeath.There,whenthelawaccusethhimandshewethuntohimhissins,hisconscience
byandbysaith:Thouhastsinned.IfthenthoutakegoodholdofthatwhichPaulhere
teacheth,thouwiltanswer:IgrantIhavesinned.ThenwillGodpunishthee.Nay,hewillnot
doso.
Why,dothnotthelawofGodsosay?Ihavenothingtodowiththatlaw.
Whyso?BecauseIhaveanotherlawwhichstrikeththislawdumb,thatistosay,liberty.
Whatlibertyisthat?ThelibertyofChrist,forbyChristIamutterlyfreedfromthelaw.
Thereforethatlawwhichisandremainethalawtothewicked,istomeliberty,andbindeth
thatlawwhichwouldcondemnmeandbythismeansthatlawwhichwouldbindmeand
holdmecaptive,isnowfastbounditself,andholdencaptivebygraceandliberty,whichis
nowmylawwhichsaithtothataccusinglaw:Thoushaltnotholdthismanboundand
captive,ormakehimguilty,forheisminebutIwillholdtheecaptive,andbindthyhands
thatthoushaltnothurthim,forhelivethnowuntoChrist,andisdeaduntothee.
Thistodo,istodashouttheteethofthelaw,towresthisstingandallhisweaponsfrom
him,andtospoilhimofallhisforce.Andyetthesamelawnotwithstandingcontinuethand
remainethstilltothewickedandunbelievers:andtousalsothatbeweak,sofarforthaswe
lackfaith,itcontinuethyetstillinitsforcehereithathitsedgeandteeth.ButifIdobelieve
inChrist,althoughsindrivemeneversomuchtodespair,yetstayinguponthislibertywhich
IhaveinChrist,IconfessthatIhavesinned:butmysinwhichisacondemnedsin,isin
Christwhichisacondemningsin.Nowthiscondemningsinisstrongerthanthatwhichis
condemned:foritisjustifyinggrace,righteousness,lifeandsalvation.ThuswhenIfeelthe
terrorofdeath,IsayThouhastnothingtodowithme,OdeathforIhaveanotherdeath
whichkilleththeemydeath,andthatdeathwhichkillethisstrongerthanthatwhichiskilled.
ThusafaithfulmanbyfaithonlyinChrist,mayraiseuphimself,andconceivesuchsure
andsoundconsolation,thatheshallnotneedtofearthedevil,sin,death,oranyevils.And
althoughthedevilsetuponhimwithallmightandmain,andgoaboutwithalltheterrorsof
theworldtooppresshim,yetheconceivethgoodhopeeveninthemidstthereof,andthushe
saith:SirDevil,Ifearnotthythreateningsandterrors,forthereisonewhosenameisJesus
Christ,inwhomIbelievehehathabolishedthelaw,condemnedsin,vanquisheddeath,and
destroyedhellandheisthytormentor,OSatan,forhehathboundtheeandholdeththee
captive,totheendthatthoushouldestnomorehurtme,oranythatbelievethinhim.
Thisfaiththedevilcannotovercome,butisovercomeofit.Forthis(saithSt.John)is
thevictorythatovercomeththeworld,evenourfaith.Whoisitthatovercomeththeworld,
buthewhichbelieveththatJesusistheSonofGod?(1John5:4f.).


Paultherefore,throughavehementzealandindignationofspirit,callethgraceitselfthe
law,whichnotwithstandingisanexceedingandinestimablelibertyofgracewhichwehavein
ChristJesus.Moreoverhegiveththisopprobriousnameuntothelawforourconsolation,to
letusunderstandthatthereisnowanewnamegivenuntoit,forthatitisnotnowaliveany
more,butdeadandcondemned.Andhere(whichisapleasantsighttobehold)hebringeth
forththelaw,andsettethitbeforeusasathiefandarobberwhichisalreadycondemnedand
adjudgedtodeath.Forhedescribethitasitwereaprisonerhavingbothhandsandfeetfast
bound,andallhispowertakenaway,sothatitcannotexercisehistyranny,thatistosay,it
cannotaccuseandcondemnanymoreandwiththismostpleasantsight,hemakethit
contemptibletotheconsciencesoatnowhewhichbelievethinChrist,dareboldlyandwitha
certainholypridetriumphoverthelawafterthismanner:Iamasinnerifthoucanstdo
anythingagainstme,Olaw,nowdothyworst.Sofaroffisitthen,thatthelawisnowterrible
untohimwhichdothbelieve.
SinceChristisrisenfromdeath,whyshouldhenowfearthegrave?SincePeteris
deliveredfromtheprison,whyshouldhenowfearit?Whenthemaidenwasatthepointof
death,thenmightsheindeedfearthebed:butnowbeingraisedup,whyshouldshefearit?In
likemanner,whyshouldaChristianwhichverilypossessethChristbyfaith,fearthelaw?
Trueitis,thathefeeleththeterrorsofthelaw,butheisnotovercomeofthembutstaying
uponthelibertywhichhehathinChrist,hesaith:Iheartheemurmuring,Olaw,thatthou
wouldestaccusemeandcondemnmebutthistroublethmenothingatallthouarttomeas
theemptygravewasuntoChristforIseethatthouartfastboundhandandfootandthishath
mylawdone.Whatlawisthat?Liberty,whichiscalledthelaw,notbecauseitbindethme,
butbecauseitbindethmylaw.ThelawoftheTenCommandmentsdidbindme.Butagainst
thatlawIhaveanotherlaw,eventhelawofgracewhichnotwithstandingistomenolaw,
neitherdothitbindme,butsettethmeatliberty.Andthisisalawagainstthataccusingand
condemninglawwhichlawitsobindeth,thatithathnopowertobindmeanymore.So
againstmydeathwhichbindethme,Ihaveanotherdeath,thatistosay,life,whichquickeneth
meinChristandthisdeathloosethandfreethmefromthebondsofmydeath,andwiththe
samebondsbindethmydeath.Sodeathwhichboundmeisnowfastboundwhichkilledme,
isnowkilleditselfbydeaththatistosay,byverylifeitself.

ThusChrist,withmostsweetnames,iscalledmylaw,mysin,mydeath,againstthelaw,
againstsin,againstdeath:whereasinverydeedheisnothingelsebutmereliberty,
righteousness,lifeandeverlastingsalvation.
Andforthiscauseheismadethelawofthelaw,thesinofsin,thedeathofdeath,thathe
mightredeemfromthecurseofthelaw,justifymeandquickenme.Sothen,whileChristis
thelaw,heisalsoliberty,whileheissin,heisrighteousness,andwhileheisdeath,heislife.
Forinthathesufferedthelawtoaccusehim,sintocondemnhim,anddeathtodevourhim,
heabolishedthelaw,hecondemnedsin,hedestroyeddeath,hejustifiedandsavedme.Sois
Christthepoisonofthelaw,sinanddeath,andtheremedyfortheobtainingofliberty,
righteousnessandeverlastinglife.
ThismannerofspeechwhichPaulhereuseth,andisproperuntohimalone,isvery
pleasantandfullofconsolation.LikewiseintheseventhchaptertotheRomans,hesetteththe
lawofthespiritagainstthelawofthemembers.Andbecausethisisastrangeandmarvellous
mannerofspeaking,thereforeitenterethmoreeasilyintothemindandstickethfasterinthe

memory.Moreover,whenhesaith:Ithroughthelawamdeadtothelaw,itsoundethmore
sweetlythanifheshouldsay:Ithroughlibertyamdeadtothelaw.Forhesettethbeforeus,as
itwere,acertainpicture,asifthelawwerefightingagainstthelaw.Asthoughheshouldsay:
Olaw,ifthoucarataccuseme,terrifyme,andbindme,Iwillsetaboveandagainstthee
anotherlaw,thatistosay,anothertyrantandtormentor,whichshallaccusethee,bindthee
andoppressthee.Indeedthouartmytormentor,butIhaveanothertormentor,evenChrist,
whichshalltormenttheetodeathandwhenthouartthusbound,tormentedandsuppressed,
thenamIatliberty.Likewiseifthedevilscourgeme,Ihaveastrongerdevil,whichshallin
turnscourgehimandovercomehim.Sothengraceisalaw,nottome,foritbindethmenot,
buttomylawwhichthislawsobindeth,thatitcannothurtmeanymore.
ThusPaulgoethabouttodrawuswhollyfromthebeholdingofthelaw,sin,death,and
allotherevils,andtobringusuntoChrist,thattherewemightbeholdthisjoyfulconflict:to
wit,thelawfightingagainstthelaw,thatitmaybetomelibertysinagainstsin,thatitmay
betomerighteousnessdeathagainstdeath,thatImayobtainlifeChristfightingagainstthe
devil,thatImaybethechildofGodanddestroyinghell,thatImayenjoythekingdomof
heaven.
ThatImightliveuntoGod
Thatistosay,thatImightbealiveinthesightofGod.Yeseethenthatthereisnolifeunless
yebewithoutthelaw,yeaunlessyebeutterlydeaduntothelaw,Imeaninconscience.
Notwithstanding,inthemeanseason(asIhaveoftensaid)solongasthebodyliveth,the
fleshmustbeexercisedwithlaws,andvexedwithexactionsandpenaltiesoflaws.Butthe
inwardman,notsubjecttothelaw,butdeliveredandfreedfromit,isalively,justandholy
person,notofhimselforinhisownsubstance,butinChrist,becausehebelievethinhim,as
followeth.
IamcrucifiedwithChrist
Thisheaddeth,todeclarethatthelawisadevourerofthelaw.Notonly,saithhe,Iamdead
tothelawthroughthelaw,thatImaylivetoGod,butalsoIamcrucifiedwithChrist.But
ChristisLordoverthelaw,becauseheiscrucifiedanddeaduntothelaw:thereforeamIalso
lordoverthelawforIlikewiseamcrucifiedanddeaduntothelaw,forasmuchasIam
crucifiedanddeadwithChrist.Bywhatmeans?Bygraceandfaith.WhenthroughthisfaithI
amcrucifiedanddeaduntothelaw,thenthelawlosethallitspowerwhichithadoverme,
evenasithathlostallitspowerwhichithadoverChrist.Wherefore,evenasChristhimself
wascrucifiedtothelaw,sin,deathandthedevil,sothattheyhavenofurtherpoweroverhim
evensoIthroughfaithbeingnowcrucifiedwithChristinspirit,amcrucifiedanddeadtothe
law,sin,deathandthedevil,sothattheyhavenofurtherpoweroverme,butarenow
crucifiedanddeaduntome.
Paulspeakethnothereofcrucifyingbyimitationorexample,(fortofollowtheexample
ofChrist,isalsotobecrucifiedwithhim),whichcrucifyingbelongethtotheflesh.Whereof
Peterspeaketh(1Peter2:21):Christsufferedforyou,saithhe,leavinguntoyouan
examplethatyeshouldfollowhissteps.Buthespeakethhereofthathighcrucifying,
wherebysin,thedevilanddeatharecrucifiedinChrist,andnotinme.HereChristdothall
himselfalone.ButIbelievinginChrist,ambyfaithcrucifiedalsowithChrist,sothatallthese

thingsarecrucifiedanddeadalsountome.
NeverthelessIlive
Ispeaknotso,saithhe,ofmydeathandcrucifying,asthoughInowlivednotyeaIlive,forI
amquickenedbyhisdeathandcrucifyingthroughthewhichIdiethatis,forasmuchasby
graceandfaithIamdeliveredfromthelaw,sinanddeath,Inowliveindeed.Whereforethat
crucifyingandthatdeathwherebyIamcrucifiedanddeadtothelaw,sin,deathandallevils,
istomeresurrectionandlife.ForChristcrucifieththedevil,hekillethdeath,condemnethsin,
andbindeththelaw:andIbelievingthis,amdeliveredfromthelaw,etc.Thelawthereforeis
bound,deadandcrucifieduntome,andIagainambound,dead,andcrucifieduntoit.
Whereforeevenbythisdeathandcrucifying,thatistosay,bythisgraceorliberty,Inowlive.
Here(asbeforeIhavesaid)wemustobservePaulsmannerofspeaking.
Hesaiththatwearedeadandcrucifiedtothelaw,whereasinverydeedthelawitselfis
deadandcrucifieduntous.Butthismannerofspeechheusethhereofpurpose,thatitmaybe
themoresweetandcomfortableuntous.Forthelaw(whichnotwithstandingcontinueth,
livethandreignethinthewholeworld,whichalsoaccusethandcondemnethallmen)is
crucifiedanddeaduntothoseonlywhichbelieveinChristthereforetothemalonebelongeth
thisglory,thattheyaredeadtothelaw,sin,etc.
YetnownotI
Thatistosay,notinmineownperson,norinmineownsubstance.Hereheplainlysheweth
bywhatmeanshelivethandheteachethwhattrueChristianrighteousnessis,namely,that
righteousnesswherebyChristlivethinus,andnotthatwhichisinourperson.Thereforewhen
wespeakofChristianrighteousness,wemustutterlyrejecttheperson.ForifIholdtothe
person,orspeakthereof,thenthereismadeoftheperson,whetherIwillorno,aworker
subjecttothelaw.ButheremustChristandmyconsciencebecomeonebody,sothatnothing
remaininmysightbutChristcrucifiedandraisedfromthedead.ButifIbeholdmyselfonly
andsetChristaside,Iamgone.ForbyandbyIfallintothiscogitation:Christisinheaven,
andthouartontheearthhowshaltthounowcomeuntohim?
ForsoothIwillliveholily,anddothatwhichthelawrequireth,soshallIenterintolife.
Herereturningtomyself,andconsideringwhatIam,andwhatIoughttobe,andwhatIam
boundtodo,IlosethesightofChrist,whoaloneismyrighteousnessandlife.Whobeing
lost,thereisnocounselnorsuccornowremaining,butcertaindesperationanddestruction
mustneedsfollow.
Andthisisacommonevilamongmen.Forsuchisourmisery,thatwhentemptationor
deathcometh,byandbysettingChristaside,weconsiderourownlifepast,andwhatwehave
done.Here,exceptweberaisedupagainbyfaith,wemustneedsperish.Whereforewemust
learninsuchconflictsandterrorsofconscience(forgettingourselvesandsettingthelaw,our
lifepast,andallourworksapart,whichdriveustotheconsiderationofourselvesonly)to
turnoureyeswhollytothebrazenserpentJesusChristcrucified,andassuredlybelievethathe
isourrighteousnessandlife,norfearingthethreateningsandterrorsofthelaw,sin,death,the
wrathandjudgmentofGod.ForChrist,onwhomoureyesarefixed,inwhomwelive,who
alsolivethinus,isLordandconquerorofthelaw,sin,deathandallevils:inwhommost
certainandsureconsolationissetforthuntous,andvictorygiven.

NeverthelessIlive,yetnotInow,butChristlivethinme
Wherehesaith,NeverthelessIlive,hespeakethit,asitwereinhisownperson.Therefore
hebyandbycorrectethhimself,saying:YetnotInow.
Thatistosay,Ilivenotnowinmyownperson,butChristlivethinme.
Indeedthepersonliveth,butnotinhimself,norforanythingthatisinhim.Butwhois
thatIofwhomhesaith,YetnotI?ThisIishewhichhaththelaw,andisboundtodothe
worksthereofwhoalsoisacertainpersonseparatefromChrist.ThispersonPaulrejecteth
forIasapersonseparatefromChristbelongethtodeathandhell.Thereforehesaith:Now
notI,butChristlivethinme,Christismyform[myfurnitureandperfection]adorningand
beautifyingmyfaith,asthecolorortheclearlightdogarnishandbeautifythewall.(Thusare
weconstrainedgrosslytosetforththismatter.Forwecannotspirituallyconceive,thatChrist
issonearlyjoinedanduniteduntous,asthelightorwhitenessareuntothewall.)Christ
therefore,saithhe,thusjoinedanduniteduntomeandabidinginme,liveththislifeinme
whichnowIliveyeaChristhimselfisthislifewhichnowIlive.ThereforeChristandIin
thisbehalfarebothone.
NowChristlivinginmeabolisheththelaw,condemnethsinanddestroyethdeathforit
cannotbe,butathispresenceallthesemustneedsvanishaway.ForChristiseverlasting
peace,consolation,righteousnessandlifeandtothesetheterrorofthelaw,heavinessof
mind,sin,hellanddeath,mustneedsgiveplace.SoChristlivingandabidinginme,taketh
awayandswallowethupallevilswhichvexandafflictme.Thisunionorconjunction,then,is
thecausethatIamdeliveredfromtheterrorofthelawandsin,amtakenoutofmyself,and
translatedintoChristandhiskingdom,whichisakingdomofgrace,righteousness,peace,
joy,life,salvation,andeternalglory.WhilstIthusabideanddwellinhim,whatevilisthere
thatcanhurtme?
Inthemeanseasontheoldmanabidethwithout,andissubjecttothelaw:butas
concerningjustification,ChristandImustbeentirelyconjoinedandunitedtogether,sothat
hemayliveinmeandIinhim.Andthisisawonderfulmannerofspeech.Nowbecause
Christlivethinme,thereforewhatsoeverofgrace,righteousness,life,peaceandsalvationis
inme,itisallhis,andyetnotwithstandingthesameisminealso,bythatinseparableunion
andconjunctionwhichisthroughfaithbythewhichChristandIaremadeasitwereone
bodyinspirit.ForasmuchthenasChristlivethinme,itfolloweththatastheremustneedsbe
presentwithhim,grace,righteousness,lifeandeternalsalvationsothelaw,sin,anddeath
mustneedsbeabsent:yeathelawmustbecrucified,swallowedupandabolishedofthelaw,
sinofsin,deathofdeath,thedevilofthedevil.ThusPaulgoethabouttodrawuswholly
awayfromourselves,fromthelawandworks,andtotransplantusintoChristandthefaithof
Christsothatinthematterofjustificationweshouldthinkuponnothingelsebutgrace,
separatingthesamefarfromthelawandworks,whichinthismatteroughttohavenoplace.
Paulhathhispeculiarphraseorkindofspeech,whichisnotafterthemannerofmen,but
divineandheavenly,norusedoftheEvangelistsoroftherestoftheApostles,savingonlyof
John,whoisalsowontsometimessotospeak.AndifPaulhadnotfirstusedthisphrase,and
setforththesameuntousinplainwords,theverysaintsthemselvesdurstnothaveusedit.
Foritseemethaverystrangeandmonstrousmannerofspeakingthustosay:Ilive,Ilivenot
Iamdead,IamnotdeadIamasinner,IamnotasinnerIhavethelaw,Ihavenotthelaw.
Which.phraseissweetandcomfortabletoallthosethatbelieveinChrist.Forinthatthey
beholdthemselves,theyhaveboththelawandsinbutinthattheylookuntoChrist,theyare

deadtothelaw,andhavenosin.Ifthereforeinthematterofjustificationthouseparatethe
personofChristfromthyperson,thenartthouinthelaw,thouabidestinit,andlivestin
thyselfandnotinChrist,andsothouarecondemnedofthelaw,anddeadbeforeGod.For
thouhastthatfaithwhich(asthesophistersdream)isfurnishedwithcharity.ThusIspeakfor
examplessake.Fortherewasneveranyonefoundthatwassavedbythisfaith.Andtherefore
whatthingssoeverthepopishsophistershavewrittentouchingthisfaith,arenothingelsebut
vaintoysandmeredeceitsofSatan.Butletusgrantthatsuchtherebeashavethisfaith:yet
aretheynotthereforerighteous.FortheyhavebutanhistoricalfaithconcerningChrist,which
thedevilalsoandallthewickedhave.
Faiththereforemustbepurelytaught:namely,thatbyfaiththouartsoentirelyandnearly
joineduntoChrist,thatheandthouaremadeasitwereonepersonsothatthoumaystboldly
say:IamnowonewithChrist,thatistosay,Christsrighteousness,victoryandlifearemine.
Andagain,Christmaysay:Iamthatsinner,thatis,hissins,deathetc.aremine,becauseheis
unitedandjoineduntome,andIuntohim.Forbyfaithwearesojoinedtogether,thatweare
becomeonefleshandonebone,asEphesians5:30:WearethemembersofChristsbody,of
hisfleshandofhisbones.SothatthisfaithdothcoupleChristandmemoreneartogether,
thanthehusbandiscoupledtohiswife.Thisfaiththereforeisnotanidlequality,butthe
excellencythereofissuch,thatitutterlyconfoundeththesefoolishdreamsofthesophisters
touchingtheirformedfaithandcharity,theirmerits,works,andworthiness.ThesethingsI
wouldgladlysetforthmorefully,ifbyanymeansIcould.
HithertowehavedeclaredthistobethefirstargumentofPaul,thateitherChristmust
needsbetheministerofsin,orelsethelawdothnotjustify.
Whenhehadfinishedthisargument,hesetforthhimselfforanexample,sayingthathe
wasdeaduntothatoldlawbyacertainnewlaw.Nowheanswerethtwoobjectionswhich
mighthavebeenmadeagainsthim.Hisfirstanswerisagainstthecavillationsoftheproud,
andtheoffenseoftheweak.Forwhenremissionofsinsisfreelypreached,thendothe
maliciousbyandbyslanderthispreaching,asRomans3:8:Letusdoevil,thatgoodmay
come.Forthesefellows,assoonastheyhearthatwearenotjustifiedbythelaw,forthwith
domaliciouslyconcludeandsay:Whythen,letusrejectthelaw.Again,ifgracedothere
abound,saythey,wheresindothabound,letusthenaboundinsin,thatwemaybejustified,
andthatgracemaythemoreabound.Thesearethemaliciousandproudspiritswhich
spitefullyandwittinglyslandertheScripturesandsayingsoftheholyGhost,evenasthey
slanderedPaulwhilsttheApostleslived,totheirownconfusionandcondemnation,asitis
said,2Peter3:16.
Moreover,theweak,whicharenotmalicious,areoffendedwhentheyhearthatthelaw
andgoodworksarenottobedoneasnecessarytojustification.Thesemustbehelped,and
mustbeinstructedhowgoodworksdonotjustifyhowtheyoughttobedone,hownottobe
done.
Theseoughttobedone,notasthecause,butasthefruitsofrighteousness:andwhenwe
aremaderighteous,weoughttodothembutnotcontrariwise,totheendthatwhenweare
unrighteous,wemaybemaderighteous.Thetreemakeththeapple,butnottheapplethetree.
HesaidbeforeIamdeadetc.Herethepresumptuousandmaliciousmightsoontake
occasiontocavilafterthismanner:WhatsayestthouPaul?Artthoudead?Howthendost
thouspeak?Howdostthouwrite?
Theweakalsomightsoonbeoffended,andsayuntohim:WhatartthouPaul?Dowenot
seethatthouartliving,anddostsuchthingsaspertaintothislife?Tothisheanswereth:I

liveindeed,andyetnotI,butChristlivethinme.Thereisthenadoublelife.Thefirstis
mine,whichisnaturaloranimalthesecondisthelifeofanother,thatistosay,thelifeof
Christinme.AstouchingmynaturallifeIamdead,andnowIliveanotherlife.Ilivenot
nowasPaul,butPaulisdead.Whoisitthenthatliveth?TheChristian.Paultherefore,ashe
livethinhimself,iswhollydeadthroughthelawbutashelivethinChrist,orratherasChrist
livethinhim,helivethbyanotherlifeforChristspeakethinhim,workethinhim,and
exercisethalltheoperationsoflifeinhim.ThiscomethnotnowofthelifeofPaul,butofthe
lifeoftheChristian.Thereforethoumaliciousspirit,whereIsaythatIamdead,nowslander
mywordsnomore.Andthouthatartweak,benotoffended,butdistinguishanddividethis
matterrightly.For,asIsaid,therearetwolives:towit,mynaturallife,andthelifeof
another.BymineownlifeIlivenot:forifIdid,thelawwouldhavedominionoverme,and
holdmeincaptivity.Totheendthereforethatitshouldnotholdmeincaptivityandbondage,
Iamdeadtoitbyanotherlawandthisdeathpurchasethuntomethelifeofanother,eventhe
lifeofChristwhichlifeisnotminebynature,butisgivenuntomebyChristthroughfaith.
Secondly,thisobjectionmightalsohavebeenmadeagainstPaul:WhatsayestthouPaul?
Dostthounotlivebythineownlife,orinthineownflesh,butinChrist?Weseethyflesh,but
weseenotChrist.Wouldstthouthendeludeusbythineenchantments,thatweshouldnotsee
theepresentinflesh,livingasthoudidstbefore,havingthefivesensesanddoingallthingsin
corporallifeasothersdo?Heanswereth:
AndthatwhichInowliveintheflesh,IlivebyfaithinthesonofGod
Asifheshouldsay:TrueitisthatIliveintheflesh,butthislife,whatsoeveritis,Iesteemas
nolifeforinverydeeditisnotruelife,butashadowoflife,underthewhichanotherliveth,
thatistosay,Christ,whoismytruelifeindeed:whichlifethouseestnot,butonlyhearest,as
thouhearestthesoundofthewindbutknowestnotwhenceitcomethorwhitheritgoeth
(John3:8).Evensothouseestmespeaking,eating,laboring,sleeping,anddoingotherthings,
andyetthouseestnotmylife.
ForthistimeoflifewhichInowlive,Iliveindeedintheflesh,butnotoftheflesh,or
accordingtotheflesh,butinfaith,offaith,andaccordingtofaith.Paulthendeniethnotthat
helivethmtheflesh,becausehedothallthingsthatbelongtoanaturalman.Heusethalso
carnalthings,asmeat,drink,apparel,andsuchlike,whichwithoutdoubtistoliveinthe
fleshbuthesaiththatthisisnothislife:andalthoughheusethcarnalthings,yethelivethnot
throughthem,astheworldliveththroughthefleshandaftertheflesh:foritneitherknoweth
norhopethforanylifebesidesthis.
Therefore,saithhe,thislifewhichInowliveintheflesh,whatsoeveritis,Iliveinthe
faithoftheSonofGod.ForthiswordwhichInowcorporallyspeak,isthewordnotofthe
flesh,butoftheHolyGhost,andofChrist.
Thissightwhichgoethinorcomethoutatmineeyes,proceedethnotoftheflesh,thatis
tosay,itisnotgovernedoftheflesh,butoftheHolyGhost.Somyhearingcomethnotofthe
flesh,althoughitbeintheflesh,butitisinandoftheHolyGhost.AChristianspeakethnone
otherbutchaste,sober,andholythings,whichpertainuntoChrist,tothegloryofGodandthe
profitofhisneighbor.Thesethingscomenotoftheflesh,neitheraredoneaccordingtothe
flesh,andyetaretheyintheflesh.ForIcannotteach,write,pray,orgavethanks,butwith
thoseinstrumentsoftheflesh,whicharenecessarytotheaccomplishingoftheseworks:and
yetnotwithstandingtheseworksproceednotoftheflesh,butaregivenbyGodfromabove.In

lakemannerIbeholdawoman,butwithachasteeye,notlustingafterher.Thisbeholding
comethnotoftheflesh,althoughitbeintheflesh,becausetheeyesarethecarnalinstruments
ofthissightbutthechastenessofthissightcomethfromheaven.
ThusaChristianuseththeworldandallcreatures,sothatthereisnodifferencebetween
himandtheinfidel.Forintheirapparel,intheirfeeding,intheirhearing,seeing,speaking,
gestures,countenancesandoutwardappearancetheyarelike,asPaulsaithalsoofChrist:In
outwardappearancehewasfoundasaman(Philippians2:7).Yetnotwithstandingthereis
greatdifference.ForIliveintheflesh,Igrant,butIlivenotofmyselfbutthatwhichInow
liveintheflesh,IliveinthefaithoftheSonofGod.ThiswhichInowspeak,springethoutof
anotherfountainthanthatwhichthouheardestofmebefore.Paulbeforehisconversionspake
withthesamevoiceandtonguewherewithhespakeafterwardsbuthisvoiceandhistongue
werethenblasphemous,andthereforehecouldspeaknothingelsebutblasphemiesand
abominationsagainstChristandhisChurch.Afterhewasconvertedhehadthesameflesh,
thesamevoiceandtonguewhichhehadbefore,andnothingwaschanged:buthisvoiceand
histonguethenutterednoblasphemies,butspiritualandheavenlywords,towit,thanksgiving
andthepraiseofGod:whichcameoffaithandtheHolyGhost.SothenIliveintheflesh,but
notofthefleshoraftertheflesh,butinthefaithoftheSonofGod.
Herebywemayplainlyseewhencethisotherandspirituallifecomethwhichthenatural
mandothinnowiseperceive,forheknowethnotwhatmanneroflifethisis.Heheareththe
soundofthewind,butwhenceitcometh,orwhitheritgoethheknowethnot.Heheareththe
voiceofthespiritualman,heknowethhisface,hismanners,andhisgesturesbutheseethnot
whencethosewords,whicharenotnowwickedandblasphemousasbefore,butholyand
godly,orwhencethosemotionsandactionsdocome.Forthislifeisintheheartbyfaith,
wherethefleshiskilled,andChristreignethwithhisHolySpirit,whonowseeth,heareth,
speaketh,worketh,suffereth,anddothallotherthingsinhim,althoughthefleshdoresist.To
conclude,thislifeisnotoftheflesh,althoughitbeinthefleshbutofChristtheSonofGod,
whomtheChristianpossessethbyfaith.
Wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme
Herehaveyethetruemannerofjustificationsetbeforeyoureyes,andaperfectexampleof
theassuranceoffaith.HethatcanwithafirmandconstantfaithsaythesewordswithPaul:I
livebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme,ishappyindeed.And
withthesewordsPaultakethawaythewholerighteousnessofthelawandworks,as
afterwardswewilldeclare.Wemustthereforediligentlyweighandconsiderthesewords:
TheSonofGodlovedme,andgavehimselfforme.ItwasnotIthenthatfirstlovedtheSon
ofGod,anddeliveredmyselfforhimasthesophistersdreamthattheylovetheSonofGod,
anddeliverthemselvesforhim.Fortheyteachthataman,expurisnaturalibus,thatis,ofhis
ownpurenaturalstrength,isabletodomeritoriousworksbeforegrace,andloveGodand
Christaboveallthings.ThesefellowspreventtheloveofGodandChristfortheydothatis
inthem,saytheythatis,theybecomemonks,theydonotonlyfulfillthecommandments,but
alsotheyobservethecounsels,theydotheworksofsupererogation,andselltheirsuperfluous
meritstolaymen,andso,astheydream,theygivethemselvesforChrist,andtherebysave
boththemselvesandothers,turningthewordsofPaul:Whichlovedmeetc.,cleancontrary,
andsaying:WehavelovedChristandgivenourselvesforhim.Thuswhilethewicked,being
puffedupwiththewisdomoftheflesh,imaginethattheydowhatinthemlieth,theylove

God,theydeliverthemselvesforChrist:whatdotheyelsebutabolishtheGospel,deride,
deny,andblasphemeChrist,yea,spituponhimandtreadhimunderfoot?Theyconfessin
wordsthatheisajustifierandasavior:yetmverydeedtheytakefromhimthepowerbothto
justifyandsave,andgivethesametotheirownwillworks,theirceremoniesanddevotions.
ThisistoliveintheirownrighteousnessandworksandnotinthefaithoftheSonofGod.
Todowhatinhimlieth.
Whereforethisisnotthetruewaytoattainjustification,thatthoushouldstbegintodothat,
whichintheelieth:asthesophistersandschooldoctorsdoteach,whichaffirmthatifaman
dowhatinhimlieth,Godwillinfalliblygiveuntohimhisgrace.Whichpropositionisan
articleoffaithwiththem.
AndtoshewthattheyunderstandnowhitofthedoctrineofPaulandtheGospel,theysay
thatthisclause:dowhatinhimlieth,oughtnottobestraitlyurged,butitsufficethifitbe
takenasaphysicalpoint,andnotasamathematicalandindivisible,whichcannotexist.That
istosay,itisenoughifwedothosethingswhichmaybeapprovedbythejudgmentofany
goodman:forthengraceshallsurelyfollow,notindeedbyreasonofthemeritofcongruence
initself,butbyreasonoftheinfallibilityofGod,whoissogoodandjust,thathemustneeds
givegraceasarecompenseforgoodworks,etc.Andhereofcomeththisverse:Ultraposse
virinonvultDeusullarequiri.
Thatis,Godwillnomorerequireofman,Thanofhimselfperformhecan.
Indeedthisisagoodsayingifitbeusedrightly,andinplaceconvenientthatis,inthe
governmentofcommonwealsorfamilies,orinthingsnatural.Asforexample:ifIbeingin
thekingdomofreason,dogovernafamily,buildahouse,orexecutetheofficeofa
magistrate,doingasmuchasIamable,orthatwhichinmelieth,thereinIamexcused.For
thiskingdomhathitsboundsandlimits:tothewhichalsothesesayings(todowhatinus
lieth,ortodoasmuchasweareable)doproperlypertain.Butthesophistersapplythese
sayingstothespiritualkingdom,whereinamancandonothingelsebutsin:forheissold
undersin(Romans7:14).Butinexternalthings(suchImeanaspertaintociviland
householdgovernment)manisnotaservant,butalordofthesecorporalaffairs.Wherefore
thesophistershavedonewickedlyinapplyingthesesentencestotheChurch,whichproperly
pertaintothegovernmentofcommonwealsandfamilies.
Forthekingdomofmansreasonandthespiritualkingdommustbeseparatefarasunder.
Moreover,theysaythatnatureiscorrupt,butthequalitiesofnaturenotwithstandingare
soundanduncorrupt,whichalsotheyattributeevenuntodevils.Uponthisgroundtheyreason
afterthismanner:ifthenaturalqualitiesofmanbesoundanduncorrupt,thenishis
understandingpureandhiswillgoodaxeduncorrupt,andsoconsequentlyallthequalitiesof
natureareperfectmhim.Toknowthesethings,itisnecessaryforyou,thatthepurityofthe
doctrineoffaithmaybepreserved.Wheretheysaythenthatthenaturalqualitiesofmanare
soundanduncorrupt,Idograntthis.Butifthereoftheydoinferthatamanisableofhimself
tofulfillthelaw,toloveGod,etc.,thenIdenytheconsequenceandhereImakeadistinction
betweenthenaturalandthespiritualqualities,andIsaythatthespiritualqualitiesarenot
sound,butcorrupt,yetareutterlyquenchedthroughsinbothinmananddevil,sothatthereis
inthemnothingelsebutcorruptunderstandingandawillcontinuallystrivingagainstthewill
ofGod,whichthinkethnothingelsebutthatwhichisagainstGod.NotwithstandingIgrant
thatthenaturalqualitiesareuncorrupt.Butwhatqualitiesarethey?Thatamandrownedin

ungodliness,andabondslaveofSatan,hathwill,reason,freechoice,andpower
notwithstandingtobuildahouse,toexecutetheofficeofamagistrate,toguideaship,andto
dosuchotherthingsasaresubjectuntoman,accordingtoGen1.Forthesethingsarenot
takenfromhim:generation,civilgovernment,householdmanagement,arenotdoneaway,but
theyareconfirmedbythesesayingswhichthesophistershavefalselyappliedtothespiritual
qualities.Theytookthem,nodoubt,fromtheFathers,butbecausetheydidnotwell
understandthan,theywrestedthemtothingsspiritual,andthusmingledandconfounded
thingscivilandecclesiastical.Ourpartthereforeistorestorethesethingstotheirpurity,and
toremovethesescandalsfromtheChurch.Wedonotthendenybutthatthesesentencesare
trueinthecorporalkingdom:butifyebringthemintothespiritualkingdomandthepresence
ofGod,Iutterlydenythemforthere,asIsaid,wearecleanoverwhelmedanddrownedin
sins.
Whatsoeverisinourwillisevilwhatsoeverisinourunderstandingiserror.Wherefore
inmatterspertainingtoGod,manhathnothingbutdarkness,errors,malice,andperverseness
bothofwillandunderstanding.
Howthenshallheworkwell,fulfillthelaw,loveGod,etc.?
WhereforePaulsaithherethatChristfirstbeganandnotwe.He,evenhe(saithPaul)
lovedmeandgavehimselfforme.Asifhesaid:Hefoundinmenogoodwillorright
understandingbutthisgoodLordhadmercyuponme.Hesawmetobenothingelsebut
wicked,goingastray,contemningGod,andflyingfromhimmoreandmoreyearebelling
againstGod,taken,led,andcarriedawaycaptiveofthedevil.Thusofhismeremercy
preventingmyreason,mywill,andmyunderstanding,helovedme,andsolovedme,thathe
gavehimselfforme,totheendthatImightbefreedfromthelaw,sin,thedevil,anddeath.
Again,thesewords:TheSonofGodlovedme,andgavehimselfforme,aremighty
thunderingsandlightningsfromheavenagainsttherighteousnessofthelawandthedoctrine
ofworks.Sogreatandsohorriblewickedness,error,darknessandignorancewasinmywill
andunderstanding,thatitwasimpossibleformetoberansomedbyanyothermeansthanby
suchaninestimableprice.Whydowethenvauntoftheintegrityandsoundnessofnature,of
theruleofreason,offreewill,andofdoingwhatinuslieth?WhydoIoffer,topacifythe
wrathofGod(whoasMosessaith,isaconsumingfire,Deuteronomy4:24),thismyrotten
stubbleandstraw,yeahorriblesins,andclaimofhimtorewardmewithgraceandeverlasting
lifeforthem,sincehereIlearnsuchwickednesstolielurkinginmynature,thatthewhole
worldandallcreaturestheretowerenotabletocountervailtheindignationofGod,butthat
theverySonofGodhimselfmustneedsbedeliveredforthesame?
Butletusconsiderwellthisprice,andletusbeholdthiscaptivedelivered(asPaulsaith)
forme,theSonofGodImean,andweshallseehimwithoutallcomparisontoexceedand
excelallcreatures.WhatwiltthoudowhenthouhearesttheApostlesaythatsuchan
inestimablepricewasgivenforthysins?Wiltthoubringthycowl,thyshavencrown,thy
chastity,thyobedience,thypoverty?Whatshallallthesedo?Yea,whatshallthelawof
Mosesavail,andtheworksofthelaw?Whatshallalltheworksofallmen,andallthe
sufferingsofthemartyrsprofitthee?Whatistheobedienceofalltheholyangelsin
comparisonoftheSonofGoddelivered,andthatmostshamefully,eventothedeathofthe
Gross,sothattherewasnodropofhismostpreciousblood,butitwasshed,andthatforthy
sins?Ifthoudidstbutrightlyconsiderthisprice,thoushouldstholdasaccursedallthese
ceremonies,vows,works,andmeritsbeforegraceandafter,andthrowthemalldowntohell.
Foritisanintolerableandhorribleblasphemytoimaginethatthereisanyworkwherebythou

shouldstpresumetopacifyGod,sincethouseestthatthereisnothingwhichisabletopacify
himbutthisinestimableprice,eventhedeathandbloodoftheSonofGod,onedropwhereof
ismorepreciousthanthewholeworld.
Forme
Whoisthisme?EvenIwretchedanddamnablesinner,sodearlybelovedoftheSonofGod,
thathegavehimselfforme.IfIthenthroughworksormeritsofcongruenceandworthiness
couldhavelovedtheSonofGod,andsocomeuntohim,whatneededhetodeliverhimself
forme?HerebyitappearethhowcoldlythePapistshandled,yeahowtheyutterlyneglected
theholyScriptures,andthedoctrineoffaith.Foriftheyhadconsideredbutonlythesewords,
thatitbehovedtheSonofGodtobegivenforme,ithadbeenimpossiblethatanyorderor
sectshouldhavesprungupamongstthem.Forfaithwouldbyandbyhaveanswered:Why
dostthouchoosethiskindoflife,thisreligiousorder,thiswork?DostthouthistopleaseGod,
ortobejustifiedthereby?Dostthounothear,Othouwretch,thattheSonofGodshedhis
bloodforthee?ThistruefaithinChristwouldeasilyhavewithstoodallmannerofsects.
WhereforeIsay(asIhaveoftentimessaid)thatthereisnoremedyagainstsects,orpower
toresistthem,butthisonlyarticleofChristianrighteousness.Ifwelosethisarticle,itis
impossibleforustowithstandanyerrorsorsectsaswemayseeatthisdayinthefantastical
spirits,theAnabaptistsandtheSacramentarians:whobeingfallenawayfromthisarticleof
justification,willneverceasetofall,err,andseduceothersuntiltheycometothefullnessof
alliniquity.Thereisnodoubt,buttheywillraiseupinnumerablesects,andstilldevisenew
works.Butwhatareallthesethings(thoughtheyhaveneversogoodlyashewofholiness),if
yecomparethemtothedeathandbloodoftheSonofGod,whogavehimselfforme?
Considerwell,Iprayyou,whothisSonofGodis,howgloriousheis,howmightyheas.
Whatisheavenandearthincomparisonofhim?LetallthePapistsandalltheauthorsof
sects,yeathoughtthewholeworldtaketheirpart,bethrowndownintohell,withalltheir
righteousness,worksandmerits,ratherthanthetruthoftheGospelshouldbeblemished,and
thegloryofChristperish.Whatmeantheythentobragsomuchofworksandmerits?IfI
beingawretchandadamnedsinnercouldberedeemedbyanyotherprice,whatneededthe
SonofGod.tobegivenforme?Butbecausetherewasnootherpriceeitherinheavenorin
earth,butChristtheSonofGod,thereforeitwasmostnecessarythatheshouldbedelivered
forme.Moreover,thishedidofinestimableloveforPaulsaithwhichlovedme.
Whereforethesewords:whichlovedmeetc.,arefulloffaith.Andhethatcanutterthis
littlewordme,andapplyituntohimselfwithatrueandaconstantfaithasPauldid,shallbe
agooddisputerwithPaulagainstthelaw.Forhedeliveredneithersheep,ox,gold,norsilver,
butevenGodhimselfentirelyandwholly,forme,evenforme,Isay,amiserableand
wretchedsinner.Nowtherefore,inthattheSonofGodwasthusdeliveredtodeathforme,I
takecomfortandapplythisuntomyself.Andthismannerofapplyingistheverytrueforce
andpoweroffaith.Hethatworkethspeakethnotthus:Christlovedme,etc.
Thesewords(whicharethepurepreachingofgraceandChristianrighteousnessindeed)
Paulsettethagainsttherighteousnessofthelaw.Asifhesaid:beitsothatthelawisa
heavenlydoctrine,andhathalsohisgloryyetnotwithstandingitlovednotme,norgaveitself
formeyea,itaccusethme,terrifiethme,anddrivethmetodesperation.ButIhavenow
anotherwhichhathdeliveredmefromtheterrorsofthelaw,sin,anddeath,andhathbrought
meintoliberty,therighteousnessofGod,andeternallife.

WhoiscalledtheSonofGod,whichlovethmeandgivethhimselfformetowhombe
praiseandgloryforever.
Faiththerefore,asIhavesaid,embracethandwrappethinitselfChristJesustheSonof
God,deliveredtodeathforus,asPaulhereteacheth,whobeingapprehendedbyfaith,giveth
untousrighteousnessandlife.ForChrististheSonofGod,whichofmerelovegavehimself
forourredemption.AndwiththesewordsPaulsettethoutmostlivelythepriesthoodand
officesofChrist:whichare,topacifyGod,tomakeintercessionforsinners,toofferup
himselfasacrificefortheirsins,toredeem,toinstruct,andtocomfortthem,etc.Letuslearn
thereforetogiveatruedefinitionofChrist,notastheschooldivinesandmeritmongersdo,
whichmakehimanewlawgiver,whoabolishingtheoldlawhathestablishedanew.Tothese
Christisnothingelsebutanexactorandatyrant.ButletusdefinehimasPaulheredoth:
namely,thatheistheSonofGod,whonotforourdesertoranyrighteousnessofours,butof
hisownfreemercyandlove,offereduphimselfasacrificeforussinners,thathemight
sanctifyusforever.
ChristthenisnoMoses,noexactor,nogiveroflaws,butagiverofgrace,aSavior,and
onethatisfullofmercy:briefly,heisnothingelsebutinfinitemercyandgoodness,freely
givenandbountifullygivinguntous.AndthusshallyoupaintoutChristinhisrightcolors.If
yousufferhimanyotherwisetobepaintedoutuntoyou,whentemptationandtroublecometh
youshallsoonbeoverthrown.Now,asitisthegreatestknowledgeandcunningthat
Christianscanhave,thustodefineChristsoofallthingsitisthehardest.ForImyselfeven
inthisgreatlightoftheGospel,whereinIhavebeensolongexercised,havemuchadoto
holdthisdefinitionofChristwhichPaulheregivethsodeeplyhaththedoctrineandpestilent
opinionthatChristisalawgiver,enteredevenasitwereoilintomybones.
Yeyoungmenthereforeareinthiscasemuchmorehappythanwethatareold.Forye
arenotinfectedwiththeseperniciouserrors,whereinIhavebeensonusledandsodrowned
evenfrommyyouth,thatattheveryhearingofthenameofChristmyhearthathtrembled
andquakedforfear:forIwaspersuadedthathewasaseverejudge.Whereforeitistomea
doubletravailandtroubletocorrectandreformthisevil:firsttoforget,tocondemn,andto
resistthisoldgroundederror,thatChristisalawgiverandajudgeforitalwaysreturnethand
pluckethmeback:thentoplantinmyheartanewandatruepersuasionofChristthatheisa
justifierandaSavior.Ye(Isay)thatareyoung,maylearnwithmuchlessdifficultytoknow
Christpurelyandsincerely,ifyewill.Whereforeifanymanfeelhimselfoppressedwith
heavinessandanguishofheart,hemustnotimputeituntoChrist,althoughitcomeunderthe
nameofChrist,butuntothedevil,whooftentimescomethunderthecolorofChrist,and
transformethhimselfintoanangeloflight.
LetuslearnthereforetoputadifferencebetweenChristandalawgiver,notonlyinword
butalsoindeedandinpracticethatwhenthedevilshallcomeundertheshadowofChrist,
andshallgoabouttotroubleusunderhisname,wemayknowhimnottobeChrist,butavery
fiendindeed.ForChristwhenhecometh,isnothingelsebutjoyandsweetnesstoatrembling
andbrokenheart,asherePaulwitnesseth,whosettethhimoutwiththismostsweetand
comfortabletitlewhenhesaith:WhichlovedME,andgavehimselfforme.Christtherefore
inverydeedisaloverofthosewhichareintroubleoranguish,insinanddeath,andsucha
loverasgavehimselfforus:whoisalsoourHighPriest,thatistosay,amediatorbetween
Godandusmiserableandwretchedsinners.Whatcouldbesaid,Iprayyou,moresweetand
comfortablethanthis?Now,ifthesethingsbetrue(astheyareindeedmosttrue,orelsethe
Gospe1mustbenothingbutafable),thenarewenotjustifiedbytherighteousnessofthelaw:

butmuchlessbyourownrighteousness.
ReadthereforewithgreatvehemencythesewordsMEandFORME,andsoinwardly
practicewiththyselfthatthouwithasurefaithmaystconceiveandprintthisMEinthy
heart,andapplyituntothyself,notdoubtingbutthatthouartofthenumberofthosetowhom
thisMEbelongeth:alsothatChristhathnotonlylovedPeterandPaulandgivenhimselffor
them,butthatthesamegracealsowhichiscomprehendedinthisME,aswellpertainethand
comethuntous,asuntothem.Foraswecannotdenybutthatweareallsinners,andare
constrainedtosaythatthroughthesinofAdamwearealllost,weremadetheenemiesof
God,subjecttothewrathandjudgmentofGod,andguiltyofeternaldeath(forthisdoall
terrifiedheartsfeelandconfess,andmoreindeedthantheyshoulddo)socanwenotdeny
butthatChristdiedforoursins,thathemightmakeusrighteous,Forhediednottojustifythe
righteous,buttheunrighteous,andtomakethemthefriendsandchildrenofGod,and
inheritorsofallheavenlygifts.Therefore,whenIfeelandconfessmyselftobeasinner
throughAdamstransgression,whyshouldInotsaythatIammaderighteousthroughthe
righteousnessofChrist,especiallywhenIhearthathelovedme,andgavehimselfforme?
ThisdidPaulmoststeadfastlybelieve,andthereforehespeakeththesewordswithsogreat
vehemencyandfullassurance.Whichmayhegrantuntous,insomepartattheleast,who
hathlovedus,andgivenhimselfforus.Amen.
IdonotabrogateorrejectthegraceofGod
NowhepreparethawaytothesecondargumentofthisEpistle.Andhereyemustdiligently
consider,thattoseektobejustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,istorejectthegraceofGod.But,
Iprayyou,whatcanbemoreexecrableorhorrible,thantorejectthegraceofGod,andto
refusetobejustifiedbyfaithinChrist?Itisenoughandtoomuchalreadythatweareungodly
andtransgressorsofallthecommandmentsofGodandyetwecommitmoreovertheverysin
ofsins,inthatwedosoconfidentlyrefusethegraceofGodandremissionofsinsoffered
untousbyChrist.Thisblasphemyismorehorriblethancanbeexpressed.Thereisnosin
whichPaulandtheotherApostlesdidsomuchdetest,asthecontemptofgraceanddenialof
Christandyetthereisnosinmorecommon.Hereofitcometh,thatPaulabovetherest,doth
sosharplyinveighagainstAntichrist,forthathetakethawaygraceanddenieththebenefitof
ChristourHighPriest,whooffereduphimselfasacrificeforoursins.Now,thustodeny
Christ,whatisitelsebuttospitinhisface,totreadhimunderfoot,tosethimselfinhisplace,
andtosayIwilljustifytheeandIwillsavethee?Bywhatmeans?Bymasses,pilgrimages,
pardons,meritsandsuchlike.WeseethenhowproudlyAntiChristhathlifthimselfagainst
andaboveGod,andsethimselfintheplaceofChrist,rejectedthegraceofGod,anddenied
thefaith.Forthisishisdoctrine:Faithavailethnothing(saithhe)unlessitbejoinedwith
works.Andbythisfalseanddetestabledoctrinehehathdefaced,darkened,andutterlyburied
thebenefitofChrist,andinthesteadofthegraceofChristandhiskingdom,hehath
establishedthedoctrineofworksandthekingdomofceremonies,andhathconfirmedthe
samewithmeretriflesanddotingdreams,andbythismeanshehathwrestedthewholeworld
outofChristshands(whoaloneoughttoreignintheconscience),andhaththrownitdown
headlongintohell.
HerebywemayeasilyunderstandwhatitistorejectandrefusethegraceofGod,evento
seektobejustifiedbythelaw.Nowwhohatheverheardthatamanbykeepingofthelaw,
rejectethgrace?Dowethensininkeepingofthelaw?Noforsooth.Butwedespisegrace

whenweobservethelawtothisend,thatwemaybejustifiedthroughit.Thelawisgood,
holy,andprofitable,andyetitjustifiethnot.Hethenthatkeepeththelawtobejustified
thereby,rejectethgrace,deniethChrist,despisethhissacrifice,andwillnotbesavedbythis
inestimableprice,butwillsatisfyforhissinsthroughtherighteousnessofthelaw,ordeserve
gracebyhisownrighteousness.AndthismanblasphemethanddespiseththegraceofGod.
Now,whatanhorriblethingisittosaythatanymanshouldbesodevilishastodespise
thegraceandmercyofGod!Andyetnotwithstandingalltheworlddothso:albeititcannot
abidethatanymanshouldsojudgeofit,butwillseemtodohighserviceandhonorunto
God.Nowfolloweththesecondargument.
Forifrighteousnesscomebythelaw,thenChristdiedinvain
HereagainIadmonishyou,thatPaulspeakethnotoftheceremoniallawonly,asthe
sophistersdocontinuallydream.ThiserrordidOrigenandJeromefirstsetforth,whichtaught
mostperniciouslyinthismatter,andalltheschooldoctorsdidfollowthemandatthisday
Erasmusdothapproveandconfirmtheirerror.Butthegodlyoughtutterlytorejectthedoting
dreamsofthesemen,whichdosocorruptPaulwiththeirfoolishglossesfortheyspeakofa
thingwhereoftheyneverhadanyknowledgeorexperience.Asif,forsooth,theceremonies
alsowerenotgoodandholy!Forwithoutdoubt,theordinationofthepriesthood,
circumcision,thesacrifices,theworshipandsenseofGod,andsuchlikeholyworks,wereall
ceremonies.Thereforehespeakethofthewholelaw.
ThesewordsofPauloughtdiligentlytobeweighedandconsideredinthiswise.Isittrue
thatChristsuffereddeathornot?Again,didhesufferinvainornot?Hereweareconstrained
toanswer,exceptwebestarkmad,thathesufferedinverydeed,andthathesufferednotin
vain,norforhimself,butforus.Ifthenhesufferednotinvain,itfollowethofnecessitythat
righteousnesscomethnotbythelaw.
Takenowthereforebothlaws,theceremoniallawandthemoral,ortheTen
Commandments,andimaginethatthouartcomesofarbythemeritofcongruence,thatthe
Spiritisgivenuntothee,andthatthouhastcharity,(althoughthisweresomethingmonstrous,
andisnowheretobefoundinthenatureofthings)butimagine,Isay,thatbydoingwhatin
theelieth,thouobtainestgrace,artrighteous,possessesttheSpirit.
Whencecomethallthis?Ofthemeritofcongruence?ThenhastthounoneedofChrist,
butfortheeheisunprofitableandhathdiedinvain.
ThendothoutakeeventhelawoftheTenCommandmentsitself,whereiniscommanded
thehighestworshipandserviceofGod(thatistosay:thefearofGod,faithinGod,thelove
ofGod,andtheloveofourneighbor),andshewmeanymanthathathbeenjustifiedthereby
yetitremainethtruenotwithstanding,thatChristdiedinvain.Forhethatisjustifiedbythe
lawoftheTenCommandments,hathpowerinhimselftoobtainrighteousness,sinceby
puttingnoimpedimentandbydoingwhatinhimlieth,heinfalliblydeservethgraceandthe
HolyGhostispouredintohim,sothatheisabletoloveGodandhisneighbor.Thisbeing
granted,itmustneedsfollowthatChristdiedinvain.ForwhatneedofChristwhichloveth
himandgivethhimselfforhim,hathhethatwithoutChristisablebythemeritofcongruence
toobtaingrace,andthentoworkwellanddeserveeternallifebythewentofworthiness,orat
theleasttobejustifiedbyhiskeepingofthelaw?ThenletChristbetakenawaywithallhis
benefits,forheisutterlyunprofitable,Butwhywasheborn?Whywashecrucified?Whydid
hesuffer?WhywashemademyHighPriest,lovingmeandgivinghimselfaninestimable

sacrificeforme?Invain,nodoubt,andtonopurposeatall,ifrighteousnesscomethbyno
othermeansthanthesophistersteach:forthenIfindrighteousnessinthelaworinmyself,
apartfromgraceandChrist.
Isthishorribleblasphemy,tobesufferedordissembled,thattheDivineMajesty,not
sparinghisowndearSon,butdeliveringhimuptodeathforusall,shouldnotdoallthese
thingsseriouslyandingoodearnest,butasitwereinsport?BeforeIwouldadmitthis
blasphemy,IwouldnotonlythattheholinessofallthePapistsandmeritmongers,butalsoof
allthesaintsandholyangelsshouldbethrownintothebottomofhell,andcondemnedwith
thedevil.MineeyesshallbeholdnothingelsebutChristtheSonofGod.Heoughttobesuch
atreasureuntome,thatallotherthingsshouldbebutdungincomparisonofhim.Heoughtto
besuchalightuntome,thatwhenIhaveapprehendedhimbyfaith,Ishouldnotknow
whethertherebeanylaw,anysin,anyrighteousness,oranyunrighteousnessintheworld.For
whatareallthingswhichareinheavenandearthincomparisonoftheSonofGod,Jesus
ChristmyLord,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme?
Wherefore,torejectthegraceofGodisanhorriblesin,andcommonlyreigning
throughouttheworldwhereofallmeritmongersareguilty.Forwhiletheyseektobe
justifiedbythemeritofcongruence,orbytheirownworksandsufferings,orbythelaw,they
rejectthegraceofGodandChrist,asIhavesaid.AndofalltheseabominationsthePopehath
beentheonlyauthor.ForhehathnotonlydefacedandtroddenunderhisfeettheGospelof
Christ,buthathalsoreplenishedtheworldwithhiscursedtraditions.Andhereof,among
otherenormities,hisbullsandpardonsareasufficientwitnesswherebyheabsolveth,not
suchasbelieve,butsuchasareContrite,makeconfessiontoapriest,andreachouttheir
helpinghand[tothemaintenanceofhispompandtraditions]:whichisasmuchastosaythat
Christdiedfornaught,andthatgraceisemptyandvain.Whereforetheabominationsand
blasphemiesofthePopeskingdomarebeyondmeasureandyetevennowinthisgreatlight
ofthetruth,theblindandobstinatesophistersdocontinuestillintheirwickedopinionsand
dotingdreams,sayingthatthequalitiesofnaturedoremainsoundanduncorrupt,andthat
menareabletopreparethem.selvestogracebytheirowngooddeedsandmerits.Andsofar
offisitthattheywillacknowledgetheirimpietyanderror,thattheydoyetstillobstinately
defendthesameevenagainsttheirownconscience.
ButwedoconstantlyaffirmwithPaul(forwewillnotrejectthegraceofGod)thateither
Christdiedinvain,orelsethelawjustifiethnot.ButChristdiednotinvain:thereforethelaw
justifiethnot.ChristtheSonOfGod,ofhisownfreegraceandmercyhathjustifiedus:
thereforethelawcouldnotjustifyusforifitcould,thenhadChristdoneunwiselyinthathe
gavehimselfforoursins,thatwetherebymightbejustified.Weconcludetherefore,thatwe
arejustifiedneitherbyourownworksandmeritsbeforegraceorafter,norbyourcrossand
afflictions,noryetbythelaw,butbyfaithOnlyinChest.
NowifmysalvationwassocostlyanddearapriceuntoChrist,thathewasconstrainedto
dieformysins,thenallmyworks,withalltherighteousnessofthelaw,arebutvileand
nothingworthincomparisonofthisinestimableprice.ForhowcanIbuildthatforafarthing,
Whichcostmanythousandtalentsofgold?Nowthelaw(tospeaknoticingofothermatters
whichareofmuchlessvalue)withalltheworksandrighteousnessthereof,isbutasafarthing
ifyecompareituntoChrist:whobyhisdeathandresurrectionhathvanquishedmydeath,and
hathpurchaseduntomerighteousnessandeverlastinglife.ShouldIthendespiseandreject
thisincomparableprice,andbythelaworbytheworksofcongruenceandworthiness(vile
drossanddung,forsoPaulcalleththem,iftheybecompareduntoChrist)seekthat

righteousnesswhichChristfreelyandofmerelovehathgivenuntomealready,andhathcost
himsogreataprice,thathewasconstrainedtogivehimselfandevenhisownheartbloodfor
me?This,asIhavesaid,thewholeworlddoth,andespeciallysuchaswillbecountedmore
holyandreligiousthanothers.WherebytheyplainlywitnessthatChristdiedinvain,although
withtheirmouthstheyconfessthecontraryneversomuch:whichismosthorriblyto
blasphemetheSonofGod,tospitinhisface,totreadhimunderfoot,tocountthebloodof
theTestamentasanunholything,etc.
Paulheredisputingofrighteousness,hathnocivilmatterinhand,thatis,hespeakethnot
ofcivilrighteousness(whichGodnotwithstandingallowethandrequireth,andgivethrewards
thereuntoaccordinglywhichalsoreasonisableinsomeparttoperform),butheintreateth
hereoftherighteousnessthatavailethbeforeGod,wherebywearedeliveredfromthelaw,
sin,deathandallevils,andmadepartakersofgrace,righteousnessandlife,andfinally,are
nowbecomelordsofheavenandearthandofallothercreatures.Thisrighteousnessneither
manslaw,neitherthelawofGodisabletoperform.
Thelawisgivenbesidesandabovereason,tobealightandahelptoman,andtoshew
himwhatheoughttodo,andwhattoleaveundone.
Notwithstandingman,withallhisstrengthandreason,yeawiththisgreatlightalsoand
heavenlybenefit(thelawImean)cannotbejustified.Nowifthatwhichisthemostexcellent
thingintheworld(thelawIsay,whichasabrightshiningsunisjoinedtothedimlampand
earthlylightofmansreasontolightenanddirectit)isnotabletojustify,whatcanreasondo,
Iprayyou,withoutthelaw?What?DoubtlessnothingelsebutthatwhichthePopewithhis
dreamingsophistersandhiswholesynagoguehathdone,whowiththeirowntraditionshave
darkenedthelightevenoftheFirstCommandment.Whereforethereisnotoneofthemthatis
ablerightlytounderstandanyonesyllableofthelaw,buteverymanwalkethinmere
darknessofmansreason.Andthiserrorismuchmoreperniciousanddeadly,thanthatwhich
proceedethofthedoctrineofworksandthelaw.
Thesewordsthereforeareveryeffectualandfullofpowerwhenhesaith:If
righteousnesscomebythelaw,thenChristdiedinvain.Hespeakethherenothingofmans
strength,reasonorwisdom,beitneversogreat(forthegreateritis,thesooneritdeceivetha
man),buthesaithplainlywithoutallcondition:Ifbythelaw,etc.Whereforereason
lightened,aidedanddirectedbythelaw,yeaevenbythelawofGod,issounabletoattain
righteousness,thatitdrawethamanfromrighteousness,andrejectethChrist.Setthou
thereforethedeathofChristaloneagainstalllaws,anddeterminewithPaultoknownothing
butJesusChrist,andhimcrucified(1Corinthians2:2),thatnolightmayshinebesidehim.
Thenshaltthoubelearnedindeed,righteousandholy,andshaltreceivetheHolyGhost,
whichshallpreservetheeinthepurityoftheWordandfaith:butsetChristaside,andall
thingsarebutvain.
HereagainweseewhatagoodlycommendationPaulgivethtotherighteousnessofthe
law,ormansownrighteousness,namely,thatitisacondemningandrejectingofthegraceof
God,andanabolishingofthedeathofChrist.Paulisnogreatrhetorician,andyetseewhat
matterheministerethtohimthatlistethtoplaytherhetorician.Whateloquenceisable
sufficientlytosetforththesewords:torejectgrace,thegraceofGodalso,thatChrist
diedinvain?Thehorriblenesswhereofissuchthatalltheeloquenceintheworldisnotable
toexpressit.Itisasmallmattertosay,thatanymandiedinvain:buttosaythatChristdied
invain,istotakehimquiteaway.Whosolistethtoplaytherhetorician,hathherematter
enoughtodilateandamplifyatlarge,whatahorribleandblasphemousdoctrineitistosetup

therighteousnessofthelawandworks,Forwhatcanbemoreblasphemousandhorrible,than
tomakethedeathofChristunprofitable?AndwhatdoIelse,ifIkeepthelawtothisend,that
Imaybejustifiedthereby?NowtomakethedeathofChristunprofitable,istomakehis
resurrection,hisvictory,hisglory,hiskingdom,heaven,earth,Godhimself,themajestyof
God,andbrieflyallthingselse,unprofitableandofnoneeffect.
Thisthunderingandlightningfromheavenagainsttherighteousnessofthelawand
mansownrighteousness,shouldmakeusabhorit.Andherewiththisthunderclapfalleth
downalltheordersofmonksandfriars,withallsuchreligionandrighteousnessasconsisteth
eitherinthekeepingofthelaworinthefollowingofaselfappointedrule.Forwhowillnot
detesthisownvows,hiscowl,hisshavencrown,allmenstraditions,yeatheverylawof
Mosesalso,ifhehearthatforthesethingsherejecteththegraceofGod,andmakeththedeath
ofChristunprofitable.Theworldhearingthis,dothnotbelievethatitistrue.Itthinkeththat
suchhorriblewickednesscannotenterintoanymansheart,thatheshouldrejectthegraceof
GodandesteemthedeathofChristasathingofnaught.Andyetthissincommonlyreigneth.
ForwhosoeverseekethrighteousnessapartfromfaithinChrist,whetherbyworks,by
satisfactions,orafflictions,orbythelaw,rejecteththegraceofGodanddespiseththedeath
ofChrist,whatsoeverheprotestethwithhismouthtothecontrary.

CHAPTER3
Ofoolishgalatians!
PAULhereshewethhisapostolicalcareandburningzealwhichhebearethtotheChurchso
thatindisputingandconfuting,heinterminglethsometimesgentleexhortation,and
sometimeshesharplyreproveth,accordingtohisownrulegiventoTimothy.Preach,saith
he,theword:beinstantinseasonandoutofseason:reprove,rebuke,exhort(Timothy4:2).
Herethesimplereadermayhaplybedeceivedifhebenotcircumspect,tothinkthatPaulin
teachingkeepethnoorderatall.Andindeedafterthemanneroftherhetoriciansheobserveth
none:butasconcerningthespiritheusethagoodlyorder.
Nowafterthathehathsufficientlyproved,andwithtwostrongargumentsconfirmedthis
article,thatChristianrighteousnesscomethnotbykeepingofthelaw,butbyfaithinChrist,
andwithalhathconfutedthedoctrineofthefalseapostlesinthemidstofthisdiscoursehe
turnethhistalktotheGalatians,andreproveththem,saying:OyefoolishGalatians,etc.As
ifheshouldsay:Alas,fromwhenceareyefallen,OyemiserableGalatians?Ihavemost
carefullyanddiligentlytaughtyouthetruthoftheGospel,andyealsohavereceivedthesame
ofmewithferventzealandgreatdiligence.
Howthencomethittopass,thatyearesosuddenlyfallenawayfromit?Whohath
bewitchedyou?
HereproveththeGalatiansverysharply,asitseemeth,whenhecalleththemfools,
bewitched,anddisobedienttothetruth.Nowwhetherhedidthisofzealorcompassion,Iwill
notherecontend:bothmaybetrue.Acarnalmanwouldinterpretthistobeareviling.,rather
thanagodlyreprehension.DidPaulthengiveanevilexample,orwashespitefulagainstthe
churchesofGalatia,becausehecalledthemfoolishandbewitched?No,notso.Forwitha
ChristianzealitislawfulforanApostle,apastor,orpreacher,sharplytoreprovethepeople
committedtohischarge:andsuchreprovingsarebothfatherlyandgodly.Soparents,ofa

fatherlyandmotherlyaffection,dosharplyreproveandrebuketheirchildren:whichthey
wouldnotbearifanothershoulddoit.Theschoolmastersometimesisangrywithhisscholar,
herebukethhimandbeatethhim:allwhichhetakethingoodpart,andwouldnotbearitatthe
handsofhisequal.Themagistratelikewiseisangry:hereprovethandpunishethsuchasare
underhischarge.Andthisdisciplineisnotonlygood,butalsoverynecessary:withoutthe
whichnothingcanbewelldone.Wherefore,unlessthemagistrate,theminister,thefatherand
motherbeangry,andusetoreproveorrebukewhenthecaserequireth,heisunprofitable,and
nevershalldischargehisofficerightly.
Whereforesharpchidingsandbitterwordsareasnecessaryineverykindoflife,asany
othervirtueelse.Yetnotwithstanding,thisangermustbesotempered,thatitproceednotof
anyenvyormalice,butonlyofafatherlyaffectionandChristianzealthatistosay,itought
nottobechildishorwomanlike,seekingrevengebutonlyforthecorrectingofthefaultas
thefathercorrectethnothischildwithdesiretorevenge,butonlythatthechildtherebymay
bethebetter.Andthesekindsofangeraregood,andarecalledintheScripturezealsor
jealousies.Forinchastisingmybrother,mychild,myscholarorsubjectinthissort,Iseeknot
hisdestruction,buthisprofitandwelfare.
ItmaybethenthatPaulhererebukeththeGalatians,eitherofaveryzeal(nottodestroy
them,butbythismeanstoreducethemintothewayagain,andtoamendthem)orelseofpity
andcompassion,asitwerebywayofcomplaint,forthatitgrievethhimthattheyshouldbeso
miserablyseduced.Asifheshouldsay:Iamsorryandashamedtohearofthisyourmiserable
case,yourwretcheddoings,etc.Inlikemannerdowealsoreprehendthemiserable:notthat
wetreadthemdown,orupbraidthemwiththeirmisery,butashavingcompassiononthem,
andseekingtheiramendment.ThisIsay,lestanymanshouldcavil,thatPaulraileduponthe
churches,contrarytotheruleoftheGospel.
InlikemannerChristrebukeththePharisees,callingthemserpents,thegenerationof
vipers,thechildrenofthedevil(Matthew23:33etc).ButthesearetherebukingsoftheHoly
Ghost.Theyarefatherlyandmotherly,andasthechidingsofafaithfulfriendasitissaid
alsointheProverbs:betterarethewoundsofafriend,thanthekissesofanenemy(Proverbs
27:6).Thusoneandtheselfsamerebuke,ifitcomeoutofthemouthofafather,maybea
greatbenefitbutifitproceedoutofthemouthofourequalorenemy,itisaspiteful
reproach.Whentwomendoonething,intheoneitiscommendable,andintheotheritis
reproved.ButwhenChristandPauldoreprove,itisdonewithsingularvirtueand
commendationbutwhenaprivatemanshalldothelike,itisinhimagreatvice.Therefore
oneandtheselfsamewordinthemouthofPaulisabenefitbutinthemouthofanotheritis
areproach.
ThereisacertainvehemencytobenotedinthiswordGalatians.Forhecalleththemnot
brethren,aselsewhereheiswonttodobuthecalleththembythenamewhichwasproperto
theircountry.Anditseemeththatitwasthenaturalviceofthatnationtobefoolishlikeasit
wasthefaultoftheCretanstobeliars.Asifheshouldsay:Asyearecalled,evensoareye
indeed,andsoyecontinuethatistosay,foolishGalatiansandsoyoushewyourselvestobe
evennowinthebusinessoftheGospel(whereinnotwithstandingyeoughttohavebeenmost
wise)yetyecontinuestillinyourownnature,andarenochangelings.Inlikemannerwealso
distinguishnationsbytheirvices.Foreachnationhathitsownpeculiarvices:theGermans
areeverreadyforrevolution,theItaliansarearrogant,etc.ThusPaulbywayofcorrection,
putteththeGalatiansinmindoftheirownnature.
Moreoverwearehereadmonished,thataccordingtotheflesh,thereareyetnaturalvices

remaininginthechurches,andinChristians.Gracemakethnotsuchachangeinthegodly,
thatforthwiththeybecomealtogethernewcreatures,andperfectinallthingsbutthere
remainyetcertaindregsoftheiroldandnaturalcorruption.Asifamanthatisnaturally
inclinedtoanger,beconvertedtoChrist,althoughhebemollifiedbygrace(theHolyGhost
soframinghisheart,thatheisnowbecomemoremeekandgentle),yetthisnaturalviceisnot
utterlyquenchedinhisflesh.
Likewise,suchasarebynaturehard,althoughtheybeconvertedtothefaith,yet
notwithstandingtheydonotutterlyputoffthishardness,butaremnantofitcleavethinthem
still.Hereofitcometh,thattheholyScripturesandtheGospels,whichdocontainallone
truth,ofdiversespiritsarediverselyhandled.Oneinteachingismildandgentleanother
moreroughandrigorous.ThustheSpiritofGod,beingpouredintodiversevessels,dothnot
quenchatoncethevicesofnaturebutduringthewholeofthislifehepurgeththatsinwhich
isrooted,notonlyintheGalatians,butalsoinallmenofallnations.
Albeitthen,thattheGalatianswerelightenedanddidbelieve,andhadnowreceivedthe
HolyGhostbythepreachingoffaith,notwithstandingthisremnantofvice,thistinderof
foolishness,whichdideasilycatchtheflameoffalsedoctrine,remainedinthemstill.
Whereforeletnomantrustsomuchinhimself,astothinkthatwhenhehathreceivedgrace,
heisthoroughlypurgedfromhisoldvices.Indeedmanythingsarepurgedinus,and
principallytheheadoftheserpentthatistosay,infidelityandignoranceofGodiscutoff
andbruised,butthescalybodyandtheremnantsofsinremainstillinus.Letnoman
thereforepresumesomuchofhimself,thatwhenhehathoncereceivedfaith,hecanbyand
bybethoroughlychangedintoanewman:nay,heshallkeepsomewhatofhisoldvicesstill
cleavinguntohim,thoughhebeneversogoodaChristian.
Forwearenotyetdead,butwestillliveinthefleshwhich,becauseitisnotyetpure,
continuallylustethagainstthespirit(Galatians5:17).Iamcarnal,saithPaul,soldunder
sin,andIseeanotherlawinmymembersrebellingagainstthelawofmymind(Romans
7:14,23).Whereforethenaturalvicesthatwereinusbeforewereceivedfaith,dostillremain
inusafterthatwehavereceivedfaith:savingthatnowtheyaresubduedtothespirit,which
haththeupperhandtokeepthemunder,thattheyrulenotandyetnotwithoutgreatconflict.
ThisgloryisduetoChristalone,andthistitlehealonebeareth,thatheispureandwithout
blemish:whodidnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth(1Peter2:22).
Whohathbewitchedyou,thatyeshouldnotobeythetruth?
Herehaveyeanothercommendationofthisgoodlyrighteousnessofthelaw,andofourown
righteousness,namely,thatitmakethustocontemnthetruth:itbewitchethusinsuchsort,
thatwedonotbelievenorobeythetruth,butrebelagainstit.
OFTHEBODILYANDSPIRITUALWITCHCRAFT
PaulcalleththeGalatiansfoolishandbewitched,comparingthemtochildren,towhom
witchcraftdothmuchharm.Asthoughheshouldsay:Ithappenethtoyouasitdothto
children,whomwitches,sorcerers,andenchantersarewonttocharmbytheirenchantments,
andbytheillusionofthedevil.Afterwards,inthefifthchapter,herehearsethsorceryamong
theworksoftheflesh,whichisakindofwitchcraftwherebyheplainlytestifieth,thatindeed
suchwitchcraftandsorcerythereis,andthatitmaybedone.Moreover,itcannotbedenied
butthatthedevilliveth,yea,andreigneththroughoutthewholeworld.Witchcraftandsorcery

thereforearetheworksofthedevilwherebyhedothnotonlyhurtmen,butalsobythe
permissionofGod,hesometimesdestroyeththem.Furthermore,weareallsubjecttothe
devilbothinbodyandgoodsandwebestrangersinthisworld,whereofheistheprinceand
God.Thereforethebreadwhichweeat,thedrinkwhichwedrink,thegarmentswhichwe
wear,yeatheairandwhatsoeverwelivebyintheflesh,isunderhisdominion.Thereforehe
isablebyhiswitchestodoharmtochildren,causingthemheartpains,blindness,etc.,and
evenutterlytodoawaywithachildandputhimselfinitscradleinstead.Ihaveheardtellof
suchachildinSaxony,whichdidsuckthemilkoffivewomenandyetcouldnotbesated.
Andexamplesofthissortaremany.
Nowwitchcraftisnothingelsebutamachinationandillusionofthedevil,whoisable(it
issaid)tomakewholeagainamemberofthebody,eitherinachildoragrownman,thathe
hathcorruptedwithhiswiles.Butthishedothinsuchwisethatherestorethaneyeorother
memberthatseemethtohavesufferedinjury,butinverydeedhathsufferednone.Forheso
deludedthesensesofthemthathehathbewitched,andofotherswhichdobeholdthem,that
theydonotjudgeittobeanillusion,butatruelesion.Butsinceinduetimeheremoveththe
lesion,itisplainthatitwasnotruelesion,butanillusionforatruelesioncannotbehealedor
restored.
AnotableexampleofthisthingistobefoundintheLivesoftheFathers,passingthe
Metamorphosesofthepoets.TherecametoSt.Macariusinthedesertwherehedwelt,the
parentsofacertainvirginwhichdidbelievetheirdaughtertohavebeenturnedintoacow,for
theycouldperceivenoformbutthatofacow.BringinghertoSt.Macarius,therefore,they
besoughthimtoofferprayerforher,thatherhumanformmightberestored.ButMacarius
whenheheardthis,said:Iseenocow,butavirgin.Forhehadspiritualeyes,andtherefore
Satanwasnotabletodeludehimwithhistricks,ashehaddeludedtheparentsandthe
daughter:whoseeyestheevilspirithadsodeceivedthattheywouldhaveswornthatwhat
passedbeforetheirbewitchedsighttookplaceinverydeed.ButwhenSt.Macariusprayedfor
thegirl,askingnotthatshemightrecoverthehumanformwhichshehadneverlost,butthat
Godwouldtakeawaythisillusionofthedevilfromher,thentheeyesbothoftheparentsand
ofthedaughterwereopened,andtheyperceivedthatwhattheyhadthoughttobeseriously
done,wasbutasportandjestofthedevil.
SuchisSatanscunningandpowertodeludeoursenses.Andnomarvel,seeingachange
ofsenseandcolormaybebroughtaboutthroughglass.
Mosteasilythereforedothhemakesportofmenwithhiswiles,sothattheyimagine
themselvestoseethingswhichintruththeyseenot,ortohearavoice,thunder,afluteora
trumpet,whichintruththeyhearnot.
SothesoldiersofJuliusCaesarthoughtthattheyheardthesoundofapipeortrumpet:
whereofSuetoniusmakethmentioninhisLifeofCaesar.Oneofuncommonsizeandshape
(saithhe),seatedhardby,suddenlyappearedplayingonapipe:untowhomthererannotonly
shepherds,butalsomanysoldiersfromtheirstations,togetherwithsometrumpeters,to
hearkenuntohim.Whereuponhesnatchedatrumpetfromoneofthemandsprangwithit
towardstheriver,wherehesoundedamightyalarmandthenmadeforthefartherbank,etc.
Satantheniswellabletoaffectallthesenses,sothatamanwouldswearhedidsee,hear,
touch,athingwhichnotwithstandinghedothnotsee,etc.
Buthedothnotonlybewitchmenafterthisgrossmanner,butalsoafteramoresubtle
sortandmuchmoredangerouswhereinheisamarvellouscunningworkman.Andhereofit
comeththatPaulapplieththebewitchingofthesensestothebewitchingofthespirit.Forby

thisspiritualwitchcraftthatoldserpentbewitchethnotmenssenses,buttheirmindswith
falseandwickedopinions:whichopinions,theythataresobewitcheddotaketobetrueand
godly.Now,thatheisabletodothis,heshewethplainlyenoughatthisdayinthefantastical
heads,theAnabaptistsandthespiritsthatdoblasphemetheSacramentoftheBodyandBlood
ofChrist:whosemindshehathsobewitchedwithhissport,thattheydoembracelies,errors
andhorribledarknessasthemostcertaintruthandtheclearestlight.Neitherwilltheysuffer
themselvestobedrawnawayfromthesedreamsoftheirsbyanyadmonitionsorpassagesof
Scripture,sincetheyaremostfirmlypersuadedthattheyalonearewiseandhavearight
judgmentinholythings,whileallothersareblind.Theythereforedotheverysameasthe
parentsofthegirl,whichbeingtakenwithSatanswiles,weresopersuaded,thattheywould
haveswornthattheirdaughterwasnotawoman,butacow,andtherewasnothingthatthey
werelessabletobelieve,thanthatthiswasatrickandillusionofthedevil.Fortheyhadwith
themthetestimonyofalltheirsenses:theireyessawtheformofacow,theirearsheardthe
voiceofacow,etc.andagainstcommonsense,theythought,itwasnotmeettofight.
Butthatweoughttofightagainstcommonsenseinthecaseofbodilywitchcraft,this
exampleofMacariusshewethandmuchmoreoughtwetodothesameinthecaseof
spiritualwitchcraft.Forherethedevildoethfromwithin,whattherehedoethfromwithout:
therehedeceivethwithshapesandcolorsinthesenses,herewithplausibleopinionsin
mattersofdoctrine,whereby(asIhavesaid)hesobewitcheththeheartsofmenthatthey
wouldswearthattheirvainandwickeddreamswerethemostcertaintruth.Afterthismanner
hehathinourtimebewitchedMunzer,Zwingliandothers,bywhomhehathbewitchedyet
othersinnumerable.
Briefly,sogreatisthemaliceofthissorcererthedevil,andhisdesiretohurt,thatnot
onlyhedeceiveththosesecureandproudspiritswithhisenchantments,buteventhosealso
whichhavearightunderstandingoftheWordofGodandtheChristianreligion:yea,as
touchingmyself,tosaythetruth,hesometimesassailethmesomightily,andoppressethme
withsuchheavycogitations,thatheutterlyshadowethmySaviorChristfromme,andina
mannertakethhimcleanoutofmysight.Tobebrief,thereisnoneofusallwhichisnot
oftentimesbewitchedbyfalsepersuasions:thatistosay,whichdothnotfear,trust,orrejoice
whereheoughtnot,ordothnotsometimesthinkotherwiseofGod,ofChrist,offaith,ofhis
vocation,etc.thanheshoulddo.
Letusthereforelearntoknowthesubtlesleightsofthissorcerer,lestifhefindus
sleepinginsecurity,hedeceiveusbyhisenchantments.Trueitis,thatbyhissorceryhecan
donohurttoourministry:yetishewithusinspirit.Dayandnightherangethabout,seeking
howhemaydevoureveryoneofusalone,andunlesshefindussoberandarmedwith
spiritualweapons,thatistosay,withtheWordofGodandfaith,hewilldevourus.
Thisisthecausethatheoftentimesstirrethupnewbattlesagainstus.Andindeeditis
veryprofitableforusthathethusassailethus,andbyhissubtletrainsexercisethusforby
thismeansheconfirmethourdoctrine,hestirrethupandincreasethfaithinus.Indeedwe
havebeenmanytimescastdown,andyetstillarecastdowninthisconflict,butweperish
not:forChristhathalwaystriumphed,anddothtriumphthroughus.Whereforewehope
assuredly,thatweshallalsohereafterbyJesusChristobtainthevictoryagainstthedevil.And
thishopebringethuntoussureconsolation,sothatinthemidstofourtemptationswetake
courageandsay:Behold,Satanhathheretoforetemptedus,andbyhisfalseillusionshath
provokedustoinfidelity,tothecontemptofGod,despair,etc.yethathhenotprevailed,nor
shallheprevailhereafter.Greaterishethatisinus,thanhethatisintheworld(1John4:4).

Christisstronger,whohathanddothovercomethatstrongoneinus,andshallovercomehim
forever(Luke11:21f.).Notwithstandingthedevilsometimesovercomethusintheflesh,that
wemayhaveexperienceofthepowerofastrongeragainstthatstrongone,andmaysaywith
Paul,WhenIamweak,thenamIstrong(Corinthians12:10).
LetnomanthinkthereforethattheGalatiansonlywerebewitchedofthedevil:butlet
everymanthinkthathehimselfmighthavebeen,andyetmaybebewitchedbyhim.Thereis
noneofussostrongthatheisabletoresisthim,andspeciallyifheattempttodoitbyhis
ownstrength.Jobwasanuprightandajustman,fearingGod,andtherewasnonelikeunto
himupontheearth(Job1:8),butwhatpowerhadheagainstthedevil,whenGodwithdrew
hishand?Didnotthisholymanhorriblyfall?Thereforethisenchanterwasnotonlymightyin
theGalatians,buthegoethaboutcontinuallytodeceive,ifnotallmen,yetasmanyashecan,
withhisillusionsandfalsepersuasions:Forheisaliar,andthefatheroflies(John8:44).
Andbythishiscrafthebewitchethatthisday,asIhavesaid,thefantasticalspirits.Inthese
hereignethandmakeththemmorehardandunyieldingthananyanvil.Theywillnotsuffer
themselvestobetaught,theywillhearnoreason,noradmittheScripture,buttheyseekonly
howwithfalseinventedglossesoutoftheirownhead,theymayeludetheplacesofScripture
thatarebroughtagainstthem,anddefendtheirowndreamswhichtheyimportintothe
Scripture:whichisamanifestsignthattheyaretakenwiththedevilssorcery.
Whohathbewitchedyou?
HerePaulexcuseththeGalatians,andlayeththefaultuponthefalseapostles.Asthoughhe
shouldsay,Iseethatyearenotfallenthroughwilfulnessormalicebutthedevilhathsentthe
enchantingfalseapostlesamongstyou,mychildren,andtheydosobewitchyouwiththeir
doctrineofthelaw,thatnowyethinkotherwiseofChristthanyedidaforewhenyeheardthe
Gospelpreachedbyme.Butwelaborbothbypreachingandwritinguntoyou,touncharm
thatsorcerywherewiththefalseapostleshavebewitchedyou,andtosetatlibertythosewhich
aresnaredtherewithSowealsoatthisdaydolaborbytheWordofGodagainstthose
fantasticalopinionsoftheAnabaptistsandSacramentarians,thatwemaysetatlibertythose
thatareentangledtherewith,andreducethemtothepuredoctrineoffaith,andtherehold
them.Andthisourlaborisnotaltogetherinvainforwehavecalledbackmanywhomthey
havebewitched,andhavedeliveredthemoutoftheirsnares:thewhichhadneverbeendone
bytheirownstrength,hadtheynotbeenadmonishedbyusandrecalledbytheWordofGod.
Forevenasitisimpossiblethatamanshoulddeliverhimselffromthebewitchingofhis
senses(astheparentscouldseenoformbutofacowbeforetheprayerofMacarius),soitis
impossiblethatthosewhoartbewitchedinspiritshoulddeliverthemselvesbytheirown
strength,unlesstheyaredeliveredbythosewhosemindsarenotensnaredbythissorcery.
ForsuchistheefficacyofSatansdeceitinthemthataredeludedthereby,thatthey
wouldboastandswearthattheydidpossessthemostcertaintruth:sofararetheyfrom
confessingthattheyerr.Andalthoughwelaborneversomuchtoconvincesome,and
especiallythechiefauthorsofsects,bytheScriptures,yetisourlaborinvainforthey
straightwaybringforththeirglosseswherewiththeyevadetheScriptures.
Whereforetheyarenothingamendedbyouradmonitions,butaremuchmorehardened
andmoreobstinatethantheywerebefore.AndsurelyIcouldneverhavebelieved,butthatI
havegoodexperiencethereofatthisday,thatthepowerofthedevilissogreat,thatheisable
tomakefalsehoodsolikethetruth.Moreover(whichisyetmuchmorehorrible)whenhe

goethabouttooverwhelmsorrowfulconscienceswithovermuchheaviness,hecanso
cunninglyandsolivelychangehimselfintothelikenessofChrist,thatitisimpossibleforthe
poortemptedandafflictedsoultoperceiveit:wherebymanysimpleandignorantpersonsare
deceivedanddrivendowntodesperation,andsomealsodestroythemselvesfortheyareso
bewitchedofthedevil,thattheybelievethistobeamostcertaintruth,thattheyaretempted
andaccused,notofthedevilbutofChristhimself.
SuchathinghappenedintheyearofourLord1527tothatmiserablemanDr.Krausof
Halle,whichsaid:IhavedeniedChrist,andthereforehestandethnowbeforehisFatherand
accusethme.Hebeingblindedwiththeillusionofthedevil,hadsostronglyconceivedinhis
mindthisimagination,thatbynoexhortation,noconsolation,nopromisesofGod,hecould
bebroughtfromitwhereuponhedespairedandsomiserablydestroyedhimself.Thiswasa
merelie,abewitchingofthedevil,andafantasticaldefinitionofastrangeChrist,whomthe
Scriptureknowethnot.
FortheScripturesettethforthChrist,notasajudge,atempter,anaccuserbuta
reconciler,amediator,acomforter,asavior,andathroneofgrace.
Butthepoorman,deludedbythedevil,couldnotthenseethisandtherefore,againstall
Scripture,hethinkeththistobeanundoubtedtruth:ChristaccuseththeebeforehisFatherhe
standethnotforthee,butagainsttheethereforethouartdamned.Andthistemptationisnot
ofman,butofthedevil,whichthatenchantermoststronglyimprintethintheheartofthe
tempted.ButuntouswhichareledandtaughtbyanotherSpirit,itisacursedlie,anda
bewitchingofthedevil.Butuntothosethatarethusbewitched,itissocertainatruththat
nonecanbemorecertain.
Seeingthenthatthedevil,thatdeviserofathousandwiles,isablesotoprintinourhearts
somanifestandshamefulalie,thatwewouldswearathousandtimesitwereanundoubted
truth,wemustnotbeproud,butwalkinfearandhumility,callinguponChristourLord,that
webenotledintotemptation.Worldlyandsecuremen,whichhavingheardtheGospelonce
ortwicepreached,dobyandbyimaginethattheyhavereceivedabundanceoftheSpirit,fall
atlengthinlikemanner,becausetheyfearnotGod,theyarenotthankfuluntohim,but
persuadethemselvesthattheyareable,notonlytoholdanddefendthedoctrineoftrue
religion,butalsotostandagainstthedevilinanyassaultorconflict,beitneversogreat.Such
aremeetinstrumentsforthedeviltobewitchandtothrowdowntodesperation.
Ontheotherside,saynotthou:Iamperfect,Icannotfallbuthumblethyself,andfear,
lestifthoustandtoday,tomorrowthoubeoverthrown.
Imyself,althoughIbeadoctorofdivinity,andhavenowpreachedChrist,andfought
againstthedevilinhisfalseteachersagreatwhile,bymineownexperiencehavefoundhow
hardamatterthisis.ForIcannotshakeoffSatanasIdesire,neithercanIsoapprehendChrist
astheScripturesettethhimforthbutoftentimesthedevilsettethbeforemineeyesafalse
Christ.
ButthanksbetoGodwhokeepethusintheWord,infaithandinprayer,thatwemay
walkbeforehiminhumilityandfear,andnotpresumeofourownwisdom,righteousnessand
strength,buttrustinthepowerofChrist,whoisstrongwhenweareweak,andbyusweak
andfeeblecreaturescontinuallyovercomethandtriumpheth:towhombegloryforever.
Amen.
Thisbewitchingthen,andthissorcery,isnothingelsebutaplainillusionofthedevil,
printingintheheartafalseopinionofChristandagainstChristandhethatisdeludedwith
thisopinion,isbewitched.Theythereforethathavethispersuasion,thattheyarejustifiedby

theworksofthelaw,orthetraditionsofmen,arebewitchedforthispersuasionisclean
contrarytofaithandtoChrist.Pauluseththiswordbewitchingincontemptofthefalse
apostles,whichsovehementlyurgedthedoctrineofthelawandworks.Asifheshouldsay:
Whatadevilishbewitchingisthis?Forasthesensesarepervertedbybodilywitchcraft,soare
themindsofmenalsodeludedbythisspiritualwitchcraft.
Thatyeshouldnotobeythetruth
TheGalatiansatthefirstdidgladlyhearandobeythetruth.Thereforewhenhesaith,Who
hathbewitchedyou?hesheweththattheybeingbewitchedbythefalseapostles,werenow
fallenawayfromthetruth,whichbeforetheydidobey.Butthisseemethyetamorebitterand
vehementkindofspeech,whenhesaiththattheydonotbelievethetruth.
Forhesignifiethbythesewordsthattheyarebewitched,andthathewoulddeliverthem
fromthiswitchery,andyettheywillnotacknowledgenorreceivethisbenefit.Foritiscertain
thathedidnotreducealltheGalatiansfromtheerrorsofthefalseapostlesuntothetruth,but
thatmanyofthemremainedyetstillbewitched.Thereforeheuseththesesharpandvehement
words,Whohathbewitchedyou?etc.,asifhewouldsay:Yearesodeludedandbewitched
thatnowyecannotobeythetruthIfearlestmanyofyouareutterlylost,andsofallenaway,
thatyewillneverreturnagaintothetruth.Hereyouhaveanothergoodlycommendationof
therighteousnessofthelaw,ormansownrighteousness,thatitsobewitchethmenthatthey
arenotabletoobeythetruth.TheApostlesandtheFathersoftheprimitiveChurchoften
madementionofthismatter,as1John5:6:Thereisasinuntodeath,forthewhichprayer
shallnotbemadealsoHebrews6:4ff.:Itisimpossibleforthosewhowereonce
enlightened,andhavetastedoftheheavenlygift...,iftheyshallfallaway,torenewthem
againuntorepentance,etc.AtfirstsightthesewordssoundasthoughsomeNovatushad
spokenthem.ButtheApostleswerecompelledthustospeakonaccountoftheheretics
(althoughtheydidnottherebydenytothefallenareturnthroughpenitencetothecommunion
ofthefaithful,astheNovariansdid).Andwealsoatthisdayoughtthustospeakonaccount
oftheauthorsandmastersoferrorsandsects,andsaythatsuchmenneverreturntothetruth.
Therearesomeindeedthatreturn,butthesearetheywhichhavebeenboundwithalighter
spell.Notsotheleadersandauthorsofthesorcery,whichoughttoretainthattitlewhichPaul
heregiveththem,namely,thattheywillnothearnorendurethetruth,butratherarecareful
howtheymayresistthetruth,andhowtheymayavoidtheargumentsandtheScriptures
adducedagainstthem.Fortheyaretakencaptiveandarefullypersuadedthattheyhavethe
mostcertaintruthandthepurestunderstandingoftheScripture.Hethatisinsuchpersuasion,
hearethnotandmuchlessgivethplacetoothers.SoImyselfwillinnowisehearkentoaught
thatiscontrarytomydoctrineforIamcertainandpersuadedthroughtheSpiritofChrist,
thatmyteachingconcerningChristianrighteousnessistrueandcertain.
BeforewhoseeyesJesusChristwasevidentlysetforth
Itwasbitterlyspokenwherehesaidbefore,thattheyweresobewitchedthattheycouldnot
obeythetruthbutitismorebitterlysaid,whenheaddeth,thatChristwassolivelydescribed
beforethem,thattheymighthandlehimwiththeirhands,andyettheywouldnotobeythe
truth.Thusheconvinceththemevenbytheirownexperience.Asthoughhewouldsay:
Yearesobewitchedanddeludedwiththeperverseopinionsofthefalseapostles,that

nowyewillnotobeythetruth.AndwhereasIhavewithgreattravailanddiligencesetforth
Christcrucifiedplainlybeforeyoureyes,yetdoththisprofityounothingatall.
Inthesewordshehathrespecttotheformerarguments,wherebyheproved,thattothose
thatwillbejustifiedbythelaw,Christisbuttheministerofsin,thatsuchdorejectthegrace
ofGod,andthattothemChristdiedinvain.Whichargumentshehadbeforemore
vehementlyprosecutedandmorelargelyamplifiedintheirpresence,evenasifapainterhad
portrayedChristJesuscrucifiedbeforetheireyes.Nowbeingabsent,heputteththeminmind
ofthesamethings,saying:towhomJesusChristwasdescribedinyoursight.Asifhesaid:
ThereisnopainterthatwithhiscolorscansolivelysetoutChristuntoyou,asIhavepainted
himoutbymypreachingandyetnotwithstandingyestillremainmostmiserablybewitched.
Crucifiedamongyou
WhatdidIthenpaintout?EvenChristhimselfHowwasthatdone?Inthissort,thathewas
crucifiedamongyou.Heusethhereveryroughandsharpwords.Before,hesaidthatthey
seekingrighteousnessbythelaw,rejectedthegraceofGod,andthattothemChristdiedin
vain.Nowheaddethmoreover,thattheydoevencrucifyChrist,whobeforelivedandreigned
inthem.Asifheshouldsay:YehavenownotonlyrejectedthegraceofGodsnotonlytoyou
Christdiedinvain,butalsoheismostshamefullycrucifiedamongyou.Afterthesame
mannerspeakeththeEpistletotheHebrews:CrucifyingtothemselvesagaintheSonofGod,
andmakingamockofhim,etc.(Hebrews6:6).
Ifamandidbuthearthenameofamonk,ofhisshavencrown,ofhiscowl,ofhisrule,it
shouldmakehimafraid(howmuchsoeverthePapistsdoadoretheseabominations,andbrag
thattheyareperfectreligionandholiness,asIandothersdidjudgeofthembeforeGod
revealedhisGospeluntous:forwewerebroughtupinthetraditionsofmen,whichdarkened
Christandmadehimutterlyunprofitableuntous),whenhehearethPaulsay,thateventhey
whichseektobejustifiedbythelawofGod,benotonlydeniersandmurderersofChrist,but
alsotheydomostwickedlycrucifyhimagain.Now,iftheybecrucifiersofChristwhichseek
tobejustifiedbytherighteousnessofthelawofGod,andtheworksthereof,whatarethey,I
prayyou,whichseeksalvationandeternallifebythedregsandfilthofmansrighteousness
andbythedoctrinesofdevils?
Butwhocouldeverbelieveorthinkthatitwassohorribleandsoabominableasintobe
madeareligiousman(forsotheycallthem)namelytobemadeamassingpriest,amonk,a
friar,anun?Doubtlessnoman.Yeatheythemselvessaymoreover,thatmonkeryisanew
baptism.CantherebeanythingmorehorriblethanthatthekingdomofthePapistsisthe
kingdomofsuchasspitefullyspitinthefaceofChristtheSonofGod,andcrucifyhimagain?
Forindeedtheycrucifyhimafresh(whowasoncecrucifiedandroseagain)bothin
themselves,intheChurch,andintheheartsofthefaithfulforwiththeirspitefulreproaches,
rebukes,slandersandinjuries,theyspituponhim,andwiththeirwickedopinionstheywound
himandthrusthimthrough,sothatinthemhediethmostmiserably:andinthesteadofhim
theysetupagloriouswitchcraft,wherebymenaresomiserably,charmedanddeluded,that
theycannotknowChristtobetheirjustifier,theirreconcilerandsavior,butaministerofsin,
theiraccuser,theirjudgeandtheirdestroyer,whichmustbepacifiednootherwisethanbyour
worksandmerits.
Andoutofthisopiniondidafterwardsspringthemostpestilentandperniciousdoctrine
thatisinthewholepapacy,whichisthis:IfthouwiltserveGod,andmeritforgivenessofsins

andeverlastinglife,andalsohelpothersthattheymayattaintosalvation,thenenterthouinto
amonastery,vowobedience,chastity,poverty,etc.Themonksandfriars,beingtakenand
puffedupwiththisopinionofholiness,braggedthattheyonlywereinthelifeandstateof
perfection,andthatotherChristiansledbutacommonlife,fortheydidnoundueworks,or
morethantheywereboundtodothatis,theydidnotvowandkeepchastity,poverty,
obedience,etc.,buttheywereonlybaptized,andkepttheTenCommandments:butasfor
themselves,besidesthatwhichwascommonaswelltothemastootherChristians,theykept
alsotheworksofsupererogationandthecounselsofChristwhereforetheyhopedtohave
meritsandaplaceinheavenamongtheprincipalsaints,farabovethecommonsortof
Christians.
Thiswasundoubtedlyamonstrousillusionofthedevil,wherebyhehathbewitched
almostthewholeworld.Andeveryman,themoreholyhewouldseemtobe,themorehewas
snaredwiththatwitchery,thatistosay,withthepestilentpersuasionofhisown
righteousness.AndthiswasthecausethatwecouldnotknowthatJesusChristwasour
mediatorandsavior,butwethoughtthathewasaseverejudge,whichshouldbepacifiedby
ourworks:whichwasnothingelsebutmosthorriblytoblasphemeChrist,andasPaulsaid
before,torejectthegraceofGod,tomakethedeathofChristofnoneeffect,andnotonlyto
killhim,butalsomostshamefullytocrucifyhimagain.Andthisistherightmeaningofthat
whichChristallegethoutofDaniel:theabominationstandingintheholyplace(Daniel
9:27Matthew24:15).Whereforeeverymonkandreligiousperson,andeveryjusticiary
seekingremissionofsinsandrighteousnessbyhisownworksorbyhisafflictions,isa
crucifierofChristnowreigningandliving,althoughnotintheproperpersonofChrist,yetin
hisownheartandintheheartsofothers.Andwhosoeverdoenterintomonasteriestotheend
thatbythekeepingoftheirruletheymaybejustified,doenterintothedensofthieves,and
suchascrucifyChristagain.
WhereforePaulusethinthisplaceverysevereandsharpwords,totheendthathemay
fearandcallbacktheGalatiansfromthedoctrineofthefalseapostles.Asifheshouldsay:
Considerwellwhatyouhavedone.YehavecrucifiedChristagain(andthisIdosoplainly
shewandpaintoutbeforeyoureyes,thatyemayseeit,yeaandtouchitwithyourhands)
becauseyeseektobejustifiedbythelaw.Butifrighteousnesscomebythelaw,thenisChrist
aministerofsin,andhisdeathaltogetherinvain.Ifthisbetrue,thenmustitneedsfollowthat
Christiscrucifiedagaininyou.
Anditisnotwithoutcausethatheaddeththisclause,inyouoramongyou.ForChrist
isnomorecrucified,hediethnomoreinhisownperson,asissaidinRomans6,buthedieth
inuswhenwe,rejectingpuredoctrine,grace,faith,freeremissionofsins,seektobejustified
byworksofourownchoosing,orevenbytheworkscommandedinthelaw.HereChristis
crucifiedinusagain.Nowthisfalseandwickedpersuasion,toseektobejustifiedbythelaw
orbyworks,isnothingelse(asIhavebeforemoreamplydeclared)buttheillusionand
enchantmentofthedevil,wherewithmenaresobewitched,thatinnowisetheycan
acknowledgethebenefitofChrist:yea,inalltheirlifetheycandonothingelsebutdenythe
Lordwhohathboughtthem,andinwhosenametheywerebaptized,andcrucifyhimagainin
themselves.WhosoeverthenhathanyfearofGodorloveuntoChristandhistruereligion,let
himflyquicklyoutofthisBabylon,andlethimtrembleattheverynameofthePapacy.For
theimpietyandabominationthereofissohorrible,thatnomanisabletoexpressitwith
words,neithercanitbeotherwiseseen,thanwithspiritualeyesonly.
ThesetwoargumentsPaulprosecutethandbeatethintotheheadsoftheGalatiansvery

diligently:first,thattheyaresobewitchedofthedevil,thattheyobeynotthetruthmost
clearlysetforthbeforetheireyessecondly,thattheycrucifyChristagaininthemselves.
Theseseemtobesimpleandplainwords,andwithoutanyhigheloquence,butinverydeed
theyaresomighty,thattheyexceedalltheeloquenceofman.Itcannotthereforebe
comprehended,butonlyinspirit,howgreatanimpietyitistoseektobejustifiedbythe
righteousnessofthelaw,orbyourownrighteousness.For,asPaulsaithhere,itisnothing
elsebuttobebewitchedofthedevil,tobedisobedienttothetruth,andtocrucifyChrist
again.Arenotthesegoodlycommendationsoftherighteousnessofthelawandmansown
righteousness?
TheApostlethereforeisinflamedwithavehementzeal,andwithbitterwordshe
reprovethandcondemneththepresumptionofmansownrighteousness,risinguponthe
observationofthelawofGod,andchargethitwiththisimpiety,thatitcrucifiethagainthe
SonofGod.Seeingthenitissodangerousathing,itcannotbebeatendownenough,or
condemnedasitshouldbeforthereofensuethsuchafallasisnolessthanthefallofLucifer,
andsuchalossascanneverberecoveredandthereforeheusethsosharpandrigorouswords
againstit,thathesparethnottheverylawofGod,againstthewhichhesobitterlyinveigheth,
thatheseemethutterlytorejectandcondemnit.Andthisdothhe,beingconstrainedbygreat
necessityforotherwisehecouldnotwithstandthefalseapostles,nordefendthe
righteousnessoffaithagainstthem.Albeitthenthatthelawbeholy,just,andgood,yetmust
itputonasitwerethevizorofanhypocritethatseekethtobejustifiedbyworks.Nowhe
presseththemwithanargumentfromexperience,whichtheycouldnotdeny,saying:
ThisonlywouldIlearnofyou:receivedyethespiritbytheworksofthelaw,orbythe
hearingoffaith?
Hespeakeththesewordswithacertainindignationandcontempt.IfIhadnothingelseagainst
youbutevenyourownexperience,saithhe,yethaveIenough.Asifheshouldsay:Goto
nowanswermeIprayyou,whichamyourscholar,foryearesosuddenlybecomedoctors,
thatyearenowmymastersandteachers:ReceivedyetheHolyGhostbytheworksofthe
law,orbypreachingoftheGospel?Withthisargumenthesoconvinceththem,thatthey
havenothingtoreplyagain.Fortheirownplainandmanifestexperienceisaltogetheragainst
them:towit,thattheyhadreceivedtheHolyGhost,notbytheworksofthelaw,butbythe
preachingoftheGospel.
HereagainIwarnyou,thatPaulspeakethnotonlyoftheceremoniallaw,butofthe
wholelaw.Forhegroundethhisargumentuponasufficientdivision.Ifheshouldspeakofthe
ceremoniallawonly,itwerenotasufficientdivision.Itisanargumentthereforestanding
upontwoparts,whereoftheonemustneedsbetrue,andtheotherfalsethatis,eitherye
receivedtheHolyGhostbythelaw,orbythehearingoffaith.Ifbythelaw,thennotbythe
preachingoffaithifbythepreachingoffaith,thennotbythelaw.Thereisnomeanbetwixt
thesetwo.ForallthatisnottheHolyGhostorthepreachingoffaith,isthelaw.Herearewe
inthematterofjustification.Buttoattaintojustification,thereisnootherwaybuteitherthe
wordoftheGospel,orthewordofthelaw.Whereforethelawisheretakengenerally,as
whollyseparatefromtheGospel.Butitisnottheceremoniallawonlythatisseparatefrom
theGospel,butalsothemorallaw,orthelawoftheTenCommandments.WhereforePaul
speakethhereofthewholelaw.
Hegroundeththisargumentuponasufficientdistinction,afterthissort:

Tellme,saithhe,ReceivedyetheHolyGhostbytheworksofthelaw,orbythe
preachingoftheGospel?Answermetothis.Yecannotsaythatthiswasdonebythelaw.
Forsolongasyewereunderthelaw,anddidtheworksthereof,yeneverreceivedtheHoly
Ghost.IndeedyetaughtandheardthelawofMoseseverysabbath:butithathnotbeenheard
orseenthatevertheHolyGhostwasgiventoany,eitherdoctorordisciple,throughthe
preachingofthelaw.Moreover,yehavenotonlytaughtandheardthelaw,butalsoyehave
laboredwithallyourpowertoperformthesamebyyourworks,wherebyyeshouldmostof
allhavereceivedtheHolyGhost,ifhehadbeengivenbythelaw,seeingyewerenotonly
teachersandhearers,butalsodoersofthelaw:andyetyecannotshewmethatthiswasdone
atanytime.ButassoonasthehearingoffaithortheGospelcameuntoyou,byandbyye
receivedtheHolyGhostbytheonlyhearingoffaith,beforeyehaddoneanywork,orshewed
anyfruitoftheGospel.
ForasLukewitnessethintheActs,attheonlypreachingofPeterandPaul,theHoly
GhostcameuponthosewhichheardtheWord,throughwhomalsotheyreceiveddiversegifts,
sothattheyspakewithnewtongues,etc.(Acts10:44).
Itismanifestthereforethatbytheonlypreachingoffaith,yereceivedtheHolyGhost
beforeyedidanygoodwork,orbroughtforthanyfruitsoftheGospel.Ontheotherside,the
accomplishingofthelawneverbroughttheHolyGhostmuchlesscouldtheonlyhearingof
thelawdoit.Thereforenotonlythehearingofthelaw,butthataffectionandzealalso,
wherebyyegoabouttoaccomplishthelawbyyourworks,isvainandunprofitable.
Whereforealthoughamanlabortodoallthingsthatistosay,althoughhehaveazealof
God,andwithallhisendeavourtogoabouttobesavedbythelaw,andexercisehimselfday
andnightintherighteousnessthereofnotwithstandinghedothbutlaborandconsume
himselfinvain.FortheywhichareignorantoftherighteousnessofGod,andgoaboutto
establishtheirownrighteousness(asPaulsaithinanotherplace)donotsubmitthemselves
untotherighteousnessofGod(Romans10:3).Again:Israelwhichfollowedafterthelawof
righteousness,attainednottothelawofrighteousness,etc.(Romans9:31).NowPaul
speakethhereofthemanifestationoftheHolyGhostintheprimitiveChurch.FortheHoly
Ghostcamedowninamanifestlikenessuponthosethatdidbelieve,andbythissigndid
plainlywitnessthathewastherepresentatthepreachingoftheApostlesalsothattheywhich
heardthewordoffaithpreachedbytheApostles,wereacceptedasrighteousbeforeGodfor
elsetheHolyGhostwouldnothavecomedownuponthem.
THEARGUMENTOFTHEBOOKCONTAININGTHEACTSOFTHEAPOSTLES
Whereforewemustdiligentlyweighandconsidertheforceofthisargument,whichisso
oftenrepeatedintheActsoftheApostles.Whichbookiswrittentoconfirmandestablishthis
argument:foritteachethnothingelsebutthattheHolyGhostisnotgivenbythelaw,butby
thehearingoftheGospel.ForwhenPeterpreached,theHolyGhostforthwithfelluponall
thosethatheardtheWordandinonedaythreethousandwhichwerepresentatthepreaching
ofPeter,believedandreceivedtheHolyGhost(Acts2).SoCorneliusreceivedtheHoly
Ghost,notbythealmswhichhegave,butwhenPeterhadopenedhismouth,andwasyet
speaking,theHolyGhostfelluponallthemwhichwithCorneliusheardtheWord(Acts10).
Thesearemanifestargumentsofexperience,anddivineworkswhichcannotdeceiveus.
LukealsowritethofPaulinthefifteenthoftheActs,thatwhenhehadpreachedthe
GospeltogetherwithBarnabasamongtheGentiles,andwasreturnedtoJerusalem,heset
himselfagainstthePhariseesandthedisciplesoftheApostles,whichurgedcircumcisionand

thekeepingofthelaw,asnecessarytosalvation:whosemouthshesostopped(saithLuke)in
shewingwhatthingsheandBarnabashaddoneamongsttheGentiles,thatthewholeChurch
wasamazedatthehearingthereof,especiallywhentheyheardthatGodhadwroughtsomany
andsogreatsignsandwondersbythemamongtheGentiles.Andwhentheywhichbarea
zealtothelaw,didgreatlywonderhowitcouldbethattheuncircumcisedGentiles,notdoing
thelaw,northeworksthereof,norhavingtherighteousnessofthelaw,should
notwithstandingattaintothisgrace,tobejustifiedandreceivetheHolyGhostaswellasthe
Jewsthatwerecircumcised:herePaulandBarnabasdidallegenothingelsebutmanifest
experiencewherewiththeyweresoconfounded,thattheyhadnothingtoreplyagain.Bythis
meansPaulusSergius,thelieutenant,andallthosecities,regions,kingdoms,andcountries
wheretheApostleshadpreached,bytheonlyhearingoffaithdidbelieve,withoutthelawand
theworksthereof.
InthewholebookthereforeoftheActs,thereisnothingelsehandledineffect,butthatit
behovethaswellJewsasGentiles,aswellrighteousasunrighteous,tobejustifiedbyfaith
aloneinChristJesus,withoutthelawandtheworksthereof.Thewhichthingdothappearas
wellbythepreachingofPeter,ofPaul,ofStephen,ofPhilip,andtheotherApostles,asalso
bytheexamplesoftheGentilesandtheJews.ForasGodgavetheHolyGhosttotheGentiles
whichlivedwithoutthelaw,bythepreachingoftheGospel,sodidhegivethesametothe
Jewsyetnotbythelaw,norbytheceremoniesandsacrificescommandedinthelaw,butby
theonlypreachingoffaith.Nowifthelawhadbeenabletojustify,andtherighteousnessof
thelawhadbeennecessarytosalvation,thendoubtlesstheHolyGhosthadnotbeengivento
theGentileswhichkeptnotthelaw.
Butexperienceitselfdothplainlywitness,thattheHolyGhostwasgivenuntothem
withoutthelaw(andthisdidtheApostles,bothPeter,Paul,Barnabas,andotherssee):
thereforethelawdothnotjustify,butfaithonlyinChrist,whichtheGospelsettethforth.
Thesethingsarediligentlytobemarked,becauseoftheadversaries,whichdonot
considerwhatishandledintheActsoftheApostles.Imyselfintimespastalsoreadthis
book,whenindeedIunderstoodinitnothingatall.Thereforewhenthouhearestorreadestin
theActsoftheApostles,orwheresoeveritbeintheScriptures,thiswordGentiles,thou
mustknowthatitisnottobeunderstoodliterallyofthecommonnatureoftheGentiles,butit
carriethwithitaspiritualmeaning,andistobetaken,notforthosewhichareunderthelaw,
asweretheJews(asbeforeissaidinthesecondchapter:WebeingbynatureJews,andnot
sinnersoftheGentilesetc.),butforthosewhicharewithoutthelaw.Whereforetosaythat
theGentilesarejustifiedbyfaith,isnothingelse,butthatmenwhichobservenotthelawnor
dotheworksthereof,whicharenotcircumcised,whichsacrificenot,etc.,arejustifiedand
receivetheHolyGhost.Bywhatmeans?Notbythelawandtheworksthereof(fortheyhave
nolaw),butfreelyandwithoutanyothermeans,exceptonlythehearingoftheGospel.
SoCorneliusandhisfriendswhomhehadcalledtohishouse,donothing,neitherlook
theyuponanyworksgoingbefore,andyetasmanyasarepresent,receivetheHolyGhost.
NomanspeakethbutPeter.Theysittingbydonothing:theythinknotofthelaw,muchless
dotheykeepittheysacrificenottheycarenotforthereceivingofcircumcision,butonlyare
benttohearthatwhichPeterspeaketh.HebyhispreachingbroughttheHolyGhostintotheir
hearts,asitwerevisibly:fortheyspakewithtongues,andglorifiedGod.
Butsomemenmayherecavilandsay:WhoknowethwhetheritweretheHolyGhostor
no?Well,letthemcavil.SureitisthattheHolyGhost,sobearingwitness,dothnotlie,but
herebysheweththatheaccepteththeGentilesforrighteous,andjustifieththembynoother

means,thanbytheonlyvoiceoftheGospel,orhearingoffaithinChristpreached.Wemay
seealsointheActshowgreatlytheJewsmarvelledatthisnewandstrangething.Forthe
faithfulwhichwereofthecircumcision,andcamewithPetertoCaesarea,seeingthegiftof
theHolyGhosttobepouredoutalsoupontheGentilesinthehouseofCornelius,were
astonished(Acts10:45).
AlsotheythatwereatJerusalemcomplainedofPeterforthathewentintomen
uncircumcised,anddideatwiththem(Acts11:3).Butwhentheyheardthematterdeclaredby
PeterinorderasitwasdonetouchingCornelius,theymarvelledandglorifiedGod,saying:
ThenhathGodalsogivensalvationuntotheGentiles.
Thisreportthereforeandthisfame,thatGodhadgivensalvationalsototheGentiles,was
atthefirstnotonlyintolerable,butalsoagreatoffenseeventothebelievingJews.Which
theycouldnoteasilyshakeoff:fortheyhadthisprerogativeaboveallothernations,thatthey
werethepeopleofGod.Theadoption,theglory,theworship,etc,,belongedtothem(Romans
9:4).Moreover,theyexercisedthemselvesintherighteousnessofthelaw,theylaboredallthe
daylong,theybaretheburdenandheatoftheday(Matthew20:12).Moreover,theyhadthe
promisesastouchingtheobservationofthelawthereforetheycouldnotbutmurmuragainst
theGentiles,andsay:BeholdtheGentilescomebutevennow,andhavenotsufferedany
heat,orborneanyburdennotwithstandingtheyhavethesamerighteousnessandHolyGhost
withoutlabor,whichwebylaborandbytheheatandburdenofthedaycouldnotobtain.
Indeedtheyhavelabored,butthatwasbutonehour,andbythislabortheyaremorerefreshed
thanwearied.WhereforethenhathGodtormenteduswiththelaw,ifitavailnothingtothe
obtainingofrighteousness?HenowpreferreththeGentilesbeforeuswhichhavebeensolong
burdenedwiththeyokeofthelaw.ForwewhicharethepeopleofGod,havebeenvexedall
thedaylongbuttheywhicharenotthepeopleofGod,neitherhaveanylaw,norhavedone
anygoodatall,aremadeequalwithus.
AndforthiscausethecounciloftheApostles,upongreatnecessitywasassembledat
JerusalemtosatisfyandpacifytheJews,whothoughtheybelievedinChrist,yetwasthis
opinionnotwithstandingdeeplyrootedintheirhearts,thatthelawofMosesoughttobe
observed.TherePeter,uponhisownexperience,sethimselfagainstthemsaying:IfGodhath
giventhesamegraceuntotheGentiles,whichhehathgivenuntouswhichhavebelievedin
theLordJesusChrist,whowasI,thatIcouldletGod?(Acts11:17).Again:Godwho
knoweththehearts,barethemwitnessingivinguntothemtheHolyGhost,evenashedid
untous.Andheputnodifferencebetweenusandthem,purifyingtheirheartsbyfaith.Now
therefore,whytemptyeGod,tolayayokeonthedisciplesnecks,whichneitherourfathers
norwewereabletobear?etc.(Acts15:8ff.).Withthesewords,Peteratonceoverthroweth
thewholelaw.Asifheshouldsay:Wewillnotkeepthelawforwearenotabletokeepit
butwebelievethroughthegraceofourLordJesusChristtobesaved,evenastheydid.So
Peterherestandethaltogetheruponthisargument,thatGodgaveuntotheGentilesthe
selfsamegracethathegavetotheJews.Asthoughhewouldsay:WhenIpreachedto
Cornelius,Ilearnedbymyownexperience,thattheHolyGhostwasgivenwithoutthelawto
theGentiles,bytheonlyhearingoffaith:thereforeinnocasearetheytobeburdenedwiththe
law.Toconclude,sinceitiscertainthatneitherwenorourfatherswereeverabletofulfillthe
law,itbehovethyoualsotorejectthiserror,thatrighteousnessandsalvationcomethbythe
law.AndthisthebelievingJewsdidbylittleandlittlebutthewicked,whichbythis
preachingwerethemoreoffended,atthelengthwerealtogetherhardened.

THECOMMENDATIONOFTHEBOOKCONTAININGTHEACTSOFTHE
APOSTLES
SointheActsyeshallfindtheexperience,thepreachings,andalsotheexamplesofthe
Apostlesfortheconfirmationofthismatter,againstthisobstinateopiniontouchingthe
righteousnessofthelaw.Andweoughtthereforethemoretolove,andthemorediligendyto
readthisbook,becauseitcontainethmostsubstantialtestimonies,whichareabletocomfort
andconfirmusagainstthePapists,ourJewswhoseabominationsandcoloredhypocrisywe
impugnandcondemnbyourdoctrine,thatwemaysetforththebenefitsandgloryofChrist.
Who,thoughtheyhavenosubstantialmattertoallegeagainstus(whereastheJewsmights
havelaidagainsttheApostles,thattheyhadreceivedthelawandalltheseceremoniesfrom
God),yetnotwithstandingtheyarenolessobstinateindefendingtheircursedtraditionsand
abominations,thantheJewswereinmaintainingtheirlawwhichtheyhadreceivedfromGod,
gloryingandbraggingthattheysitintheplaceofbishops,andthattheauthoritytogovernthe
churchesiscommitteduntothem.Wherebytheywouldbringusintobondage,andforceusto
saythatwearejustified,notbyfaithalone,butbyfaithformedandadornedwithcharity.But
wesetagainstthemthebookoftheActs.Letthemreadthisbook,andconsidertheexamples
containedinit,andtheyshallfindthistobethesumandtheargumentthereof:thatweare
justifiedbyfaithonlyinChristwithoutworks,andthattheHolyGhostisgivenbytheonly
hearingoffaithatthepreachingoftheGospel,andnotatthepreachingofthelaw,norbythe
worksofthelaw.
Whereforethusteachwe:Oman,althoughthoufast,givealms,honorthyparents,obey
themagistrate,etc.,yetartthounotjustifiedthereby.Thisvoiceofthelaw:Honourthy
parents,oranyotherelse,eitherheardorfulfilled,dothnotjustify.Whatthen?Tohearthe
voiceofthespouse,tohearthewordoffaith:thiswordbeingheard,dothjustify.Wherefore?
BecauseitbringeththeHolyGhostwhichjustifiethaman[andmakethhimrighteous
beforeGod].
HerebywemayseewhatisthedifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospel.
ThelawneverbringeththeHolyGhost,butonlyteachethwhatweoughttodo:therefore
itjustifiethnot.ButtheGospelbringeththeHolyGhost,becauseitteachethwhatweoughtto
receive.ThereforethelawandtheGospelaretwoquitecontrarydoctrines.Toput
righteousnessthereforeinthelaw,isnothingelsebuttofightagainsttheGospel.ForMoses
withhislawisasevereexactor,requirethofusthatweshouldwork,andthatweshouldgive:
briefly,itrequirethandexacteth.Contrariwise,theGospelgivethfreelyandrequirethofus
nothingelse,buttoholdoutourhands,andtotakethatwhichisoffered.Nowtoexactandto
give,totakeandtoofferarecleancontrary,andcannotstandtogether.Forthatwhichis
given,Itake:butthatwhichIgive,Idonottake,butIofferituntoanother.
ThereforeiftheGospelbeagift,andofferethagift,itrequirethnothing.
Contrariwise,thelawgivethnothing,butitrequirethandstraitlyexactethofus,yeaeven
impossiblethings.
OFCORNELIUSINTHETENTHOFACTS
HereouradversariessetagainstustheexampleofCornelius(concerningwhomalsothe
MasteroftheSentencesandErasmusinhisDiatribedodispute).Cornelius,saythey,was(as
Lukewitnesseth)agoodman,just,andlearingGod,whichgavealmstothepeople,and
prayedtoGodcontinually.Thereforeofcongruencehedidmerittheforgivenessofsins,and

thesendingoftheHolyGhost.Ianswer:CorneliuswasaGentile,andthiscannotthe
adversariesdenyforthewordswhichPeterallegethinActs10:28,doplainlywitnessthe
same.Yeknow,saithhe,thatitisunlawfulforamanthatisaJew,toaccompanywithone
ofanothernationetc.HewasthereforeaGentile,andnotcircumcised,notkeepingthelaw,
yeanotoncethinkingofit,becauseitpertainednothinguntohim:andyetnotwithstandinghe
wasjustifiedandreceivedtheHolyGhost.Andthisargument,asIsaid,ishandledthroughout
thewholebookoftheActs:towit,thatthelawavailethnothingtorighteousness.
Letthissufficethenforthedefenseofthearticleofjustification,thatCorneliuswasa
Gentile,notcircumcised,notkeepingthelaw:thereforehewasnotjustifiedbythelaw,but
bythehearingoffaith.Godjustifieththereforewithoutthelaw,andsoconsequentlythelaw
availethnothingtorighteousness.ForotherwiseGodwouldhavegiventheHolyGhosttothe
Jewsonly,whichhadthelawandkeptit,andnottheGentileswhichhadnotthelaw,and
muchlessdidaccomplishit.ButGodwroughtcleancontrary:fortheHolyGhostwasgiven
tothemthathadnotthelaw.ManifestexperiencethereforetestifieththattheHolyGhostis
giventothemthatdonotthelaw.Whereforerighteousnesscomethnotbythelaw.
Bythismeans,theobjectionoftheadversaries,whichdonotunderstandthetruemanner
ofjustification,isanswered.
Hereagaintheadversariesobjectagainstus,andsay:BeitsothatCorneliuswasa
Gentile,anddidnotreceivetheHolyGhostbythelaw,yetnotwithstandingforasmuchasthe
textsaithplainly,thathewasajustman,fearingGod,givingalms,etc.,atmayseemthatby
theseworkshedeservedtohavetheHolyGhostafterwardsgivenuntohim.Ianswer,that
CorneliuswasajustandaholymanintheOldTestament,becauseofhisfaithinChrist
whichwastocome,asallthefathers,prophetsandgodlykingsintheOldTestamentwere
righteous,havingreceivedsecretlytheHolyGhostthroughfaithinChristtocome.Butthe
popishsophistersputnodifferencebetweenfaithinChristtocome,andinChristwhichis
alreadycome.WhereforeifCorneliushaddiedbeforeChristwasrevealed,yethadhenot
beendamned,becausehehadthefaithofthefathers,whichweresavedbyfaithonlyinChrist
tocome(Acts15:11).HeremainedthenalwaysaGentile,uncircumcisedandwithoutthelaw,
andyetnotwithstandingheworshippedtheselfsameGodwhomthefathersworshipped,by
faithintheMessiahtocome.Butnow,becausetheMessiahwasalreadycome,necessaryit
wasthatitshouldbesheweduntohimbytheApostlePeter,thathewasnotnowtobelooked
for,butthathewasalreadycome.
AndthisarticleconcerningfaithinChristtoberevealed,andinChristnowrevealed(that
Imaytouchthisalsobytheway),isverynecessarytobeknown.ForseeingthatChristis
nowrevealed,wecannotbesavedbyfaithinChristtocome,butwemustbelievethatheis
alreadycome,hathfulfilledallthings,andabolishedthelaw.Thereforenecessaryitwasalso
thatCorneliusshouldbebroughttoanotherbelief,notthatChristwasyettocome,ashedid
believebefore:butthathewasalreadycome.Sofaithgivethplacetofaith:fromfaithto
faith(Romans1:17).
Theschoolmenthereforearedeceived,whentheysayforthemaintenanceoftheiropus
congrui,ormeritbeforegrace,thatCorneliusbythenaturalandmoralworksofreason,
deservedgraceandthesendingoftheHolyGhost.FortobeajustmanandfearingGod,etc.,
aretheproperties,notofaGentileorofanaturalman,butofaspiritualman,whohathfaith
already.
ForunlesshedidbelieveinGodandfearGod,hecouldnothopetoobtainanythingof
himbyprayer.ThefirstcommendationthereforethatLukegivethuntoCornelius,isthis,that

heisarighteousmanandfearingGod:afterwardshecommendethhimforhisworksand
almsdeeds.Thisouradversariesdonotconsider,butlayholdonlyuponthissentence,thathe
gavealmstothepoor:forthatseemethtomakefortheestablishingoftheirmeritof
congruence[ordesertgoingbeforegrace].Butfirstthepersonorthetreemustbe
commended,andthentheworksandthefruit.Corneliusisagoodtree,forheisrighteousand
fearethGod:thereforehebringethforthgoodfruit,hegivethalms,hecallethuponGodand
thesefruitspleaseGodbecauseofhisfaith.WhereforetheangelcommendethCorneliusfor
hisfaithinChristwhichwastocome,andbringethhimfromthatfaith,toanotherfaithin
Christwhichwasalreadycome,whenhesaith:CallforSimon,whosesurnameisPeter:he
shalltelltheewhatthououghtesttodo,etc.(Acts10:5f.):LikeasthenCorneliuswas
withoutthelawbeforeChristwasrevealedevensoafterChristwasrevealed,hereceived
neitherthelawnorcircumcision.Andashekeptnotthelawbefore,sodidhenotkeepit
afterwards.Thisargumentthereforeconcludethstrongly:
Corneliuswasjustifiedwithoutthelaw,thereforethelawjustifiethnot.
NAAMANTHESYRIAN.
LikewiseNaamantheSyrian(2Kings5)was,nodoubt,agoodandgodlyman,andhadatrue
opinionofGod.AndalthoughhewasaGentileandbelongednottothekingdomofMoses,
whichthenflourishedyetnotwithstandinghisfleshwascleansed,andtheGodofIsraelwas
revealeduntohim,andhereceivedtheHolyGhost.Forthushesaith:NowIknowassuredly
thatthereisnootherGodinalltheworldbutinIsrael.Hedothnothingatall,hekeepethnot
thelaw,heisnotcircumcisedbutonlyheprayeththatsomuchofthatearthmightbegiven
untohim,astwomulesshouldbeabletocarryaway.Moreoveritappeareththatfaithwasnot
idleinhim.ForthushespeakethtotheprophetElisha:Thyservantwillhenceforthneither
offerburntsacrifice,norofferinguntoanyotherGod,savingtheLord.Butinthisthingthe
Lordbemercifuluntothyservant,thatwhenmymastergoethintothehouseofRimmonto
worshipthere,andleanethonmyhand,andIbowmyselfinthehouseofRimmon:whenIdo
bowdown(Isay,)inthehouseofRimmon,theLordbemercifultothyservantinthispoint.
Towhomtheprophet:saith:Goinpeace.Sowashejustified.TheJewhearingthis,fretteth
foranger,andsaith:What!
ShouldtheGentilebejustifiedwithoutthekeepingofthelaw?Shouldhebecompared
withuswhicharecircumcised?
THEGENTILESJUSTIFIEDWITHOUTTHELAW,EVENWHENTHELAWAND
POLICYOFMOSESWASYETINFORCE
ThereforeGod,longbefore,whenthekingdomofMoseswasyetstandingandflourishing,
didshewthathejustifiedmenwithoutthelaw,asindeedhejustifiedmanykingsinEgyptand
inBabylonalsoJob,andmanyothernationsoftheEast.Moreover,Ninivehagreatcitywas
justified,andreceivedthepromiseofGod,thatitshouldnotbedestroyed.Bywhatmeans?
NotbecauseitheardandfulfilledthelawbutbecauseitbelievedthewordofGodwhichthe
prophetJonaspreached.Forsosaiththeprophet:AndtheNinivitesbelievedGod,and
proclaimedafast,andputonsackcloththatistosay,theyrepented.Ouradversariesdo
craftilypassoverthiswordbelieved,andyettheeffectofalltogetherresteththerein.
ThoureadestnotinJonas:AndtheNinivitesreceivedthelawofMoses,were
circumcised,offeredsacrifice,fulfilledtheworksofthelawbut,Believingtheword,they
repentedinsackclothandashes.

ThiswasdonebeforeChristwasrevealed,whenthatfaithyetreigned,whichbelievedin
Christtocome.IfthentheGentileswerejustifiedwithoutthelaw,andreceivedsecretlythe
HolyGhost,whenthelawwasyetinforce,whyshouldthelawberequiredasnecessaryto
righteousness,whichbythecomingofChristisnowabolished?Whereforethisisastrong
argument,groundedupontheexperienceoftheGalatians:ReceivedyetheHolyGhostby
theworksofthelaw,orbythehearingoffaith?(Galatians2:2).Fortheywerecompelledto
grantthattheyheardnothingoftheHolyGhost,beforethepreachingofPaul:butwhenhe
preachedtheGospel,thentheyreceivedtheHolyGhost.
Sowealsoatthisday,convictedbythetestimonyofourownconscience,areconstrained
toconfess,thattheHolyGhostisnotgivenbythelaw,butbythehearingoffaith.Formany
heretoforeinthePapacy,havegoneaboutwithgreatlaborandstudy,tokeepthelaw,the
decreesofthefathers,andthetraditionsofthePopeandsome,withpainfulandcontinual
exercisesinwatching,fastingandpraying,didsowearyandweakentheirbodies,that
afterwardstheywereabletodonothingwherebynotwithstandingtheygainednothingelse,
butthattheymiserablyafflictedandtormentedthemselves.Theycouldneverattaintoaquiet
conscience,andpeaceinChrist,butcontinuallydoubtedofthegoodwillofGodtowards
them.Butnow,sincetheGospelteacheththatthelawandworksdonotjustify,butfaithin
Christ,hereuponfollowethamostcertainknowledgeandunderstanding,amostjoyful
conscience,andatruejudgmentofeverykindoflife,andofallthingselsewhatsoever.The
believingmanmaynoweasilyjudgethatthePapacy,withallthereligiousordersand
traditionsthereofiswicked:whichbeforehecouldnotdo.Forsogreatblindnessreignedin
theworld,thatwethoughtthoseworkswhichmenhaddevised,notonlywithoutthewillof
God,butalsocontrarytohiscommandment,tobemuchbetterthanthose,whichthe
magistrate,thehouseholder,theteacher,thechild,theservantetc.didatthecommandmentof
God.
IndeedweoughttohavelearnedbytheWordofGod,thatthereligiousordersofthe
Papists(whichalonetheycallholy)arewicked,sincethereisnocommandmentofGod,or
testimonyintheholyScripturesastouchingthesame.Contrariwise,otherordersoflife,
whichhavetheWordandcommandmentofGod,areholyandordainedofGod.Butwewere
thenwrappedinsuchhorribledarkness,thatwecouldnottrulyjudgeofanything.Butnow,
sincetheclearlightoftheGospeldothappear,allkindsoflifeintheworldareunderoursure
andinfalliblejudgment.WemayboldlypronounceoutoftheWordofGod,thatthecondition
ofservants,whichbeforetheworldismostvile,isfarmoreacceptableuntoGodthanallthe
ordersofmonks.ForbyhisWordGodcommendeth,approvethandadorneththestateof
servants,andsodothhenottheordersofmonks.
Thereforethisargumentgroundeduponexperience,oughttoprevailwithusalso.For
althoughmanymeninthePapacywroughtmanyandgreatworks,yetcouldtheyneverbe
certainofthewillofGodtowardsthem,buttheywerealwaysindoubttheycouldnever
attaintotheknowledgeofGod,ofthemselves,oftheircallingtheyneverfeltthetestimony
oftheSpiritintheirhearts.ButnowthatthetruthoftheGospelappeareth,theyarefully
instructedbytheonlyhearingoffaith,inallthesethings.

ItisnotwithoutcausethatIdosolargelyintreatofthesethings,foritseemethbutavery
smallmatter,thattheHolyGhostisreceivedbytheonlyhearingoffaith,andthatthereis
nothingelserequiredofus,butthatwe,settingapartallourworks,shouldgaveourselves
onlytothehearingoftheGospel.Mansheartdothnotunderstandnorbelievethatsogreata

treasure,namely,theHolyGhost,isgivenbytheonlyhearingoffaithbutreasonethafterthis
manner:Forgivenessofsins,deliverancefromdeath,thegivingoftheHolyGhost,of
righteousness,andeverlastinglife,aregreatthingsthereforeifthouwiltobtainthese
inestimablebenefits,thoumustperformsomeothergreatandweightymatter.Thisopinion
thedevildothwelllikeandapprove,andalsoincreaseththesameintheheart.
Thereforewhenreasonheareththis:Thoucanstdonothingfortheobtainingofthe
forgivenessofsins,butmustonlyheartheWordofGod,byandbyitcriethout,andsaith:
Fie,thoumakesttoosmallaccountoftheremissionofsins,etc.Sotheinestimablegreatness
ofthegift,isthecausethatwecannotbelieveitandbecausethisincomparabletreasureis
freelyoffered,thereforeitisdespised.
Butthiswemustneedslearn,thatforgivenessofsins,ChristandtheHolyGhostare
freelygivenuntousattheonlyhearingoffaith,notwithstandingourhorriblesinsand
demerits.Andwemustnotweigh,howgreatthethingisthatisgiven,andhowunworthywe
areofit(forsoshouldthegreatnessofthegift,andourunworthinessterrifyus)butwemust
thinkthatitpleasethGodfreelytogiveuntousthisunspeakablegift,untous,Isay,whichare
unworthy,asChristinLukesaith:FearnotlittleflockforitisyourFathersgoodpleasureto
giveuntoyou(lo,togiveuntoyou,saithhe)thekingdom(Luke12:32).Towhom?Toyou
unworthy,whicharehislittleflock.IfIthenbelittle,andthethinggreat(nayratherofall
thingsthegreatest)whichisgivenuntome,Imustthink,thathealsoisgreatandonlygreat,
whichgivethit.Ifheofferitandwillgiveit,Iconsidernotmineownsinandunworthiness,
buthisfatherlygoodwilltowardsmewhichisthegiver,andIreceivethegreatnessofthegift
withjoyandgladness,andamthankfulforsoinestimableagiftgivenfreelyuntome,tome,I
say,unworthy,bythehearingoffaith.
Hereagainfoolishreasonisoffended,andreprovethus,saying:Whereyeteachmento
donothingatallfortheobtainingofsogreatandinestimableagift,buttoheartheWordof
God,thisseemethtotendtothegreatcontemptofgrace,andtomakemensecure,idleand
dissolute,sothattheyslacktheirhandsanddonogoodatall.Thereforeitisnotgoodto
preachthisdoctrine,foritisnottruebutmenmustbeurgedtolaborandexercisethemselves
untorighteousness,andthenshalltheyobtainthisgift.TheselfsamethingthePelagiansin
timespastobjectedagainsttheChristians.ButhearwhatPaulsaithinthisplace:Yehave
receivedtheHolyGhost,notbyyourownlaborandtravail,notbytheworksofthelaw,but
bythehearingoffaith.Briefly,hearwhatChristhimselfsaith,andwhatheanswerethto
Martha,beingverycareful,andhardlybearingthathersisterMary,sittingatthefeetofJesus
andhearinghisword,shouldleavehertoministeralone.Martha,Martha,saithhe,thou
carest,andarttroubledaboutmanythings,butonethingisneedful.Maryhathchosenthe
goodpartwhichshallnotbetakenfromher(Luke10:41f.).Amanthereforeismadea
Christian,notbyworking,butbyhearing:whereforehethatwillexercisehimselfto
righteousness,mustfirstexercisehimselfinhearingtheGospel.Nowwhenhehathheardand
receivedtheGospel,lethimgivethankstoGodwithajoyfulandagladheart,andafterwards
lethimexercisehimselfinthosegoodworkswhicharecommandedinthelaw,sothatthelaw
andworksmayfollowthehearingoffaith.Somayhequietlywalkinthelightwhichis
Christ,andboldlychooseanddoworks,nothypocritical,butgoodworksindeed,suchashe
knowethtopleaseGodandtobecommandedofhim,andcontemnallthosehypocritical
shadowsoffreewillworks.Ouradversariesthinkthatfaith,wherebywereceivetheHoly
Ghost,isbutalightmatter:buthowhighandhardamatteritis,Imyselfdofindby
experience,andsodoalltheywhichwithmedoearnestlyembracethesame.Itissoonsaid,

thatbytheonlyhearingoffaith,theHolyGhostisreceived:butitisnotsoeasilyheard,laid
holdon,believedandretained,asitissaid.WhereforeifthouhearofmethatChrististhat
LambofGod,sacrificedforthysins,seealsothatthouheariteffectually.Paulveryaptly
callethitthehearingoffaith,andnotthewordoffaith(althoughtherebesmalldifference)
thatis,suchawordasthouhearingdostbelieve,sothatthewordbenotonlymyvoice,butis
heardofthee,andenterethintothyheart,andisbelievedofthee:thenitistrulyandindeed
thehearingoffaiththroughthewhichthoureceivesttheHolyGhostwhichafterthouhast
oncereceived,thoushaltalsomortifythyflesh.
Thefaithfuldofindbytheirownexperience,howgladlytheywouldholdandembrace
theWordwhentheyhearit,withafullfaith,andabandonthisopinionofthelawandoftheir
ownrighteousness:buttheyfeelintheirfleshamightyresistanceagainsttheSpirit.For
reasonandthefleshwillneedsworktogether.Thissaying:Yemustbecircumcisedandkeep
thelaw,cannotbeutterlyrootedoutofourminds,butitstickethfastintheheartsofallthe
faithful.Thereisinthefaithful,therefore,acontinualconflictbetweenthehearingoffaith
andtheworksofthelaw.Fortheconsciencealwaysmurmureth,andthinkeththatthisistoo
easyaway,thatbytheonlyhearingoftheWord,righteousness,theHolyGhost,andlife
everlastingispromiseduntous.Butcomeoncetoanearnesttrialthereof,andthentellme
howeasyathingitistohearthewordoffaith.Indeedhewhichgivethisgreat:moreover,he
givethgreatthingswillinglyandfreely,andupbraidethnomantherewith:butthycapacityis
straitandthyfaithweak,makingithardforthee,sothatthouartnotabletoreceivehis
profferedgift.Butletthyconsciencemurmuragainsttheeneversomuch,andletthismust
comeneversooftenintothymind,yetstandfastandholdout,untilthouovercomethis
must.So,asfaithincreasethbylittleandlittle,thatopinionoftherighteousnessofthelaw
willdiminish.Butthiscannotbedonewithoutgreatconflicts.
Areyesofoolish,thatafteryehavebeguninthespirit,yewouldnowendintheflesh?
Thisargumentbeingconcluded,howthattheHolyGhostcomethnotbytheworksofthelaw,
butbythehearingoffaithhebeginnethheretoexhortandterrifythemfromadoubledanger
orincommodity.Thefirstis:Areyesofoolish,thatafteryehavebegunintheSpirit,ye
wouldnowendintheflesh?Theotherfolloweth:Haveyesufferedsogreatthingsinvain?
Asifhesaid:YebeganintheSpiritthatis,yourreligionwasexcellentlywellbegun.Asalso
alittleafterhesaith:Yeranwell,etc.Butwhathaveyegottenthereby?Forsoothyewill
nowendintheflesh.
PaulsettethheretheSpiritagainsttheflesh.Hecallethnottheflesh(asbeforeIhave
said)fleshlylust,beastlypassions,orsensualappetites,forheintreatethnothereoflustand
suchotherfleshlydesires,butofforgivenessofsins,ofjustifyingtheconscience,ofobtaining
righteousnessbeforeGod,ofdeliverancefromthelaw,sin,anddeathandyet
notwithstandinghesaithhere,thatthey,forsakingtheSpirit,donowendintheflesh.Flesh
thereforeisheretakenfortheveryrighteousnessandwisdomoftheflesh,andthejudgment
ofreason,whichseekethtobejustifiedbythelaw.
Whatsoeverthenismostexcellentinman,thesameherePaulcallethflesh,towit,the
highestwisdomofreason,andtherighteousnessofthelawitself.
Andthisplacemustbewellconsidered,becauseoftheslanderousandcavfillngPapists,
whichwrestthesameagainstus,sayingthatweinpoperybeganintheSpirit,butnow,having
marriedwives,weendintheflesh.Asthoughasinglelife,ornottohaveawife,werea

spirituallifeandasthoughitnothinghinderedtheirspirituallife,ifaman,notcontentedwith
onewhore,havemany.Theyaremadmen,notunderstandingwhattheSpirit,orwhatthe
fleshis.TheSpiritiswhatsoeverisdoneinusaccordingtotheSpirittheflesh,whatsoeveris
doneinusaccordingtothefleshwithouttheSpirit.WhereforeallthedutiesofaChristian
man,astolovehiswife,tobringuphischildren,togovernhisfamily,honorhisparents,obey
themagistrate,etc.(whichuntothemareworldlyandcarnal)arethefruitsoftheSpirit,These
blindbuzzardscannotdiscernthingswhicharethegoodcreaturesofGod,fromvices.
Hereisalsotobenoted,thatPaulhavingsaidthattheGalatiansbeganintheSpirit,ought
nowtosayintheactivevoice:Yedoend.Howbeithedothnotso,buthesaith:Yeare
ended,inthepassivevoice.Fortherighteousnessofthelaw,whichPaulherecalleththe
flesh,issofarofffromjustifying,thattheywhichafterthereceivingoftheHolyGhost
throughthehearingoffaith,fallbackagainuntoit,areendedinit,thatistosay,areutterly
destroyed.Thereforewhosoeverteachthatthelawoughttobefulfilledtothisend,thatmen
mightbejustifiedthereby,whiletheygoabouttoquiettheirconsciences,theyhurtthem,and
whiletheywouldjustifythem,theycondemnthem.
Paulhathalwaysaglanceatthefalseprophetsfortheystillurgedthelaw,saying:Faith
onlyinChristtakethnotawaysin,pacifiethnotthewrathofGod,justifiethnotthereforeif
yewillobtainedthesebenefits,yemustnotonlybelieveinChrist,buttherewithyemustalso
keepthelaw,becircumcised,keepthefeasts,sacrifices,etc.Thusdoingyeshallbefreefrom
sin,fromthewrathofGod,etc.Yearather,saithPaul,bytheselfsamethingsyeestablish
unrighteousness,yeprovokethewrathofGod,yeaddsintosin,yequenchtheSpirit,yefall
awayfromgrace,andutterlyrejectthesame,andye,togetherwithyourdisciples,doendin
theflesh.
Thisisthefirstdanger,fromthewhichheterrifieththeGalatians,lestiftheyseektobe
justifiedbythelaw,theylosetheSpirit,andforegotheirgoodbeginningsforawretchedend.
Haveyesufferedsomanythingsinvain?
Theotherdangerorincommodityisthis:Haveyesufferedsomanythingsinvain?As
thoughhewouldsay:Consider,notonlyhowwellyebegan,andhowmiserablyyehave
forsakenyourgoodbeginningandyourcoursewellbegunmoreover,thatnotonlyyehave
lostthefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,beingfallenagainintotheministryofsinanddeath,andintoa
dolefulandamiserablebondageofthelawbutconsiderthisalso,thatyehavesufferedmuch
fortheGospelssake,andforthenameofChrist:towit,thespoilingofyourgoods,railings
andreproaches,dangersbothofbodiesandlives,etc.Allthingswereinahappycourseand
greattowardnesswithyou.Yetaughtpurely,yelivedholily,andyeenduredmanyevils
constantlyforthenameofChrist.Butnow,allislost,aswelldoctrineasfaith,aswelldoing
assuffering,aswelltheSpiritasthefruitsthereofinyou.
Herebyitappearethsufficiently,whatincommoditytherighteousnessofthelaw,or
mansownrighteousnessbringeth:towit,thattheywhichtrustinitdoloseatonce
unspeakablebenefits.Now,whatamiserablethingisit,sosuddenlytolosesuchinestimable
gloryandassuranceofconsciencetowardsGod?Alsotoenduresomanygrievousafflictions
andperilsofgoods,wife,children,bodyandlife,andyetnotwithstandingtosustainallthese
thingsinvain?Andoutofthesetwoplaces,muchmattermightbegatheredtosetforthand
amplifyatlargethegoodlycommendationoftherighteousnessofthelawormansown
righteousness,ifamanwouldstanduponeveryparcelbyitself,anddeclarewhatspirititwas

wherewiththeybeganwhat,howgreat,andhowmanytheafflictionswerewhichthey
enduredforChristssake.Butnoeloquencecansufficientlysetforththesemattersforthey
areinestimablethingswhereofPaulhereentreateth:towit,thegloryofGod,victoryoverthe
world,thefleshandthedevilrighteousnessandeverlastinglifeandontheotherside,sin,
desperation,eternaldeath,andhell.Andyetnotwithstandinginamomentweloseallthese
incomparablegifts,andprocureuntoourselvesthesehorribleandendlessmiseries,andallby
falseteachers,whentheyleadusawayfromthetruthoftheGospeluntofalsedoctrine.And
thisdothey,notonlyveryeasily,butalsounderashewofgreatholiness,bringtopass.
Ifnotwithstandingitbeinvain
Thisheaddethasacorrectionwherebyhemitigateththereprehensionthatgoethbefore,
whichwassomewhatsharp.AndthishedothasanApostle,lestheshouldterrifythe
Galatianstoomuch.Althoughhechidethem,yetnotwithstandinghealwaysdothitinsuch
sort,thathepourethinsweetoilwithal,lestheshoulddrivethemtodesperation.
Hesaiththerefore:Ifnotwithstandingitbeinvain.Asifhewouldsay:
YetIhavenotcastawayallhopeofyoubutifyewillsoendintheflesh,thatistosay
followtherighteousnessofthelawandforsaketheSpirit,asyehavebegun,thenknowye,
thatallyourgloryandaffiancewhichyehaveinGod,isinvain,andallyourafflictionsare
unprofitable.IndeedImustneedsspeaksomewhatroughlyuntoyouinthismatterImustbe
ferventinthedefensethereof,andsomewhatsharpinchidingofyou,especiallythematter
beingsoweightyandconstrainingmethereunto,lestyeshouldthinkittobebutatrifleto
rejectthedoctrineofPaulandreceiveanother.Notwithstanding,Iwillnotutterlydiscourage
you,sothatyerepentandamend.Forsicklyandscabbedchildrenmaynotbecastaway,but
mustbetenderedandcherishedmorediligentlythantheywhichareinhealth.SothatPaul
herelikeacunningphysician,layethallthefaultinamanneruponthefalseapostles,the
authorsandonlycauseofthisdeadlydisease.ContrariwisehehandleththeGalatiansvery
gently,thatbyhismildnesshemighthealthem.WethereforebytheexampleofPaul,ought
inlikemannertoreprehendtheweak,andsotocuretheirinfirmity,thatinthemeantimewe
leavenotofftocherishandcomfortthem,lestifwehandlethemtoosharply,theyfallinto
desperation.
Hethereforethatministerethtoyouthespirit,andworkethmiraclesamongyou,doth
heitthroughtheworksofthelaw,orbythehearingoffaith?
ThisargumentgroundedupontheexperienceoftheGalatians,dothsowellliketheApostle,
thatafterhehathreprovedandterrifiedthem,settingbeforethemadoubledanger,henow
repeateththesameagainandthatwithamorelargeamplification,saying:Hewhich
ministerethetc.Thatistosay:YehavenotonlyreceivedtheSpiritbythehearingoffaith,
butwhatsoeveryehaveeitherknownordone,itcamebythehearingoffaith.
Asthoughhewouldsay:ItwasnotenoughthatGodgaveyouoncetheSpiritbutthe
sameGodhathalsoenrichedyouwiththegiftsoftheSpirit,andincreasedthesameinyou,to
theendthatwhenyehaveoncereceivedtheSpirit,itmightalwaysgrowandbemoreand
moreeffectualinyou.
Herebyitisplain,thattheGalatianshadwroughtmiracles,orattheleast,hadshewed
suchfruitsoffaithasthetruedisciplesoftheGospelarewonttobringforth.FortheApostle

elsewheresaith:ThatthekingdomofGodisnotinword,butinpower(1Corinthians4:20).
Now,thepowerisnotonlytobeabletospeakofthekingdomofGodbutalsoinverydeed
toshewthatGodthroughhisSpiritiseffectualinus.Sobeforeinthesecondchapter,hesaith
ofhimself:HethatwaseffectualinPeteramongtheJews,wasalsoeffectualinmeamong
theGentiles(Galatians2:8).
Whenapreacherthensopreacheth,thattheWordisnotfruitless,buteffectualinthe
heartsofthehearers:thatistosay,whenfaith,hope,love,patienceetc.dofollow,thereGod
ministereththeSpirit,andworkethmiraclesinthehearers.InlikemannerPaulsaithhere,that
GodhathgivenhisSpirittotheGalatians,andhathwroughtmiraclesamongthem.
Asthoughhewouldsay:Godhathnotonlybroughttopassthroughmypreaching,that
yeshouldbelieve,butalsothatyeshouldliveholily,bringforthmanyfruitsoffaith,and
suffermanyafflictions.AlsobythesamepoweroftheHolyGhost,ofadulterers,ofwrathful,
impatient,andcovetouspersons,andofveryenemies,yearebecomeliberal,chaste,gentle,
patient,andloversofyourneighbors.Whereuponafterwardshegivethtestimonyofthemin
thefourthchapter,thattheyreceivedhimasanangelofGod,yearatherasChristJesusand
thattheylovedhimsoentirely,thattheywerereadytohavepluckedouttheirowneyesfor
him.
Now,tolovethyneighborsoheartily,thatthouartreadytobestowthymoney,thy
goods,thineeyes,andallthatthouhastforhissalvation,andmoreovertosufferpatientlyall
adversitiesandafflictions,these,nodoubt,aretheeffectsandfruitsoftheSpirit,andthese,
saithhe,yereceivedandenjoyedbeforethesefalseteacherscameamongyou.Butye
receivedthemnotbythelaw,butofGod,whosoministereduntoyou,anddailyincreasedin
youhisHolySpirit,thattheGospelhadamosthappycourseamongyou,inteaching,
believing,workingandsuffering.Now,seeingyeknowthesethings(beingconvictedevenby
thetestimonyofyourownconsciences),howcomethittopassthatyeshewnotthesame
fruitsthatyedidbefore:thatis,thatyeteachnottruly,thatyebelievenotfaithfully,thatye
livenotholily,thatyeworknotrightly,andthatyesuffernotpatiently:finally,whohathso
corruptedyou,thatyoubearnotsolovingaffectiontowardsme,asyedidbefore?Thatye
receivenotPaulnowasanangelofGod,norasJesusChrist?Thatyewillnotpluckoutyour
eyestogivethemuntome?Howcomethittopass,Isay,thatthisferventzealofyours
waxethsocoldtowardsme,andthatyenowpreferbeforeme,thefalseapostles,whichdoso
miserablyseduceyou?
Inlikemannerithappenethuntousatthisday.WhenwefirstpreachedtheGospel,there
wereverymanythatfavoredourdoctrine,andhadagoodandreverendopinionofusand
afterthepreachingthereof,followedthefruitsandeffectsoffaith.Butwhatensued?Asortof
lightandbrainsickheadssprangup,andbyandbydestroyedallthatwehadinlongtimeand
withmuchtravailplantedbeforeandalsomadeussoodiousuntothemwhichbeforeloved
usdearly,andthankfullyreceivedourdoctrine,thatnowtheyhatenothingmorethanour
name.Butofthismischiefthedevilistheauthor,workinginhismemberscontraryworks,
whichwhollyfightagainsttheworksoftheHolyGhost.Therefore(saiththeApostle)your
experience,OyeGalatians,oughttoteachyou,thattheseexcellentvirtuesproceedednotof
theworksofthelaw:forasyehadthemnotbeforethehearingoffaith,soyehavethemnot
now,whenthefalseapostlesreigninthemidstofyou.
WelikewisemaysayatthisdaytothosewhichvauntthemselvestobeGospellers,andto
befreedfromthetyrannyofthePope:HaveyeovercomethetyrannyofthePope,and
obtainedlibertyinChrist,throughtheAnabaptistsandothersuchfantasticalspirits,or

throughuswhohavepreachedfaithinJesusChrist?Hereiftheywillconfessthetruth,they
mustneedssay:Nodoubt,bythepreachingoffaith.Andtrueitis,thatatthebeginningofour
preaching,thedoctrineoffaithhadamosthappycourse,anddownfellthePopespardons,
purgatory,vows,masses,andsuchlikeabominations,whichdrewwiththemtheruinofall
popery.Nomancouldjustlycondemnusforourdoctrinewaspure,raisingupand
comfortingmanypoorconsciences,whichhadbeenlongoppressedwithmenstraditions
underthepapacy,whichwasaplaintyranny,arackingandcrucifyingofconsciences.Many
thereforegavethanksuntoGod,thatthroughtheGospel(whichwefirst,bythegraceofGod,
thenpreached)theyweresomightilydeliveredoutofthesesnares,andthisslaughterhouseof
consciences.Butwhenthesenewfondheadssprangup(whobytheirdenialofthebodily
presenceofChristintheSupper,theirprofanationofBaptism,theirdestructionofimagesand
abolitionofallceremonies,soughttooverthrowpoperyallatonce,andsotodarkenour
repute)thenbeganourdoctrinetobeevilthoughtof:foritwascommonlybruitedabroadthat
theprofessorsthereofdisagreedamongthemselves.
Whereatmanybeinggreatlyoffended,fellquitefromthetruth,puttingthePapistsin
comfort,thatwe,togetherwithourdoctrine,shouldshortlycometonought,andbythis
meanstheyshouldrecovertheirformerdignityandauthorityagain.
Wherefore,likeasthefalseapostlesvehementlycontendedthattheGalatians,now
justifiedbyfaithinChrist,oughttobecircumcisedandkeepthelawofMoses,iftheywould
bedeliveredfromtheirsins,andfromthewrathofGod,andobtaintheHolyGhost,andyet
notwithstandingbytheselfsamemeanstheyburdenedthemthemorewithsins(forsinisnot
takenawaybythelaw,neitheristheHolyGhostgiventhroughit,butonlyitworkethwrath,
anddrivethmenintogreatterrors):soatthisdaytheserashheads,whichsoughttoprovide
forthewelfareofthecatholicChurch,andatoncetooverthrowandutterlycastoutallpopery
bytheabolitionofceremonies,etc.,bytheseselfsamethingshavedonenogood,butFather
harmtotheChurch:theyhavenotoverthrownthepapacy,buthavemoreestablishedit.
Butiftheyhad,astheybegan,withacommonconsenttogetherwithus,taughtand
diligentlyurgedthearticleofjustificationthatistosay,thatwearejustifiedneitherbythe
righteousnessofthelaw,norbyourownrighteousness,butbyonlyfaithinJesusChrist:
doubtlessthisonearticle,bylittleandlittle,asitbegan,hadoverthrownthewholepapacy,
withallherbrotherhoods,pardons,religiousorders,relics,ceremonies,invocationofsaints,
purgatory,masses,watchings,vows,andinfiniteotherlikeabominations.Buttheyleavingoff
thepreachingoffaithandtrueChristianrighteousness,havegoneanotherwaytowork,tothe
greathindrancebothofsounddoctrineandofthechurches.Ithathhappeneduntothem
somewhatafterthemanneroftheGermanproverbaboutfishingbeforethenet.Fortheyhave
drivenawaythefishthatthenetwouldhavetaken,byseekingtocatchthemwiththeirown
hands.
Whereforethepapacyatthisdayiscastdown,notbythosetumultsofthesectaries,but
bythepreachingofthearticleofjustification.Thisarticlehathnotonlyweakenedthe
kingdomofAntichrist,butithathalsosustainedanddefendedusagainsthisviolence.And
hadwenothadthisdefense,boththesectarieshadlongsinceperished,andwetogetherwith
them.Yetsofaroffaretheyfromacknowledgingthisbenefit,that(asthePsalmistsaith,
Psalm109:5)thelovewhichtheyoweuntous,theydowithholdfromus,andwithhatredand
enmitydofuriouslyassailus.Nowthearticleofjustification,whichisoursoledeftnce,not
onlyagainstalltheforceandcraftofmen,butalsoagainstthegatesofhell,isthis:thatby
faithonlyinChrist,andwithoutworks,wearepronouncedrighteousandsaved.Ifthisbethe

truemannerofjustifying(aswithoutdoubtitis,orelsethewholeScripturemustneedsbe
doneaway),thenstraightwayitfolloweththatwearenotpronouncedrighteousthrough
monkery,vows,masses,oranyworks.Andherewithouttheabolitionofanyexternalthing,
withouttumult,withoutanyforceofman,withoutanyattackingoftheSacraments,bythe
Spiritatone,poperyiscastdown.Neitheristhisvictorygottenbyus,butbyChristwhomwe
preachandconfess.
AndthisthatInowsay,thethingitselfdothtestify.Foratthattimewhenfirstthepapacy
begantototterandfall,thesectariesdidnothingatall,fortheycoulddonothing,butheld
theirpeace.Andwemoreoverdidteachandurgenothingbutthisarticleofjustification,
whichaloneatthattimedidthreatentheauthorityofthePopeandlaywastehiskingdom.But
whenthesectariessawthatthepapacydidtotterandfall,andthatthefishesdidgathertothe
net,theysoughttodestroyandutterlyblotoutpoperyallatonce,andtosnatchfromusthe
gloryandtakewiththeirownhandsallthefishesthatwerecongregatedatthenetbutthey
playedatthework,fortheydidnotcatchthem,butonlydrovethemaway.
AsmuchthereforeasthefalseapostlesdidbringrighteousnesstotheGalatiansby
teachingthemthattheymustobservethelaw,sodidthesectariesoverthrowthepapacyby
theirtumults.ImagesandotherabusesintheChurchwouldhavefallendownofthemselves,
iftheyhadbutdiligentlytaughtthearticleofjustification.Buttheyweredrivenbyvainglory,
fortheywouldgladlyhavehearditpublishedabroadthattheythemselveshadoverthrownthe
papacy.Wherefore,neglectingthearticleofjustification,theystirredupthosetumults
wherebytheywellnighoverwhelmedus,andconfirmedthePapistsintheirabominations.
SuchsuccesshathourendeavorwhenweseeknotthegloryofGod,butourown.
NeitherthePopenorthedevildidfearthosetumultsbutthedoctrineoffaith,which
preacheththatChristaloneisvictoroversin,deathandthedevil,isfarsometohim.Forit
destroyethhiskingdomand(asIhavesaid)itsustainethanddefendethusatthisdayagainst
allthegatesofhell.Anddidwenotholdfasttothisanchor,weshouldbecompelledagainto
adorethePope,neitherwouldtherebeanywayormeansofresistinghim.ForshouldIjoin
myselfuntothesectaries,thenweremyconscienceuncertainfortheywithoutanyrightdo
setthemselvesagainstthePope,sincetheyseektheirowngloryandnotthegloryofGod.
Therefore,wereInotarmedwithotherweaponsthanthey,Ishouldnotdaretoattackthe
papacy,muchlesstopresumethatIcouldlayitwaste.
Buttheysay:ThePopeisAntichrist!Doubtlessbutheinturnreplieth,thathehatha
ministryofteaching,thatwithhimistheauthoritytoadministertheSacraments,andtobind
andtoloose,andthathepossesseththispowerbyhereditaryrightashandeddownin
successionbytheApostles.Thereforeheisnotthrustoutofhisseatbytheseexternaltumults,
butbythismeans,ifIsay:OPope,Iwillkissthyfeet,andacknowledgetheetobethe
supremePontiff,ifthouwiltadoremyChrist,andallowthatwehaveremissionofsinsand
eternalliftthroughhisdeathandresurrection,andnotbyobservationofthytraditions,ifthou
wiltgrantthis,Iwillnottakefromtheethycrownandauthority:butifnot,Iwillconstantly
cryoutthatthouartAntichrist,anddeclareallthyworshipsandreligionstobenotonlythe
denialofGod,butsupremeblasphemyagainstGod,andidolatry.Thisthesectariesdonot,
buttheyseekbyexternalforcetotakeawaythePopescrownandauthoritythereforetheir
endeavorisinvain.Butthisbeforeallmustbedone,thatthePopesimpietiesand
abominationsmaybeexposed,wherewithunderthecolorofholinessandreligionhehath
deceivedthewholeworld.IfIdothis,Ishallseewhatafterwardremaineth.ForIhavetaken
awaythekernelandleavehimthehusks.Theycontraiwisedotakeawaythehusksandleave

himthekernel.
Tobebrief:asbytheworksofthelawnomiraclesarewrought,soofthoseexternal
workswhichthesectariesdourge,nothingismadeintheChurchbuttumults,more
confusion,andhindranceoftheSpirit.Andthisdothexperiencetestify.Fortheylaidnotlow
thePope,bytheiroverturningofimagesandattackingoftheSacraments,buttheymadehim
themoreproud.ButbytheSpirithehathbeenandisstillatthisdaycastdown,thatistosay,
bythepreachingoffaith,whichtestifieththatChristwasdeliveredforoursins.Herethe
righteousnessandtheservitudeofthelawsofthePopemustneedsfalldowninruins.Inthe
meanwhilenotwithstanding,IhaveoftendeclaredandstilldodeclarethatIamreadytobear
thetraditionsofthePope,ifonlyhewillleavethemfree,andnotbindconsciencestothemso
thatmenthinkthattheyarejustifiedwhentheykeepthemanddamnedwhentheykeepthem
not.Butthishedothnot.Forifheboundnotconsciencestohistraditions,wherewerehis
power?Thereforeitismostofallhiscaretoholdmensconsciencesfastboundandcaptive
withhislaws.Hencecomeththissaying:Thoucanstnotbesavedexceptthouobeythe
RomanSeelikewisethisthunderingandlightninginhisbulls:Lethimthatwithbold
temeritypresumethtoresist,knowthatheshallbearthewrathofalmightyGod,etc.Herehe
altogethertakethawaysalvationfromallthatobeynothislaws.Contrariwise,hepromiseth
untoallsuchaskeepthem,eternallife.
Soheurgethusintothenetoftherighteousnessofworks,asifnonemightbejustified
andsavedwithouttheobservationofhislaws.Briefly,hemakethnomentionoffaith,no,not
oneword,butteachethonlyhisownthings.Butifhewouldgrant,thatallhislawsavail
nothingtorighteousnessbeforeGod,thenIinturnwouldgranthimmuchbutthenwouldhis
kingdomfalldownofitself.ForifthePopelosthispowertosaveandtodamn,hewouldbe
nomorethanamereidol.Briefly:therighteousnessoftheheartisignorantofalllaws,not
onlyofthePope,butevenofMosesalso,sincetruerighteousnesscomethnotofworksof
law,butofthehearingoffaith,whichisfollowedbythevirtuesandfruitsoftheSpirit.
AsAbrahambelievedGod,anditwasimputedtohimforrighteousness.
HithertoPaulreasonethupontheexperienceoftheGalatians,andwiththisargumenthe
urgeththemvehemently.Ye,saithhe,havebelieved,andbelievinghavedonemiracles,and
haveshewedmanynotablesignsandmoreoveryehavesufferedmanyafflictions,allwhich
thingsaretheeffectsandoperations,notofthelaw,butoftheHolyGhost.ThistheGalatrans
wereconstrainedtoconfess.Fortheycouldnotdenythesethingswhichwerebeforetheir
eyes,andmanifesttotheirsensesandthereforethisargument,groundedupontheirown
experience,isverystrong.
NowheaddeththeexampleofAbraham,andrehearseththetestimonyoftheScripture.
ThefirstisoutofGenesis15:6:AbrahambelievedGod,etc.ThisplacetheApostleher:
mightilyprosecuteth,asalsohedidinhisEpistletotheRomanes.IfAbraham,saithhe,
wasjustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,hehathrighteousnessandrejoicing,butnotbefore
God,butbeforemen(Romans4:2ff.).ForbeforeGodhehathsinandwrath.
NowhewasjustifiedbeforeGod,notbecausehedidwork,butbecausehedidbelieve.
FortheScripturesaith:AbrahambelievedGod,anditwasimputedtohimforrighteousness.
ThisplacedothPaultherenotablysetforthandamplify,asitismostworthy:Abraham,
saithhe,wasnotweakinfaith,neitherconsideredhehisownbodywhichwasnowdead,
beingalmostanhundredyearsold:neitherthedeadnessofSarahswomb:neitherdidhe

doubtofthepromiseofGodthroughunbelief,butwasstrengthenedinfaith,andgavegloryto
God,beingfullyassured,thatwhatsoeverGodhadpromised,hewasabletodo.Now,itisnot
writtenforhimonly,thatitwasimputedtohimforrighteousness,butforusalso,etc.
(Romans5:19ff.).
Paulbythesewords,Abrahambelieved,offaithinGod,makeththechiefestworship,
thechiefestduty,thechiefestobedience,andthechiefestsacrifice.Lethimthatisa
rhetorician,amplifythisplace,andheshallseethatfaithisanalmightything,andthatthe
powerthereofisinfiniteandinestimableforitgivethgloryuntoGod,whichisthehighest
thingthatcanbegivenuntohim.Now,togivegloryuntoGod,istobelieveinhim,tocount
himtrue,wise,righteous,merciful,almighty:briefly,toacknowledgehimtobetheauthor
andgiverofallgoodness.Thisreasondothnot,butfaith.Thatisitwhichmakethusdivine
people,and(asamanwouldsay)itisthecreatorofdivinity,notinthesubstanceofGod,but
inus.ForwithoutfaithGodlosethinushisglory,wisdom,righteousness,truth,mercy,etc.
Toconclude,nomajestyordivinityremainethuntoGod,wherefaithisnot.Andthechiefest
thingthatGodrequirethofmanis,thathegivethuntohimhisgloryandhisdivinity:thatisto
say,thathetakethhimnotforanidol,butforGodwhoregardethhim,hearethhim,sheweth
mercyuntohim,helpethhim,etc.Thisbeingdone,Godhathhisfullandperfectdivinity,that
is,hehathwhatsoeverafaithfulheartcanattributeuntohim.Tobeablethereforetogivethat
gloryuntoGod,itisthewisdomofwisdoms,therighteousnessofrighteousnesses,the
religionofreligions,andsacrificeofsacrifices.Herebywemayperceive,whatanhighand
excellentrighteousnessfaithis,andsobythecontrary,whatanhorribleandgrievoussin
infidelityis.
WhosoeverthenbelieveththeWordofGod,asAbrahamdid,isrighteousbeforeGod,
becausehehathfaith,whichgivethgloryuntoGodthatis,hegivethtoGodthatwhichisdue
tohim(forthusdothejuristsdefinethejustman,namely,thatheishewhichrenderethto
everymanhisdue).Forfaithsaiththus:Ibelievethee,OGod,whenthouspeakest.Andwhat
saithGod?Impossiblethings,lies,foolish,weak,absurd,abominable,heretical,anddevilish
things,ifyebelievereason.Forwhatismoreabsurd,foolish,andimpossible,thanwhenGod
saithuntoAbrahamthatheshouldhaveasonofthebarrenanddeadbodyofhiswifeSarah?
So,ifwewillfollowthejudgmentofreason,Godsettethforthabsurdandimpossible
things,whenhesettethoutuntousthearticlesoftheChristianfaith.Indeed,itseemethto
reasonanabsurdandafoolishthing,thatintheLordsSupperisoffereduntousthebodyand
bloodofChristthatBaptismisthelaverofthenewbirth,andoftherenewingoftheHoly
GhostthatthedeadshallriseinthelastdaythatChristtheSonofGodwasconceivedand
carriedinthewomboftheVirginMary,thathewasborn,thathesufferedthemost
reproachfuldeathoftheCross,thathewasraisedupagain,thathenowsittethattheright
handofGodtheFather,andthathehathpowerbothinheavenandinearth.Forthiscause
PaulcalleththeGospelofChristcrucified,thewordofthecrossandthefoolishnessof
preaching(1Corinthians1:18,21),whichtotheJewswasoffensive,andtotheGentiles
foolishdoctrine.WhereforereasondothnotunderstandthattoheartheWordofGodandto
believeit,isthemostperfectwayofworshippingGod:butitthinkeththatthosethingswhich
itchoosethanddothofagoodintent,astheycallit,andofherowndevotion,pleaseGod.
ThereforewhenGodspeaketh,reasonjudgethhisWordtobeheresyandthewordofthe
devil,foritseemethuntoitabsurdandfoolish.
Butfaithkillethreason,andslayeththatbeastwhichthewholeworldandallcreatures
cannotkill.SoAbrahamkilleditbyfaithintheWordofGod,wherebyseedwaspromised

untohimofSarah,whowasbarrenandnowpastchildbearing.UntothisWord,reason
yieldednotstraightwayinAbraham,butitfoughtagainstfaithinhim,judgingittobean
absurd,afoolish,andimpossiblething,thatSarah,whowasnownotonlyninetyyearsold,
butwasalsobarrenbynature,shouldbringforthason.Thusfaithwrestledwithreasonin
Abraham:buthereinfaithgotthevictory,killedandsacrificedreason,thatmostcrueland
pestilentenemyofGod.Soallthegodly,enteringwithAbrahamintothedarknessoffaith,do
killreason,saying:Reason,thouartfoolish,thoudostnotsavorthosethingswhichbelong
untoGodthereforespeaknotagainstme,butholdthypeacejudgenot,butheartheWordof
Godandbelieveit.Sothegodlybyfaithkillsuchabeastasisgreaterthanthewholeworld,
andtherebydooffertoGodamostacceptablesacrificeandservice.Andincomparisonof
thissacrificeandserviceofthefaithful,allthereligionsofallnations,andalltheworksofall
monksandmeritmongersarenothingatall.Forbythissacrifice,first,asIsaid,theykill
reason,thegreatestandmightiestenemyofGod:forreasondespisethGod,deniethhis
wisdom,justice,power,truth,mercy,majesty,anddivinity.Moreover,bythesamesacrifice
theyyieldgloryuntoGod:thatis,theybelievehimtobejust,good,faithful,true,etc.,they
believethathecandoallthings,thatallhiswordsareholy,true,livelyandeffectual,etc.,
whichisamostacceptableobedienceuntoGod.Whereforetherecanbenogreaterormore
perfectreligionintheworld,normoreacceptableserviceuntoGod,thanfaithis.
Contrariwise,thejusticiaries,andsuchasseekrighteousnessbytheirownworks,lacking
faith,domanythings.Theyfast,theypray,theywatch,theylaycrossesuponthemselves.But
becausetheythinktoappeasethewrathofGod,anddeservegracebythesethings,theygive
noglorytoGod:thatis,theydonotjudgehimtobemerciful,true,andkeepingpromise,etc.,
buttobeanangryjudge,whichmustbepacifiedbytheirworks.Andbythismeansthey
despiseGod,theymakehimaliarinallhispromises,theydenyChristandallhisbenefits:to
conclude,theythrustGodoutofhisseat,andsetthemselvesinhisplace.Fortheyneglecting
anddespisingtheWordofGod,dochooseuntothemselvessuchaserviceofGodandsuch
worksasGodhathnotcommanded.TheyimaginethatGodhathapleasuretherein,andthey
hopetoreceivearewardofhimforthesame.
Thereforetheykillnotreason,thatmostbitterenemyofGod,butquickenitandthey
takefromGodhismajestyandhisdivinity,andattributethesameuntotheirownworks.
WhereforeonlyfaithgivethgloryuntoGod,asPaulwithessethofAbraham.Abraham(saith
he)wasmadestronginfaith,andgaveglorytoGod,beingfullyassured,thatwhatsoeverGod
hadpromisedhewasabletoperform,andthereforeitwasimputedtohimforrighteousness
(Romans4:20ff.).
Christianrighteousnessconsistethinfaithoftheheart,andGodsimputation.
ItisnotwithoutcausethatheaddeththissentenceoutofthefifteenthchapterofGenesis:
anditwasimputedtohimforrighteousness.ForChristianrighteousnessconsistethintwo
thingsthatistosay,infaithoftheheart,andinGodsimputation.Faithisindeedaformal
righteousness,andyetthisrighteousnessisnotenoughforafterfaiththereremainyetcertain
remnantsofsininourflesh.ThissacrificeoffaithbeganinAbraham,butatthelastitwas
finishedindeath.Whereforetheotherpartofrighteousnessmustneedsbeaddedalsoto
perfectthesameinus:thatistosay,Godsimputation.ForfaithgivethnotenoughtoGod
formally,becauseitisimperfect,yearatherourfaithisbutalittlesparkoffaith,which
beginnethonlytorenderuntoGodhistruedivinity.Wehavereceivedthefirstfruitsofthe

Spirit,butnotyetthetenthsneitherisreasonutterlykilledinthislife.Whichmayappearby
ourconcupiscence,wrath,impatiency,andotherfruitsofthefleshandofinfidelityyet
remaininginus.Yea,theholiestthatlive,havenotyetafullandcontinualjoyinGod,but
havetheirsundrypassions,sometimessad,sometimesmerry,astheScriptureswitnessofthe
prophetsandApostles.Butsuchfaultsarenotlaidtotheirchargebecauseoftheirfaithin
Christ,forotherwisenomanshouldbesaved.Weconcludethereforeuponthesewords:It
wasimputedtohimforrighteousness,thatrighteousnessindeedbeginneththroughfaith,and
bythesamewehavethefirstfruitsoftheSpiritbutbecausefaithisweak,itisnotmade
perfectwithoutGodsimputation.Whereforefaithbeginnethrighteousness,butimputation
makethitperfectuntothedayofChrist.
Thepopistsophistersandschoolmendisputealsoofimputationwhentheyspeakofthe
goodacceptationofthework:butbesidesandcleancontrarytotheScripturefortheywrestit
onlytoworks.Theydonotconsidertheuncleannessandinwardpoisonlurkingintheheart,
asincredulity,doubting,contemning,andhatingofGod,whichmostperniciousandperilous
beastsarethefountainandcauseofallmischief.Theyconsidernomorebutoutwardand
grossfaultsandunrighteousness,whicharelittleriversproceedingandissuingoutofthose
fountains.Thereforetheyattributeacceptationtogoodworksthatistosay,thatGoddoth
acceptourworks,notofdutyindeed,butofcongruence.Contrariwisewe,excludingall
works,dogototheveryheadofthisbeastwhichiscalledReason,whichisthefountainand
headspringofallmischiefs.ForreasonfearethnotGod,itlovethnotGod,ittrustethnotin
God,butproudlycontemnethhim.Itisnotmovedeitherwithhisthreateningsorhis
promises.Itisnotdelightedwithhiswordsorworks,butitmurmurethagainsthim,itisangry
withhim,judgethandhatethhim:tobeshort,itisanenemytoGod(Romans8:7),not
givinghimhisglory.Thispestilentbeast(reasonIsay)beingonceslain,alloutwardand
grosssinsshouldbenothing,Whereforewemustfirstandbeforeallthingsgoaboutbyfaith,
tokillinfidelity,thecontemptandhatingofGod,murmuringagainsthisjudgment,hiswrath,
andallhiswordsandworksforthendowekillreason,whichcanbekilledbynoneother
meansbutbyfaith,whichinbelievingGod,givethuntohimhisglory,notwithstandingthat
hespeakeththosethingswhichseembothfoolish,absurd,andimpossibletoreason
notwithstandingalso,thatGodsettethforthhimselfotherwisethanreasonisableeitherto
judgeorconceive,thatistosay,afterthismanner:Iwillacceptandpronouncetheeas
righteous,notforthekeepingofthelaw,notforthyworksandthymerits,butforthyfaithin
JesusChristmineonlybegottenSon,whowasborn,suffered,wascrucified,anddiedforthy
sinsandthatsinwhichremainethinthee,Iwillnotimputeuntothee.Ifreasonthenbenot
killed,andallkindsofreligionandserviceofGodunderheaventhatareinventedbymento
getrighteousnessbeforeGod,benotcondemned,therighteousnessoffaithcantakenoplace.
Whenreasonheareththis,byandbyitisoffendeditragethandutterethallhermalice
againstGod,saying:Arethengoodworksnothing?HaveIthenlaboredandbornetheburden
andheatofthedayinvain?Hereofrisethoseuproarsofnations,kingsandprinces,against
theLordandhisChrist(Psalm2:2).Fortheworldneitherwillnorcansufferthatherwisdom,
righteousness,religions,andworshippingsshouldbereprovedandcondemned.ThePope,
withallhispopishrabblement,willnotseemtoerr,muchlesswillhesufferhimselftobe
condemned.
WhereforeletthosewhichgivethemselvestothestudyoftheholyScripture,learnoutof
thissaying:AbrahambelievedGod,anditwascountedtohimforrighteousness,tosetforth
trulyandrightlythistrueChristianrighteousnessafterthismanner:thatitisafaithand

confidenceintheSonofGod,oraconfidenceoftheheartinGodthroughJesusChristand
letthemaddthisclauseasadifference:Whichfaithandconfidenceisaccounted
righteousnessforChristssake.Forthesetwothings(asIsaidbefore)workChristian
righteousness:namely,faithintheheart,whichisagiftofGodandassuredlybelievethin
ChristandalsothatGodaccounteththisimperfectfaithforperfectrighteousness,forChrists
sake,inwhomIhavebeguntobelieve.BecauseofthisfaithinChrist,Godseethnotmy
doubtingofhisgoodwilltowardsme,mydistrust,heavinessofspirit,andothersinswhichare
yetinme.ForaslongasIliveintheflesh,sinistrulyinme.ButbecauseIamcoveredunder
theshadowofChristswings,asisthechickenunderthewingofthehen,anddwellwithout
allfearunderthatmostampleandlargeheavenoftheforgivenessofsins,whichisspread
overme,Godcoverethandpardoneththeremnantofsininme:thatistosay,becauseofthat
faithwherewithIbegantolayholduponChrist,heacceptethmyimperfectrighteousness
evenforperfectrighteousness,andcountethmysinfornosin,whichnotwithstandingissin
indeed.
SoweshroudourselvesunderthecoveringofChristsflesh,whoisourcloudypillarfor
theday,andourpillaroffireforthenight(Exodus13:21),lestGodshouldseeoursin.And
althoughweseeit,andforthesamedofeeltheterrorsofconscience,yetflyinguntoChrist
ourmediatorandreconciler(throughwhomwearemadeperfect),wearesureandsafe:foras
allthingsareinhim,sothroughhimwehaveallthings,whoalsodothsupplywhatsoeveris
wantinginus.Whenwebelievethis,Godwinkethattheremnantsofsinyetstickinginour
flesh,andsocovereththem,asiftheywerenosin.Because,saithhe,thoubelievestinmy
Son,althoughthouhavemanysins,yetnotwithstandingtheyshallbeforgiventhee,untilthou
becleandeliveredfromthembydeath.
LetChristianlearnwithalldiligencetounderstandthisarticleofChristianrighteousness,
whichthesophistersneitherdonorcanunderstand.Butletthemnotthinkthattheycanlearn
itthoroughlyinonelesson.WhereforeletthemreadPaul,andreadhimagain,bothoftenand
withgreatdiligence,andletthemcomparethefirstwiththelastyealetthemcomparePaul
whollyandfullywithhimself:thenshalltheyfindittobetrue,thatChristianrighteousness
consistethinthesetwothings:namely,infaithwhichgivethgloryuntoGod,andinGods
imputation.Forfaithisweak(asIhavesaid)andthereforeGodsimputationmustneedsbe
joinedwithal:thatistosay,thatGodwillnotlaytoourchargetheremnantofsin,thathewill
notpunishit,norcondemnusforitbutwillcoveritandwillfreelyforgiveit,asthoughit
werenothingatallnotforoursake,neitherforourworthinessandworks,butforJesus
Christssakeinwhomwebelieve.
ThusaChristianmanisbothrighteousandasinner,holyandprofane,anenemyofGod
andyetachildofGod.Thesecontrariesnosophisterswilladmit,fortheyknownotthetrue
mannerofjustification.Andthiswasthecausewhytheyconstrainedmentoworkwellso
long,untiltheyshouldfeelinthemselvesnosinatall.Wherebytheygaveoccasiontomany
(which,strivingwithalltheirendeavortobeperfectlyrighteous,couldnotattainthereunto)to
becomestarkmadyeaandinfinitenumberalsoofthosewhichweretheauthorsofthis
devilishopinion,atthehourofdeathweredrivenuntodesperation.Whichthinghad
happeneduntomealso,ifChristhadnotmercifullylookeduponme,anddeliveredmeoutof
thiserror.
Contrariwise,weteachandcomforttheafflictedsinnerafterthismanner:
Brother,itisnotpossiblefortheetobecomesorighteousinthislife,thatthoushouldest
feelnosinatall,thatthybodyshouldbeclearlikethesun,withoutspotorblemishbutthou

hastasyetwrinklesandspots,andyetartthouholynotwithstanding.Butthouwiltsay:How
canIbeholy,whenIhaveandfeelsininme?Ianswer:Inthatthoudostfeeland
acknowledgethysin,itisagoodtokengivethanksuntoGodanddespairnot.Itisonestepof
health,whenthesickmandothacknowledgeandconfesshisinfirmity.ButhowshallIbe
deliveredfromsin?RuntoChristthephysician,whichhealeththemthatarebrokeninheart,
andsavethsinners.
Follownotthejudgmentofreason,whichtelleththee,thatheisangrywithsinnersbut
killreasonandbelieveinChrist.Ifthoubelieve,thouartrighteous,becausethougivestglory
untoGod,thatheisalmighty,merciful,true,etc.ThoujustifiestandpraisestGod:tobebrief,
thouyieldestuntohimhisdivinity,andwhatsoeverelsebelongethuntohim.
Andthesinwhichremainethinthee,isnotlaidtothycharge,butispardonedforChrists
sakeinwhomthoubelievest,whoisperfectlyjustwhoserighteousnessisthyrighteousness,
andthysinishissin.
HereweseethateveryChristianisatruepriest:forfirstheofferethupandkillethhis
ownreason,andthewisdomofthefleshthenhegivethgloryuntoGod,thatheisrighteous,
true,patient,pitiful,andmerciful.AndthisisthatdailysacrificeoftheNewTestamentwhich
mustbeofferedeveningandmorning.Theeveningsacrificeistokillreasonthemorning
sacrificeistoglorifyGod.ThusaChristiandailyandcontinuallyisoccupiedinthisdouble
sacrificeandintheexercisethereof.Andnomanisabletosetforthsufficientlythe
excellenceanddignityofthisChristiansacrifice.
Christianrighteousness,therefore,asIhavesaid,istheimputationofGodfor
righteousnessoruntorighteousness,becauseofourfaithinChrist,orforChristssake.When
thepopishschoolmenhearthisstrangeandwonderfuldefinition,whichisunknowntoreason,
theylaughatit.Fortheyimaginethatrighteousnessisacertainqualitypouredintothesoul,
andafterwardsspreadintoallthepartsofman.Theycannotputawaytheimaginationsof
reason,whichteacheththatarightjudgment,andagoodwill,oragoodintentistrue
righteousness.Thisunspeakablegiftthereforeexcellethallreason,thatGoddothaccountand
acknowledgehimforrighteouswithoutanyworks,whichembracethhisSonbyfaithalone,
whowassentintotheworld,wasborn,suffered,andwascrucifiedetc.forus.
Thismatter,astouchingthewords,iseasy(towit,thatrighteousnessisnotessentiallyin
us,asthePapistsreasonoutofAristotle,butwithoutusinthegraceofGodonlyandinhis
imputationandthatthereisnoessentialsubstanceofrighteousnessinusbesidesthatweak
faithorfirstfruitsoffaith,wherebywehavebeguntoapprehendChrist,andyetsininthe
meantimeremainethverilyinus)butinverydeeditisnosmallorlightmatter,butvery
weightyandofgreatimportance.ForChristwhichisgivenuntous,andwhomweapprehend
byfaith,hathdonenosmallthingforus,but(asPaulsaidbefore):Hehathlovedusand
givenhimselfinverydeedforus:hewasmadeaccursedforus,etc.(Galatians2:203:13).
Andthisisnovainspeculation,thatChristwasdeliveredformysins,andwasmadeaccursed
forme,thatImightbedeliveredfromeverlastingdeath.ThereforetoapprehendthatSonby
faith,andwiththehearttobelieveinhimgivenuntousandforusofGod,causeththatGod
dothaccountthatfaith,althoughitbeimperfect,forperfectrighteousness.
Andherewearealtogetherinanotherworld,farfromreason,wherewedisputenotwhat
weoughttodo,orwithwhatworkswemaydeservegraceandforgivenessofsinsbutweare
inamatterofmosthighandheavenlydivinity,wherewedohearthisGospelorgladtidings,
thatChristdiedforus,andthatwe,believingthis,arecountedrighteous,thoughsins
notwithstandingdoremaininus,andthatgreatsins.

SoChristalsodefineththerighteousnessoffaith.TheFatherhimself,saithhe,loveth
you(John16:27).Whereforedothheloveyou?NotbecauseyewerePharisees,unreprovable
intherighteousnessofthelaw,cirumcised,doinggoodworks,fasting,etc.butbecauseI
havechosenyououtoftheworld(John15:19),andyehavedonenothing,butthatyehave
lovedmeandbelievedthatIcameoutfromtheFather.ThisobjectIbeingsentfromthe
Fatherintotheworld,pleasedyou.Andbecauseyouhaveapprehendedandembracedthis
object,thereforetheFatherlovethyou,andthereforeyepleasehim.Andyetnotwithstanding
inanotherplacehecalleththemevil,andcommandeththemtoaskforgivenessoftheirsins.
Thesetwothingsarequitecontrary:towit,thataChristianisrighteousandbelovedofGod,
andyetnotwithstandingheisasinner.ForGodcannotdenyhisownnature:thatis,hemust
needshatesinandsinnersandthishedothofnecessity,forotherwiseheshouldbe
unrighteousandlovesin.Howthencanthesetwocontradictoriesstandtogether:Iama
sinner,andmostworthyofGodswrathandindignationandyettheFatherlovethme?Here
nothingcomethbetween,butonlyChristthemediator.TheFather,saithhe,dothnottherefore
loveyoubecauseyeareworthyoflove,butbecauseyehavelovedme,andhavebelievedthat
Icameoutfromhim.
ThusaChristianmanabidethinpurehumility,feelingsininhimeffectually,and
confessinghimselftobeworthyofwrath,thejudgmentofGod,andeverlastingdeathforthe
same,thathemaybehumbledinthislife:andyetnotwithstandinghecontinuethstillinapure
andholypride,inthewhichheturnethuntoChrist,andthroughhimheliftethuphimself
againstthisfeelingofGodswrathandjudgment,andbelieveththatnotonlytheremnantsof
sinarenotimputeduntohim,butthatalsoheislovedoftheFather,notforhisownsake,but
forChristssake,whomtheFatherloveth.
Herebynowwemaysee,howfaithjustifiethwithoutworks,andyetnotwithstanding,
howimputationofrighteousnessisalsonecessary.Sinsdoremainisus,whichGodutterly
hateth.Thereforeitisnecessarythatweshouldhaveimputationofrighteousness,whichwe
obtainthroughChristandforChristssake,whoisgivenuntousandreceivedofusbyfaith.
Inthemeantime,aslongaswelivehere,wearecarriedandnourishedinthebosomofthe
mercyandlongsufferanceofGod,untilthebodyofsinbeabolished,andweraisedupas
newcreaturesinthatgreatday.Thenshalltherebenewheavensandanewearth,inwhich
righteousnessshalldwell.
Inthemeanwhileunderthisheavensinandwickedmendowell,andthegodlyalsohave
sindwellinginthem.ForthiscausePaul(Romans7:23)complainethofsinwhichremaineth
inthesaintsyetnotwithstandinghesaithafterwards(Romans8:1)thatthereisnodamnation
tothemwhichareinChristJesu.Now,howshallthesethings,socontraryandrepugnant,be
reconciledtogether,thatsininusisnosin,thathewhichisdamnableshallnotbecondemned,
thathewhichisrejectedshallnotberejected,thathewhichisworthyofthewrathofGodand
everlastingdeathshallnotbepunished?Theonlyreconcilerhereofisthemediatorbetween
Godandman,eventhemanJesusChrist,asPaulsaith:thereisnocondemnationtothem
whichareinChristJesu?
Yeknowthereforethattheywhichareoffaith,thesamearethechildrenofAbraham.
ThisisthegeneralargumentandwholedisputationofPaulagainsttheJews,thattheywhich
believe,arethechildrenofAbraham,andnottheywhicharebornofhisfleshandblood.This
disputationPaulvehementlyprosecutethinthisplace,andinthefourthandninthchaptersto

theRomans.ForthiswasthegreatestconfidenceandgloryoftheJews:Wearetheseedand
childrenofAbraham.Hewascircumcisedandkeptthelawthereforeifwewillbethetrue
childrenofAbraham,wemustfollowourfather,etc.Itwas,nodoubt,anexcellentgloryand
dignitytobetheseedofAbraham.FornomancoulddenybutthatGodspaketotheseedand
oftheseedofAbraham.ButthisprerogativenothingprofitedtheunbelievingJews.Byreason
whereofPaul,especiallyinthisplace,mightilystrivethagainstthisargument,andwresteth
fromtheJewsthisstrongaffianceinthemselvesandthiscouldhe,astheelectvesselof
Christ,doaboveallother.ForifweatthebeginningshouldhavedisputedwiththeJews
withoutPaul,peradventureweshouldhaveprevailedverylittleagainstthem.
SothenPaulcontendethagainstthatconfidenceoftheJews,whichdidsoproudlyboast,
saying:WearetheseedofAbraham(John8:33).Well,whatthen?Abrahamwas
circumcisedandkeptthelawwedothesame.
AllthisIgrantbutwillyethereforelooktobejustifiedandsaved?Naynotso.Butletus
cometothepatriarchAbrahamhimself,andletusseebywhatmeanshewasjustifiedand
saved.Doubtless,notforhisexcellentvirtuesandholyworksnotbecauseheforsookhis
country,kindred,andfathershousenotbecausehewascircumcisedandobservedthelaw
notbecausehewasabouttoofferupinsacrificeatthecommandmentofGod,hissonIsaac,
inwhomhehadthepromiseofposterity:butbecausehebelievedGod.Whereforehewasnot
justifiedbyanyothermeansthanbyfaithalone.Ifyethenwillbejustifiedbythelaw,much
moreoughtArahamyourfathertobejustifiedbythelaw.ButAbrahamcouldnototherwise
bejustified,norreceiveforgivenessofsinsandtheHolyGhost,thanbyfaithalone.Sincethis
istruebythetestimonyoftheScripture,whystandyesomuchuponcircumcisionandthe
law,contendingthatyehaverighteousnessandsalvationthereby,whenasAbrahamhimself,
yourfather,yourfountainandheadspring,ofwhomyedosomuchglory,wasjustifiedand
savedwithoutthesebyfaithalone?Whatcanbesaidagainstthisargument?
Paulthereforeconcludethwiththissentence:Theywhichareoffaitharethechildrenof
Abraham,thatcorporalbirthorcarnalseedmakethnotthechildrenofAbrahambeforeGod.
Asthoughhewouldsay:ThereisnonebeforeGodaccountedasthechildofthisAbraham
(whoistheservantofGod,whomGodhathchosenandmaderighteousbyfaith)through
carnalgenerationbutsuchchildrenmustbegivenhimbeforeGod,ashewasafather.Buthe
wasafatheroffaith,wasjustifiedandpleasedGod,notbecausehecouldbegetchildrenafter
theflesh,notbecausehehadcircumcisionandthelaw,butbecausehebelievedinGod.He
thereforethatwillbeachildofthebelievingAbraham,mustalsohimselfbelieve,orelseheis
notachildoftheelect,thebelovedandthejustifiedAbraham,butonlyofthebegetting
Abraham,whichisnothingelsebutamanconceived,bornandwraptinsin,withoutthe
forgivenessofsins,withoutfaith,withouttheHolyGhost,asanothermanis,andtherefore
condemned.
Suchalsoarethechildrencarnallybegottenofhim,havingnothinginthemlikeunto
theirfather,butfleshandblood,sinanddeath:thereforethesearealsodamned.Thisglorious
boastingthen:WearetheseedofAbraham,istonopurpose.
ThisargumentPaulsettethoutplainlyintheninthtotheRomansbytwoexamplesofthe
holyScripture.ThefirstisofIshmaelandIsaac,whichwereboththeseedandnatural
childrenofAbraham,andyetnotwithstandingIshmael(whichwasbegottenofAbrahamas
Isaacwas,yeaandshouldalsohavebeenthefirstbegotten,ifcarnalgenerationhadhadany
prerogative,orcouldhavemadechildrentoAbraham)isshutout,andtheScripturesaith:in
Isaacshallthyseedbecalled.ThesecondisofEsauandJacob,whowhentheywereyetin

theirmotherswomb,andhaddoneneithergoodnorevil,itwassaid:theeldershallserve
theyounger.IhavelovedJacob,andEsauhaveIhated.Thereforeitisplain,thattheywhich
areoffaith,arethechildrenofAbraham.
Butsomewillhereobject(astheJewsdo,andcertaincavillingspiritsatthisday),saying
thatthiswordfaithintheHebrewsignifiethtruth,andthereforewedonotrightlyapplyit
andmoreover,thatthisplaceoutofGenesis15:6speakethofacorporalthing,namelyofthe
promiseofposterity,andthereforeisnotwellapplliedofPaultofaithinChrist,butought
simplytobeunderstoodofthefaithofAbraham,wherebyhebelievedaccordingtothe
promiseofGod,thatheshouldhaveseed:andherebytheywouldprovethatthearguments
andallegationsofPauldoconcludenothing.Inlikemannertheymaycavilalso,thattheplace
whichPaulalittleafter(Galatians3:11)allegethoutofHabakkuk,speakethoffaithas
touchingthefullaccomplishingofthewholevision,andnotoffaithonlyinChrist,forthe
whichPaulallegethit.LikewisetheymaywrestalltheeleventhchaptertotheHebrews,
whichspeakethoffaithandtheexamplesoffaith.Bythesethingssuchvaingloriousand
arrogantspiritsdohuntforpraise,andseektobecountedwiseandlearned,wheretheyleast
ofalldeserveit.Butbecauseofthesimpleandignorant,wewillbrieflyanswertotheir
cavillations.
TothefirstIanswerthus,thatfaithisnothingelsebutthetruthoftheheartthatistosay,
atrueandrightopinionoftheheartastouchingGod.
Now,faithonlythinkethandjudgethrightlyofGod,andnotreason.Andthendothaman
thinkrightlyofGod,whenhebelievethhisWord.ButwhenhewillmeasureGodwithoutthe
Word,andbelievehimaccordingtohisownreason,hehathnotthetruthofGodinhisheart,
andthereforehecannotthinkorjudgeofhimasheshoulddo.Asforexample:whenamonk
imagineththathiscowl,hisshavencrown,andhisvowsdopleaseGod,andthatgraceand
everlastinglifeisgivenuntohimforthesame,hehathnotrueopinionofGod,butfalseand
fullofimpiety.Truththereforeisfaithitself,whichjudgethrightlyofGod,namely,thatGod
regardethnotourworksandrighteousness,becauseweareuncleanbutthathewillhave
mercyuponus,lookuponus,acceptus,justifyus,andsaveus,ifwebelieveinhisSon,
whomhehathsenttobeapropitiationforthesinsofthewholeworld(1John2:2).Thisisa
trueopinionofGod,andinverydeednothingelsebutfaithitself.Icannotcomprehendnorbe
fullyassuredbymyreason,thatIamreceivedintoGodsfavorforChristssakebutIhear
thistobepronouncedbytheGospel,andIlayholduponitbyfaith.
TothesecondcavillationIanswer,thatPauldothrightlyallegetheplaceoutofthe
fifteenthofGenesis,applyingittofaithinChrist.Forwithfaithalwaysmustbejoineda
certainassuranceofGodsmercy.Nowthisassurancecomprehendethafaithfultrustof
remissionofsinsforChristssake.Foritisimpossiblethatthyconscienceshouldlookfor
anythingatGodshand,exceptfirstitbeassured,thatGodismercifuluntotheeforChrists
sake.ThereforeallthepromisesaretobereferredtothatfirstpromiseconcerningChrist:
Theseedofthewomanshallbruisetheserpentshead(Genesis3:15).Sodidalsothe
prophetsbothunderstanditandteachit.Bythiswemayseethatthefaithofthefathersinthe
OldTestament,andoursnowintheNewisallone,althoughtheydifferastouchingtheir
outwardobjects.WhichthingPeterwitnessethintheActswhenhesaith:whichneitherwe
norourfatherswereabletobear.ButwebelievethroughthegraceofourLordJesusChristto
besavedevenastheydid(Acts15:10f.)andPaulsaith:Ourfathersdidalldrinkofthat
spiritualrockthatfollowedthem,whichrockwasChrist(1Corinthians10:4)andChrist
himselfsaith:Abrahamrejoicedtoseemyday,andhesawitandwasglad(John8:56).

Notwithstanding,thefaithofthefatherswasgroundedonChristwhichwastocome,asours
isonChristwhichisnowcome.AbrahaminhistimewasjustifiedbyfaithinChristtocome,
butifhelivedatthisday,hewouldbejustifiedbyfaithinChristnowrevealedandpresent
likeasIhavesaidbeforeofCornelius,whoatthefirstbelievedinChristtocome,butbeing
instructedbyPeter,hebelievedthatChristwasalreadycome.Thereforethediversityoftimes
neverchangethfaith,northeHolyGhost,northegiftsthereof.Fortherehathbeen,is,and
evershallbeonemind,onejudgmentandunderstandingconcerningChrist,aswellinthe
ancientfathers,asinthefaithfulwhichareatthisday,andshallcomehereafter.Sowehave
aswellChristtocome,andbelieveinhim,asthefathersintheOldTestamenthad.Forwe
lookforhimtocomeagaininthelastdaywithglory,tojudgeboththequickandthedead,
whomnowwebelievetobecomealreadyforoursalvation.
ThereforethisallegationofPauloffendethnonebutthoseblindandignorantcavillers.
ForusnotwithstandingitisnotlawfultoreturnuntoChristtocome(saveinasmuchaswe
lookforhimatthelastdayasourRedeemerwhichshalldeliverusfromallevils).Forinso
doingweshouldbelievethatChristwasnotyetrevealed,butwasstilltoberevealed.Andso
weshoulddenyChristandallhisbenefits,andmakeGodaliar,testifyingthathehadnotyet
fulfilledhispromises,asdotheJews.
Paultherefore,asIhavesaid,rightlyallegeththatplaceoutofGenesis,whichspeaketh
ofthefaithofAbraham,andappliethituntofaithinChrist.
Forallthepromisespast,werecontainedinChristtocome.ThereforeaswellAbraham
andtheotherfathers,asalsowe,aremaderighteousbyfaithinChrist:theybyfaithinhim
thentocome,webyfaithinhimnowpresent.
Forweentreatnowofthenatureandmannerofjustification,whichisallonebothin
themandinus,whetheritbeinChristtoberevealed,orinChristnowrevealedandpresent.It
isenoughthereforethatPaulsheweththatthelawjustifiethnot,butonlyfaith,whetheritbe
inChristtocome,orinChristalreadycome.
AtthisdayalsoChristtosomeispresent,toothersomeheistocome.Toallbelievershe
ispresent:totheunbelieversheisnotyetcome,neitherdothheprofitthemanythingatall:
butiftheyhearhisWordandbelieve,thenheispresentuntothem,hejustifiethandsaveth
them.
Yeknowthereforethattheywhichareoffaith,thesamearethechildrenofAbraham.
Asifhewouldsay:yeknowbythisexampleofAbraham,andbytheplaintestimonyofthe
Scripture,thattheyarethechildrenofAbrahamwhichareoffaith,whethertheybeJewsor
Gentiles,withoutanyrespecteithertoreason,oruntothelaw,oruntoworks,ortothecarnal
generationofthefathers.Fornotbythelaw,butbytherighteousnessoffaith,thepromise
wasmadeuntoAbraham,thatheshouldbeheiroftheworld:thatistosay,thatinhisseedall
thenationsoftheearthshouldbeblessed,andthatheshouldbecalledthefatherofnations
AndlesttheJewsshouldfalselyinterpretthiswordnations,applyingituntothemselves
alone,theScripturepreventeththis,andsaithnotonly,afatherofnations,butafatherof
manynationshaveImadethee(Genesis17:4Romans4:7).ThereforeAbrahamisnotonly
thefatheroftheJews,butalsooftheGentiles.Herebywemayplainlyseethatthechildrenof
Abrahamarenotthechildrenoftheflesh(sinceheisnotthefatheroftheGentilesaccording
totheflesh),butthechildrenoffaith,asPaulinRomans4declareth:whoisthefatherofus
all(asitiswritten:Ihavemadetheeafatherofmanynations)beforeGodwhomhedid

believe:sothatPaulmakethtwoAbrahams,abegettingandbelievingAbraham.Abraham
hathchildren,andisafatherofmanynations.Where?BeforeGod,wherehebelieveth:not
beforetheworld,wherehebegetteth.ForintheworldheisachildofAdam,andasinneror
(whichismore)heisaworkerofrighteousnessofthelaw,livingaftertheruleofreason,that
is,afterthemannerofmen:butthispertainethnothingtothebelievingAbraham.
ThisexamplethereforeofAbrahamwrappethinittheholyScriptureitself,whichsaith
thatwearecountedrighteousbyfaith.Whereforethisisastrongandamightyargumenttwo
mannerofways,bothbytheexampleofAbraham,andalsobytheauthorityoftheScripture.
AndtheScriptureforeseeingthatGodwouldjustifythegentilesthroughfaith
Thesethingspertaintotheformerargument.Asifheshouldsay:YeJewsdoimmoderately
gloryinthelawandyecommendandextolMosesabovemeasurebecauseGodspakeunto
himinthebush,etc.AstheJewsdoproudlybragagainstus(asIhavemyselfatsundrytimes
heard)saying:YeChristianshaveApostles,yehaveaPope,bishopsetc.butweJewshave
patriarchs,prophets,yeawehaveGodhimself,whospakeuntousinthebush,inSinai,where
hegaveuntousthelaw,andintheTemple,etc.Suchagloryandsuchanexcellenttestimony
allegeyeforyourselvesagainstus,ifyecan.TothisanswerethPaultheApostleofthe
Gentiles:ThisyourproudbraggingandboastingistonopurposefortheScriptureprevented
it,andforesawlongbeforethelaw,thattheGentilesshouldnotbejustifiedbythelaw,butby
theblessingofAbrahamsseed,whichwaspromiseduntohim(asPaulsaithafterwards)four
hundredandthirtyyearsbeforethelawwasgiven.Nowthelawbeinggivensomanyyears
after,couldnothinderorabolishthispromiseoftheblessingmadeuntoAbraham,butithath
continuedfirm,andshallcontinueforever.WhatcantheJewsanswertothis?
Thisargumentgroundeduponthecertaintyoftime,isverystrong.Thepromiseof
blessingisgivenuntoAbrahamfourhundredandthirtyyearsbeforethepeopleofIsrael
receivedthelaw.ForitissaidtoAbraham:
BecausethouhastbelievedGod,andhastgivengloryuntohim,thereforethoushaltbea
fatherofmanynations.ThereAbrahambythepromiseofGodisappointedafatherofmany
nations,andtheinheritanceoftheworldforhisposterityandissueafterhim,isgivenunto
himbeforethelawwaspublished.Whydoyethenbrag,OyeGalatians,thatyeobtain
forgivenessofsins,andarebecomechildren,anddoreceivetheinheritancethroughthelaw,
whichfollowedalongtime,thatistosay,fourhundredandthirtyyearsafterthePromise?In
Baptismisthepromiseofsalvation:Hethatbelievethetc.,shallbesaved(Mark16:16).If
anymanheredenieth(asthefantasticalspiritsdo)thatrighttousnessandsalvationisgiven
untoaninfantwhenfirstitisbaptised,makingamockofthepromiseonthiswise,namely
thatitavailethwhenamaniscometotheuseofreasonandisnowabletoworkwell,andby
doinggoodworkstoobtainthatwhichiscontainedinthepromisealso,thatBaptismisnota
signofthegoodwillofGodtowardsus,butonlyamarkwherebythebelieversarediscerned
fromtheunbelievers,etc.:suchanonedothutterlytakeawaysalvationfromBaptism,and
attributeituntoworks.Sothefalseapostlesandtheirdisciplesdidinallthings.They
preachedthelawandtheglorythereofimmoderately,butthepromisemadeuntoAbraham
fourhundredandthirtyyearsbeforethelawwasgiven,theyneglectedanddespised,and
wouldinnowiseknowthatAbraham(ofwhomtheygloriednotwithstandingasthefatherof
theirwholenation)beingyetuncircumcised,andlivingsomanyagesbeforethelaw,was
maderighteousbynoothermeansthanbyfaithalone,astheScripturemostplainly

witnesseth:AbrahambelievedGodanditwascountedtohimforrighteousness(Genesis
15:6).Afterwards,whenhewasnowaccountedrighteousbecauseofhisfaith,theScripture
makethmentionofcircumcisionintheseventeenthofGenesis,whereitsaith:Thisismy
covenantwhichyeshallkeepbetweenmeandyou(Genesis17:10).
WiththisargumentPaulmightilyconvinceththefalseapostles,andshewethplainlythat
Abrahamwasjustifiedbyfaithonly,bothwithoutandbeforecircumcision,andalsofour
hundredandthirtyyearsbeforethelaw.
ThisselfsameargumenthehandlethinthefourthchaptertotheRomans:towit,that
righteousnesswasimputedtoAbrahambeforecircumcision,andthathewasrighteousbeing
yetuncircumcisedmuchmorethenhewasrighteousbeforethelaw.
Therefore,saithPaul,theScripturedidwellprovideagainstthisyourgloriousbragging
oftherighteousnessofthelawandworks.When?
Beforecircumcisionandbeforethelaw.Forthelawwasgivenfourhundredandthirty
yearsafterthepromise,whereasAbrahamwasnotonlyjustifiedwithoutthelawandbefore
thelaw,butwasalsodeadandburied:andhisrighteousnesswithoutthelawdidnotonly
flourishuntilthelaw,butalsoshallflourisheventotheendoftheworld.Ifthenthefatherof
thewholeJewishnationwasmaderighteouswithoutthelawandbeforethelaw,muchmore
arethechildrenmaderighteousbythesamemeansthattheirfatherwas.Therefore
righteousnesscomethbyfaithandnotbythelaw.
PreachedthegospelbeforeuntoAbraham,saying:intheeshallallthegentilesbe
blessed.
TheJewsdonotonlylightlypassover,butalsododeride,andwiththeirwickedglossesdo
corrupttheseexcellentandnotablesentences:AbrahambelievedGodetc.,Ihaveappointed
theeafatheretc.,andsuchlike,whichhighlycommendfaithandcontainpromisesof
spiritualthings.Fortheyareblindandhardhearted,andthereforetheyseenotthatthese
placesdoentreatoffaithtowardsGod,andofrighteousnessbeforeGod.Withlikemalice
alsotheyhandlethisnotableplaceofthespiritualblessing:Intheeallthenationsoftheearth
shallbeblessed(Genesis12:3).For,saythey,toblesssignifiethnothingelsebuttopraise,to
wishwellorprayforprosperity,and[tobeblessedis]tobegloriousinthesightoftheworld.
AfterthismannertheJew,saythey,whichisbornoftheseedofAbraham,isblessedandthe
proselyteorstrangerwhichworshippeththeGodoftheJewsandjoinethhimselfuntothem,is
alsoblessed.Thereforetheythinkthatblessingisnothingelsebutpraiseandgloryinthis
worldinthatamanmaygloryandvaunt,thatheisofthestockandfamilyofAbraham.But
thisistocorruptandpervertthesentencesoftheScriptures,andnottoexpoundthem.By
thesewords,Abrahambelieved,Pauldefinethandsettethbeforeoureyesaspiritual
Abraham,faithful,righteous,andhavingthepromiseofGodanAbraham,Isay,whichisnot
inerror,andintheoldflesh:whichisnotbornofAdam,butoftheHolyGhost.Andofthis
AbrahamrenewedbyfaithandregeneratebytheHolyGhost,speakeththeScripture,and
pronouncethofhim,thatheshouldbeafatherofmanynationsalsothatalltheGentiles
shouldbegivenuntohimforaninheritance,whenitsaith:intheeshallallthenationsofthe
earthbeblessed.
ThisPaulvehementlyurgethbytheauthorityoftheScripturewhichsaith,Abraham
believedGod,etc.(Genesis15).TheScripturethenattributethnorighteousnesstoAbraham,
butinthathebelievethanditspeakethofsuchanAbraham,asheisaccountedbeforeGod.

SuchsentencesthereforeoftheScripturedosetforthuntousanewAbraham,whichis
separatefromthecarnalmarriageandbed,andfromthecarnalgeneration,andmakehim
suchaoneasheisbeforeGodthatistosay,believingandjustifiedthroughfaithtowhom
nowbelievingGodmakeththispromise:Thoushaltbeafatherofmanynations,and:in
theeshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed.Whereofthisisthemeaning(saithPaul):
thattheScripturepreventethandbeatethdownallbraggingsandboastingsoftheJewsas
touchingthelaw,sincetheinheritanceoftheGentileswasgivenuntoAbraham,notbythe
lawandcircumcision,butlongbeforethesame,bytheonlyrighteousnessoffaith.
Therefore,whereastheJewswillbecountedandcalledblessed,becausetheyarethe
ChildrenandseedofAbraham,itisnothingelsebutavaingloriousbrag.Itis,nodoubt,a
greatprerogativeandglorybeforetheworld,tobebornofAbrahamsseed,asPaulsheweth
(Romans9),butnotsobeforeGod.WhereforetheJewsdowickedlypervertthisplace
concerningtheblessing,inapplyingitonlytoacarnalblessing,anddogreatinjurytothe
Scripture,whichspeakethmostmanifestlyofthespiritualblessingbeforeGod,andneither
canoroughtotherwisetobeunderstood.Thisisthenthetruemeaningofthisplace:Inthee
shallbeblessed.Inwhichthee?IntheeAbrahambelieving,orinthyfaith,orinChrist(thy
seed)tocome,inwhomthoubelievest,allthenationsoftheearth(Isay)shallbeblessed
thatas,allthenationsshallbethatblessedchildren,evenlikeasthouartblessedasitis
written,soshallthyseedbe(Genesis15:5).
HereofitfolloweththattheblessingandfaithofAbrahamisthesamethatoursisthat
AbrahamsChristisourChristthatChristdiedaswellforthesinsofAbrahamasforours.
ForAbrahamsawmydayandrejoiced(John8:56).Allthingsthereforearethesame.
WhereforewemayinnowisesuffertheJewstomakelightofthiswordblessingorto
corruptit.
TheylookbutthroughaveilintotheScripture,andthereforetheyunderstandnotwhator
whereofthepromiseiswhichwasmadetothefatherswhichwenotwithstandingoughtto
consideraboveallthings:soshallweseethatGodspeakethtoAbrahamthepatriarch,notof
thelawnorofthingstobedone,butofthingstobebelievedthatistosay,thatGodspeaketh
untohimofpromiseswhichareapprehendedby.faith.Now,whatdothAbraham?He
believeththosepromises.AndwhatdothGodtothatbelievingAbraham?Heimputethfaith
untohimforrighteousnessandaddethfurthermanymorepromises:as,Iamthydefender,
Intheeshallallnationsbeblessed,Thoushaltbeafatherofmanynations,Soshallthy
seedbe.Theseareinvinciblearguments,againstthewhichnothingcanbesaid,iftheplaces
oftheholyScripturebethoroughlyconsidered.
Sothentheywhichareoffaith,areblessedwithfaithfulAbraham
Alltheweightandforcehereofliethinthesewords:WithfaithfulAbraham.Forheputtetha
plaindifferencebetweenAbrahamandAbrahamofoneandtheselfsamepersonmakingtwo.
Asifhesaid:Thereisaworking,andthereisabelievingAbraham.Withtheworking
Abrahamwehavenothingtodo.Forifhebejustifiedbyworks,hehathtorejoice,butnot
withGod.LettheJewsgloryasmuchastheywillofthatbegettingAbraham,whichisa
worker,iscircumcised,andkeepeththelaw:butwegloryofthefaithfulAbraham,ofwhom
theScripturesaith,thathereceivedtheblessingofrighteousnessthroughhisfaith,notonly
forhimself,butalsoforallthosewhichbelieveashedidandsotheworldwaspromisedto
thatAbrahamwhichbelieved.Thereforealltheworldisblessedthatistosay,receiveth

imputationofrighteousness,ifitbelieveasAbrahamdid.
WhereforetheblessingisnothingelsebutthepromiseoftheGospel.Andthatallnations
areblessed,isasmuchtosay,asallnationsshallheartheblessingthatis,thepromiseofGod
shallbepreachedandpublishedbytheGospelamongallnations.Andoutofthisplacethe
prophetshavedrawnmanypropheciesbyaspiritualunderstanding:as,Askofme,andIwill
givetheetheheathenforthineinheritance,andtheendsoftheearthforthypossession
(Psalm2:8)andagain,Theirvoicehathgonethroughalltheearth(Psalm19:4).Briefly,all
thepropheciesofthekingdomofChrist,andofthepublishingoftheGospelthroughoutall
theworld,havesprungoutofthisplace:Intheeshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed.
Wherefore,tosaythatthenationsareblessed,isnothingelsebutthatrighteousnessisfreely
givenuntothemorthattheyarecountedrighteousbeforeGod,notbythelaw,butbythe
hearingoffaithforAbrahamwasnotjustifiedbyanyothermeansthanbyhearingtheword
ofpromise,ofblessing,andofgrace,Therefore,likeasAbrahamobtainedimputationof
righteousnessbythehearingoffaithevensodidalltheGentilesobtain,andyetdoobtainthe
same.ForthesameWordthatwasfirstdeclareduntoAbraham,wasalsoafterwardpublished
toalltheGentiles.
Herebythenweseethattoblesssignifiethnothingelse,but(asIsaidbefore)topreach
andteachthewordoftheGospel,toconfessChrist,andtospreadabroadtheknowledgeof
himamongalltheGentiles.Andthisisthepriestlyofficeandcontinualsacrificeofthe
ChurchintheNewTestament,whichdistributeththisblessingbypreaching,byministering
oftheSacraments,byabsolvingthepenitent,bycomfortingthebrokenhearted,bydistributing
thewordofgracewhichAbrahamhad,andwhichwasalsohisblessingwhichwhenhe
believed,hereceivedtheblessing.Sowealsobelievingthesame,areblessed.Andthis
blessingisagreatglory,notbeforetheworld,butbeforeGod.Forwehaveheardthatoursins
areforgivenus,andthatweareacceptedofGodthatGodisourFather,andthatwearehis
childrenwithwhomhewillnotbeangry,butwilldeliverusfromsin,fromdeathandall
evils,andwillgiveuntousrighteousness,life,andeternalsalvation.Ofthisblessing(asI
havesaid)dotheprophetspreachineveryplace,whodidnotsocoldlyconsiderthose
promisesmadeuntothefathersasthewickedJewsdid,andasthepopishschoolmenandthe
sectariesdoatthisday,butdidreadthemandweighthemwithgreatdiligence,andalsodrew
outofthosepromiseswhatsoevertheyprophesiedconcerningChristorhiskingdom.Sothe
prophecyofHosea:Iwillredeemthemfromthepowerofthegrave:Iwilldeliverthemfrom
death:
Odeath,Iwillbethydeath:Ograve,Iwillbethydestruction(Hoseah13:14),andsuch
likeplacesoftheotherprophets,didallspringoutofthesepromises,inthewhichGod
promisedtothefathersthebruisingoftheserpentsheadandtheblessingofallnations.
Moreover,ifthenationsbeblessed,thatistosay,iftheybeaccountedrighteousbefore
God,itfolloweththattheyarefreefromsinanddeath,andaremadepartakersof
righteousness,salvation,andeverlastinglife,notfortheirworks,butfortheirfaithinChrist.
WhereforethatplaceofGenesis12:3,Intheeshallallthenationsbeblessed,speakethnot
oftheblessingsofthemouth,butofsuchablessingasbelongethtotheimputationof
righteousness,whichisavailablebeforeGod,andredeemethfromthecurseofsin,andfrom
allthoseevilsthatdoaccompanysin.Nowthisblessingisreceivedonlybyfaith.Forthetext
saithplainly:Abrahambelieved,anditwasaccounteduntohimforrighteousness.
Whereforeitisamerespiritualblessing:andthereisnoblessingindeedbutthiswhich,
althoughitbeaccursedintheworld(asindeeditis)yetisitavailablebeforeGod.Thisplace

thereforeisofgreatforce,thattheywhichareoffaith,arebecomepartakersofthispromise
oftheblessingmadeuntothebelievingAbraham.AndbythismeansPaulpreventeththe
cavillationoftheJews,whichbragofabegettingandaworkingAbraham,andrighteous
beforemen,andnotofabelievingAbraham.
Now,likeastheJewsdogloryonlyofaworkingAbraham,evensothePopesettethout
onlyaworkingChrist,orratheranexampleofChrist.Hethatwilllivegodly(saithhe)must
walkasChristhathwalked,accordingtohisownsayinginJohn13:15:Ihavegivenyouan
example,thatyoushoulddoevenasIhavedoneuntoyou.Wedenynotbutthatthefaithful
oughttofollowtheexampleofChrist,andtoworkwellbutwesaythattheyarenotjustified
therebybeforeGod.AndPauldothnotherereasonwhatweoughttodo,butbywhatmeans
wearemaderighteous.Inthismatterwemustsetnothingbeforeoureyes,butJesusChrist
dyingforoursinsandrisingagainforourrighteousnessandhimmustweapprehendby
faith,asagift,notasanexample.This,reasonunderstandethnotandthereforeastheJews
followaworking,andnotabelievingAbraham,evensothePapists,andallthatseek
righteousnessbyworks,dobeholdandapprehend,notajustifying,butaworkingChristand
bythismeanstheyswervefromChrist,fromrighteousnessandsalvation.Andlikeasthe
Jewswhichweresaved,oughttofollowthebelievingAbrahamsowealso,ifwewillbe
deliveredfromoursinsandbesaved,musttakeholdofthejustifyingandsavingChrist,
whomAbrahamhimselfalsobyfaithdidapprehend,andthroughhimwasblessed.
ItwasindeedagreatglorythatAbrahamreceivedcircumcisionatthecommandmentof
God,thathewasenduedwithexcellentvirtues,thatheobeyedGodinallthingsasitisalsoa
greatpraiseandfelicitytofollowtheexampleofChristworking,tolovethyneighbor,todo
goodtothemthathurtthee,toprayforthineenemies,patientlytobeartheingratitudeof
thosewhichrenderevilforgood:butallthisavailethnothingtorighteousnessbeforeGod.
TheexcellentdeedsandvirtuesofAbrahamwerenotthecausethathewascountedrighteous
beforeGodsolikewisetheimitationandfollowingoftheexampleofChristdothnotmakeus
righteousbeforeGod.For,tomakeusrighteousbeforeGod,thereisfarmoreexcellentprice
required,whichisneithertherighteousnessofman,noryetofthelaw.Herewemusthave
Christtoblessusandsaveus,likeasAbrahamhadhimforhisblesserandsavior.How?Not
byworks,butbyfaith.Wherefore,asthereisgreatdifferencebetweenthebelievingandthe
workingAbrahamsothereisgreatdifferencebetweenChristblessingandredeeming,and
Christworkingandgivingexample.NowPaulspeakethhereofChristredeeming,and
AbrahambelievingandnotofChristgivingexample,orofAbrahamworking.Thereforehe
addethpurposely,andthatwithgreatvehemency:Theywhichareoffaith,areblessedwith
faithfulAbraham.
WhereforewemustseparatethebelievingandtheworkingAbrahamasfarasunderas
thereisdistancebetweenheavenandearth.HethatbelievethinChrist,isaltogetheradivine
person,thechildofGod,theinheritoroftheworld,aconquerorofsin,death,theworldand
thedevil:thereforehecannotbepraisedandmagnifiedenough.Letusnotsufferthisfaithful
Abrahamtoliehidinhisgrave,asheishidfromtheJewsbutletushighlyextolhimand
magnifyhimandletusfillbothheavenandearthwithhisnamesothatinrespectofthis
faithfulAbraham,weseenothingatallintheworkingAbraham.Forwhenwespeakofthis
faithfulAbraham,weareinheaven.Butafterwards,doingthosethingswhichtheworking
Abrahamdid,whichwerecarnalandearthly,andnotdivineandheavenly(saveinasmuchas
theyweregivenuntohimofGod),weareamongmeninearth.ThebelievingAbraham
thereforefillethbothheavenandearth.SoeveryChristianwithhisfaithfillethheavenand

earthsothatbesidesit,heoughttobeholdnothing.
Now,bythesewords,shallbeblessed,Paulgatherethanargumentofthecontrary:for
theScriptureisfullofoppositions,aswhentwocontrariesarecomparedtogether.Anditisa
pointofcunningtomarkwelltheseoppositionsintheScriptures,andbythemtoexpoundthe
sentencesthereof.Asherethiswordblessingimportethalsothecontrary:thatistosay,
malediction.ForwhentheScripturesaiththatallnationswhichareoffaithareblessedwith
faithfulAbraham,itfollowethnecessarilythatall,aswellJewsasGentiles,areaccursed
withoutfaith,orwithoutthefaithfulAbraham.Forseeingthepromiseofblessingforall
nationswasgiventoAbraham,thereisplainlynoblessingtobelookedfor,butonlyinthe
promisemadeuntoAbraham,nowpublishedbytheGospelthroughoutthewholeworld.
Therefore,whatsoeveriswithoutthatblessing,isaccursed.
AndthisPaulshewethplainlywhenhesaith:
Forasmanyasareoftheworksofthelaw,areaccursed
Hereyeseethatthecurseisasitwereaflood,swallowingupwhatsoeveriswithout
Abrahamthatistosay,withoutfaithandthepromiseoftheblessingofAbraham.Nowifthe
lawitself,givenbyMosesatthecommandmentofGod,makethsubjecttothecursethem
whichareunderit,muchmoreshallthelawsandtraditionssodo,whicharedevisedbymans
reason.Hethereforethatwillavoidthecurse,mustlayholduponthepromiseofblessing,or
uponthefaithofAbraham,orelseheshallremainunderthecurse.Uponthisplacetherefore,
shallbeblessedinthee,itfolloweththatallnations,whethertheywerebeforeAbraham,in
histime,orafterhim,areaccursed,andshallabideunderthecurseforever,unlesstheyare
blessedinthefaithofAbraham,untowhomthepromiseoftheblessingwasgiventobe
publishedbyhisseedthroughoutthewholeworld.
Toknowthesethingsitisveryprofitable,fortheyhelpgreatlytocomforttroubledand
afflictedconsciencesandmoreovertheyteachustoseparateveryfartherighteousnessof
faithfromtherighteousnessoftheflesh,orcivilrighteousness.ForwemustnotethatPaulis
hereinhand,notwithamatterofpolicy,butwithadivineandspiritualmatter,lestanymad
brainshouldcavil,andsaythathecursethandcondemnethpoliticlawsandmagistrates.Here
Jeromelaboureth,sayingnothingtothepoint,andthepopishsophistersaremoredumbthan
fishes.Whereforethereadersmustbeadmonishedthatinthisplacethereisnothinghandled
astouchingcivillaws,manners,ormatterspolitical,(whicharetheordinancesofGod,and
goodthings,andtheScriptureelsewhereapprovethandcommendeththesame),butofa
spiritualrighteousness,bythewhichwearejustifiedbeforeGod,andarecalledthechildren
ofGodinthekingdomofheaven.Tobebrief,thereisnothinghandledhereconcerningthe
bodilylife,butconcerningeverlastinglife,wherenoblessingistobehopedfor,or
righteousnesstobesought,eitherthroughthelaw,orthetraditionsofmen,orwhatsoevercan
benamedinthislife,besidesthepromiseofAbrahamsblessing.Letcivillawsand
ordinancesabideintheirplaceandorderletthemagistratemakeneversogoodandexcellent
laws:yetnotwithstandingtheydelivernomanfromthecursebeforeGod.Thekingdomof
BabylonordainedofGod,andbyhimcommitteduntokings,hadexcellentlaws,andall
nationswerecommandedtoobeythem:notwithstanding,theobedienceofthelawsdidnot
saveitfromthecurseofthelawofGod.Inlikemannerweobeythelawsofprincesand
magistrates,butwearenotthereforerighteousbeforeGod:forhereweareinanothermatter.
ItisnotwithoutcausethatIdosodiligentlyteachandrepeatthisdistinctionforthe

knowledgethereofisverynecessary.Albeittherearefewthatmarkitorunderstanditindeed.
Again,theconfoundingandminglingtogetheroftheheavenlyandthecivilrighteousness,is
veryeasy.Inthecivilrighteousnesswemusthaveregardtolawsandworksbutinthe
spiritual,divineandheavenlyrighteousness,wemustutterlyrejectalllawsandworks,andset
theonlypromiseandblessingofAbrahambeforeoureyes,whichlayethbeforeusChristthe
giverofthisblessingandgrace,andouronlysavior.Sothatthisspiritualrighteousness,
secludingthelawandallworks,lookethonlyuntothegraceandblessingwhichisgivenby
Christ,asitwaspromisedtoAbraham,andofhimbelieved.
Herebywemayplainlyseethatthisargumentisinvincible.Forifwemusthopeto
receivethisblessingbyChristalone,thenitmustneedsfollowonthecontrary,thatitisnot
receivedbythelaw.FortheblessingwasgiventofaithfulAbrahambeforethelawand
withoutthelaw.NowlikeasAbrahambelievedinChristwhichwastocome,thegiverofthe
blessing:soandbythesamefaithwebelieveinChristwhichiscomeandpresent,andsoare
wenowjustifiedbyfaith,asAbrahamwasthenjustifiedbyfaith.
Theythereforewhichareunderthelaw,arenotblessed,butremainunderthecurse.
ThisthePopeandbishopsdonotbelieve,norcanbelieve,neithercantheyabidethis
doctrine.Yetmustwenotholdourpeace,butmustconfessthetruthandsay,thatthepapacy
isaccursedyea,allthelawsandcivilordinancesoftheEmperorareaccursedforaccording
toPaul,whatsoeveriswithoutthepromiseandfaithofAbraham,isaccursed.Whenour
adversarieshearthis,byandbytheypervertandslanderourwords,asthoughwetaughtthat
themagistratesshouldnotbehonored,butthatweraiseupseditionsagainsttheEmperor,that
wecondemnalllaws,thatweoverthrowanddestroycommonweals,etc.Buttheydousgreat
wrong.
Forweputadifferencebetweenthecorporalandthespiritualblessing,andwesaythat
theemperorisblessedwithacorporalblessing.Fortohaveakingdom,lawsandcivil
ordinances,tohaveawife,children,houseandlands,isablessing.Forallthesethingsarethe
goodcreaturesandgiftsofGod,Butwearenotdeliveredfromtheeverlastingcursebythis
corporalblessing,whichisbuttemporalandmusthaveanend.Thereforewecondemnnot
laws,neitherdowestirupseditionagainsttheEmperorbutweteachthathemustbeobeyed,
thathemustbefeared,reverencedandhonored,butyetcivilly.Butwhenwespeakofthe
blessingafterthemannerofdivines,thenwesayboldlywithPaul,thatallthingswhichare
withoutthefaithandpromiseofAbraham,areaccursedandabideunderthateverlastingcurse
ofGod.Fortherewemustlookforanotherlifeafterthis,andanotherblessingafterthis
corporalblessing.
Toconclude,wesaythatallcorporalthingsarethegoodcreaturesofGod.
Therefore(asIhavesaid)tohaveawife,children,goods,tohavelawsandpolitic
ordinancesandceremonies,arethegoodblessingsofGodintheirplacethatistosay,they
aretemporalblessingsbelongingtothislife.Buttheseblessingsthejusticiariesandlaw
workersofallages,astheJews,Papists,Sectaries,andsuchlike,doconfoundandmingle
together.Fortheyputnodifferencebetweencorporalandspiritualblessings.Thereforethey
say:Wehavealaw,andthislawisgood,holy,andrighteousthereforewearejustified
throughit.Whodeniethbutthatthelawisgood,holy,andrighteous?Butyetitisalsothe
lawofmalediction,ofsin,ofwrath,andofdeath.Whereforewemustmakehereadistinction
betweenthecorporalandspiritualblessing,andsaythatGodhathadoubleblessing:one
corporalforthislife,andanotherspiritualfortheeverlastinglife.
Therefore,tohaveriches,children,andsuchlike,wesayitisablessing,butinhis

degree:thatistosay,inthislifepresent.Butastouchinglifeeverlasting,itisnotenoughto
havecorporalblessingsfortheverywickeddothereinaboundmostofall.Itisnotsufficient
thatwehavecivilrighteousnessortherighteousnessofthelawforthereinalsothewickeddo
speciallyflourish.ThesethingsGoddistributethintheworldfreely,andbestoweththemboth
uponthegoodandbad,likeashesuffereththesuntorisebothuponthegoodandtheevil,
andsendethrainupontherighteousandunrighteous(Matthew5:45)forheisliberaluntoall.
Andtohimitisasmallmattertoputallcreaturesunderthefeetofthewicked,Romans8:20:
Thecreatureissubjecttovanity,notofhisownwill.
Theythereforewhichhavebutonlythesecorporalblessings,arenotthechildrenofGod,
blessedbeforeGodspiritually,aswasAbrahambuttheyareunderthecurse,asPaulhere
saith:Whosoeverareundertheworksofthelawareunderthecurse.
Paulmighthavesaidbyageneralproposition:Whatsoeveriswithoutfaith,isunderthe
curse.Hesaithnotso,buthetakeththatwhichbesidesfaith,isthebest,thegreatestandmost
excellentamongallcorporalblessingsoftheworld:towit,thelawofGod.Thelaw,saithhe,
indeedisholyandgivenofGodnotwithstandingitdothnothingelsebutmakeallmen
subjecttothecurse,andkeepthemunderthesame.NowifthelawofGoddobringmen
underthecurse,muchmoremaythesamebesaidofinferiorlawsandblessings.Andthatit
maybeplainlyunderstoodwhatPaulcallethittobeunderthecurse,hedeclarethbythis
testimonyoftheScripture,saying:
Foritiswritten:cursediseverymanthatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritten
inthebookofthelaw,todothem(Deuteronomy27:26).
PaulgoethabouttoprovebythistestimonytakenoutofDeuteronomy,thatallmenwhichare
underthelaw,orundertheworksofthelaw,areaccursed,orunderthecursethatistosay,
undersin,thewrathofGod,andeverlastingdeath.Forhespeakethnot(asIhavesaidbefore)
ofacorporalorpolitic,butofaspiritualandeternalcurse,whichmustneedsbethecurseof
everlastingdeathandhell.Andthisisawonderfulmannerofproving.ForPaulproveththis
affirmativesentence:Whatsoeverareoftheworksofthelaw,areunderthecurse,bythis
negative,whichheborrowethoutofMoses:Cursediseveryonethatabidethnotinall
things,etc.NowthesetwosentencesofPaulandMosesseemcleancontrary.Paulsaith:
Whosoevershalldotheworksofthelaw,isaccursed.
Mosessaith:Whosoevershallnotdotheworksofthelaw,isaccursed.
Howshallthesetwosayingsbereconciledtogether?Orelse(whichismore)howshall
theonebeprovedbytheother?Whatmannerofprovingwereit,Iprayyou,ifIshouldseek
toprovethissentence:IfthoukeepthecommandmentsofGod,thoushaltenterintolife?
ShouldInotprovethecontrarybythecontrary?Trulyafinemannerofproving!Andyetthis
proofofPaulisverysimilar.Thisplacenomanunderstandeth,unlesshealsoknowand
understandthearticleofjustification.Jeromelabourethabundantly,butleavethit
unexplained.
Paul,nodoubt,beingamongtheGalatians,hadbeforemorelargelyentreatedofthis
matter:forelsetheycouldnothaveunderstoodit,seeinghedothherebuttouchitbytheway.
Butbecausetheyhadheardhimdeclarethesameuntothembefore,theybeingnowagainput
inmindthereof,docallittoremembrance.Andthesetwosentencesarenotrepugnant,butdo
verywellagree.Wealsodoteachinlikemanner:thatthehearersofthelawarenotrighteous
beforeGod,butthedoersofthelawshallbejustified(Romans2:13)andcontrariwise:they

thatareoftheworksofthelaw,areunderthecurse.Forthearticleofjustificationteacheth,
thatwhatsoeveriswithoutthefaithofAbraham,isaccursed:andyetnotwithstandingthe
justificationofthelawmustbefulfilledinus(Romans8:4).Toamanthatisignorantofthe
doctrineoffaith,thesetwosentencesseemtobequitecontrary,andasutterlyfoolishasto
say:Ifthoushalthavefulfilledthelaw,thoushaltnothavefufilleditbutifthoushaltnot
havefulfilledit,thoushalthavefulfilledit.
Firstofalltherefore,wemustmarkwellwhereuponPaulentreatethinthisplace,
whereabouthegoeth,andhowhelookethintoMoses.Heishere(asbeforeIhaveoftensaid)
inaspiritualmatter,separatedfrompolicyandfromalllaws,andhelookethintoMoseswith
othereyesthanthehypocritesandfalseapostlesdo,andexpoundeththelawspiritually.
Whereforethewholeeffectofthematterconsistethinthiswordtodo.
Nowtodothelaw,isnotonlytodoitoutwardly,buttodoittrulyandperfectly.Therebe
twosortsthenofdoersofthelaw:thefirstaretheywhichareoftheworksofthelaw,against
whomPaulinveigheththroughoutallthisEpistle.Theothersortaretheywhichareoffaith,
ofwhomwewillspeakhereafter.Now,tobeofthelaw,oroftheworksofthelaw,andtobe
offaith,arequitecontrary,yeaevenascontraryasGodandthedevil,sinandrighteousness,
deathandlife.Fortheyareofthelaw,whichwouldbejustifiedbythelaw.Theyareoffaith,
whichdoassuredlytrustthattheyarejustifiedthroughmercyaloneforChristssake.He
whichsaiththatrighteousnessisoffaith,cursethandcondemneththerighteousnessofworks.
Contrariwise,hewhichsaiththatrighteousnessisofthelaw,cursethandcondemneththe
righteousnessoffaith.Thereforetheyarealtogethercontrarytheonetotheother.AndPaul
speakethnothereofthelawandworksinrespectoftheiressence,butoftheuseandopinion
ofthemwhichconsistethherein,thatthehypocritesdoseektobejustifiedbythelawand
works.
Hethatconsidereththis,shalleasilyunderstand,thattoobservethelaw,isnottodothat
whichiscommandedinthelawinoutwardshewonly(asthehypocritesimagine),butin
spirit:thatistosay,trulyandperfectly.Butwhereshallwefindhimthatwillsoaccomplish
thelaw?Letusseehimandwewillpraisehim.Hereouradversarieshavetheiranswerready,
saying:
Thedoersofthelawshallbejustified(Romans2:13).Verywell.Butletusfirstdefine
whobethesedoersofthelaw.Theycallhimadoerofthelaw,whichdoththeworksofthe
law,andsobythoseworksgoingbefore,isjustified.Thisisnottodothelawaccordingto
Paul:forasIhavesaid,tobeoftheworksofthelaw,andtobeoffaith,arecontrarythings.
Thereforetoseektobejustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,istodenytherighteousnessof
faith.Whereforethesejusticiariesandlawworkers,whentheydothelaw,eveninsodoing
denytherighteousnessoffaith,andsinagainstthefirst,thesecond,andthirdcommandment,
yeaevenagainstthewholelaw.ForGodcommandeththatweshouldworshiphiminfaith,
andinthefearofhisname.Onthecontrarytheymakerighteousnessofworks,withoutfaith
andagainstfaith:thereforeinthattheydothelaw,theydocleancontrarytothelaw,andsin
mostdeadly.FortheydenytherighteousnessofGod,hismercyandhispromises:theydeny
Christwithallhisbenefits,andintheirhearttheyestablish,nottherighteousnessofthelaw
(whichtheyunderstandnot,andmuchlessdoit),butamerefancyandanidolofthelaw.
Thereforewemustneedssay,thatnotonlyindoingofthelaw,theydoitnot,butalsothey
sin,anddenytheDivineMajestyinallhispromises.Andtothisendthelawwasnotgiven.

Whereforethey,notunderstandingthelaw,abusethelaw,andasPaulsaith:Theybeing

ignorantoftherighteousnessofGod,andseekingtoestablishtheirownrighteousness,have
notsubmittedthemselvestotherighteousnessofGod(Romans10:3).Fortheyareblind,and
knownothowtheyoughttojudgeoffaithandofthepromises,andthereforewithoutall
understandingtheyrushintotheScripture,takingholdbutofonepartthereof,towitthelaw,
andthistheyimaginethattheyareabletofulfillbyworks.Butthisisaverydream,a
bewitchingandillusionoftheheartandthatrighteousnessofthelaw,whichtheythinkthey
dofulfill,isnothingelseinverydeed,butidolatryandblasphemyagainstGod.
Thereforeitcannotbebuttheymustneedsabideunderthecurse.
Itisimpossiblethereforethatweshoulddothelawinsuchsortastheyimagine,and
muchlessthatweshouldbejustifiedthereby.Thisthingfirstthelawitselftestifieth,which
hathacleancontraryeffect:foritincreasethsin,itworkethwrath,itaccuseth,itterrifiethand
condemneth.Howthenshoulditjustify?Moreover,thepromisealsosheweththeverysame
thing.
ForItwassaiduntoAbraham:Intheeshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed.There
isnoblessingthereforebutinthepromiseofAbrahamandifthoubewithoutthatpromise,
thouartunderthecurse.Ifthoubeunderthecurse,thoufulfillestnotthelaw,becausethou
artundersin,thedevil,andeverlastingdeath:allwhichdoassuredlyfollowthecurse.To
conclude:ifrighteousnessshouldcomebythelaw,thenshouldthepromiseofGodbeinvain,
andinvainshouldhepourouthisblessinginsogreatabundance.ThereforewhenGodsaw
thatwecouldnotfulfillthelaw,heprovidedforthislongbeforethelaw,andpromisedthe
blessingtoAbraham,saying:Intheeshallallthenationsbeblessed.Andsohathhetestified
thatallthenationsshouldbeblessed,notbythelaw,butthroughthepromisemadeunto
Abraham.Theythereforethatlayholdonthelaw,andseektobejustifiedthereby,despising
thepromise,areaccursed.
Whereforetodoisfirstofalltobelieve,andsothroughfaithtoperformthelaw.We
mustfirstreceivetheHolyGhost,wherewithwebeinglightenedandmadenewcreatures,
begintodothelaw,thatistosay,toloveGodandourneighbor.ButtheHolyGhostisnot
receivedthroughthelaw(fortheywhichareunderthelaw,asPaulsaith,areunderthecurse),
butbythehearingoffaith,thatistosay,throughthepromise.Wemustbeblessedonlywith
Abrahaminthepromisemadeuntohim,andinhisfaith.
Thereforebeforeallthings,wemusthearandreceivethepromise,whichsettethout
Christ,andofferethhimtoallbelieversandwhentheyhavetakenholduponhimbyfaith,
theHolyGhostisgivenuntothemforhissake.ThendotheyloveGodandtheirneighbor,
thendotheygoodworks,thendotheycarrythecrosspatiently.Thisistodothelawindeed
otherwisethelawremainethalwaysundone.Whereforeifthouwiltdefinetrulyandplainly
whatitistodothelaw,itisnothingelse,buttobelieveinJesusChrist,andwhentheHoly
GhostisreceivedthroughfaithinChrist,toworkthosethingswhicharecommandedinthe
law:andotherwisewearenotabletoperformthelaw.FortheScripturesaith,thatthereisno
blessingwithoutthepromise,nonotinthelaw.Itisimpossibletherefore,toaccomplishthe
lawwithoutthepromise,whichisthepreachingofChristwhowaspromisedtoAbraham,that
throughhimtheworldshouldbeblessed.
Thereisnotonethereforetobefoundinalltheworld,untowhomthisnameandtitle,to
becalledadoerofthelaw,appertaineth,withoutthepromiseoftheGospel.Whereforethis
worddoerofthelawisafeignedterm,whichnomanunderstandethunlesshebewithout
andabovethelawintheblessingandfaithofAbraham.Sothatthetruedoerofthelawishe,
whoreceivingtheHolyGhostthroughfaithinChrist,beginnethtoloveGodandtodogood

untohisneighbor.Sothatthiswordtodomustcomprehendfaithalsowhichmakeththe
tree,andwhenthetreeismade,thenfollowthefruits.Thetreemustbefirst,andthenthe
fruit.Fortheapplesmakenotthetree,butthetreemakeththeapples.Sofaithfirstmakeththe
personwhichafterwardsbringethforthworks.Thereforetodothelawwithoutfaith,isto
maketheapplesofwoodandearthwithoutthetree:whichisnottomakeapples,butmere
fantasies.Contrariwise,ifthetreebemade,thatistosay,thepersonordoer,whichismade
throughfaithinChrist,workswillfollow.Forthedoermustneedsbebeforethethingswhich
aredone,andnotthethingswhicharedonebeforethedoer.
Thedoerthenisnotsocalledofthethingsthataredone,butofthethingsthataretobe
done.ForChristiansarenotmaderighteousindoingrighteousthings,butbeingnowmade
righteousbyfaithinChrist,theydorighteousthings.Inpoliticmattersitcomethsotopass,
thatthedoerorworkerismadeofthethingswhicharewrought,asamaninoftenplayingthe
zither(asAristotlesaith)becomethazitherist:butindivinematterstheworkersarenotmade
oftheworksgoingbefore,butthepersonsmadeandframedalreadybyfaith,donowbecome
doersandworkers.OfsuchspeakethPaulwhenhesaith:Thedoersofthelawshallbe
justified(Romans2:13),thatis,shallbecountedrighteous.
Yea,theverysophistersandschoolmenarecompelledtoconfess,andsotheyteachalso,
thatamoralworkoutwardlydone,ifitbenotdonewithapureheart,agoodwill,andtrue
intent,itisbuthypocrisy.AndhereofcomeththeproverbamongtheGermans:Thecowl
coverethmanyaknave.
Forthevilestandwickedestknaveintheworldmaycounterfeitthesameworksthata
godlymanworkethbyfaith.JudasdidthesameworksthattheotherApostlesdid.Whatfault
wasthereintheworksofJudas,seeinghedidtheselfsameworksthattheotherApostlesdid?
Heremarkwhatthepopishsophisteranswerethoutofhismoralphilosophy.Althoughhedid
theselfsameworks(saithhe)whichtheotherApostlesdid,notwithstanding,becausethe
personwasreprobate,andthejudgmentofreasonperverse,thereforehisworkswere
hypocriticalandnottrue,asweretheworksoftheotherApostles,howlikesoeverthey
seemedtobeinoutwardshew.Whereforetheythemselvesareconstrainedtograntthatin
politicandexternalmatters,worksdonotjustify,unlesstherebejoinedwithalanupright
heart,will,andjudgment.Howmuchmorearetheycompelledtoconfessthesameinspiritual
matters,wherebeforeallthings,theremustbeaknowledgeofGod,andfaithwhichmay
purifytheheart?Theywalkthereforeinworksandintherighteousnessofthelaw,asJudas
didintheworksoftheApostlesnotunderstandingwhattheysayorwhereoftheyspeak.And
althoughPaulsaithplainlyeverywherethatthelawjustifiethnot,butworkethwrath,uttereth
sin,revealeththeindignationandjudgmentofGod,andthreatenetheverlastingdeath:yet
notwithstanding,readingthesethings,theyseethemnot,muchlessdotheyunderstandthem.
Thereforetheydeservenottobecalledhypocrites,butvisorsandshadowsofdisguised
hypocrites,mostmiserablybewitched,inthattheydreamthattheyarejustifiedbytheworks
ofthelaw.Wherefore,asIhavesaid,thisworddoerofthelaw,astheydefineit,isan
imaginedterm,averymonster,andnowheretobefound.
Wherefore,whenPaulproveththisplace,Whosoeverareoftheworksofthelaw,are
underthecurse,bythissentenceofMoses,Cursediseveryonethatabidethnotinallthatis
writteninthisbook,heprovethnotonecontrarybyanother,asatthefirstsightitmay
appear,butheprovethitrightlyandindueorder.ForMosesmeanethandteacheththe
selfsamethingthatPauldoth,whenhesaith,Cursediseveryonewhichdothnotall,etc.
Butnomandoththem.Thereforewhosoeverareoftheworksofthelaw,keepnotthelaw.If

theykeepitnot,theyareunderthecurse.Butseeingtherebetwosortsofmenthataredoers
ofthelaw(asbeforeIhavesaid),thatistosay,truedoersandhypocrites,thetruedoersmust
beseparatedfromthehypocrites.Thetruedoersofthelawaretheywhich,throughfaith,are
thegoodtreebeforethefruit,doersandworkersbeforetheworks.OfthesespeakethMoses
also:andexcepttheybesuch,theyareunderthecurse.Butthehypocritesarenotofthissort
fortheythinktoobtainrighteousnessbyworks,andbythemtomakethepersonjust[and
acceptable].Forthustheydream:Wethataresinnersandunrighteous,willbemade
righteous.Howshallthatbe?Bygoodworks.Thereforetheydoevenlikeasafoolishbuilder,
whichgoethaboutoftherooftomakethefoundation,ofthefruittomakethetree.Forwhen
theyseektobejustifiedbyworks,oftheworkstheywouldmaketheworker,whichis
directlyagainstMoses,whomakethsuchaworkersubjecttothecurse,aswellasPauldoth.
Thereforewhiletheygoabouttodothelaw,theynotonlydoitnot,butalsodeny(asIhave
said)thefirstcommandment,thepromisesofGod,thepromisedblessingofAbrahamthey
renouncefaithandtheygoabouttomakethemselvesblessedbytheirownworks:thatisto
say,tojustifythemselves,todeliverthemselvesfromsinanddeath,toovercomethedevil,
andviolentlytolayholduponthekingdomofheaven.AndthisisplainlytorenounceGod,
andtosetthemselvesintheplaceofGod.ForallthesearetheworksoftheDivineMajesty
alone,andnotofanycreatureeitherinheavenorinearth.
HereuponPaulwasableeasilytoforeshewoutofthefirstcommandment,the
abominationsthatweretocome,whichAntichristshouldbringintotheChurch.Forallthey
whichteachthatanyotherworshipisnecessarytosalvation,thanthatwhichGodrequirethof
usbythefirstcommandment,whichisthefearofGod,faithandtheloveofGod,areplain
Antichrists,andsetthemselvesintheplaceofGod(2Thessalonians2:4).Thatsuchshould
come,Christhimselfforetoldwhenhesaith,Matthew25:5:Manyshallcomeinmyname,
saying,IamChrist.Sowealsoatthisdaymayboldlyandeasilypronounce,thatwhosoever
seekethrighteousnessbyworkswithoutfaith,deniethGodandmakethhimselfGod.Forthus
hethinketh:IfIdothiswork,Ishallberighteous,Ishallbeaconquerorofsin,death,the
devil,thewrathofGod,andofhell,andshallobtainlifeeverlasting.Andwhatisthiselse,I
prayyou,buttochallengethatworkuntohimselfwhichdothbelongtoGodalone,andto
shewindeedthathehimselfisGod?Thereforeitisaneasymatterforustoprophesy,and
mostcertainlytojudgeofallthosewhicharewithoutfaith,thattheyarenotonlyidolators,
butveryidols,whichdenyGodandsetthemselvesintheplaceofGod.Uponthesame
groundPeteralsoprophesiethwhenhesaith:Thereshallbeamongyoufalseteachers,which
privilyshallbringindamnableheresies,andshalldenytheLordthatbroughtthem,etc.
(Peter2:1).
AndintheOldTestamentallthepropheciesagainstidolatrysprangoutofthefirst
commandment.Forallthewickedkingsandprophets,withalltheunfaithfulpeople,did
nothingelsebutthatwhichthePopeandallhypocritesalwaysdo.They,contemningthefirst
commandmentandworshipappointedofGod,anddespisingthepromiseofAbrahamsseed,
eventhatSeedinwhomallnationsshouldbeblessed,ordainedawickedworshipclean
contrarytotheWordofGod,andsaid:WiththisworshipwillweserveGodandsetouthis
praise,whichhathbroughtusoutofthelandofEgypt.SoJeroboammadetwogoldencalves
andsaid:BeholdthyGods,OIsrael,whichbroughttheeoutofthelandofEgypt(IKings
12:28).ThishesaidofthetrueGodwhichhadredeemedIsrael,andyetbothheandallhis
peoplewereidolatersfortheyworshippedGodcontrarytothefirstcommandment.They
onlyregardedthework:whichbeingdone,theycountedthemselvesrighteousbeforeGod.

Andwhatwasthiselse,buttodenyGodhimself,whomtheyconfessedwiththeirmouth,and
saidthathehadbroughtthemoutofthelandofEgypt?Paulspeakethofsuchidolatorswhen
hesaith:TheyprofessthattheyknowGod,butintheirdeedstheydenyhim(Titus1:16).
Whereforeallhypocritesandidolatersgoabouttodothoseworkswhichproperlypertain
totheDivineMajesty,andbelongtoChristonlyandalone.Indeedtheysaynotinplain
words:IamGod,IamChrist,andyetinverydeedtheyproudlychallengeuntothemselves
thedivinityandofficeofChrist,andthereforeitisasmuchineffectasiftheysaid:Iam
Christ,Iamasavior,notonlyofmyself,butalsoofothers.Thisthemonkshavenotonly
taught,butalsohavemadethewholeworldtobelieve:towit,thattheyareable,notonlyto
makethemselvesrighteousthroughtheirhypocriticalholiness,butalsoothersuntowhom
theycommunicatethesame:whereasnotwithstandingitistheproperofficeofChristaloneto
justifythesinner.ThePopeinlikemanner,bypublishingandspreadinghisdivinity
throughoutthewholeworld,hathdeniedandutterlybuffedtheofficeanddivinityofChrist.
Itisexpedientthatthesethingsshouldbewelltaughtandwellweighed:fortherebywe
maylearntojudgeofthewholeChristiandoctrine,andthelifeofmanalsotoconfirmmens
consciences,tounderstandallpropheciesandalltheholyScriptures,andrightlytojudgeof
allotherthings.Hethatknowethallthesethingsrightly,maycertainlyjudgethatthePopeis
Antichrist,becauseheteachethafarothermannerofworship,thanthefirstTablesettethout.
HemayperfectlyknowandunderstandwhatitistodenyGod,todenyChrist,andwhat
Christmeanethwhenhesaith:Manyshallcomeinmyname,saying,IamChrist(Matthew
24:5)whatitistobeagainstGod,andtobeliftedupaboveallthatiscalledGod,orthatis
worshippedwhatitsignifieththatAntichristsittethinthetempleofGod,shewinghimselfas
Godwhatitistoseetheabominationofdesolationstandingintheholyplace,etc.(Matthew
24:15Daniel9:27).
Nowhereofspringallthesemischiefs,thatthiscursedhypocrisywillnotbejustifiedby
thedivineblessing,norformedbyGodthecreatoritwillnotbemerelypassivematter,but
willactivelyworkthosethingswhichitshouldpatientlysufferGodtoworkinitandreceive
ofhim.Thereforeitmakethitselfacreatorandajustifierthroughitsownworks,despisingthe
blessingpromisedandgiventoAbrahamandtohisbelievingchildrensothateveryhypocrite
isboththematterandtheworker(althoughthisbeagainstphilosophy,foroneandthe
selfsamethingcannotactuponitself):thematter,becauseheisasinnertheworker,because
heputtethonacowl,orchoosethsomeotherwork,throughthewhichhehopethtodeserve
grace,andtosavehimselfandothers:thereforeheisboththecreatureandthecreator.No
manthereforecanexpresswithwords,howexecrableandhorribleitistoseekrighteousness
inthelawbyworks,withouttheblessing.Foritistheabominationstandingintheholyplace,
whichdeniethGod,andsettethupthecreatureintheplaceofthecreator.
Thedoersofthelawthereforearenotthehypocrites,observingthelawoutwardlybut
thetruebelievers,who,receivingtheHolyGhost,doaccomplishthelaw:thatistosay,they
loveGodandtheirneighbor,etc.
Sothatthetruedoerofthelawistobeunderstood,notinrespectoftheworkswhichhe
worketh,butinrespectofthepersonnowregeneratebyfaith.Foraccordingtodivinity,they
thataremaderighteous,dorighteousthingsbutaccordingtophilosophyitisnotso,but
contrariwise,theythatdorighteousthings,aremaderighteousthereby.Thereforewe,being
justifiedbyfaith,dogoodworksthroughthewhich(asitissaid,2Peter1:10)ourcallingand
electionisconfirmed,andfromdaytodayismademoresure.Butbecausewehaveonlythe
firstfruitsoftheSpirit,andhavenotasyetthetenths,andtheremnantsofsindostillremain

inus,thereforewedonotthelawperfectly.Butthisimperfectionisnotimputeduntous
whichdobelieveinChrist,whowaspromisedtoAbraham,andhathblessedus.Forweare
nourishedandtenderlycherishedinthemeanseason,forChristssake,inthelapofGods
longsufferance.Wearethatwoundedmanwhichfellintothehandsofthieves,whose
woundstheSamaritanboundup,pouringinoilandwine,andafterwardslayinghimuponhis
beast,hebroughthimintotheinn,andmadeprovisionforhim,anddeparting,commended
himtothehost,saying,Takecareofhim,etc.(Luke10:30ff.).Andthusweinthe
meantimearecherishedasitwereinanhospice,untiltheLordputtohishandthesecond
time,asIsaiahsaith,thathemaydeliverus(Isaiah10:11).
WhereforethesentenceofMoses:Cursediseveryonethatabidethnotinallthingsthat
arewritteninthisbook,isnotcontrarytoPaul,whopronouncethallthemtobeaccursed
whichareoftheworksofthelaw.ForMosesrequirethsuchadoer,asmaydothelaw
perfectly.Butwhereshallwefindhim?Nowhere.Moseshimselfconfesseththatheisnot
such,forhesaiththatthereisnoneguiltlessbeforeGod(Exodus34)andDavidsaith:Lord,
enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant,etc.(Psalm143:2)andPaul:ForwhatIwould,
thatdoInot,etc.(Romans7:15).
WhereforeMosestogetherwithPauldothnecessarilydriveustoChrist,throughwhom
wearemadedoersofthelaw,andarenotaccountedguiltyofanytransgression.Howso?
Firstbyforgivenessofsinsandimputationofrighteousness,becauseofourfaithinChrist.
Secondly,bythegift[ofGod]andtheHolyGhost,whichbringethforthanewlifeandnew
motionsinus,sothatwemayalsodothelaweffectually.Nowthatwhichisnotdoneis
pardonedforChristssakeandmoreover,whatsinsoeverisleftinus,isnotimputed.So
MosesagreethwithPaul,andmeaneththeselfsamethingthathedoth,whenhesaith:Cursed
iseveryonethatabidethnot,etc.Forhesaiththattheydonotthelaw,becausetheywould
justifythemselvesbyworks,andconcludethwithPaul,thattheyareunderthecurse.
ThereforeMosesrequirethtruedoersofthelaw,whichareoffaith,evenasPaulcondemneth
thosewhicharenottruedoers,thatistosay,whicharenotoffaith.Hereinisnorepugnance,
thatMosesspakenegativelyandPaulaffirmatively,sothatyoudefinerightlywhatismeant
bythisworddo.Sobothsentencesaretrue,towit,thatallareaccursedwhichabidenotin
allthatiswritteninthisbookand,thatalltheyareaccursed,whichareoftheworksofthe
law.
ANANSWERTOTHOSEARGUMENTSWHICHTHEADVERSARIESALLEGE
AGAINSTTHEDOCTRINEANDRIGHTEOUSNESSOFFAITH
Seeingthisplaceofferethuntousanoccasion,wemustsaysomethingastouchingthe
argumentswhichouradversariesdoobjectagainstthedoctrineoffaith,whichis,thatweare
justifiedbyfaithalone.TherearemanyplacesbothintheOldTestamentandintheNew,as
concerningworksandrewardsofworks,whichouradversariesdoallege,andthink
themselvesabletherebyutterlytooverthrowthedoctrineoffaithwhichweteachand
maintain.Thereforewemustbewellfurnishedandarmed,thatwemaybeable,notonlyto
instructourbrethren,butalsotoanswertheobjectionsofouradversaries.
Theschoolmen,andallsuchasunderstandnotthearticleofjustification,doknowno
otherrighteousnessthanthecivilrighteousnessandtherighteousnessofthelaw,whichaftera
sorttheGentilesalsodoknow.
Thereforetheyborrowcertainwordsoutofthelawandmoralphilosophy,astodo,to
work,andsuchlikeandtheyapplythesameuntospiritualmatters:whereintheydealmost

perverselyandwickedly.Wemustputadifferencebetweenphilosophyanddivinity.The
schoolmenthemselvesgrantandteach,thatintheorderofnature,beinggoethbefore
workingfornaturallythetreeisbeforethefruit.Again,inphilosophytheygrant,thatawork
morallywroughtisnotgood,excepttherebefirstaright[judgmentof]reasonandagoodwill
49[oragoodintent].Sothentheywillhavearight[judgmentof]reasonandagoodwillto
gobeforethework:thatistosay,theymakethepersonmorallyrighteousbeforethework.
Contrariwise,indivinity[andinspiritualmatters],wheretheyoughtmostofallsotodo,such
senselessassestheyarethattheypervertandturnallquitecontrary,placingtheworkbefore
theright[judgmentof]reasonandgoodwill.
Wherefore,doingisonethinginnature,anotherinphilosophy,andanotherindivinity.In
naturethetreemustbefirst,andthenthefruit.Inmoralphilosophy,doingrequirethagood
willandaright[judgmentof]reasontoworkwell,goingbefore.Andhereallthe
philosophersareatastay,andcangonofurther.Thereforethedivinessay,thatmoral
philosophytakethnotGodfortheobjectandfinalcause.ForAristotle,oraSadducee,ora
manofanycivilhonesty,calleththisrightreasonandagoodwill,ifheseekthepublic
commodityofthecommonwealth,andthequietnessandhonestythereof.Aphilosopheror
lawgiverascendethnohigher.Hethinkethnotthrougharight[judgmentof]reasonanda
goodintenttoobtainremissionofsinsandeverlastinglife,asthesophisterorthemonkdoth.
Whereforetheheathenphilosopherismuchbetterthansuchanhypocrite.Forheabideth
withinhisbounds,havingonlyconsiderationofthehonestyandtranquillityofthe
commonwealth,notminglingheavenlyandearthlythingstogether.Contrariwise,theblind
sophisterimagineththatGodregardethhisgoodintentandworksThereforehemingleth
earthlyandheavenlything,together,andpolluteththenameofGod.Andthisimaginationhe
learnethoutofmoralphilosophy,savingthatheabusethitmuchworsethantheheathenman
doth.
Whereforewemustascenduphigherindivinitywiththisworddoingthaninnatureand
inphilosophy,sothatitmaybemadealtogethernew.Forwhenitistransferredfromnatural
thingstomoralmatters,itisnolongerthesameneitherisitthesamewhenitistakenfrom
philosophyandthelawintodivinity:buthereitmusthaveaquitenewsignification,andmust
requirearightjudgmentofreasonandagoodwill,notmorally,butdivinelywhichis,thatI
knowandbelievebythewordoftheGospel,thatGodhathsenthisSonintotheworldto
redeemusfromsinanddeath.Heredoingisanewthing,unknowntoreason,to
philosophers,tolawyers,anduntoallmen:foritisawisdomhiddeninamysteryetc.(1
Corinthians2:7).Thereforeindivinitytheworknecessarilyrequirethfaithitselfgoingbefore.
ThereforewhenouradversariesdoallegeagainstusthesentencesoftheScripture
touchingthelawandworks,wherementionismadeofworkinganddoing,thoumustanswer
them,thattheyaretermspertainingtodivimty,andnottonaturalormoralthings.Iftheybe
appliedtonaturalormoralthings,theymustbetakenintheirownsignification.Butiftheybe
appliedtomattersofdivinity,theymustincludesucharight[judgmentof]reasonandgood
will,asisincomprehensibletoamansreason.Whereforedoingindivinitymustbealways
understoodofafaithfuldoing.Sothatthisfaithfuldoingisanotherrealm,andasitwerea
newkingdom,separatefromthe[naturalor]moraldoing.Therefore,whenwethataredivines
speakofdoing,wemustneedsspeakofthatfaithfuldoing:forindivinitywehavenoother
rightreason,nogoodwill[orintent]besidesfaith.
ThisruleiswellobservedintheeleventhchaptertotheHebrews.Therearerecitedmany
andsundryworksofthesaints,outoftheholyScripture:asofDavid,whokilledalionanda

bear,andslewGoliath.Therethesophisterorschoolman,thatfoolishass,lookethupon
nothingelsebuttheoutwardappearanceofthework,asacowstarethatanewdoor.Butthis
workofDavidmustbesolookedupon,thatfirstwemustconsiderwhatmannerofperson
Davidwas,beforehedidthisworktowit,thathewassuchaperson,whosehearttrustedin
theLordGodofIsrael,asthetextplainlywitnesseth:TheLordthatdeliveredmeoutofthe
pawofthelion,andoutofthepawofthebear,willdelivermeoutofthehandofthis
Philistinealso:Thoucomesttomewithasword,andwithaspear,andwithashieldbutI
cometotheeinthenameoftheLordofhosts,theGodofthearmiesofIsrael,uponwhom
thouhastrailedthisday.AndtheLordshallclosetheeinmyhand,andIshallsmitethee,and
takethineheadfromtheeetc.,becausetheLordsavethnotwithswordnorspearetc.
(Samuel17:37,45ff.).Youseethenthathewasarighteousman,acceptabletoGod,strong
andconstantinfaith,beforehedidthiswork.
ThisdoingofDavid,therefore,isnotanaturalormoraldoing,butafaithfuldoing.
SoitissaidofAbelinthesameEpistle,thatthroughfaithheofferedupabettersacrifice
untoGodthanCain(Hebrews11:4).Iftheschoolmenhappenuponthisplaceasitisreadin
Genesis4:3ff,(whereitissimplysetout,howthatbothCainandAbeloffereduptheirgifts,
andthattheLordhadrespectuntoAbelandhisofferings),byandbytheytakeholdofthese
words:theyofferedtheiroblations,andtheLordhadrespecttotheofferingsofAbel,and
cryoutsaying:HereyeseethatGodhadrespecttoofferingsthereforeworksdojustify.So
thatthesefilthyswinedothinkthatrighteousnessisbutamoralthing,onlybeholdingthe
vizororoutwardshewofthework,andnottheheartofhimthatdoththework:whereas
notwithstandingeveninphilosophytheyareconstrained,nottolookuponthebarework,but
thegoodwilloftheworker.Butheretheystandaltogetheruponthesewords:theyofferedup
giftsandtheLordhadrespectuntoAbelandtohisofferings,andseenotthatthetextsaith
plainlyinGenesis,thattheLordhadrespectfirsttothepersonofAbel,whichpleasedthe
Lordbecauseofhisfaith,andafterwardstohisofferings.Thereforeindivinitywespeakof
faithfulworks,sacrifices,oblationsandgifts,thatistosay,whichareofferedupanddonein
faith,astheEpistletotheHebrewsdeclarethsaying:ThroughfaithAbelofferedupabetter
sacrificethroughfaithEnochwastranslatedthroughfaithAbrahamobeyedGodetc.We
haveherethenarulesetforthintheeleventhtotheHebrews,howweshouldsimplyanswer
totheargumentsobjectedoftheadversariesastouchingthelawandworks,thatistosay:this
orthatmandidthisorthatworkinfaithandbythismeansthougivestasolutiontoalltheir
arguments.
Herebyitappearethmanifestlythatindivinitytheworkisnothingworthwithoutfaith,
butthoumustneedshavefaithbeforethoubegintowork.
ForwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,buthethatwillcomeuntoGodmust
believe(Hebrews11:6).WhereforeintheEpistletotheHebrewsitissaid,thatthesacrificeof
AbelwasbetterthanthesacrificeofCain,becausehebelieved:thereforetheworkorthe
sacrificeofAbelwasfaithful.ContrariwiseinCain,becausehewasungodlyandan
hypocrite,therewasnofaith[ortrust]ofGodsgrace[orfavor],butmerepresumptionofhis
ownrighteousnessandthereforehisworkwherebyhewentabouttopleaseGod,was
hypocritcalandunfaithful.Whereforetheadversariesthemselvesarecompelledtogrant,that
inalltheworksofthesaintsfaithispresupposed,forthewhichtheirworksdopleaseGod
[andareacceptedofhim].Thereforeindivinitythereisanewdoing,cleancontrarytothe
moraldoing.
Moreover,wearealsowonttodistinguishfaithafterthismanner,thatfaithissometimes

takenwithoutthework,sometimeswiththework.Forlikeasanartificerspeakethdiversely
ofthematterwhereuponheworketh,andlikewiseagardenerofthetreebeingbarrenor
fruitfulevensotheHolyGhostspeakethdiverselyoffaithintheScripture:sometimes(asa
manwouldsay)ofanabstractorabsolutefaith,sometimesofaconcrete,compound,or
incarnatefaith.Now,anabsoluteorabstractfaithisthis,whentheScripturespeaketh
absolutelyofjustification,orofthejustified,asistobeseenintheEpistlestotheRomansand
totheGalatians.ButwhentheScripturespeakethofrewardsandworks,thenitspeakethof
thecompound,concrete,orincarnatefaith.Wewillrehearsesomeexamplesofthisfaith,as:
FaithwhichworkethbyloveDothisandthoushaltliveIfthouwiltenterintolife,keep
thecommandmentsHethatdoththesethingsshallliveinthemDeclinefromevil,anddo
thatwhichisgood.Intheseandsuchlikeplaces(astherearemanyintheholyScripture)
wherementionismadeofdoing,theScripturealwaysspeakethoffaithfuldoing.Aswhenit
saith:Dothisandthoushaltlive,itmeaneththus:Seefirstthatthoubefaithful,thatthou
haveafight[judgmentof]reasonandagoodwill,thatistosay,faithinChrist.Whenthou
hastthisfaith,workonwithGodsblessing.
Whatmarvelisitthen,ifmeritsandrewardsbepromisedtothisincarnatefaith:thatisto
say,totheworkingfaith,aswasthefaithofAbel,ortofaithfulworks?Andwhyshouldnot
theholyScripturethusspeakdiverselyoffaith,whenitspeakethdiverswaysofChrist,ashe
isGodandman:thatistosay,sometimesofhiswholeperson,sometimesofhistwonatures
apart,eitherofhisdivineorofhishumannature?Ifitspeakofthenaturesapart,itspeaketh
ofChristabsolutely:butifitspeakofthedivinenatureunitedinonepersontothehuman
nature,thenitspeakethofChristcompoundandincarnate.Thereisacommonruleamongthe
schoolmenofthecommunicationoftheproperties,whenthepropertiesbelongingtothe
divinityofChrist,areattributedtothehumanity:whichwemayseeeverywhereinthe
Scriptures.AsinLuke2:10f.,theangelcalleththeinfantbornoftheVirginMary,theSavior
ofmenandtheuniversalLordbothoftheangelsandmenandinthefirstchapterhecalleth
himtheSonofGod(Luke1:32).HereuponImaytrulysay,thatthatinfantwhichlayinthe
mangerandinthelapoftheVirgin,createdheavenandearthandisLordoftheangels.HereI
speakindeedofamanbutmaninthispropositionisanewwordand(astheschoolmen
themselvesdogrant)hathrelationtothedivinity:thatistosay,thisGodwhichwasmade
man,hathcreatedallthings.Creationisattributedonlytothedivinity[ofChrist],forthe
humanitydothnotcreateandyetnotwithstandingitistrulysaidthatthemancreated,
becausethedivinity,whichalonecreateth,isincarnatewiththehumanity,andthereforethe
humanitytogetherwiththedivinityispartakerofthesameproperties.Whereforeitiswell
andgodlysaid:thismanJesusChristbroughtIsraeloutofEgypt,strokePharaoh,and
wroughtallthewondersfromthebeginningoftheworld,etc.
ThereforewhentheScripturesaith:Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments
ofGod,Dothisandthoushaltlive,etc.,firstwemustseeofwhatmannerofkeepingand
doingitspeaketh:forintheseandinsuchlikeplaces,asIhavesaid,hespeakethofa
compoundfaith,andnotofanakedandsimplefaith.Andthemeaningofthisplace:Dothis
andthoushaltlive,isthis:thoushaltlivebecauseofthisfaithfuldoingor,thisdoingshall
giveuntotheelifebecauseofthyfaithalone.Afterthismannerfaithisattributedtofaith
alone,ascreationistothedivinity.Andyetnotwithstanding,asitistrulysaidthatJesusthe
sonofMarycreatedallthings,soalsojustificationisattributedtotheincarnatefaith,ortothe
faithfuldoing.Thereforewemustinnowisethinkwiththesophistersandhypocrites,that
worksdoabsolutelyjustify,orthatmeritsandrewardsarepromisedtomoralworks,butto

faithfulworksonly.
LetusthereforesuffertheHolyGhosttospeak,ashedothintheScriptures,eitherof
naked,simpleandabstractfaith,orofcompound,incarnateandconcretefaith.Allthings
whichareattributedtoworks,doproperlybelonguntofaith.Forworksmustnotbelooked
uponmorally,butfaithfullyandspiritually.Intheology,faithmustalwaysbethedivinityof
works,andsospreadthroughouttheworksasisthedivinitythroughoutthehumanityof
Christ.Hethatcomethnighuntotheheatinheatediron,comethnighuntotheironandhe
thathathtouchedtheskinofChrist,hathverilytouchedGod.Faiththereforedothallalonein
theworks[ofthefaithful].Abrahamiscalledfaithful,becausefaithisspreadthroughoutthe
wholepersonofAbraham:sothat,beholdinghimworking,Iseenothingofthecarnalorof
theworkingAbraham,butthebelievingAbrahamonly.ThesethingsIdosodiligentlyrepeat,
thatImayshewyouthedoctrineoffaith,andthatyemaybeablerightlyandcaseytoanswer
theobjectionsoftheadversaries,whichdomingletogetherphilosophyandtheology,andof
moralworksmakespiritualandtheologicalworks.Atheologicalworkisafaithfulwork,and
atheologicalmanisafaithfulmanalso,arightreasonandagoodwillisafaithfulreasonand
will:insuchwisethatfaithisuniversallythedivinityinwork,personandmembers,asthe
oneandonlycauseofjuitification,whichnotwithstandingafterwardisattributedtothematter
becauseoftheform,thatis,totheworkbecauseofthefaith.Eternalandinfinitepoweris
givenuntotheman,Christ,notbecauseofhishumanity,butbecauseofhisdivinity.Forthe
divinityalonecreatedallthings,withoutanyhelpofthehumanitynordidthehumanity
conquersinanddeath,butthehookhiddenundertheworm,whereonthedevildidfasten,
conqueredanddevouredthedevil,whichsoughttodevourtheworm.Thereforethehumanity
alonewouldhaveeffectednothing,butthedivinity,joinedwiththehumanity,alonedidall
things,andthehumanitybecauseofthedivinity.Soherefaithalonejustifiethanddothall
things:andyetnotwithstandingthesameisattributeduntoworks,butbecauseofthefaith.
Thesewordstherefore,todo,towork,maybetakenthreeways:substantially(or
naturally),morally,andtheologically(thoughthesophistershaveinventedcertainneutral
works,whichtheyalarmtobeneithergoodnorbad).Insubstances,ornatures,andinmoral
matters(asIhavesaid),thesewordsaretakenintheircommonandnaturalsignification.But
intheologytheybecomealtogethernewwords,andacquireanewsignification.Wherefore,
allthehypocritesthatwiltbejustifiedbythelaw,andhavefalseopinionsconcerningGod,do
belonguntothemoraldoingagainstwhomPaulheredisputeth.Fortheyhavesuchadoingas
proceedethoutofarightreasonandagoodwillthatarebutmoralorhuman.Thereforetheir
worksaremerelymoralorrationalwhereastheworksofthegodlyaretheological,which
includefaith.
WhereforewhenthoureadestintheScripturesconcerningthefathers,prophetsand
kings,howtheywroughtrighteousness,raisedupthedead,overcamekingdoms,etc.,thou
mustrememberthattheseandsuchlikesayingsaretobeexpoundedaccordingtoanewand
theologicalgrammar,astheEpistletotheHebrewsexpoundeththem:Byfaiththeywrought
righteousness,byfaiththeyraisedupthedead,byfaiththeysubduedkingsandkingdoms
(Hebrews11:33ff.).Sothatfaithincorporateththework,andgivethithisperfection.And
thistheadversaries,iftheybewellintheirwits,cannotdeny,neitherhavetheyanythingto
sayorobjectagainstit.IndeedtheycancryoutthattheScripturespeakethoftentimesof
doingandworking.Andwealwaysanswerthemagain,thatisspeakethalsooffaithfuldoing.
Forfirstoughtreasontobelightenedbyfaithbeforeitworkethbutwhenatrueopinionand
knowledgeofGodisheldasrightreason,thenistheworkincarnatedandincorporatedintoit:

sothatwhatsoeverisattributedtofaith,isafterwardsattributedtoworksalso,butyetbecause
offaithonlyandalone.
Whereforetheywhichstudydivinity,mustlearntoputadifferencebetweenthetrueand
thehypocritical,themoralandthespiritualdoing[ofthelaw].Soshalltheybeabletodeclare
thetruemeaningofallthoseplaceswhichseemtomaintaintherighteousnessofworks.Now
thetruedoing,asIhavesaid,isafaithfulandaspiritualdoing,whichhehathnotthatseeketh
righteousnessbyworks.Thereforeeveryworkerofthelawandeverymoralsaintisaccursed.
ForhewalkethinthepresumptionofhisownrighteousnessagainstGod,whilsthewillbe
justifiedbymanswillandreason,andsoindoingofthelawhedothitnot.Andthis,
accordingtoPaul,istobeundertheworksofthelaw:thatistosay,thathypocritesdothe
law,andyetindoingittheydoitnotfortheyunderstandthisworddoingaccordingtothe
moralgrammar,whichindivinityavailethnot.Indeedtheyworkmanythings,butoftheir
ownpresumptionandwithouttheknowledgeofGodandfaith,asthePhariseedid(Luke
18:10ff.)andasPauldidbeforehisconversion:thereforetheyareblindanddoerr,andso
remainunderthecurse.WhereforeagainIadmonishyou,thatsuchsentencesasthe
adversariesdoallegeoutoftheScripturesconcerningworksandrewards,mustbespiritually
expounded.As,iftheyallegethissentenceoutofDaniel4:27:Redeemthysinsbyalms
deeds,thoumustnothereexpoundthesewordsmorally,butspiritually.Soshaltthouseethat
thiswordredeemsignifiethnomoral,butafaithfuldoing,thatistosay,itincludethfaith.
ForintheScripturestheworkrequirethalsoagoodwillandaright[judgmentof]reasonto
gobefore,notmoral,butspiritual,whichisfaith.Bythismeansthoushaltbeabletostopthe
mouthsofthesophisters.Fortheythemselvesarecompelledtogrant(andsoteachtheyalso
outofAristotle),thateverygoodworkproceedethoutofmanschoice[orfreewill].Ifthisbe
trueinphilosophy,muchmoreindivinitymustagoodwillandright[judgmentof]reason
guidedbyfaithgobeforethework.Andthisdoallwordsoftheimperativemoodsignifyin
theScriptures,andallsuchwordsalsoasteachthelaw,astheEpistletotheHebrewsdoth
plainlydeclare:ByfaithAbelofferedetc.
Now,admitthecasethatthissolutionisnotsufficient(althoughitbeindeedmostsure
andcertain),yetnotwithstandingletthisbetheargumentofallargumentsandthevery
lodestarofChristiansagainstallthetemptationsandobjections,notonlyoftheadversaries,
butalsoofthedevilhimself,namelytoapprehendandtoholdfastthehead,whichisChrist.
Moreover,admitthatthesophisters,beingmorecraftyandsubtlethanI,shouldsosnareand
entanglemewiththeirarguments,whichtheybringforthemaintenanceofworksagainst
faith,thatIshouldknownowaytowindmyselfout(whichnotwithstandingitisimpossible
forthemtodo),yetwillIrathergivereverenceandcredittoChristalone,thanbepersuaded
withalltheplacestheyareabletoallegefortheestablishingoftherighteousnessofworks
againstthedoctrineoffaith.
Wherefore,theymustbesimplyandplainlyansweredafterthismanner:
HereisChrist,therearethetestimoniesoftheScripturestouchingthelawandworks.
Now,ChrististheLordoftheScriptureandofallworks.HealsoisLordofheaven,theearth,
thesabbath,thetemple,righteousness,life,wrath,sin,death,andgenerallyofallthings
whatsoever.AndPaulhisApostlesheweththathewasmadesinandbecameaccursedforme
(2Corinthians5:21Galatians3:13).IhearthenthatIcouldbynoothermeansbedelivered
frommysin,mydeathandmymalediction,butbyhisdeathandbloodshedding.WhereforeI
mostassuredlyconclude,thatitbehovedChristhimselftoovercomemysin,deathand
maledictioninhisownbody,andnottheworksofthelawormineownworks.Andhereunto

reasonisnaturallyconstrainedtoyieldandsay,thatChristisnottheworkofthelaw,ormy
workthathisbloodanddeathisnotcircumcision,theobservationoftheceremoniesofthe
law,muchlessamonkscowl,ashavencrown,abstinence,orvowsandthathisvictory,
whichhehathgivenuntome,isnotaCarthusian.Wherefore,ifhebethepriceofmy
redemption,ifhebemadesinandmaledictionthathemightjustifyandblessme,Icarenotif
thoubringathousandplacesoftheScripturefortherighteousnessofworksagainstthe
righteousnessoffaith,andcryoutneversomuchthattheScriptureisagainstme.Ihavethe
AuthorandLordoftheScripturewithme,onwhosesideIwillratherstandthanbelievethee
AlbeititisimpossiblethattheScriptureshouldbeagainstthisdoctrine,unlessitbeamongst
thesenselessandobstinatehypocritesbuttothegodlyandsuchashaveunderstanding,it
givethwitnessforitsLord.SeethereforehowthoucanstreconciletheScripture,whichthou
sayestisagainstmydoctrine.Asforme,IwillsticktotheAuthoroftheScripture.
Thereforeifanymanthinkethhimselfnotwellabletoreconcilesuchplacesofthe
Scriptureconcerningworks,ortoansweruntothesamesufficiently,andyetnotwithstanding
isconstrainedtoheartheobjectionsandcavillationsoftheadversaries,lethimanswersimply
andplainlyafterthissort:Thousettestagainstmetheservant,thatistosay,theScripture,and
thatnotwholly,neitheryettheprincipalpartthereof,butonlycertainplacesastouching
works.ButIcomewiththeLordhimself,whoistheKingofScripture,andismadeuntome
themeritandpriceofrighteousnessandsalvation.OnhimIlayhold,himIstickto,andleave
worksuntothee,whichnotwithstandingthouneverdidst.Thissolutionneitherthedevilnor
anyjusticiarycaneverwrestfromtheeoroverthrow.
MoreoverthouartinsafetybeforeGod:forthyheartabidethfixedintheobjectwhichis
calledChrist,whowasnailedtotheCrossandaccursed,notforhimself,butforus,asthetext
saith:madeacurseforus.Holdfastthis,andlayitagainstallthesentencesofthelawand
workswhatsoever,andsay:Dostthouhearthis,Satan?Herehemustneedsgiveplace,forhe
knoweththatChristishisLordandmaster.
AndthatnomanisjustifiedbythelawinthesightofGod,itisevident:forthejust
shalllivebyfaith(Habakkuk1:4).
Thisisanotherargument,groundeduponthetestimonyoftheprophetHabakkuk.Anditisa
sentenceofgreatweightandauthority,whichPaulsettethagainstallthesentencestouching
thelawandworks.Asifheshouldsay:Whatneedweanylongdisputation?HereIbring
forthamostevidenttestimonyoftheprophet,againstthewhichnomancancavil:Thejust
shalllivebyfaith.Ifhelivebyfaith,thenhelivethnotbythelaw:forthelawisnotoffaith.
AndherePaulexcludethworksandthelaw,asthingscontrarytofaith.Thesophisters(as
theyarealwayreadytocorrupttheScriptures)dowrestandpervertthisplaceafterthis
manner.Thejustmandothlivebyfaith:thatistosay,byaworkingfaith,orformed[and
madeperfect]withcharity:butifitbenotformedwithcharity,thendothitnotjustify.This
glosstheythemselveshaveforged,andbythesametheydoinjurytothewordsofthe
prophet.Iftheydidcallformed[orfurnished]faiththetrueandspiritual,orasPaulsaith
unfeignedfaith,whichGodcallethfaith,thistheirglossshouldnotoffendmeforthenfaith
shouldnotbeseparatedfromcharity,butfromthevainopinionoffaith:aswealsoputa
differencebetweenacounterfeitfaithandatruefaith.Thecounterfeitfaithisthatwhich
hearethofGod,ofChrist,andofallthemysteriesofhisincarnationandourredemption:
whichalsoapprehendethandbearethawaythosethingswhichitheareth,yeaandcantalk

goodlythereof,andyetthereremainethnothingelseintheheart,butanakedopinionandan
emptysoundoftheGospel.Andinverytruthitisnofaith,foritneitherrenewethnor
changeththeheart:itmakethnotanewman,butleavethhiminthevanityofhisformer
opinionandconversation:andthisisaveryperniciousfaith,whichitwerebetternottohave.
Themoralphilosopherismuchbetterthanthehypocritehavingsuchafaith.
Wherefore,iftheywouldmakeadistinctionbetweenthefaithformedandthefalseor
counterfeitfaith,theirdistinctionshouldnothingoffendme.
Buttheyspeakoffaithformed[andmadeperfect]withcharity,andmakeadoublefaith,
thatistosay,formedandunformed.ThispestilentanddevilishglossIutterlydetest.
Although,saythey,wehavefaithinfused,[calledfidesinfusa,]whichisthegiftoftheHoly
Ghost,andalsofaithgottenbyourownindustry,[calledfidesacquisita,]whichwedogetfor
ourselvesbymanyactsofbelieving:yetbothofthemlacktheirform[andperfection,which
ischarity,]andareformedwithcharity.Sofaithalone(astheydream)islikeapaintinganda
thingofbeautyinadarkplace,whichcannotbeperceiveduntillight,thatistosaycharity,is
addeduntoit.Andthuscharityistheformoffaith,andfaiththemerematterofcharity.This
istoprefercharitybeforefaith,andtoattributerighteousness,nottofaith,buttocharity.
Whereforewhentheydonotattributerighteousnesstofaith,butonlyinrespectofcharity,
theyattributetofaithnothingatall.
Moreover,thesepervertersoftheGospelofChristdoteach,thateventhatfaithwhich
theycallfaithinfused,andnotreceivedbyhearing,norgottenbyanyworking,butcreatedin
manbytheHolyGhost,maystandwithdeadlysin,andthattheworstmenmayhavethis
faith:therefore,saythey,ifitbealone,itisidleandutterlyunprofitable,eventhoughitwork
miracles.Thustheytakefromfaithheroffice,andgiveituntocharitysothatfaithisnothing,
exceptcharitywhichtheycalltheform[andperfection]thereof,bejoinedwithal.Therefore
accordingtothispestilentinventionofthesophisters,faiththatmiserablevirtuemustbea
kindofunformedchaos,withoutanywork,efficacyandlife,beingonlypassivematter.This
isadevilishandblasphemouskindofdoctrine,whichutterlydefacethandoverthroweththe
doctrineoffaith,andcarriethamancleanfromChristthemediator,andfromthefaithwhich
layethholdonChristhimself.Forifcharitybetheform[andperfection]offaith,asthey
dream,thenamIbyandbyconstrainedtosay,thatcharityistheprincipalpartofthe
ChristianreligionandsoIloseChrist,hisblood,hiswounds,andallhisbenefits,andnowI
restuponcharity,Ilove,andIfallintoamoraldoing,evenasthePope,theheathen
philosopher,andtheTurkdoth.
ButtheHolyGhost,whichgivethtoallmenbothmouthandtongue,knowethhowto
speak.Hecouldhavesaid(asthesophistersdowickedlyimagine):Therighteousmanliveth
byfaithformed[andmadeperfectwithcharity].Butthisheomittethofpurpose,andsaith
plainly:Therighteouslivethbyfaith.Letthesedotishsophistersgo,therefore,withthis
theirwickedandpestilentgloss.Wewillstillholdandextolthisfaith,whichGodhimself
hathcalledfaith:thisistosay,atrueandacertainfaith,whichdoubtethnotofGod,norofhis
promises,noroftheforgivenessofsinsthroughChrist,thatwemaydwellsureandsafein
thisourobjectChrist,andmaykeepstillbeforeoureyesthepassionandbloodofthe
mediatorandallhisbenefits.Now,faithalonewhichlayethholduponChrist,istheonly
meansthatwesuffernotthesebenefitstobetakenoutofoursight.
Wherefore,rejectingthispestilentgloss,wemustunderstandthisplaceoffaithonlyand
alone.AndthisPaulhimselfdeclareth,whenhereasonethafterthissortagainstfaithformed
withcharity.

Andthelawisnotoffaith
Theschoolmensay:Therighteousmandothlive,ifhisfaithbeformed[andadornedwith
charity].ButcontrariwisePaulsaith:Thelawisnotoffaith.Butwhatisthelaw?Isitnot
alsoacommandmenttouchingcharity?
Yea,thelawcommandethnothingelsebutcharity,aswemayseebythetextitself:
ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,etc.(Deuteronomy6:5Matthew
22:37).Again:Shewingmercyuntothousandsthatlove(Deuteronomy5:10).Also:On
thesetwocommandmentshangeththewholelawandtheprophets(Matthew22:40).Ifthe
law,then,thatcommandethcharity,becontrarytofaith,itmustneedsfollowthatcharityis
notoffaith.SoPaulplainlyconfuteththeglosswhichthesophistershaveforgedtouching
theirformedfaith,andspeakethonlyoffaith,settingapartthelaw.Nowthelawbeingset
apart,charityisalsosetapart,withallthatbelongethtothelaw,andfaithonlyisleftwhich
justifiethandquickeneth.
Paulthereforereasonethhereoutofaplaintestimonyoftheprophet,thatthereisnone
whichobtainethjustificationandlifebeforeGod,butthebelievingman,whoobtaineth
righteousnessandlifewithoutthelawandwithoutcharity,byfaithalone.Thereasonis,
becausethelawisnotoffaith:thatis,thelawisnotfaithoranythingbelongingtofaith,forit
believethnotneitheraretheworksofthelawfaith:thereforefaithisathingmuchdiffering
fromthelaw,likeasthepromiseisathingmuchdifferingfromthelaw.Forthepromiseis
notapprehendedbyworking,butbybelieving.
Thereforeasinphilosophyatthefirstdivisionadifferenceisputbetweensubstanceand
accident,soindivinitythereisasgreatadifferencebetweenthepromiseandthelaw,and
consequentlybetweenfaithandworks,asthereisdistancebetweenheavenandearth.Butif
therebeadifferencebetweenthepromiseandthelaw,thenisthereadifferencealsobetween
faithandworks.Itisimpossiblethereforethatfaithshouldbeofthelaw.
Forfaithonlyrestethinthepromise,itonlyapprehendethandknowethGod,andstandeth
onlyinreceivinggoodthingsofGod.Contrariwisethelawandworksconsistindoing,andin
givinguntoGod:asAbelinofferinghissacrificegivethuntoGodbuthebelievingreceiveth
ofGod.PaulthereforeconcludethmightilyoutofthisplaceofHabakkuk,thattherighteous
manlivethbyfaithalone.Forthelawinnowisebelongethuntofaith,becausethelawisnot
thepromise.Butfaithrestethonlyuponthepromise.Wherefore,asthereisadifference
betweenthelawandthepromise,sothereisalsobetweenworksandfaith.Thatgloss
thereforeoftheschoolmenisfalseandwicked,whichjoineththelawandfaithtogetheryea
ratheritquenchethfaith,andsetteththelawintheplaceoffaith.
Andherenote,thatPaulalwaysspeakethofsuchaswoulddothelawmorally,andnot
accordingtodivinity.Butwhatsoeverissaidofsuchgoodworksasdivinityrequireth,the
sameisattributedtofaithalone.
Butthemanthatshalldothesethings,shallliveinthem
ThesewordsIdounderstandtobeirony.NotwithstandingIdenynotthattheymaybe
expoundedmorally,towit,thattheywhichdothelawmorally,thatistosay,withoutfaith,
shalllivetherein:thatis,theyshallnotbepunished,butshallhavecorporalrewardsthereby.
ButItakethisplaceasItakethatsayingofChrist:Thisdo,andthoushaltlive(Luke

10:28),sothatitisacertainironyormockery.Yea,dothouitindeed!
Paulheregoethabouttoshewwhatistheverytruerighteousnessofthelawandofthe
Gospel.Therighteousnessofthelawistofulfillthelaw,accordingtothatsaying:Hethat
shalldothosethings,shallliveinthem.
Therighteousnessoffaithistobelieve,accordingtothatsaying:Therighteousmandoth
livebyfaith.ThelawthereforerequireththatweshouldyieldsomewhatuntoGod.Butfaith
requirethnoworksofus,orthatweshouldgiveanythinguntoGod,butthatwebelievingthe
promiseofGod,shouldreceiveofhim.Theretoretheofficeofthelawistowork,asthe
officeoffaithistoassentuntothepromises.Forfaithisthefaithofthepromise,andthework
istheworkofthelaw.Paulthereforestandethuponthisworddoing:andthathemayplainly
shewwhatistherighteousnessofthelaw,andwhatistherighteousnessoffaith,he
compareththeonewiththeother,thepromisewiththelawandfaithwithworks.Hesaith,
thatofthelawtherecomethnothingelsebutonlydoing:butfaithisacleancontrarything,
namely,thatwhichassentethtothepromiseandlayethholduponit.
Thesefourthingsthereforemustbeperfectlydistinguished.Forasthelawhathhisproper
office,sohaththepromise.Tothelawpertainethdoing,andtothepromisebelieving.
Wherefore,asfarasthelawandthepromiseareseparateasunder,sofaralsoaredoingand
believing,evenifthouunderstanddoingspiritually.ForPaultreatethhereofanothermatter.
Heurgeththedistinctionbetweendoingandbelieving,thathemayseparatecharityfromfaith
andshewthatfaithalonejustifieth,becausethelaw,whetheritbedonemorallyorspiritually,
orbenotdone,helpethnothingatalluntojustification.Forthelawpertainethuntodoingand
faithisnotathingofthiskind,butathingaltogetherdiverse,whichisrequiredbeforethelaw
isdone,thatitmaybepreexistentandsotheremaycometopassalovelyincarnation.
Wherefore,faithalwaysjustifiethandquickeneth:andyetitabidethnotalone,thatisto
say,itisnotidle.Indeeditabidethaloneinitsdegreeandoffice,foritjustifiethalwaysalone
butitbecomethincarnateandismademan,thatistosay,itisneveridleorwithoutcharity.
SoChristaccordingtohisdivinityisadivineandeternalsubstanceornaturewithout
beginningbuthishumanityisanaturecreatedintime.ThesetwonaturesinChristarenot
confusedormingled,andthepropertyofeachmustbeclearlydistinguished.Itbelongethunto
thehumanity,tohaveabeginningintime,butuntothedivinitytobeeternalandwithout
beginningandyetnotwithstandingthesetwodoagree,andthedivinitythathathno
beginningisincorporatedintothehumanitythathathabeginning.As,therefore,Iam
constrainedtodistinguishbetweenthehumanityandthedivinity,andsay:humanityisnot
divinity,andyetaManisGod,sohereImakeadistinctionandsay:thelawisnotfaith,and
yetfaithworketh,andfaithandworksagreeconcretelyorcompoundly,andyeteachhathand
preservethitsownnatureandproperoffice.YeseethecausethenwhyPaulallegeththis
place,namely,thathemayseparatefaithandcharityfarasunder.
Fieuponthesophistersthereforewiththeircursedglossandtheir[blinddistinctionof]
faithformed[andunformed].Letusconstantlydeclarethattheseterms,faithformed,faith
unformed,faithgottenbymansindustryandsuchlike,areverymonstersdevisedbythe
devil,tonootherendbuttodefaceanddestroythetrueChristiandoctrineandfaith,to
blasphemeandtreadChristunderfoot,andtoestablishtherighteousnessofworks.Letus
declarethis,Isay,thatwemayholdfastthetrueandrightfaithwithoutworks.Indeedworks
mustfollowfaith,butfaithmustnotbeworks,orworksfaithbuttheboundsandthe
kingdomsofthelaworworks,andoffaith,mustberightlydistinguishedtheonefromthe
other.

Whenwebelieve,therefore,weliveonlybyfaithinChrist,whoiswithoutsin,whois
alsoourmercyseatandremissionofsins.Contrariwise,whenweobservethelaw,wework
indeed,butwehavenotrighteousnessandlife.For[theoffice]ofthelawisnottojustifyand
givelife,buttoshewforthsinandtodestroy.Indeedthelawsaith:Hethatshalldothose
thingsshallliveinthem.Butwhereishewhichdoththem?WhereishewhichlovethGod
withallhisheart,etc.,andhisneighborashimself?Thereforenomandoththelaw,and
althoughhegoabouttodoitneversomuch,yetindoingithedothitnot:thereforeheabideth
underthecurse.Butfaithworkethnot,butbelievethinChristthejustifier.Thereforeaman
livethnotbecauseofhisdoing,butbecauseofhisbelieving.Butafaithfulmanperformeth
thelawandthatwhichhedothnot,isforgivenhimthroughtheremissionofsinsfor
Christsake,andthatwhichremainethofsinisnotimputeduntohim.
Paulthereforeinthisplace,asalsoinRomans10,compareththerighteousnessofthelaw
andoffaithtogether,wherehesaith:Hethatshalldothosethings,etc.Asthoughhewould
say:Itwereindeedagoodlymatterifwecouldaccomplishthelawbutbecausenomandoth
it,wemustflyuntoChrist,whoistheendofthelawtorighteousnesstoeveryonethat
believeth.Hewasmadeunderthelaw,thathemightredeemusthatwereunderthelaw
(Romans10:4Galatians4:4).BelievinginhimwereceivetheHolyGhost,andwebeginto
dothelawandthatwhichwedonot,isnotimputeduntousbecauseofourfaithinChrist.
Butinthelifetocomeweshallnomorehaveneedoffaith,forthenweshallnotseedarkly
throughaglass(aswedonow),butweshallseefacetoface(1Corinthians13:12):thatisto
say,thereshallbethebrightnessofeternalglory,inwhichweshallseeGodevenasheis.
ThereshallbeatrueandaperfectknowledgeandloveofGod,arightreasonandagoodwill:
notmoralandnottheological,butheavenly,divineandeternal.Hereinthemeantime,in
spiritbyfaith,welookforthehopeofrighteousness.
Contrariwise,theythatseekforgivenessofsinsbythelawandnotbyfaithinChrist,do
neverperformthelaw,butabideunderthecurse.
Paulthereforecalleththemonlyrighteous,whicharejustifiedthroughthepromise,or
throughfaithinthepromise,withoutthelaw.Wherefore,doingthelawisafeignedthing,
whichsignifiethnothingwithoutfaith,andtheythatareoftheworksofthelaw,andwill
seemtodothelaw,doitnot.FortheApostlegenerallyconcludeth,thatalltheywhichareof
theworksofthelaw,areunderthecurse:underthewhichtheyshouldnotbe,iftheyfulfilled
thelaw.Indeeditistruethatamandoingthesethingsshallliveinthem,thatis,shallbe
blessed:butsuchaonecannotbefound.Nowseeingthereisadoubleuseofthelaw,theone
politicandtheotherspiritual,hethatwillunderstandthissentencecivillymaydoitafterthis
sort:Hethatshalldothesethingsshallliveinthem,thatis,ifamanobeythemagistrate
outwardlyandinpoliticgovernment,heshallavoidpunishmentanddeathforthenthecivil
magistratehathnorighttopunishandkillhim,butsufferethhimtolivewithimpunity.This
isthepoliticuseofthelaw,whichservethtobridlethosethatarerudeanduntractable.But
Paulherespeakethnotofthisuse,butentreatethofthisplacesspiritually,whenhesaith:Ifa
manshalldothosethings,etc.Thereisthereforeaconditionincluded,asifhesaid:Ifmen
couldkeepthelaw,theyshouldbehappy.Butwherearethey?Thereforetheyarenotdoersof
thelaw,excepttheybejustifiedbeforeandwithoutthelaw,throughfaith.
Wherefore,whenPaulcursethandcondemneththosewhichareoftheworksofthelaw,
hespeakethnotofsuchasarejustifiedthroughfaith,butofsuchasgoabouttobejustifiedby
works,withoutfaithinChrist.Thisissaylestanymanshouldfollowthefondimaginationof
Jerome,whobeingdeceivedbyOrigen,understoodnothingatallinPaul,buttookhimasa

merecivillawyer.Hereuponhereasonethafterthismanner:Theholypatriarchs,prophetsand
kingswerecircumcisedandofferedsacrificethereforetheyobservedthelawbutitwerea
wickedthingtosaythattheywereunderthecursethereforenotalltheythatareoftheworks
ofthelawareunderthecurse.ThushesettethhimselfagainstPaulwithoutalljudgment,
makingnodifferencebetweenthetruedoersofthelawjustifiedbyfaith,andthoseworkers
whichseektobejustifiedbythelawwithoutfaith.
ButPaulspeakethherenothingagainstthosethatarejustifiedbyfaith,andaretruedoers
[ofthelaw]indeed,fortheyarenotoftheworksofthelaw:butagainstthosewhichnotonly
donotkeepthelaw,butalsosinagainstthesame.Forthelawcommandeththatweshould
fear,loveandworshipGodwithatruefaith.Thistheydonot,butchooseoutnewkindsof
worshipandworkswhichwerenevercommandedofGod,bythewhichGodisnotpacified,
butmoreprovokedtoanger,accordingtothatsaying:Theyworshipmeinvainwiththe
commandmentsofmen(Matthew15:9).Thereforetheyarefullofimpiety,rebelsagainst
God,andidolaters,sinninggrievouslyagainstthefirstcommandmentabovealltherest.
Moreovertheyarefullofwickedconcupiscence,wrathandothergreatpassions.Briefly,
thereisnogoodthinginthem,butthatoutwardlytheywouldseemtoberighteousandto
accomplishthelaw.
Sowealsowhicharejustifiedbyfaith,aswerethepatriarchs,prophetsandallthesaints,
arenotoftheworksofthelawasconcerningjustification.
Butinthatweareinthefleshandhaveasyettheremnantsofsininus,weareunderthe
law(andyetnotunderthecurse,becausetheremnantsofsinarenotimputeduntousfor
Christssake,inwhomwebelieve).ForthefleshisanenemyuntothelawofGod,andthat
concupiscencewhichyetremainethinus,notonlyfulfillethnotthelaw,butalsosinneth
againstthesame,rebellingagainstusandleadinguscaptiveintobondage(Romans7).
Nowifthelawbenotfulfilledinthesaints,butmanythingsaredoneinthemcontraryto
thelaw,sinceevilconcupiscenceandtheremnantsofsinareyetremaininginthem,whichdo
sohinderthemthattheycannotperfectlyfearandloveGod,theycannotcalluponGodwith
assuredtrust,theycannotpraiseGodandreverencehisWordastheyshoulddo:muchmoreis
thistrueinamanwhichisnotyetjustified,butisanenemyuntoGod,andwithallhisheart
neglecteth,despisethandhateththeWordandworkofGod.YeeseethenthatPaulspeaketh
hereofsuchaswillfulfillthelawandbejustifiedthereby,althoughtheyhavenotyet
receivedfaithandnotofthefathersandsaints(asJeromeimagineth)whicharejustifiedby
faithalready.
Christredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,havingbeenmadeacurseforus(foritis
writtencursediseveryonethathangethonatree)etc.(Deuteronomy21:23).
HereagainJeromeandthepopishsophisterswhichfollowhim,aremuchtroubled,and
miserablyrackthismostcomfortableplace,seeking,astheywouldseem,withaGodlyzealto
turnawaythisreproachfromChrist,thatheshouldbecalledacurseorexecration.Theyshift
offthissentenceafterthismanner:thatPaulspakenothereingoodearnestandtherefore
theymostwickedlyaffirm,thattheScriptureinPaulagreethnotwithitself.Andthisthey
proveafterthismanner:thesentence(saythey)ofMoseswhichPaulhereallegeth,speaketh
notofChrist.Moreoverthisgeneralclauseeveryone,whichPaulallegeth,isnotaddedin
Moses.Again,PaulomitteththewordsofGod,whichareinMoses.Toconclude:itis
evidentenoughthatMosesspeakethofathieforamalefactor,whichbyhisevildeedshath

deservedthegallows,astheScriptureplainlywitnessethinDeuteronomy21.Thereforethey
askthisquestion,howthissentencemaybeappliedtoChrist,thatheisaccursedofGodand
hangeduponatree,seeingthatheisnomalefactororthief,butrighteousandholy?Thismay
peradventuremovethesimpleandignorant,thinkingthatthesophistersdospeakitnotonly
wittily,butalsoveryGodly,andtherebydodefendthehonorandgloryofChrist,andgive
warningtoallChristianstobewarethattheythinknotsowickedlyofChrist,thatheshouldbe
madeacurse,etc.LetusseethereforewhatthemeaningandpurposeofPaulis.
Buthereagainwemustmakeadistinction,asthewordsofPauldoplainlyshew.Forhe
saithnotthatChristwasmadeacurseforhimself,butforus.Thereforealltheweightofthe
matterstandethinthiswordforus.
ForChristisinnocentasconcerninghisownperson,andthereforeheoughtnottohave
beenhangeduponatree:butbecauseaccordingtothelawofMoseseverythiefand
malefactoroughttobehanged,thereforeChristalsoaccordingtothelawofMosesoughtto
behanged,forhesustainedthepersonofasinnerandathief,andnotofone,butofallsinners
andthieves.Forwearesinnersandthieves,andthereforeguiltyofdeathandeverlasting
damnation.ButChristtookalloursinsuponhim,andforthemdieduponthecross:therefore
itbehovedthatheshouldbecomeatransgressor,and(asIsaiahsaith,chap.53)tobe
reckonedamongtransgressors.Andthis,nodoubt,alltheprophetsdidforseeinspirit,that
Christshouldbecomethegreatesttransgressor,murderer,adulterer,thief,rebel,blasphemer,
etc.thateverwasorcouldbeinalltheworld.Forhebeingmadeasacrificeforthesinsofthe
wholeworld,isnotnowaninnocentpersonandwithoutsins,isnotnowtheSonofGodborn
oftheVirginMarybutasinner,whichhathandcarrieththesinofPaul,whowasa
blasphemer,anoppressorandapersecutorofPeter,whichdeniedChristofDavid,which
wasanadulterer,amurderer,andcausedtheGentilestoblasphemethenameoftheLord:and
briefly,whichhathandbearethallthesinsofallmeninhisbody,thathemightmake
satisfactionforthemwithhisownblood.ThereforethisgeneralsentenceofMoses
comprehendethhimalso(albeitinhisownpersonhewasinnocent),becauseitfoundhim
amongsinnersandtransgressors:likeasthemagistratetakethhimforathief,andpunisheth
him,whomhefindethamongotherthieves,thoughhenevercommittedanythingworthyof
death.
NowChristwasnotonlyfoundamongstsinners,butofhisownaccordandbythewillof
hisFatherhewouldalsobeacompanionofsinners,takinguponhimthefleshandbloodof
thosewhichweresinners,transgressors,andplungedintoallkindsofsin.Whenthelaw
thereforefoundhimamongthieves,itcondemnedandkilledhimasathief.
ThepopishsophistersdospoilusofthisknowledgeofChristandmostheavenlycomfort
(namely,thatChristwasmadeacurseforus,thathemightdeliverusfromthecurseofthe
law),whentheyseparatehimfromsinsandsinners,andonlysethimoutuntousasan
exampletobefollowed.BythismeanstheymakeChristnotonlyunprofitableuntous,but
alsoajudgeandatyrant,whichisangrywithoursinsandcondemnethsinners.Butwemust
aswellwrapChrist,andknowhimtobewrapped,inoursins,ourmalediction,ourdeath,and
allourevils,asheiswrappedinourfleshandblood.
Butsomemanwillsay:itisveryabsurdandslanderoustocalltheSonofGodacursed
sinner,Ianswer:ifthouwiltdenyhimtobeasinnerandaccursed,denyalsothathesuffered,
wascrucifiedanddied.Foritisnolessabsurdtosay,thattheSonofGod(asourfaith
confessethandpleadeth)wascrucifiedandsufferedthepainsofsinanddeath,thantosaythat
heisasinnerandaccursed.ButifitbenotabsurdtoconfessandbelievethatChristwas

crucifiedbetweentwothieves,thenitisnotabsurdtosayalsothathewasaccursedandofall
sinnersthegreatest.ThesewordsofPaularenotspokeninvain:Christwasmadeacursefor
usGodmadeChristwhichknewnosin,tobecomesinforus,thatweinhimmightbemade
therighteousnessofGod(2Corinthians5:21).
AfterthesamemannerJohntheBaptistcallethhimtheLambofGodetc.(John1:29).
Heverilyisinnocent,becauseheistheunspottedandundefiledLambofGod.Butbecausehe
beareththesinsoftheworld,hisinnocenceisburdenedwiththesinsandguiltofthewhole
world.
WhatsoeversinsI,thou,andweallhavedone,orshalldohereafter,theyareChristsown
sinsasverilyasifhehimselfhaddonethem.Tobebrief:oursinsmustneedsbecome
Christsownsin,orelseweshallperishforever.ThistrueknowledgeofChrist,whichPaul
andtheprophetshavemostplainlydelivereduntous,thewickedsophistershavedarkened
anddefaced.
IsaiahspeakeththusofChrist:God,saithhe,laidtheiniquityofusalluponhim
(Isaiah53:6).Wemustnotmakethesewordslessthantheyare,butleavethemintheirown
propersignification.ForGoddalliethnotinthewordsoftheprophet,butspeakethearnestly
andofgreatlove:towit,thatChristthisLambofGodshouldbeartheiniquitiesofusall.But
whatisittobear?Thesophistersanswer:tobepunished.Verywell.ButwhereforeisChrist
punished?Isitnotbecausehehathsinandbearethsin?
Now,thatChristhathsin,theHolyGhostwitnessethinPsalm40:12Mysinshavetaken
suchholdofmethatIamnotabletolookup,yeatheyaremoreinnumberthanthehairsof
myheadalsoPsalm41:4,andPsalm69:5.InthesePsalmstheHolyGhostspeakethinthe
personofChrist,andinplainwordswitnesseththathehadsins.Forthistestimonyisnotthe
voiceofaninnocent,butofasufferingChrist,whichtookuponhimtobearthepersonofall
sinners,andthereforewasmadeguiltyofthesinsofthewholeworld.
Wherefore,Christwasnotonlycrucifiedanddied,butsinalso(throughtheloveofthe
DivineMajesty)waslaiduponhim.Whensinwaslaiduponhim,thencomeththelawand
saith:Everysinnermustdie.ThereforeOChrist,ifthouwiltanswer,becomeguilty,and
sufferpunishmentforsinners,thoumustalsobearsinandmalediction.Paulthereforedoth
verywellallegethisgenerallawoutofMosesasconcerningChrist:Everyonethathangeth
uponthetreeistheaccursedofGod.Christhathhangeduponthetree,thereforeChrististhe
accursedofGod.
AndthisisasingularconsolationforalltheGodly,sotoclotheChristwithoursins,and
towraphiminmysins,thysins,andthesinsofthewholeworld,andsotobeholdhim
bearingallouriniquities.Forthebeholdingofhimafterthismannershalleasilyvanquishall
thefantasticalopinionsofthesophistersconcerningthejustificationofworks.Fortheydo
imagine(asIhavesaid)acertainfaithformed[andadorned]withcharity.Bythis(theysay)
sinsaretakenaway,andmenarejustified[beforeGod].Andwhatisthiselse(Iprayyou)but
tounwrapChrist,andtostriphimquiteoutofoursins,tomakehiminnocent,andtocharge
andoverwhelmourselveswithourownsins,andtolookuponthem,notinChrist,butin
ourselves?
YeawhatisthiselsebuttotakeChristcleanaway,andtomakehimutterlyunprofitable
untous?Forifitbesothatweputawaysinbytheworksofthelawandcharity,thenChrist
takeththemnotaway.ForifhebetheLambofGodordainedfromeverlastingtotakeaway
thesinsofthewordandmoreover,ifhebesowrappedofhisownaccordinoursins,thathe
becameaccursedforus,itmustneedsfollowthatwecannotbejustifiedandtakeawaysins

bycharity.ForGodhathlaidoursins,notuponus,butuponhisSon,Christ,thathebearing
thepunishmentthereofmightbeourpeace,andthatbyhisstripeswemightbehealed(Isaiah
53:5).
Thereforetheycannotbetakenawaybyus.TothisalltheScripturebearethwitnessand
wealsodoconfessthesameinthearticlesoftheChristianbelief,whenwesay:Ibelievein
JesusChristtheSonofGod,whichsuffered,wascrucifiedanddiedforus.
HerebyitappeareththatthedoctrineoftheGospel(whichofallotherismostsweetand
fullofsingularconsolation)speakethnothingofourworksoroftheworksofthelaw,butof
theunspeakableandinestimablemercyandloveofGodtowardsusunworthyandlostmen:to
wit,thatourmostmercifulFather,seeingustobeoppressedandoverwhelmedwiththecurse
ofthelaw,andsotobeholdenunderthesamethatwecouldneverbedeliveredfromitbyour
ownpower,senthisonlySonintotheworldandlaiduponhimallthesinsofallmen,saying:
BethouPeterthatdenierPaulthatpersecutor,blasphemerandcrueloppressorDavidthat
adultererthatsinnerwhichdideattheappleinParadisethatthiefwhichhangeduponthe
crossandbriefly,bethouthepersonwhichhathcommittedthesinsofallmenseetherefore
thatthoupayandsatisfyforthem.Herenowcomeththelawandsaith:Ifindhimasinner,
andthatsuchaoneashathtakenuponhimthesinsofallmen,andIseenosinselsebutin
himthereforelethimdieuponthecross.Andsohesettethuponhimandkillethhim.Bythis
meansthewholeworldispurgedandcleansedfromallsins,andsodeliveredfromdeathand
allevils.Nowsinanddeathbeingabolishedbythisoneman,Godwouldseenothingelsein
thewholeworld,especiallyifitdidbelieve,butamerecleansingandrighteousness.Andif
anyremnantsofsinshouldremain,yetforthegreatglorythatisinChrist,Godwouldnot
perceivethem.
ThuswemustmagnifythearticleofChristianrighteousnessagainsttherighteousnessof
thelawandworks,albeitnoeloquenceisablesufficientlytoconceive,muchlesstosetforth
theinestimablegreatnessthereof.
WhereforetheargumentthatPaulhandlethinthisplace,ofallotherismostmighty
againsttherighteousnessofthelaw.Foritcontaineththisinvincibleopposition:thatis,ifthe
sinsofthewholeworldbeinthatonemanJesusChrist,thenaretheynotintheworld.Butif
theybenotinhim,thenaretheyyetintheworld.Also,ifChristbemadeguiltyofallthesins
whichweallhavecommitted,thenarewedeliveredutterlyfromallsins,butnotby
ourselves,norbyourownworksormerits,butbyhim.Butifhebeinnocentandbearnotour
sins,thendowebearthem,andinthemweshalldieandbedamned.ButthanksbetoGod
whohathgivenusthevictorybyourLordJesusChrist.Amen(1Corinthians15:57).
Butnowletusseebywhatmeansthesetwothingssocontraryandsorepugnantmaybe
reconciledinthisoneperson[Christ].Notonlymysinsandthine,butalsothesinsofthe
wholeworld,eitherpast,present,ortocome,takeholduponhim,goabouttocondemnhim,
anddoindeedcondemnhim.Butbecauseintheselfsameperson,whichisthehighest,the
greatestandtheonlysinner,thereisalsoaneverlastingandinvinciblerighteousness:
thereforethesetwodoencountertogether,thehighest,thegreatestandtheonlysin,andthe
highest,thegreatestandtheonlyrighteousness.Hereoneofthemmustneedsbeovercome
andgiveplacetotheother,seeingtheyfighttogetherwithsogreatforceandpower.Thesin
thereforeofthewholeworldcomethuponrighteousnesswithallmightandmain.[Inthis
combat]whatisdone?Righteousnessiseverlasting,immortalandinvincible.Sinalsoisa
mostmightyandcrueltyrant,rulingandreigningoverthewholeworld,subduingand
bringingallmenintobondage.Toconclude:sinisamightyandastrongGod,which

devourethallmankind,learned,unlearned,holy,mightyandwisemen,etc.Thistyrant,Isay,
fliethuponChristandwillneedsswallowhimup,ashedothallother.Butheseethnotthathe
isapersonofinvincibleandeverlastingrighteousness.Thereforeinthiscombatsinmust
needsbevanquishedandkilled,andrighteousnessmustovercome,live[andreign].Soin
Christallsinisvanquished,killedandburied,andrighteousnessremainethaconquerorand
reignethforever.
Inlikemanner,deathwhichisanomnipotent[queenand]empressofthewholeworld,
killingkings,princesandgenerallyallmen,dothmightilyencounterwithlife,thinkingutterly
toovercomeitandtoswallowitup:andthatwhichitgoethabout,itbringethtopassindeed.
Butbecauselifewasimmortal,thereforewhenitwasovercome,yetdiditovercomeandget
thevictory,vanquishingandkillingdeath.OfthismarvellouscombattheChurchfinely
singeth:Indreadandwondrousstrife,Diddeathandlifecontend.TheCaptainoflifethat
died,nowlivethandreigneth.DeaththereforethroughChristisvanquishedandabolished
throughoutthewholeword,sothatnowitisbutapainteddeath,whichlosinghisstingcanno
morehurtthosethatbelieveinChrist,whoisbecomethedeathofdeath,asHoseatheprophet
saith:Odeath,Iwillbethydeath(Hosiah13:14)Sothecurse,whichisthewrathofGod
uponthewholeworld,haththelikeconflictwiththeblessing:thatistosay,withtheeternal
graceandmercyofGodinChrist.Thecursethereforefightethagainsttheblessing,and
wouldcondemnitandbringitaltogethertonoughtbutitcannotdoso.Fortheblessingis
divineandeverlasting,andthereforethecursemustneedsgiveplace.Foriftheblessingin
Christcouldbeovercome,thenshouldGodhimselfbeovercome.Butthisisimpossible
thereforeChristthepowerofGod,righteousness,blessing,graceandlife,overcomethand
destroyeththesemonsters,sin,deathandthecurse,withoutwarorweapons,inhisownbody
andinhimself,asPauldelightethtospeak:Spoiling,saithhe,theprincipalitiesandpowers,
andtriumphingovertheminhimself(Colossians2:15).Sothattheycannotanymorehurt
thosethatdobelieve.
Andthiscircumstance,inhimself,makeththatcombatmuchmorewonderfuland
glorious.Foritsheweththatitwasnecessarythattheseinestimablethingsshouldbe
accomplishedinthatoneonlyperson(towit,thatthecurse,sinanddeathshouldbe
destroyed,andtheblessing,righteousnessandlifeshouldsucceedintheirplace),andthatso
thewholecreaturethroughthisonepersonshouldberenewed.Thereforeifthoulookupon
thisperson[Christ,]thoushaltseesin,death,thewrathofGod,hell,thedevilandallevils
vanquishedandmortified[inhim].ForasmuchthenasChristreignethbyhisgraceinthe
heartsofthefaithful,thereisnosin,nodeath,nocurse:butwhereChristisnotknown,there
allthesethingsdostillremain.Thereforealltheywhichbelievenot,dolackthisinestimable
benefitandvictory.Forthis(asSt.Johnsaith)isourvictorythatovercomeththeworld,even
ourfaith(1John5:4).
ThisistheprincipalarticleofallChristiandoctrine,whichthesophistershavealtogether
darkened:whichalsothefantasticalspiritsdodarkenanewatthisday.Andhereyeseehow
necessaryathingitistobelieveandtoconfessthearticleofthedivinityofChrist:which
whenAriusdenied,hemustneedsalsodenythearticleofourredemption.Fortoovercome
thesinoftheworld,death,thecurse,andthewrathofGodinhimself,isnottheworkofany
creature,butofthedivinepower.Thereforehewhichinhimselfshouldovercomethese,must
needsbetrulyandnaturallyGod.Foragainstthismightypowerofsin,deathandthecurse
(whichofitselfreigneththroughouttheworldandinthewholecreature),itwasnecessaryto
setamorehighandmightypower.Butbesidesthe[sovereignand]divinepower,nosuch

powercanbefound.Wherefore,toabolishsin,todestroydeath,totakeawaythecursein
himself,andtogiverighteousness,tobringlifetolight,andtogivetheblessing(thatis,to
reducethosethingstonothingandtocreatethese),aretheworksofthedivinepoweronlyand
alone.NowbecausetheScripturedothattributeallthesetoChrist,thereforeheinhimselfis
life,righteousnessandblessing,whichis,naturallyandsubstantiallyGod.Whereforethey
thatdenythedivinityofChrist,doloseallChristianityandbecomealtogetherGentilesand
Turks.Wemustlearnthereforediligentlythearticleofjustification(asIoftenadmonishyou).
Foralltheotherarticlesofourfaitharecomprehendedinit:andifthatremainsound,thenare
alltherestsound.Wherefore,whenweteachthatmenarejustifiedbyChrist,thatChrististhe
conquerorofsin,deathandtheeverlastingcurse,wewitnesstherewithalthatheisbynature
God.
HerebywemayplainlyseehowhorriblethewickednessandblindnessofthePapistswas,
whichtaughtthatthesecruelandmightytyrants(sin,deathandthecurse)whichswallowup
allmankind,mustbevanquished,notbytherighteousnessofthelawofGod(whichalthough
itbejust,goodandholy,candonothingbutbringmenunderthecurse),butbytherighteous
nessofmansownworks,asbyfasting,pilgrimages,rosaries,vows,etc.But,Iprayyou,was
thereeveranyfound,thatbeingfurnishedwiththisarmor,overcamesin,death,etc.?Paulin
Ephesians6:13ff.describethafarothermannerofarmor,whichwemustuseagainstthese
mostcruelandragingbeasts.Therefore,inthattheseblindguidesandleadersoftheblind
havesetusnakedandwithoutthearmorofGodbeforetheseinvincibleandmostmighty
tyrants,theyhavenotonlydeliveredusuntothemtobedevoured,butalsohavemadeusten
timesgreaterandmorewickedsinnersthaneitherwhoresormurderers.Foritbelongethonly
tothedivinepowertodestroysinandtoabolishdeath,tocreaterighteousnessandtogive
life.Theyhaveattributedthisdivinepowertoourownworks,saying:Ifthoudothisworkor
that,thoushaltovercomesin,deathandthewrathofGod.Andbythismeanstheysetusin
Godsplace,makingusinverydeednaturally,ifImaysosay,Godhimself.
AndhereinthePapistsunderthenameofChrist,haveshewedthemselvestobesevenfold
morewickedidolatersthaneverweretheGentiles.Forithappenethtothemasitdothtothe
sow,whichaftersheiswashed,wallowethherselfagaininthemire.AndasChristsaith:
Aftertheyarefallenawayfromfaith,anevilspiritenterethagainintothehouseoutofthe
whichhewasdriven,andtakethuntohimsevenspiritsworsethanhimself,andthere
dwelleth:andthenthelatterendofthatmanisworsethanthebeginning(Luke11:24ff.).
Letusthereforereceivethismostsweetdoctrineandfullofcomfort,withthanksgiving
andwithanassuredfaith,whichteacheththatChristbeingmadeacurseforus(thatis,a
sinnersubjecttothewrathofGod),didputuponhimourperson,andlaidoursinsuponhis
ownshoulders,saying:Ihavecommittedthesinswhichallmenhavecommitted.Therefore
hewasmadeacurseindeedaccordingtothelaw,notforhimself,but(asPaulsaith)forus.
Forunlesshehadtakenuponhimselfmysinsandthine,andthesinsofthewholeworld,the
lawhadhadnorightoverhim,whichcondemnethnonebutsinnersonly,andholdeththem
underthecurse.
Whereforehecouldneitherhavebeenmadeacursenordie,sincetheonlycauseofthe
curseandofdeathissin,fromthewhichhewasfree.Butbecausehehadtakenuponhimour
sins,notbyconstraint,butofhisowngoodwill,itbehovedhimtobearthepunishmentand
wrathofGod:notforhisownperson(whichwasjustandinvincible,andthereforecouldbe
foundinnowiseguilty),butforourperson.
Somakingahappychangewithus,hetookuponhimoursinfulperson,andgaveuntous

hisinnocentandvictoriousperson:wherewithwebeingnowclothed,arefreedfromthecurse
ofthelaw.ForChristwaswillinglymadeacurseforus,saying:Astouchingmineown
person,bothashumananddivine,IamblessedandneednothingbutIwillemptymyselfand
willputuponmeyourperson,thatistosay,yourhumannature,andIwillwalkinthesame
amongyou,andwillsufferdeathtodeliveryoufromdeath.Nowhethusbearingthesinof
thewholeworldinourperson,wastaken,suffered,wascrucifiedandputtodeath,and
becameacurseforus.Butbecausehewasapersondivineandeverlasting,itwasimpossible
thatdeathshouldholdhim.Whereforeheroseagainthethirddayfromdeath,andnowliveth
foreverandthereisneithersinnordeathinhimanymore,butmererighteousness,lifeand
everlastingblessedness.
Thisimagewemustcontinuallybehold,andapprehendthesamewithasteadfastfaith,
Hethatdothso,haththisinnocencyandvictoryofChrist,althoughhebeneversogreata
sinner.Butitcannotbeapprehendedbyawilloflove,butbyreasonenlightenedwithfaith.
Byfaithonlythereforewearemaderighteous,forfaithalonelayethholduponthisvictoryof
Christ.Lookthenhowmuchthoubelievestthis,somuchdostthouenjoyit.Ifthoubelieve
sin,deathandthecursetobeabolished,theyareabolished.ForChristhathovercomeand
takenawaytheseinhimself,andwillhaveustobelievethatlikeasinhisownpersonthereis
nownosinnordeathevensothereisnoneinours,seeinghehathperformedand
accomplishedallthingsforus.
Whereforeifsinvextheeanddeathterrifythee,thinkthatitis(asitisindeed)buta
spectreandafalseillusionofthedevil.Forinverydeedthereisnownosin,nocurse,no
death,nodevil[tohurtusanymore],forChristhathvanquishedandabolishedallthese
things.ThereforethevictoryofChristismostcertain,andthereisnodefectinthethingitself
(sinceitismosttrue),butinourincredulity:fortoreasonitisahardmattertobelievethese
inestimablegoodthings.Moreover,Satanwithhisfierydarts,andthefantasticalspiritswith
theirwickedandfalsedoctrine,goabouttowrestfromusandutterlytodefacethisdoctrine.
Andspeciallyforthisarticlewhichwesodiligentlyteach,wesustainthehatredandcruel
persecutionofSatanandoftheworld.ForSatanfeeleththepowerandfruitofthisarticle.
Andthatthereisnomoresin,death,ormalediction,sinceChristnowreigneth,wedaily
confessalsointheApostlesCreed,whenwesay:IbelieveanholyChurch.Whichindeed
isnothingelsebutasifweshouldsay:Ibelievethatthereisnosinandnodeathinthe
Church.FortheywhichdobelieveinChrist,arenosinners,arenotguiltyofdeath,butare
holyandrighteous,lordsoversinanddeath,andlivingforever.Butfaithonlyseeththis,for
wesay:IbelieveanholyChurch.Butifthoutakecounselofreasonandthineowneyes,
thouwiltjudgecleancontrary.ForthouseestmanythingsintheGodlywhichoffendthee.
Thouseestthemsometimetofallintosin,andtobeweakinfaith,tobesubjectuntowrath,
envy,andothersuchevilaffectionsThereforetheChurchisnotholy!Idenythe
consequence.IfIlookuponmineownperson,orthepersonofmybrother,itshallneverbe
holy.ButifIbeholdChrist,whohathsanctifiedandcleansedhisChurch,thenisitaltogether
holyforhehathtakenawaythesinsofthewholeworld.
Therefore,wheresinsareseenandfelt,therearetheyindeednosins.Foraccordingto
Paulsdivinity,thereisnosin,nodeath,nomaledictionanymoreintheworld,butinChrist,
whoistheLambofGodthathathtakenawaythesinsoftheworld:whowasmadeacurse
thathemightdeliverusfromthecurse.Contrariwise,accordingtophilosophyandreason,sin,
deathandthecursearenowhereelsebutintheworld,intheflesh,orinsinners.Fora
sophisticaldivinecanspeaknootherwiseofsin,thandoththeheathenphilosopher.Likeas

thecolor,saithhe,cleavethinthewall,evensodothsinintheworld,intheflesh,orinthe
conscience:thereforeitistobepurgedbycontraryoperations,towit,bycharity.Butthetrue
divinityteacheththatthereisnosinintheworldanymore:forChrist,uponwhomtheFather
hathcastthesinsofthewholeworld(Isaiah53:6),hathvanquishedandkilledthesameinhis
ownbody.Heoncedyingforsinandraisedupagain,diethnomore.Thereforewheresoever
is[atrue]faithinChrist,theresinisabolished,deadandburied.ButwherenofaithinChrist
is,theresindothstillremain.Andalbeittheremnantsofsinbeasyetinthesaintsbecause
theybelievenotperfectly,yetaretheydeadinthattheyarenotimputeduntothembecauseof
theirfaithinChrist.
ThisisthereforeastrongandamightyargumentwhichPaulhereprosecutethagainstthe
righteousnessofworks.Itisnotthelawnorworksthatdodeliverusfromtheeverlasting
curse,butChristalone.Seetherefore,goodChristianreader,Ibeseechthee,thatthou
distinguishChristfromthelaw,anddiligentlymarkhowPaulspeakethandwhathesaith.All
(saithhe)whichdonotfulfillthelaw,arenecessarilyunderthecurse.Butnomanfulfilleth
thelawthereforeallmenareunderthecurse.
Headdethmoreoveranotherproposition:Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthe
law,beingmadeacurseforus.Thereforeitfolloweththatthelawandworksdonotredeem
usfromthecurse,butbringusratherunderthecurse.Charitytherefore(which,asthe
schoolmensay,givethformuntofaith)hathnotonlynotredeemedusfromthecurse,but
ratheritwrappethusmoreandmoreinthecurse.NowasChristissomethingotherthanthe
lawandtheworksofthelaw,soalsotheredemptionofChristisfarotherthanmymeritby
theworksofthelaw,seeingitwasnecessarythatChristhimselfshouldredeemusfromthe
curseofthelaw.Theyremainthereforeunderthecurse,asmanyasdonotlayholdonChrist
byfaith.NeitherarethesophisterssosenselessastosaythatChristisourworkorcharity.For
Christissomethingfarotherthanaworkthatwedo.NoPapist,howmadsoeverhebe,will
daretosaythatthealmswhichhehimselfgivethtotheneedy,ortheobediencewhichthe
monkperformeth,isChrist.ForChristisGodandman,conceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornof
theVirginMary,etc.ofwhomPaulsaith,thathewasmadeacurseforusthathemight
redeemusfromthecurseofthelaw.Thereforelaw,works,charity,vows,etc.donotredeem,
butratherwrapusinthecurseandmakeitmoreheavy.Thereforethemorewehavewrought
thelessareweabletrulytoknowandapprehendChrist.
NowChristisapprehended,notbythelaw,notbyworks,butbyreasonorunderstanding
lightenedwithfaith.AndthisapprehendingofChristbyfaithistrulythespeculativelife
(whereofthesophistersspeakmuch,butinvainfortheyknownotwhattheysay).Andthat
speculationwherebyChristisapprehended,isnotthatfoolishimaginationofthesophisters
andmonksinwondersabovethemselves,butitisaspiritual,faithfulanddivinebeholdingof
theSerpentsetuponthepole:thatis,ofChristhangingonthecrossformysins,thysins,and
thesinsofthewholeworld.Thereforeitismanifestthatfaithalonejustifieth.Butwhenwe
arejustifiedbyfaith,wegoforthintotheactivelife.Afterthismannerthesophistersmight
haverightlydistinguishedthecontemplativeandtheactivelife,iftheyhadcalledtheonethe
Gospelandtheotherthelaw:thatistosay,iftheyhadtaughtthatthespeculativelifeoughtto
beincludedinandguidedbytheWordofGod,andthatnothingoughttoberegardedinthat
life,butthewordoftheGospelwhereastheactivelifeoughttobesoughtfromthelaw,
whereinamanapprehendethnotCrist,butexercisethhimselfinworksofcharitytowardshis
neighbor.
Thistextthenisplain,thatallmen,yeatheapostles,prophetsandpatriarchshad

remainedunderthecurse,ifChristhadnotsethimselfagainstsin,death,thecurseofthelaw,
thewrathandjudgementofGodandovercometheminhisownbody:fornopowerofflesh
andbloodcouldovercomethesehugeandhideousmonsters.Butnow,Christisnotthelaw,
ortheworkofthelaw,oranelicitedact,butadivineandhumanperson,whichtookupon
himsin,thecondemnationofthelawanddeath,notforhimself,butforusthereforeallthe
weightandforcehereofconsistethinthisword,forus.
WemustnotthenimagineChristtobeinnocent,andasaprivateperson(asdothe
schoolmen,andalmostalltheFathershavedone)whoisholyandrighteousforhimselfonly.
TrueitisindeedthatChristisapersonmostpureandunspotted:butthoumustnotstaythere
forthouhastnotyetChrist,althoughthouknowhimtobeGodandman:butthenthouhast
himindeed,whenthoubelievestthatthismostpureandinnocentpersonisfreelygivenunto
theeoftheFathertobethyHighpriestandSavior,yearatherthyservant,thatheputtingoff
hisinnocencyandholiness,andtakingthysinfulpersonuponhim,mightbearthysin,thy
death,thycurse,andmightbemadeasacrificeandacurseforthee,thatbythismeanshe
mightdelivertheefromthecurseofthelaw.
YeseethenwithwhatanapostolicspiritPaulhandleththismostweightyargumentofthe
blessingandofthecurse,whilsthenotonlymakethChristsubjecttothecurse,butsaithalso
thatheismadeacurse.SoinCorinthians5:21hecallethhimsin,whenhesaith:Godhath
madehimtobesinforus,whichknewnosin,etc.Andalthoughthesesentencesmaybewell
expoundedafterthismanner:Christismadeacurse,thatistosay,asacrificeforthecurse
andsin,thatis,asacrificeforsinyetinmyjudgementitisbettertokeeptheproper
significationofthewords,becausethereisagreaterforceandvehemencytherein.Forwhena
sinnercomethtotheknowledgeofhimselfindeed,hefeelethnotonlythatheismiserable,but
miseryitself:notonlythatheisasinner,andisaccursed,butevensinandmaledictionitself.
Foritisaterriblethingtobearsin,thewrathofGod,maledictionanddeath.Whereforethat
manwhichhathatruefeelingofthesethings(asChristdidtrulyandeffectuallyfeelthemfor
allmankind)ismadeevensin,death,malediction,etc.
Paulthereforehandleththisplacewithatrueapostolicalspirit.Thereisneithersophister,
norlawyer,norJew,norAnabaptist,noranyotherthatspeakethashedoth.Forwhodurst
allegethisplaceoutofMoses:Accursediseveryonethathangethonatree,andapplyit
untoChrist?
LikeasPaulthenappliedthissentencetoChrist,evensomayweapplyuntoChrist,not
onlythatwholetwentyseventhchapterofDeuteronomy,butalsomaygatherallthecurses,of
Moseslawtogether,andexpoundthesameofChrist.ForasChristisinnocentinthisgeneral
law,touchinghisownpersonsoishealsoinalltherest.Andasheisguiltyinthisgeneral
law,inthatheismadeacurseforus,andishangeduponthecrossasawickedman,a
blasphemer,amurdererandatraitorevensoishealsoguiltyinallothers.Forallthecurses
ofthelawareheapedtogetherandlaiduponhim,andthereforehedidbearandsufferthemin
hisownbodyforus.Hewasthereforenotonlyaccursed,butalsowasmadeacurseforus.
ThisistointerprettheScripturestrulyandlikeanApostle.Foramanisnotabletospeak
afterthismannerwithouttheHolyGhostthatistosay,tocomprehendthewholelawinthis
onesaying:Christismadeacurseforus,andlaythesamealtogetheruponChristand
contrariwisetocomprehendallthepromisesoftheScriptures,andsaythattheyareallatonce
fulfilledinChrist.Whereforethisisindeedanapostolicandinvincibleargument,nottaken
outofoneplaceofthelaw,butoutofthewholelaw:whichPaulalsousethasasureground.
HerewemayseewithwhatdiligencePaulreadtheHolyScriptures,andhowexactlyhe

weighedeverywordofthisplace:Inthyseedshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed
(Genesis22:16).First,outofthiswordblessinghegathereththisargument:Ifblessingshall
begivenuntoallnations,thenareallnationsunderthecurse,yeatheJewsalso,whohavethe
lawofMoses.AndheallegethatestimonyoftheScripture,wherebyheproveththatallthe
Jewswhichareunderthelaw,areunderthecurse:Cursediseveryonethatabidethnotinall
thethingsthatarewritteninthisbook.
Moreover,hediligentlyweigheththisclause:allnations.Outofthewhichhegathereth
thus:thattheblessingbelongethnotonlytotheJews,butalsotoallthenationsofthewhole
world.Seeingthenitbelongethtoallnations,itisimpossiblethatitshouldbeobtained
throughthelawofMoses,forasmuchastherewasnonationthathadthelaw,butonlythe
Jews.Andalthoughtheyhadthelaw,yetweretheysofarofffromobtainingtheblessing
throughit,thatthemoretheyendeavoredtoaccomplishit,themoretheyweresubjecttothe
curseofthelaw.
Whereforetheremustneedsbeanotherrighteousness,whichmustbefarmoreexcellent
thantherighteousnessofthelaw,throughthewhich,notonlytheJews,butalsoallnations
throughoutthewholeworld,mustobtaintheblessing.
Finally,thesewords:Inthyseed,heexpoundethafterthismanner:thatacertainman
shouldissueoutoftheseedofAbraham,thatistosay,Christ,throughwhomtheblessing
shouldcomeafterwardsuponallnations.
SeeingthereforeitwasChristthatshouldblessallnations,itwashealsothatshouldtake
awaythecursefromthem.Buthecouldnottakeitawaybythelaw,forbythelawitismore
andmoreincreased.Whatdidhethen?
Hejoinedhimselftothecompanyoftheaccursed,takinguntohimtheirfleshandtheir
blood,andsosethimselfforamediatorbetweenGodandmen,saying:AlthoughIbeflesh
andblood,andnowdwellamongtheaccursed,yetnotwithstandingIamthatblessedone,
throughwhomallmenmustbeblessed.SoinonepersonhejoinethGodandmantogether,
andbeinguniteduntouswhichwereaccursed,hewasmadeacurseforus,andhidhis
blessinginoursin,inourdeath,andinourcurse,whichcondemnedhimandputhimto
death.ButbecausehewastheSonofGod,hecouldnotbeholdenofthem,butovercame
them,[ledthemcaptive]andtriumphedoverthemandwhatsoeverdidhangupontheflesh,
whichforoursakehetookuponhim,hecarrieditwithhim.Whereforealltheythatcleave
untothisflesh,areblessedanddeliveredfromthecurse,thatis,fromsinandeverlasting
death.
TheythatunderstandnotthisbenefitofChrist(whereoftheGospelespeciallyentreateth)
andknownotanotherrighteousnessbesidestherighteousnessofthelaw,whentheyhearthat
theworksofthelawarenotnecessarytosalvation,butthatmendoobtainthesamebyonly
hearingandbelievingthatChristtheSonofGodhathtakenuponhimourfleshandjoined
himselftotheaccursed,totheendthatallnationsmightbeblessed,they(Isay)areoffended
forofallthistheyunderstandnothing,orelsetheyunderstanditcarnally.Fortheirmindsare
occupiedwithothercogitationsandfantasticalimaginations:thereforethesethingsseemunto
themstrangematters.YeaevenuntouswhichhavereceivedthefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,itis
impossibletounderstandthesethingsperfectlyfortheymightilyfightagainstmansreason.
Toconclude,allevilsshouldhaveoverwhelmedus,astheyshalloverwhelmthewicked
forever:butChristbeingmadeforusatransgressorofalllaws,guiltyofallourmaledictions,
oursins,andallourevils,comethbetweenasamediator.Embracingusmiserableandlost
sinners,hetookuponhimandboreallourevils,whichshouldhaveoppressedandtormented

usforeverandthesecasthimdownforalittlewhile,andranoverhisheadlikewater,asthe
prophetinthepersonofChristcomplainethwhenhesaith:Thyindignationsoreoppresseth
me,andthouhastvexedmewithallthystorms(Psalm88:7).Again:Thineindignations
havegoneoverme,andthyterrorshavetroubledme.(ibid.16).Bythismeans,webeing
deliveredfromtheseeverlastingterrorsandanguishthroughChrist,shallenjoyaneverlasting
andinestimablepeaceandfelicity,sothatwebelievethis.
ThesearethereverendmysteriesoftheScriptureandatruecabbala,whichMosesalso
somewhatdarklyinsomeplacesdidforeshew:whichalsotheProphetsandApostlesdid
know,anddiddelivertotheirposterity.Forthisknowledgeofthethingstocome,thesaints
oftheOldTestamentrejoicedmorethanwedonow,whentheyarerevealedandexhibited
untous.
IndeedwedoacknowledgethatthisknowledgeofChristandoftherighteousnessoffaith
isaninestimabletreasurebutweconceivenottherebysuchafulljoyofspiritastheprophets
andApostlesdid.Hereofitcomeththatthey,andespeciallyPaul,soplentifullysetforthand
sodiligentlytaughtthearticleofjustification.ForthisistheproperofficeofanApostle,toset
forththegloryandbenefitofChrist,andtherebytoraiseupandcomforttroubledand
afflictedconsciences.
ThattheblessngofAbrahammightcomeuponthegentilesthroughChristJesus
Paulhathalwaysthisplacebeforehiseyes:Inthyseed,etc.Fortheblessingpromisedunto
AbrahamcouldnotcomeupontheGentiles,butonlybyChristtheseedofAbrahamandthat
bythismeans,thatitbehovedhimtobemadeacurse,thatthispromisemadeuntoAbraham:
Inthyseedshallallnationsbeblessed,mightsobefulfilled.Thereforebynoothermeans
couldthisbedonethathereispromised,butthatJesusChristmustneedsbecomeacurse,and
joinhimselftothosethatwereaccursed,thatsohemighttakeawaythecursefromthem,and
throughhisblessingmightbringuntothemrighteousnessandlife.Andheremark(asIhave
alsoforewarnedyou)thatthiswordblessingisnotinvain,astheJewsdream,whoexpound
ittobebutasalutationbywordofmouthorbywriting.ButPaulentreatethhereofsinand
righteousness,ofdeathandlifebeforeGod.Hespeakeththereforeofinestimableand
incomprehensiblethings,whenhesaith:thattheblessingofAbrahammightcomeuponthe
Gentiles,throughJesusChrist.
Yeseemoreoverwhatmeritswebring,andbywhatmeansweobtainthisblessing.This
isthemeritofcongruenceandworthiness,thesearetheworkspreparative,wherebyweobtain
thisrighteousness,thatChristJesuswasmadeacurseforus.ForweareignorantofGod,
enemiesofGod,deadinsins,andaccursed:andwhatisourdesertthen?Whatcanhedeserve
thatisaccursed,ignorantofGod,deadinsins,andsubjecttothewrathandjudgmentofGod?
WhenthePopeexcommunicatedaman,whatsoeverhedidwasaccountedaccursed.How
muchmorethenmusthethatisaccursedbeforeGod(asweallarebeforeweknowChrist)do
nothingelsebutaccursedthings!Whereforethereisnootherwaytoavoidthecurse,butto
believe,andwithassuredconfidencetosay:ThouChristartmysinandmycurse,orrather:I
amthysin,thycurse,thydeath,thywrathofGod,thyhellandcontrariwise,thouartmy
righteousness,myblessing,mylife,mygraceofGodandmyheaven.Forthetextsaith
plainly:Christismadeacurseforus.Thereforewearethecausethathewasmadeacurse:
nayratherwearehiscurse.
Thisisanexcellentplace,andfullofspiritualconsolation,andalbeititsatisfynotthe

blindandhardheartedJews,yetitsatisfiethusthatarebaptizedandhavereceivedthis
doctrine,andconcludethmostmightily,thatweareblessedthroughthecurse,thesin,andthe
deathofChrist,thatistosay,wearejustifiedandquickeneduntolife.Solongassin,death
andthecursedoabideinus,sinterrifieth,deathkilleth,andthecursecondemnethus.But
whenthesearetranslatedandlaiduponChristsback,thenarealltheseevilsmadehisown,
andhisbenefitsaremadeours.Letusthereforelearninalltemptationstotranslatesin,death,
thecurseandallevilswhichoppressus,fromourselvesuntoChristandagain,fromhimunto
ourselves,righteousness,mercy,lifeandblessing.Forverilyhebearethallourevils,seeing
GodtheFatherhathcasttheiniquitiesofusall,asIsaiah(Isaiah53:6)saith,uponhim.And
hehathtakenthemuponhimwillinglyforhewasnotguilty,butthishedid,thathemight
fulfillthewillofhisFather,bythewhichwearesanctifiedforever.
ThisisthatinfiniteandunmeasurablemercyofGod,whichPaulwouldgladlyamplify
withalleloquenceandplentyofwords,buttheslendercapacityofmansheartcannot
comprehend,muchlessutterthatunsearchabledepthandburningzealofGodslovetowards
us,andverilytheinestimablegreatnessofGodsmercynotonlyengenderethinusan
hardnesstobelieve,butalsoincredulityitself.ForIdonotonlyhearthattheAlmightyGod,
thecreatorandmakerofallthings,isgoodandmerciful,butalsothatthesamehigh
sovereignMajestywassocarefulformealostsinner,achildofwrathandofeverlasting
death,thathesparednothisowndearSon,butdeliveredhimtoamostshamefuldeath,that
hehangingbetweentwothieves,mightbemadeacurseandsinformeacursedsinner,thatI
mightbemadeblessed,thatistosay,righteous,andachildandheirofGod.Whocan
sufficientlypraiseandmagnifythis[exceedinggreat]goodnessofGod?Notalltheangelsin
heaven.
ThereforethedoctrineoftheGospelspeakethoffarothermattersthananybookofpolicy
orphilosophy,yeaorthebookofMoseshimselftowit,oftheunspeakableandmostdivine
giftsofGod,whichfarpassthecapacityandunderstandingbothofmenandangels.
Thatwemightreceivethepromiseofthespiritthroughfaith
ThisisaphraseoftheHebrew:ThepromiseoftheSpirit:thatistosay,theSpiritpromised.
NowtheSpiritisfreedomfromthelaw,sin,death,thecurse,hell,andfromthewrathand
judgmentofGod.Hereisnomeritorworthinessofours,butafreepromiseandgiftgiven
throughtheseedofAbraham,thatwemaybefreefromallevils,andobtainallgoodthings.
AndthislibertyandgiftoftheSpirit,wereceivenotbyanyothermeritsthanbyfaith
alone.Forthatonlytakethholdofthepromise,asPaulplainlysaithinthisplace:Thatwe
mightreceivethepromiseoftheSpirit,notbyworks,butbyfaith.

Thisisindeedasweetandtrueapostolicdoctrine,whichsheweththatthosethingsare
fulfilledforus,andnowgiventous,whichmanyprophetsandkingsdesiredtoseeandhear
(Luke10:24).Andsuchlikeplacesasthisoneis,weregatheredtogetheroutofdiverssayings
oftheprophets,whichforesawlongbeforeintheSpirit,thatallthingsshouldbechanged,
repaired,andgovernedbythismanChrist.TheJewstherefore,althoughtheyhadthelawof
God,notwithstandingbesidesthatlaw,lookedforChrist.Noneoftheprophetsorgovernors
ofthepeopleofGod,didmakeanynewlaw,butEli,Samuel,David,andalltheother
prophetsdidabideunderthelawofMosestheydidnotappointanynewdecalogue,oranew
kingdomandpriesthoodforthatnewchangeofthekingdom,thepriesthood,thelawandthe

worship,wasreferredandkepttohimonly,ofwhomMoseshadprophesiedlongbefore:The
LordthyGodshallraiseupaprophetuntotheeofthineownnationandfromamongthy
brethren:himshallthouhear.Asifheshouldsay:Thoushalthearhimonly,andnone
besideshim.
Thisthefatherswellunderstood,fornonecouldteachgreaterandhigherpointsthan
Moseshimself,whomadeexcellentlawsofhighandgreatmatters,asaretheTen
Commandments,especiallythefirstcommandment:IamtheLordthyGod:thoushalthave
noneothersGodsbutme,ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,etc.Thislaw
concerningtheloveofGod,comprehendeththeveryangelsalso.Thereforeitisthe
headspringofalldivinewisdom.Andyetwasitnecessarynotwithstanding,thatanother
teachershouldcome,thatistosay,Christ,whichshouldbringandteachanotherthingfar
passingtheseexcellentlaws:towit,graceandremissionofsins.Thistextthereforeisfullof
powerforinthisshortsentence:ThatwemightreceivethepromiseoftheSpiritbyfaith,
Paulpourethoutatoncewhatsoeverhewasabletosay.Thereforewhenhecangonofurther
(forhecouldnotutteranygreaterormoreexcellentthing)hebreakethoff,andherehe
stayeth.
Brethren,Ispeakaccordingtoman:thoughitbebutamanscovenant,whenitis
confirmed,yetnomandothabrogateit,oraddethanythingthereto
Afterthisprincipalandinvincibleargument,Pauladdethanother,groundeduponthe
similitudeofamanstestament:whichseemethtobeveryweak,andsuchastheApostle
oughtnottousefortheconfirmationofamatterofsogreatimportance.Forinhighand
weightymatters,weoughttoconfirmearthlythingsbydivinethings,andnotdivineand
heavenlythingsbyearthlythings.HereofitcomeththatCicerosaithofHomer:Heapplieth
thethingsofmentotheGodsbutIhadratherapplythethingsofGodtous.Andindeeditis
true,thattheseargumentsofallothersaremostweak,whenwegoabouttoproveand
confirmheavenlymatterswithearthly[andcorruptible]things,asScotusiswonttodo.A
man,saithhe,isabletoloveGodaboveallthings.Foragoodthing,thegreateritis,themore
itistobeloved.Andhereofheinferreth,thatamanisable,expurisnaturalibus,thatistosay,
evenofhisownpurenaturalstrength,easilytofulfillthathighestcommandment:Thoushalt
lovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,etc.For,saithhe,amanisabletolovetheleast
goodthingaboveallthingsyea,hesettethatnoughthislife(ofallotherthingsmostdearto
him)foralittlevilemoney:thereforehecanmuchmoredoitforGodssake.
Yehaveoftentimesheardofme,thatcivilordinancesareofGodforGodhimselfhath
ordainedthemandapproveththem,ashedoththesun,themoon,andothercreatures.
ThereforeanargumenttakenoftheordinancesorofthecreaturesofGodisgood,sothatwe
usethesamerightly.Sotheprophetshaveveryoftenusedsimilitudesandcomparisonstaken
ofcreatures,callingChristthesun,theChurchthemoon,thepreachersandteachersthestars.
Alsotherearemanysimilitudesintheprophets,oftrees,thorns,flowers,andfruitsofthe
earth.TheNewTestamentlikewiseisfullofsuchsimilitudes.Therefore,whereGods
ordinanceisinthecreature,theremayanargumentbewellborrowedandappliedtodivine
[andheavenly]things.
SoChristinMatthew7:2arguethfromearthlythingstoheavenlythings,whenhesaith:
Ifyethenwhichareevilcangavetoyourchildrengoodgifts,howmuchmoreshallyour
Fatherwhichisinheaven,givegoodthingstothemthataskhim?LikewisePaul:Wemust

obeymenthereforemuchmoremustweobeyGod(Acts5:29).JeremyalsoinJeremiah
35:16:TheRecabitesobeyedtheirfatherhowmuchmoreoughtyetohaveobeyedme?
Now,thesethingsareappointedofGodarearehisordinances,thatfathersshouldgiveunto
theirchildren,andthatchildrenshouldobeytheirparentsthereforesuchmannerof
argumentsaregood,whentheyaregroundedupontheordinanceofGod.Butiftheybetaken
frommenscorruptaffectionstheyarebadandnothingworth.Suchistheargumentof
Scotus:Ilovethelessergood,thereforeIlovethegreatermore.Idenytheconsequence.For
mylovingisnotGodsordinance,butadevilishcorruption.Indeeditshouldbeso,thatI,
lovingmyselforanothercreature,shouldmuchmoreloveGodtheCreatorbutitisnotso.
ForthelovewherewithIlovemyselfiscorruptandagainstGod.
ThisIsaylestanymanshouldcavil,thatanargumenttakenofearthlythings,andapplied
todivine[andspiritual]matters,isnothingworth.Idonotnowconsiderwhetheritbea
rhetoricaloradialecticalargument,butthisonlydoIsay,thatitisastrongenoughargument
whenwearguefromthethingsofmantothethingsofGod,providedthatwegroundthe
sameupontheordinanceofGod,asweseeinthepresentcase.Forthecivillaw,whichisan
ordinanceofGod,saith,thatitisnotlawfultobreakortochangethetestamentofaman.Itis
truethatwhilethetestatorlivethitisnotyetratified,butwhenheisdeaditisnotlawfulto
changeit.Butthisissaid,notdefactobutdejure,thatis,touchingwhatoughttobedoneand
whatisrightlydone:forinlawitisheldthatatestamentoughtnottobechangedyeathe
lawsdocommandthatthelastwillofamanbemostreligiouslyobserved,foritisoneofthe
holiestthingsofmen.Nowtherefore,uponthiscustomofmanstestament,Paularguethafter
thismanner:HowcomethittopassthatmanisobeyedandnotGod?Politicandcivil
ordinances,asconcerningtestamentsandotherthings,arereligiouslykept.Therenothingis
changed,nothingisaddedortakenaway.
OnlythetestamentofGodsufferethchangeandaddition:thatistosay,hispromise
concerningthespiritualblessing,thatisconcerningheavenlyandeverlastingthings,which
thewholeworldoughtnotonlytoreceivewithzealandthanksgiving,butalsooughtmost
religiouslytoreverenceandhonor.Thispersuadethvehemently:whenwesoarguefromthe
examplesandlawsofmen.Thereforehesaith:Ispeakafterthemannerofmenthatistosay,
Ibringuntoyouasimilitude[takenofthecustomandmanner]ofmen.Asifheshouldsay.
Thetestamentsandsuchotherthingsofmenarestraitlyexecuted,andthatwhichthelaw
commandethisobservedandkept.Forwhenamanmakethhislastwill,bequeathinghis
landsandgoodstohisheirs,andthereupondieth,thislastwillisconfirmedandmade
unchangeablebythedeathofthetestator,sothatnothingmaynowbeeitheraddedtoit,or
takenfromit,accordingtoalllawandequity.Now,ifamanswillbekeptwithsogreat
fidelity,thatnothingisaddedtoitortakenfromitafterhisdeathhowmuchmoreoughtthe
lastwillofGodtobefaithfullykept,whichhepromisedandgaveuntoAbrahamandhisseed
afterhim?ForwhenChristdied,thenwasitconfirmedinhim,andafterhisdeaththewriting
ofhislasttestamentwasopenedthatistosay,thepromisedblessingofAbrahamwas
preachedamongallnationsdispersedthroughoutthewholeworld.Thiswasthelastwill[and
testament]ofGod,thegreattestator,confirmedbythedeathofChristthereforenoman
oughttochangeitoraddanythingtoit,astheythatteachthelawandmanstraditionsdo:for
theysay,unlessthoubecircumcised,keepthelaw,domanyworks,andsuffermanythings,
thoucanstnotbesaved.ThisisnotthelastwillandtestamentofGod.Forhesaidnotunto
Abraham:Ifthoudothisorthatthoushaltobtaintheblessing,or:theythatbecircumcised
andkeepthelawshallobtainthesamebuthesaith:Inthyseedshallallthenationsofthe

earthbeblessed.Asifheshouldsay:Iofmeremercydopromiseuntothee,thatChristshall
comeofthyseed,whoshallbringtheblessinguponallnationsoppressedwithsinanddeath
thatistosay,whichshalldeliverthenationsfromtheeverlastingcurse,towit,fromsinand
death,receivingthispromisebyfroth:Inthyseed,etc.
Wherefore,evenasthefalseapostleswereintimepast,soareallthePapistsand
justiciariesatthisdaypervertersanddestroyers,notofmanstestament(becausetheyare
forbiddenbythelaw)butofGodstestament,whomtheyfearnothingatall,althoughhebea
consumingfire.Forsuchisthenatureofallhypocrites,thattheywillobservemanslaw
exactlybutthelawsofGodtheydodespise,andmostwickedlytransgress.Butthetimeshall
comewhentheyshallbearanhorriblejudgment,andshallfeelwhatitistocontemnand
pervertthetestamentofGod.Thisargumentthen,groundedupontheordinanceofGod,is
strongenough.
NowtoAbrahamandhisseedwerethepromisesmade.Hesaithnot:andtotheseeds,as
speakingofmany:but,andtothyseed,asofone,whichisChrist
HerebyanewnamehecalleththepromisesofGodmadeuntoAbraham,concerningChrist
thatshouldbringtheblessinguponallnations,atestament.Andindeedthepromiseisnothing
elsebutatestament,notyetrevealedbutsealedup.Nowatestamentisnotalaw,buta
donationorfreegift.Forheirslooknotforlaws,exactions,oranyburdenstobelaidupon
thembythetestament,buttheylookfortheinheritanceconfirmedthereby.
Firstofallthereforeheexpoundeththewords.Afterwardsheapplieththesimilitude,and
standethuponthiswordseed.TherewerenolawsgivenuntoAbraham,saithhe,buta
testamentwasmadeanddelivereduntohimthatistosay,thepromiseswerepronounced
untohimastouchingthespiritualblessing:thereforesomewhatwaspromisedandgivenunto
him.Ifthenthetestamentofmanbekept,whyshouldnotratherthetestamentofGodbekept,
whereofthetestamentofmanisbutasign?Again,ifwewillkeepthesigns,whydowenot
ratherkeepthethingswhichtheysignify?
Nowthepromisesaremadeuntohim,notinalltheJewsorinmanyseeds,butinone
seed,whichisChrist.TheJewswillnotreceivethisinterpretationofPaul,whonotwithout
reasonrepeateththiswordseed,andexpoundeththisseedtobeChristandthishedothwith
atrulyapostolicspirit.LettheJewsdenyitasmuchastheywill:wenotwithstandinghave
argumentsstrongenough,whichPaulhathbeforerehearsed,whichalsoconfirmthisthing,
andtheycannotdenythem.
Hitherto,astouchingthesimilitudeofGodsordinance,thatistosay,ofmanstestament.
Nowheexpoundethandapplieththesame.
AndthisIsay,thatthelawwhichwas430yearsafter,cannotdisannulthecovenantthat
wasconfirmedbeforeofGodinrespectofChrist,thatitshouldmakethepromiseof
noneeffect.
HeretheJewsmightobject,thatGodwasnotcontentonlytogivepromisestoAbraham,but
alsoafter430yearshemadethelaw.Godthereforemistrustinghisownpromises,as
insufficienttojustify,addedtheretoabetterthing:thatistosay,thelaw,totheendthatwhen
thesame,asabettersuccessor,wascome,nottheidle,butthedoersofthelawmightbemade
righteousthereby.Thelawthereforewhichfollowedthepromise,didabrogatethepromise.

SuchevasionsandstartingholestheJewsseekout.
TothiscavillationPaulanswerethverywellandtothepurpose,andstronglyconfuteth
thesame.Thelaw,saithhe,wasgiven430yearsafterthispromisewasmade:Inthyseed
etc.,anditcouldnotmakethepromisevoidandunprofitable.Forthepromiseisthetestament
ofGod,confirmedbyGodhimselfinrespectofChristsomanyyearsbeforethelaw.Now,
thatwhichGodoncehathpromisedandconfirmed,hecallethnotbackagain,butitremaineth
ratifiedwithhimforever.
Whythenwasthelawadded?Indeeditwasdeliveredsomanyagesafter,totheposterity
ofAbraham,nottotheendhemightthroughitobtaintheblessing(foritistheofficeofthe
lawtobringmenunderthecurse,andnottobless)butthattheremightbeintheworlda
certainpeoplewhichmighthavetheWordandtestimonyofChrist,outofthewhichChrist
also,accordingtotheflesh,mightbebornandthatmenbeingkeptandshutupunderthe
law,mightsighandgroanfortheirdeliverancepromisedthroughtheseedofAbraham,which
isChrist,whichonlycouldandshouldbless,thatistosay,deliverallnationsfromsinand
[everlasting]death.Moreovertheceremoniescommandedinthelaw,didforeshadowChrist.
Whereforethepromiseswerenotabolishedeitherbythelaw,orbytheceremoniesofthelaw
butratherbythesame,asbycertainseals,itwasforatimeconfirmed,untiltheletters
themselves(towit,thepromise)mightbeopened,andbythepreachingoftheGospelmight
bespreadabroadamongallnations.
Butletussufferthelawandthepromisetoencountertogether,andthenshallwesee
whichofthemisthestronger:thatistosay,whetherthepromisebeabletoabolishthelaw,or
thelawthepromise.Ifthelawabolishthepromise,thenitfolloweth,thatwebyourworks
makeGodaliar,andhispromiseofnoneeffect.Forifthelawdojustifyusanddeliverus
fromsinanddeath,andconsequentlyourworksandourownstrengthaccomplishingthelaw,
thenthepromisemadeuntoAbrahamisutterlyvoidandunprofitable,andsoconsequently
Godisaliarandadissembler.Forwhenhewhichpromiseth,willnotperformhispromise,
butmakethitofnoneeffect,whatdothheelsebutshowhimselftobealiarandadissembler?
ButitisimpossiblethatthelawshouldmakeGodaliar,orthatourworksshouldmakehis
promisevoid,nayratheritmustneedsbefirmandstableforever(forGodpromisethnotin
vain),althoughwewereabletokeepandfulfillthelaw.Andletusadmitthatallmenwereas
holyasangels,sothattheyshouldnotneedthepromise(whichnotwithstandingis
impossible):yetmustwethinkthatthesamepromiseabidethmostsureandcertain,orelse
Godshouldbefoundaliar,whicheitherhathpromisedinvain,orelsewillnotorcannot
performhispromises.Thereforelikeasthepromisewasbeforethelaw,soisitfarmore
excellentthanthelaw.
AndGoddidexcellentlywellinthathegavethepromisesolongbeforethelaw.Which
hedidofpurposeandtothisend,thatitshouldnotbesaid,thatrighteousnesswasgiven
throughthelaw,andnotthroughthepromise.
Forifhewouldthatweshouldhavebeenjustifiedbythelaw,thenwouldhehavegiven
thelaw430yearsbeforethepromise,orelsetogetherwiththepromise.Butnow,atthefirst
hespeakethnotawordasconcerningthelaw,butatlengthafter430yearshegiveththelaw.
Inthemeanwhile,allthattimehespeakethonlyofhispromises.Thereforetheblessingand
freegiftofrighteousnesscamebeforethelawthroughthepromise:thepromisethereforeis
farmoreexcellentthanthelaw.Andsothelawdothnotabolishthepromisebutfaithinthe
promise(wherebythebelieversevenbeforeChriststimeweresaved)whichisnowpublished
bytheGospelthroughoutthewholeworld,destroyeththelaw,sothatitcannotincreasesin

anymore,terrifysinners,orbringthemintodesperation,layingholduponthepromise
throughfaith.
Andinthisalsoliethacertainvehemency,orratherirony,thatheexpresslysettethdown
thenumberof430years.Asifhewouldsay:Ifyebeversedinarithmetic,reckononyour
fingershowlongitwasbetweenthepromisegiven,andthelaw.ItisplainthatAbraham
receivedthepromisealongtimebeforethelaw.ForthelawwasgiventothepeopleofIsrael
yearsafter.Andthisisaninvincibleargumentgatheredandgroundeduponacertaintime.
Andhespeakethnothereofthelawingeneral,butonlyofthewrittenlaw.Asifhewould
say:Godcouldnotthenhaveregardtotheceremoniesandworksofthelaw,andgive
righteousnesstotheobserversthereof.Forasyetthelawwasnotgiven,whichcommandeth
ceremonies,requirethworks,andpromisethlifetothosethatobservethem,saying:Theman
thatshalldothesethings,shallliveinthem.Andalthoughitpromisesuchthings,yetit
followethnotthereforethatweobtainthesepromisesforitsaithplainly:Themanthatshall
dothesethings,etc.Nowitiscertainthatnomancandothem.Moreover,Paulsaiththatthe
lawcannotabolishthepromisethereforethatpromisemadeuntoAbraham430yearsbefore
thelaw,remainethfirmandconstant.Andthatthemattermaybebetterunderstood,Iwill
declarethesamebyasimilitude.Ifarichman,notconstrained,butofhisowngoodwill,
shouldadoptonetobehisson,whomheknowethnot,andtowhomheowethnothing,and
shouldappointhimtobetheheirofallhislandsandgoodsandcertainyearsafterthathe
hathbestowedthisbenefituponhim,heshouldlayuponhimalawtodothisorthat:he
cannotnowsaythathehathdeservedthisbenefitbyhisownworks,seeingthatmanyyears
before,heaskingnothing,hadreceivedthesamefreelyandofmerefavorso,Godcouldnot
respectourworksanddesertsgoingbeforerighteousness:forthepromiseandthegiftofthe
HolyGhostwas430yearsbeforethelaw.
HerebyitappeareththatAbrahamobtainednotrighteousnessbeforeGodthroughthe
law.Fortherewasyetnolaw.Iftherewereyetnolaw,thenwasthereneitherworknormerit.
Whatthen?NothingelsebutthemerepromiseofGod.ThispromiseAbrahambelieved,and
itwascountedtohimforrighteousness.Bytheselfsamemeansthenthatthefatherobtained
thispromise,thechildrendoalsoobtainit.Sosaywealsoatthisday:Oursinswerepurged
bythedeathofChristaboveathousandandfivehundredyearsago,whentherewereyetno
religiousorders,nocanonorruleofpenance,nomeritsofcongruenceandworthiness.We
cannotnowthereforebegintoabolishthesamebyourownworksandmerits.
ThusPaulgatherethargumentsofsimilitudes,ofacertaintime,andofpersons,sosure
andstrongoneveryside,thatnomaninhisfightmindcandenythem.Letusthereforearm
andfortifyourconscienceswithsuchargumentsforithelpethusexceedinglytohavethem
alwaysreadyintemptations.Fortheyleadusfromthelawandworks,tothepromiseandto
faithfromwrathtogracefromsintorighteousnessandfromdeathtolife.
Thereforethesetwothings(asIdooftenrepeat):towit,thelaw,andthepromise,must
bediligentlydistinguished.Forintime,inplace,andinperson,andgenerallyinallother
circumstances,theyareseparateasfarasunderasheavenandearth,thebeginningofthe
worldandthelatterend.
Indeedtheyarenearneighbors,fortheyarejoinedtogetherinonemanorinonesoul:but
intheinwardaffectionandastouchingtheiroffice,theyoughttobeseparatefarasunder:so
thatthelawmayhavedominionovertheflesh,andthepromisemaysweetly[and
comfortably]reignintheconscience.Whenthouhastthusappointeduntothemboththeir
ownproperplace,thenthouwalkestsafelybetweenthembothintheheavenofthepromise

andintheearthofthelaw.Inthespiritthouwalkestintheparadiseofgraceandpeace:inthe
fleshthouwalkestintheearthofworksandofthecross.Andnowthetroubleswhichthe
fleshiscompelledtobearshallnotbeharduntothee,becauseofthesweetnessofthe
promise,whichwondrouslycomfortethandrejoiceththeheart.Butnow,ifthouconfoundand
minglethesetwotogetherandplacethelawintheconscience,andthepromiseoflibertyin
theflesh,thenthoumakestaconfusion(suchaswasinpopery)sothatthoushaltnotknow
whatthelaw,whatthepromise,whatsin,orwhatrighteousnessis.
Whereforeifthouwiltrightlydividethewordoftruth,thoumustputagreatdifference
betweenthepromiseandthelaw,astouchingtheinwardaffectionsandwholepracticeoflife.
ItisnotfornoughtthatPaulprosecuteththisargumentsodiligently.Forheforesawinspirit
thatthismischiefshouldcreepintotheChurch,thattheWordofGodshouldbeconfounded:
thatistosay,thatthepromiseshouldbemingledwiththelaw,andsothepromiseshouldbe
utterlylost.Forwhenthepromiseismingledwiththelaw,itismadenothingelsebutthelaw.
Thereforeaccustomthyselftoseparatethepromiseandthelawasunder,eveninrespectof
time,thatwhenthelawcomethandaccuseththyconscience,thoumaystsay:Ladylaw,thou
comestnotinseason,forthoucomesttoosoontarryyetuntil430yearsbeexpiredandwhen
theyarepast,thencomeandsparenot.Butifthoucomethen,yetshaltthoucometoolate.
Forthenhaththepromisepreventedthee430years:tothewhichIassent,andsweetly
reposemyselfinthesame.ThereforeIhavenothingtodowiththee:Iheartheenot.Fornow
IlivewiththebelievingAbraham,orrathernowIliveafterChristhathbeenrevealed,whois
myrighteousness,whoalsohathabolishedthee,Olaw.AndthusletChristbealwaysbefore
thineeyes,asacertainsummaryofallargumentsforthedefenseoffaith,againstthe
righteousnessoftheflesh,againstthelaw,andagainstallworksandmeritswhatsoever.
HithertoIhaverehearsedalmostall,butspeciallytheprincipalargumentswhichthe
apostlePaulhandlethinthisEpistle,fortheconfirmationofthisdoctrineofjustification.
Amongwhich,theargumentastouchingthepromisemadeuntoAbrahamandtotheother
fathers,istheweightiestandofgreatefficacy:whichPauldothchieflyprosecutebothhere
andintheEpistletotheRomans,thewordswhereofhediligentlyweigheth,andmoreover
intreatethbothofthetimesandpersons.Alsohestandethuponthiswordseed,applyingthe
sameuntoChrist.Finally,hedeclarethbythecontrary,whatthelawworketh:namely,thatit
holdethmenunderthecurse.AndthushefortifieththearticleofChristianrighteousnesswith
strongandmightyarguments.Ontheotherside,heoverthroweththeargumentsofthefalse
apostles,whichtheyusedindefenseoftherighteousnessofthelaw,andturneththemupon
theirownheads:thatistosay,whereastheycontendedthatrighteousnessandlifeisobtained
bythelaw,Paulsheweththatitworkethmaledictionanddeath.Yecontendsaithhe,thatthe
lawisnecessarytosalvation.Haveyenotreadthatitsaith:Hethatshalldothesethingsshall
liveinthem?Now,whoishethatperformethandaccomplisheththem?Nomanliving.
Therefore,asmanyasareoftheworksofthelawareunderthecurse(Galatians3:10).
Andagaininanotherplace:Thestingofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinisthelaw
(1Corinthians15:56).Nowfolloweththeconclusionofthesearguments.
Foriftheinhertancebeofthelaw,itisnomorebythepromise,etc.
SohesaithinthefourthtotheRomans:Foriftheywhichbeofthelawbeheirs,thenisfaith
madevoid,andthepromiseofnoneeffect.Anditcannototherwisebe:forthisdistinctionis
plain,thatthelawisathingfardifferingfromthepromise.Yea,naturalreason,althoughitbe

neversoblind,iscompelledtoconfessthatitisonethingtopromiseandanotherthingto
require:onethingtogive,andanotherthingtotake.Thelawrequirethandexactethofusour
works:thepromiseoftheSeeddothofferuntousthespiritualandeverlastingbenefitsof
God,andthatfreelyforChristssake.Thereforeweobtaintheinheritanceorblessingthrough
thepromiseandnotthroughthelaw.Forthepromisesaith:Inthyseedshallallnationsofthe
earthbeblessed.Thereforehethathaththelaw,hathnotenough,becausehehathnotyetthe
blessing,withoutthewhichheiscompelledtoabideunderthecurse.Thelawtherefore
cannotjustify,becausetheblessingisnotjoineduntoit.Moreover,iftheinheritancewereof
thelaw,thenshouldGodbefoundaliar,andthepromiseshouldbeinvain.Again,ifthelaw
couldobtaintheblessing,whydidGodmakethispromise,Inthyseed,etc.?Whydidhenot
rathersay:Dothisandthoushaltreceivetheblessing?Orelse:Bykeepingofthelaw,thou
mayestdeserveeverlastinglife?Thisargumentisgroundeduponcontraries:Theinheritance
isgivenbythepromisethereforenotbythelaw.
ButGodgaveituntoAbrahambypromise
ItcannotbedeniedbutthatGod,beforethelawwas,gaveuntoAbrahamtheinheritanceor
blessingbythepromise:thatistosay,remissionofsins,righteousness,salvationand
everlastinglife,thatweshouldbesonsandheirsofGod,andfellowheirswithChrist.Foritis
plainlysaidinGenesis:Inthyseedshallallnationsbeblessed.Theretheblessingisgiven
freelywithoutrespectofthelaworworks.ForGodgavetheinheritancebeforeMoseswas
born,orbeforeanymanhadyetoncethoughtofthelaw.Whyvauntyethen,that
righteousnesscomethbythelaw,seeingthatrighteousness,lifeandsalvationwasgivento
yourfatherAbrahamwithoutthelaw,yeabeforetherewasanylaw?Hethatisnotmoved
withthesethingsisblindandobstinate.ButthisargumentofthepromiseIhavebefore
handledmorelargely,andthereforeIwillbuttouchitbytheway.
HithertowehaveheardtheprincipalpartofthisEpistle.NowtheApostlegoethaboutto
showtheuseandofficeofthelaw,addingcertainsimilitudesoftheschoolmasterandofthe
littleheiralsotheallegoryofthetwosonsofAbraham,IsaacandIshmael,etc.andlastofall
hesettethforthcertainpreceptsconcerningmanners.InthislaterpartoftheEpistle,Paul
speakethrhetoricallymorethanheteacheth.
Whereforethenserveththelaw?
Whenweteachthatamanisjustifiedwithoutthelawandworks,thendoththisquestion
necessarilyfollow:Ifthelawdonotjustify,whythenwasitgiven?Also:whydothGod
chargeusandburdenuswiththelaw,ifitdonotquickenandgivelife?Whatneedisthere
thatweshouldbesohardlyexercisedandvexedwithit,iftheywhichworkbutonehour,are
madeequalwithusthathavebornetheheatandburdenoftheday?Whenasthatgraceisonce
publisheduntouswhichtheGospelsettethout,byandbyariseththisgreatmurmuring
withoutthewhichtheGospelcannotbepreached.TheJewshadthisopinion,thatiftheykept
thelaw,theyshouldbejustifiedthereby.ThereforewhentheyheardtheGospelpreached
concerningChrist,whocameintotheworldtosave,nottherighteous,butsinners,andthat
theseshouldgobeforethemintothekingdomofGod,theywerewonderfullyoffended,
complainingthattheyhadbornetheheavyyokeofthelawsomanyyearswithgreatlaborand
toil,andthattheyweremiserablyvexedandoppresedwiththetyrannyofthelaw,without

anyprofit,yearathertotheirgreathurtwhereastheGentileswhowereidolatersobtained
gracewithoutanylaborortravail.SodoourPapistsmurmuratthisday,saying:Whathathit
profitedusthatwehavelivedinacloistertwenty,thirty,orfortyyearsthatwehavevowed
chastity,poverty,obediencethatwehavesaidsomanycanonicalhours,andsomanymasses
thatwehavesopunishedourbodieswithfasting,prayers,chastisementsetc.,ifahusband,a
wife,aprince,agovernor,amaster,ascholar,ifanhirelingoradrudgebearingsacks,ifa
wenchsweepingthehouseshallnotonlybemadeequalwithus,butalso[beacceptedas]
betterandmoreworthy[beforeGod]thanwe?
Thisisthereforeanhardquestion,whereuntoreasoncannotanswer,butisgreatly
offendedwithit.Reasonafterasortunderstandeththerighteousnessofthelaw,whichalsoit
teachethandurgeth,andimagineththatthedoersofitarerighteous:butitunderstandethnot
theofficeandendofthelaw.ThereforewhenitheareththissentenceofPaul(whichis
strangeandunknowntotheworld),thatthelawwasgivenbecauseoftransgressions,thusis
judgeth:Paulabolisheththelaw,forhesaiththatwearenotjustifiedthroughityeaheisa
blasphemeragainstGodwhichgavethelaw,whenhesaiththatthelawwasgivenbecauseof
transgressions.
LetuslivethereforeasGentileswhichhavenolaw.Yea,letussinandabideinsinthat
gracemayabound.Alsoletusdoevilthatgoodmaycomethereof.Thishappenedtothe
Apostle.Andtheselfsamehappenethatthisdayuntous.Forwhenthecommonpeoplehear
outoftheGospel,thatrighteousnesscomethbythemeregraceofGodthroughfaithonly,
withoutthelawandwithoutworks,theygatherbyandbyofit,asdidtheJewsintimepast:If
thelawdonotjustify,thenletusworknothing!Andthisdotheytrulyperform.
Whatshouldwethendo?Thisevildothindeedverymuchvexus,butwecannotremedy
it.ForwhenChristpreached,hemustneedshear,thathewasablasphemerandaseditious
person:thatistosay,thatthroughhisdoctrinehedeceivedmen,andmadethemrebels
againstCaesar.TheselfsamethinghappenedtoPaulandalltherestoftheApostles.And
whatmarvelisitiftheworldinlikemanneraccuseusatthisday?Letitaccuseus,letit
slanderusandpersecuteus:yetmustnotwethereforeholdourpeace,butspeakfreely,that
afflictedconsciencesmaybedeliveredoutofthesnaresofthedevil.Andwemustnotregard
thefoolishandungodlypeople,inthattheydoabuseourdoctrineforwhethertheyhavethe
lawornolaw,theycannotbereformed.Butwemustconsiderhowtroubledconsciencesmay
behelped,thattheyperishnotwiththemultitude.Ifweshouldholdourpeace,thenshould
thoseconscienceshavenocomfort,whicharesoentangledandsnaredwithmenslawsand
traditions,thattheycanwindthemselvesoutbynomeans.
AsPaultherefore,whenhesawthatsomeresistedhisdoctrineandothersomesoughtthe
libertyoftheflesh,andtherebybecameworse,comfortedhimselfafterthissort:thathewas
anApostleofJesusChrist,senttopreachthefaithofGodselectandthathemustsufferall
thingsfortheelectssake,thattheymightalsoobtainsalvation:soweatthisdaydoallthings
fortheelectssake,whomweknowtobeedifiedandcomfortedthroughourdoctrine.Butas
forthedogsandswine(ofwhomtheonesortpersecutethourdoctrine,andtheothersort
treadethunderfootthelibertywhichwehaveinChrist),Iamsooffendedwiththemthatin
allmylifefortheirsakesIwouldnotuttersomuchasonewordbutIwouldratherwishthat
theseourswine,togetherwithouradversariesthedogs,wereyetstillsubjecttothePopes
tyranny,ratherthanthattheholynameofGodshouldbesoblasphemedbecauseofthem.
Therefore,albeitnotonlythefoolishandignorantpeople,buttheyalsowhichseemin
theirownconceitstobeverywise,doargueafterthissort:

Ifthelawdonotjustify,thenisitinvainandofnoneeffectyetitisnotthereforetrue.
Forlikeasthisconsequenceisnothingworth:Moneydothnotjustify[ormakeaman
righteous],thereforeitisunprofitableTheeyesdonotjustify,thereforetheymustbeplucked
outThehandsmakenotamanrighteous,thereforetheymustbecutoff:soisthisnaught
also:
Thelawdothnotjustify,thereforeitisunprofitable.Wemustattributeuntoeverything
hisproperofficeanduse.Wedonotthereforedestroyorcondemnthelaw,becausewesay
thatitdothnotjustifybutweanswerotherwisetothisquestion:Towhatendthenserveththe
law?thanouradversariesdo,whodoperverselycounterfeitanofficeanduseofthelaw,
whichbelongethnotuntoit.
Againstthisabuseandforgedofficeofthelaw,wedisputeandanswerwithPaulthatthe
lawdothnotjustify.Butinsosaying,weaffirmnotthatthelawisunprofitable,astheydoby
andbygather.Ifthelawdonotjustify(saythey),thenitisgiveninvain.No,notso,forit
hathitsproperofficeandusebutnotthatwhichtheadversariesdoimagine,namely,tomake
menrighteous:nay,itaccuseth,terrifiethandcondemneththem.
WesaywithPaul,thatthelawisgoodifamanuseitlawfully(Timothy1:8)thatisto
say,ifheusethelawasthelaw.IfIgiveuntothelawhisproperdefinition,andkeepitwithin
thecompassofhisofficeanduse,itisanexcellentthing.ButifItranslateittoanotheruse,
andattributethatuntoitwhichIshouldnot,thendoInotonlypervertthelaw,butalsothe
wholeofdivinity.ThereforePaulfightethhereagainstthosepestilenthypocrites,whocould
notabidethissentence:Thelawwasaddedbecauseoftransgressions.
Fortheythinkthattheofficeofthelawistojustify.Andthisisthegeneralopinionof
mansreasonamongallthesophistersandthroughoutthewholeworld,thatrighteousnessis
gottenthroughtheworksofthelaw.Andreasonwillbynomeanssufferthispernicious
opiniontobewrestedfromit,becauseitunderstandethnottherighteousnessoffaith.Hereof
itcomeththatthePapists,lessfoolishlythanimpiously,dosay:TheChurchhaththelawof
God,thetraditionsofthefathers,thedecreesofcouncilsifitliveafterthemitisholy.No
manshallpersuadethesemen,thatwhentheykeepthesethings,theypleasenotGod,but
provokehiswrath.Toconclude,theythattrustintheirownrighteousness,thinktopacifythe
wrathofGodbytheirwillworshipandvoluntaryreligion.Thereforethisopinionofthe
righteousness[ofthelaw]isthesinkofallevils,andthesinofsinsofthewholeworld.For
grosssinsandvicesmaybeknown,andsoamended,orelserepressedbythepunishmentof
themagistrate.Butthissin(towit,everymansownopinionconcerningrighteousness)will
notonlybecountednosin,butalsowillbeesteemedforthehighestreligionand
righteousness.Thispestilentsinthereforeisthemightypowerofthedeviloverthewhole
world,theveryheadoftheserpent,andthesnarewherebythedevilentanglethandholdethall
mencaptive.Fornaturallyallmenhavethisopinion,thattheyarejustifiedbykeepingofthe
law.Paultherefore,totheendhemightshowthetrueofficeanduseofthelaw,andmight
rootoutofmensheartsthatfalseopinionconcerningtherighteousnessthereof,answerethto
thisobjection:Whereforethenserveththelaw,ifitjustifynot?afterthissort:Itwasnotgiven
tomakemenrighteous(saithhe)but:
Itwasaddedbecauseoftransgressions
Asthingsarediverseanddistinct,sotheusesthereofarediverseanddistinct:thereforethey
maynotbeconfoundedfor,iftheybe,theremustneedsbeaconfusionofthethingsalso.A

womanmaynotwearamansapparel,noramanawomansattire.Letamandotheworks
thatbelongtoaman,andthewomantheworksthatbelongtoawoman.
Leteverymandothatwhichhisvocationandofficerequireth.Letpastorsandpreachers
teachtheWordofGodpurely.Letmagistratesgoverntheirsubjects,andletsubjectsobey
theirmagistrates.Leteverycreatureserveinhisdueplaceandorder.Letthesunshineby
daythemoonandthestarsbynight.Lettheseagivefishestheearthgrainthewoodswild
beastsandtrees,etc.Inlikemannerletnotthelawusurptheofficeanduseofanother,thatis
tosay,ofjustificationbutletitleavethisonlytograce,tothepromise,andtofaith.Whatis
thentheofficeofthelaw?Transgressionorelse(ashesaithinanotherplace)thelaw
enteredinthattheoffensemightabound(Romans5:20).Agoodlyofficeforsooth!The
law,saithhe,wasaddedbecauseoftransgressionsthatistosay,itwasaddedbesidesand
afterthepromise,untilChristtheseedshouldcome,untowhomitwaspromised.
OFTHEDOUBLEUSEOFTHELAW
Hereyoumustunderstandthatthereisadoubleuseofthelaw.Oneiscivil:forGodhath
ordainedcivillaws,yeaalllawstopunishtransgressions.Everylawthenisgiventorestrain
sin.Ifitrestrainsin,dothitthereforemakemenrighteous?No,nothingless.ForinthatIdo
notkill,Idonotcommitadultery,Idonotsteal,orinthatIabstainfromothersins,Idoitnot
willinglyorfortheloveofvirtue,butIfeartheprison,theswordandthehangman.Thesedo
bridleandrestrainmethatIsinnot,asbondsandchainsdorestrainalionorabear,thathe
tearanddevournoteverythingthathemeeteththereforetherestrainingfromsinisnot
righteousness,butratherasignificationofunrighteousness.Forasamadorawildbeastis
bound,lestheshoulddestroyeverythingthathemeeteth:evensothelawdothbridleamad
andafuriousman,thathesinnotafterhisownlust.Thisrestraintshewethplainlyenough,
thattheywhichhaveneedthereof(asalltheyhavewhicharewithoutChrist)arenot
righteous,butratherwickedandmadmen,whomitisnecessarybythebondsandprisonof
thelawsotobridle,thattheysinnot.Thereforethelawjustifiethnot.
Thefirstuse,then,oflawsistobridlethewicked.Forthedevilreigneththroughoutthe
wholeworld,andenforcethmentoallkindsofhorriblewickedness.ThereforeGodhath
ordainedmagistrates,parents,teachers,laws,bondsandallcivilordinances,that,iftheycan
donomore,yetattheleasttheymaybindthedevilshands,thatheragenotinhisbondslaves
afterhisownlust.Likeasthereforetheythatarepossessed,inwhomthedevilmightily
reigneth,arekeptinbondsandchainslesttheyshouldhurtother:evensointheworld,which
ispossessedofthedevilandcarriedheadlongintoallkindsofwickedness,themagistrateis
presentwithhisbondsandchainsthatistosay,withhislaws,bindinghishandsandfeet,
thatherunnotheadlongintoallmischief.And,ifhesuffernothimselftobebridledafterthis
sort,thenhelosethhishead.Thiscivilrestraintisverynecessary,andappointedofGod,as
wellforpublicpeaceasforthepreservationofallthings,butspeciallylestthecourseofthe
Gospelshouldbehinderedbythetumultsandseditionsofoutrageousmen.ButPaul
intreatethnothereofthisciviluse[andoffice]ofthelaw.Itisindeedverynecessary,butit
justifiethnot.Forasapossessed[oramad]manisnotthereforefree[fromthesnaresofthe
devil]orwellinhismind,becausehehathhishandsandhisfeetbound[andcandonohurt]:
evensotheworld,althoughitbebridledbythelawfromoutwardwickednessandmischief,
yetitisnotthereforerighteous,butstillcontinuethwickedyeathisrestraint,shewethplainly
thattheworldiswickedandoutrageous,stiredup[toallkindsofwickedness]byhisprince
thedevilforotherwiseitneednotbebridledbylawsthatitshouldnotsin.

Anotheruseofthelawistheologicalorspiritual,whichis(asPaulsaith)toincrease
transgressionsthatistosay,torevealuntoamanhissin,hisblindness,hismisery,his
impiety,ignorance,hatredandcontemptofGod,death,hell,thejudgmentanddeservedwrath
ofGod.OfthisusetheApostleintreatethnotablyintheseventhtotheRomans.Thisis
altogetherunknowntohypocrites,tothesophistersandschooldivines,andtoallthatwalkin
theopinionoftherighteousnessofthelaw,oroftheirownrighteousness.Buttotheendthat
Godmightbridleandbeatdownthismonsterandthismadbeast(Imeanthepresumptionof
righteousnessandreligion),whichnaturallymakethmenproud,andpuffeththemupinsuch
sortthattheythinkthemselvestherebytopleaseGodhighly:itbehovedhimtosendsome
Herculeswhichmightsetuponthismonsterwithallforceandcourage,tooverthrowhimand
utterlytodestroyhimthatistosay,hewasconstrainedtogivealawinmountSinai,withso
greatmajestyandsoterribleashew,thatthewholemultitudewasshakenwithterror(Exodus
1920).
This,asitistheproperandtheprincipaluseofthelaw,soitisveryprofitableandalso
mostnecessary.Forifanybenotamurderer,anadulterer,athief,andoutwardlyrefrainfrom
sin,asthePhariseedidwhichismentionedintheGospel(Luke18:11),hewouldswear
(becauseheispossessedwiththedevil)thatheisrighteousandthereforeheconceivethan
opinionofrighteousness,andpresumethofhisgoodworksandmerits.
SuchaoneGodcannototherwisemollifyandhumble,thathemayacknowledgehis
miseryanddamnation,butbythelaw.Forthatisthehammerofdeath,thethunderingofhell
andthelightningofGodswrath,thatbeatethtopowdertheobstinateandsenseless
hypocrites.Whereforethisistheproperandabsoluteuseofthelaw,bylightning,bytempest
andbythesoundofthetrumpet(asinmountSinai)toterrify,andbythunderingtobeatdown
andrendinpiecesthatbeastwhichiscalledtheopinionofrighteousness.ThereforesaithGod
byJeremytheprophet:Mywordisahammer,breakingrocks(Jeremiah23:29).Foraslong
astheopinionofrighteousnessabidethinman,solongthereabidethalsoinhim
incomprehensiblepride,presumption,security,hatredofGod,contemptofhisgraceand
mercy,ignoranceofthepromisesandofChrist.Thepreachingoffreeremissionofsinsfor
Christssake,cannotenterintotheheartofsuchaone,neithercanhefeelanytasteorsavor
thereof.Forthatmightyrockandadamantwall,towit,theopinionofrighteousness,
wherewiththeheartisenvironed,dothresistit.
Asthereforetheopinionofrighteousnessisagreatandanhorriblemonster,arebellious,
obstinateandstiffneckedbeast:so,forthedestroyingandoverthrowingthereof,Godhath
needofamightyhammerthatistosay,thelaw:whichthenisinhisproperuseandoffice,
whenitaccusethandrevealethsinafterthissort:Behold,thouhasttransgressedallthe
commandmentsofGod,etc!andsoitstrikethaterrorintotheconscience,sothatitfeeleth
Godtobeoffendedandangryindeed,anditselftobeguiltyofeternaldeath.Heretheheart
feeleththeintolerableburdenofthelaw,andisbeatendowneventodesperation,sothatnow,
beingoppressedwithgreatanguishandterror,hedesirethdeath,orelseseekethtodestroy
himself.Whereforethelawisthathammer,thatfire,thatmightystrongwind,andthatterrible
earthquakerendingthemountainsandbreakingtherocks,thatistosay,theproudand
obstinatehypocrites.Elijah,notbeingabletoabidetheseterrorsofthelaw,whichbythese
thingsaresignified,coveredhisfacewithhismantle(1Kings19:11ff).Notwithstanding,
whenthetempestceased,ofwhichhewasabeholder,therecameasoftandgraciouswind,in
whichtheLordwas.Butitbehovedthatthetempestoffire,ofwind,andtheearthquake
shouldpass,beforetheLordshouldrevealhimselfinthatgraciouswind.

ThisterribleshewandmajestywhereinGodgavehislawinmountSinai,didrepresent
theuseofthelaw.TherewasinthepeopleofIsraelwhichcameoutofEgypt,asingular
holiness.theygloriedandsaid:WearethepeopleofGod.Wewilldoallthosethingswhich
theLordourGodhathcommanded(Exodus19:8).Moreover,Mosesdidsanctifythepeople,
andbadethemwashtheir.garments,refrainfromtheirwives,andpreparethemselvesagainst
thethirdday.Therewasnotoneofthembuthewasfullofholiness.ThethirddayMoses
bringeththepeopleoutoftheirtentstothemountainintothesightoftheLord,thatthey
mighthearhisvoice.
Whatfollowedthen?WhenthechildrenofIsraeldidbeholdthehorriblesightofthe
mountsmokingandburning,theblackclouds,andthelightningsflashingupanddowninthis
thickdarkness,andheardthesoundofthetrumpetblowinglongandwaxinglouderand
louderandmoreoverwhentheyheardthethunderingsandthelightnings,theywereafraid,
andstandingafarofftheysaiduntoMoses:Wewilldoallthingswillingly,sothattheLord
speaknotuntous,lestthatwedie,andthisgreatfireconsumeus.Teachthouus,andwewill
hearkenuntothee(Exodus20:19Deuteronomy5:24ff.).Iprayyou,whatdidtheir
purifying,theirwhitegarments,theirrefrainingfromtheirwives,andtheirholinessprofit
them?Nothingatall.TherewasnotoneofthemthatcouldabidethispresenceoftheLordin
hismajestyandglory:butallbeingamazedandshakenwithterror,fledbackasiftheyhad
beendrivenbythedevil.ForGodisaconsumingfire,inwhosesightnofleshisabletostand.
ThelawofGodthereforehathproperlyandpeculiarlythatofficewhichithadthenin
mountSinai,whenitwasfirstgivenandfirstheardofthemthatwerewashed,righteous,
purifiedandchaste:andyetnotwithstandingitbroughtthatholypeopleintosucha
knowledgeoftheirownmisery,thattheywerethrowndowneventodeathanddesperation.
Nopuritynorholinesscouldhelpthembuttherewasinthemsuchafeelingoftheirown
uncleanness,unworthinessandsin,andofthejudgmentandwrathofGod,thattheyfledfrom
thesightoftheLord,andcouldnotabidetohearhisvoice.Whatfleshwasthereever,said
they,thatheardthevoiceofthelivingGod,andyetlived?Thisdayhaveweseenthatwhen
Godtalkethwithman,mancannotabideit.Theyspeaknowfarotherwisethantheydida
littlebefore,whentheysaid:WearetheholypeopleofGod,whomtheLordhathchosenfor
hisownpeculiarpeoplebeforeallthenationsuponearth.Wewilldoallthingswhichthe
Lordhathspoken.Soithappenethatlengthtoalljusticiaries,whobeingdrunkenwiththe
opinionoftheirownrighteousness,dothink,whentheyareoutoftemptation,thattheyare
belovedofGod,andthatGodregardeththeirvows,theirfastings,theirprayers,andtheirwill
works,andthatforthesamehemustgiveuntothemasingularcrowninheaven.Butwhen
thatthundering,lightning,fire,andthathammerwhichbreakethinpiecestherocks,thatisto
say,thelawofGod,comethsuddenlyuponthem,revealinguntothemtheirsin,thewrathand
judgmentofGod,thentheselfsamethinghappenethuntothemwhichhappenedtotheJews
standingatthefootofmountSinai.
HereIadmonishallsuchasloveGodliness,andspeciallysuchasshallbecometeachers
ofothershereafter,thattheydiligentlylearnoutofPaultounderstandthetrueandproperuse
ofthelaw:whichIfearafterourtimewillagainbetroddenunderfootandutterlyabolished.
Forevennowwhileweareyetliving,andemployallourdiligencetosetforththeofficeand
usebothofthelawandtheGospel,therebeveryfew,yeaevenamongthosewhichwillbe
accountedChristians,andmakeaprofessionoftheGospelwithus,thatunderstandthese
thingsrightlyandastheyshoulddo.
Whatthinkyethenshallcometopasswhenwearedeadandgone?Ispeaknothingofthe

Anabaptists,ofthenewAriansandsuchothervainspirits,whoarenolessignorantofthese
mattersthanarethePapists,althoughtheytalkneversomuchtothecontrary.Fortheyare
revoltedfromthepuredoctrineoftheGospel,tolawsandtraditions,andthereforetheyteach
notChrist.TheybragandtheyswearthattheyseeknothingelsebutthegloryofGodandthe
salvationoftheirbrethren,andthattheyteachtheWordofGodpurely:butinverydeedthey
corruptitandwrestittoanothersense,sothattheymakeittosoundaccordingtotheirown
imagination.ThereforeunderthenameofChristtheyteachtheirowndreams,andunderthe
nameoftheGospel,nothingelsebutceremoniesandlaws.Theyarelikethereforeunto
themselves,andsotheystillcontinue:thatistosay,monks,workersofthelaw,andteachers
ofceremonies,savingthattheydevisenewnamesandnewworks.
Itisnosmallmatterthentounderstandrightlywhatthelawis,andwhatisthetrueuse
andofficethereof.Andforasmuchasweteachthesethingsbothdiligentlyandfaithfully,we
dotherebyplainlytestifythatwerejectnotthelawandworks,asouradversariesdofalsely
accuseus:butwedoaltogetherstablishthelaw,andrequireworksthereof,andwesaymat
thelawisgoodandprofitable,butinhisownproperuse:whichis,firsttobridlecivil
transgressions,andthentorevealandtoincreasespiritualtransgressions.Whereforethelaw
isalsoalight,whichshewethandrevealeth,notthegraceofGod,notrighteousnessandlife
butsin,death,thewrathandjudgmentofGod.For,asinthemountSinaithethundering,
lightning,thethickanddarkcloud,thehillsmokingandflaming,andallthatterribleshewdid
notrejoicenorquickenthechildrenofIsrael,butterrifiedandastonishedthem,andshewed
howunabletheywere,withalltheirpurityandholiness,toabidethepresenceofGod
speakingtothemoutofthecloud:evensothelaw,whenitisinhistruesense,dothnothing
elsebutrevealsin,engenderwrath,accuseandterrifymen,sothatitbringeththemtothevery
brinkofdesperation.Thisistheproperuseofthelaw,andhereithathanend,anditoughtto
gonofurther.
Contrariwise,theGospelisalightwhichlighteneth,quickeneth,comfortethandraiseth
upfearfulminds.ForitsheweththatGodforChristssakeismercifuluntosinners,yeaandto
suchasaremostunworthy,iftheybelievethatbyhisdeaththeyaredeliveredfromthecurse,
thatistosay,fromsinandeverlastingdeathandthatthroughhisvictorytheblessingisfreely
givenuntothem,thatistosay,grace,forgivenessofsins,righteousnessandeverlastinglife.
Thus,puttingadifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospel,wegivetothemboththeirown
properuseandoffice.OfthisdifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospelthereisnothingtobe
foundinthebooksofthemonks,canonists,schooldivinesno,norinthebooksoftheancient
fathers.Augustinedidsomewhatunderstandthisdifference,andshewedit.Jeromeandothers
knewitnot.Briefly,therewaswonderfulsilencemanyyearsastouchingthisdifferenceinall
schoolsandchurchesandthisbroughtmensconsciencesintogreatdanger.Forunlessthe
Gospelbeplainlydiscernedfromthelaw,thetrueChristiandoctrinecannotbekeptsound
anduncorrupt.Contrariwise,ifthisdifferencebewellknown,thenisalsothetruemannerof
justificationknown,andthenitisaneasymattertodiscernfaithfromworks,Christfrom
Mosesandallpoliticlaws.ForallthingswithoutChristaretheministryofdeathforthe
punishingofthewicked.
ThereforePaulanswerethtothisquestionafterthismanner:
Thelawwasaddedbecauseoftransgressions
Thatistosay,thattransgressionsmightincrease,andbemoreknownandseen.Andindeed

soitcomethtopass.Forwhensin,death,thewrathandjudgmentofGod,hell,etc.are
revealedtoamanthroughthelaw,itisimpossiblebutthatheshouldbecomeimpatient,
murmuragainstGod,andhatehiswill.ForhecannotbearthejudgmentofGod,hisown
deathanddamnationandyetnotwithstandinghecannotescapethem.Herehemustneedsfall
intothehatredofGodandblasphemyagainstGod.Before,whenhewasoutoftemptation,he
wasaveryholyman:heworshippedandpraisedGodhebowedhiskneebeforeGod,and
gavehimthanksasthePhariseedid,Luke18.Butnow,whensinanddeathisrevealedunto
him,hewisheththattherewerenoGod.Thelawthereforeofitselfbringethaspecialhatred
ofGod.Andthussinisnotonlyrevealedandknownbythelaw,butalsoisincreased,stirred
upandmagnifiedthereby.ThereforePaulsaith:sin,thatitmightappeartobesin,wrought
deathinmebythatwhichwasgood,thatsinmightbecomeoutofmeasuresinfulbythe
commandment(Romans7:13).Thereheentreatethofthiseffectofthelawverylargely.
Paulanswereththereforetothisquestion:Ifthelawdonotjustify,towhatendthen
servethit?Although(saithhe)itjustifynot,yetisitveryprofitableandnecessary.Forfirstit
civillyrestrainethsuchasarecarnal,rebelliousandobstinate.Moreoveritshewethuntoa
manhimself,thatheisasinner,guiltyofdeath,andworthyofGodseverlastingwrath.To
whatendserveththishumbling,thisbruisingandbeatingdownbythishammer,thelawI
mean?Tothisend,thatwemayhaveanentranceuntograce.Sothenthelawisaministerthat
prepareththewayuntograce.ForGodistheGodofthehumble,themiserable,theafflicted,
theoppressedandthedesperate,andofthosethatarebroughteventonothingandhisnature
istoexaltthehumble,tofeedthehungry,togivesighttotheblind,tocomfortthemiserable
andtheafflicted,tojustifysinners,toquickenthedead,andtosavetheverydesperateand
damned.ForheisanalmightyCreator,makingallthingsofnothing.Nowthatperniciousand
pestilentopinionof[mansown]righteousness,whichwillnotbeasinner,unclean,miserable
anddamnable,butrighteousandholy,sufferethnotGodtocometohisownnaturaland
properwork.ThereforeGodmustneedstakethismaulinhand(thelawImean)todrive
down,tobeatinpieces,andtobringtonothingthisbeast,withhervainconfidence,wisdom,
righteousnessandpower,thatshemaysolearnatthelengthbyherownmiseryandmischief,
thatsheisutterlyforlorn,lostanddamned.Herenow,whentheconscienceisthusterrified
withthelaw,thencomeththedoctrineoftheGospelandgrace,whichraisethupand
comforteththesameagain,saying:Christcameintotheworld,nottobreakthebruisedreed,
nortoquenchthesmokingflax,buttopreachtheGospeltothepoor,tohealthecontritein
heart,topreachremissiontothecaptives,etc.
Buthereliethallthedifficultyofthismatter,thatwhenamanisterrifiedandcastdown,
hemaybeabletoraiseuphimselfagainandsay:NowIambruisedandafflictedenoughthe
timeofthelawhathtormentedandvexedmesharplyenough.Nowisthetimeofgracenow
isthetimetohearChrist,outofwhosemouthproceedthewordsofgrace[andlife].Nowis
thetimetosee,notthesmokingandburningmountSinai,butthemountMoriah,whereisthe
throne,thetemple,themercyseatofGodthatistosay,Christ,whoisthekingof
righteousnessandpeace.TherewillIhearkenwhattheLordspeakethuntome,whospeaketh
nothingelsebutpeaceuntohispeople.
Nay,thefoolishnessofmansheartissogreat,thatinthisconflictofconscience,when
thelawhathdonehisofficeandexercisedhistrueministry,hedothnotonlynotlayhold
uponthedoctrineofgrace,whichpromisethandofferethmostassuredlytheforgivenessof
sinsforChristssake,butseekethoutyetmorelawswherewithhewillhelphimself.IfIlive
longer,saithhe,IwillamendmylifeIwilldothis,IwilldothatIwillenteramonasteryI

willlivemostfrugally,contentwithbreadandwaterIwillgobarefoot,etc.Here,exceptthou
dothequitecontrary,thatistosay,exceptthousendMosesawaywithhislaw,tothosethat
aresecure,proudandobstinate,andintheseterrorsandinthisanguishlayholduponChrist,
whowascrucifiedanddiedforthysins,thereisnosalvationforthee.Sothelawwithhis
office,althoughitjustifiethnot,helpebyoccasiontojustification,inthatitdrivethamanto
thepromiseofgrace,andmakeththesamesweetanddesirableuntohim.Whereforewedo
notabrogatethelawbutweshewthetrueofficeanduseofthelaw:towit,thatitisatrue
andprofitableministerwhichdrivethamantoChrist.Therefore,afterthatthelawhath
humbledthee,terrifiedthee,andutterlybeatentheedown,sothatnowthouartatthevery
brinkofdesperation,seethatthoulearnhowtousethelawrightly.Fortheofficeanduseofit
isnotonlytorevealsinandthewrathofGod,butalsotodrivemenuntoChrist.
ThisuseofthelawtheHolyGhostonlysettethforthintheGospel,wherehewitnesseth
thatGodispresentuntothecontriteinheart.Wherefore,ifthoubebruisedwiththishammer,
usenotthisbruisingperversely,sothatthouloadthyselfwithmorelaws,buthearChrist
saying:Comeuntomeallyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillrefreshyou(Matthew
11:28).Whenthelawsooppresseththee,thatallthingsseemtobeutterlydesperate,and
therebydriveththeeuntoChristtoseekhelpandsuccorathishands,thenisthelawinhis
trueuseand,throughtheGospel,ithelpethtojustification.Andthisisthebestandmost
perfectuseofthelaw.
WhereforePaulherebeginnethafreshtointreatofthelaw,anddefinethwhatitis,taking
occasionofthatwhichhesaidbefore:towit,thatthelawjustifiethnot.Forreasonhearing
this,byandbydoththusinfer:thenGodgavethelawinvain.Itwasnecessary,therefore,to
seekhowtodefinethelawtruly,andtoshewwhatthelawis,andhowitoughttobe
understood,thatitbenottakenmorelargelyormorestraitlythanitshouldbe.Thereisnolaw
(saithhe)thatisofitselfnecessarytojustification.Thereforewhenwereasonastouching
righteousness,life,andeverlastingsalvation,thelawmustbeutterlyremovedoutofoursight,
asifithadneverbeen,ornevershouldbe,butasthoughitwerenothingatall.Forinthe
matterofjustification,nomancanremovethelawfarenoughoutofhissight,orbeholdthe
onlypromiseofGodsufficientlyandasheshoulddo.ThereforeIsaidbeforethatthelawand
thepromisemustbeseparatefarasunderastouchingtheaffections[andtheinwardman],
albeitindeedtheyareverynearlyjoinedtogether.
Untiltheseedcame,untothewhichthepromisewasmade
Paulmakethnotthelawperpetual,buthesaiththatitwasgivenandaddedtothepromises
becauseoftransgressionsthatistosay,torestrainthemcivilly,butspeciallytorevealand
increasethemspiritually,andthatnotcontinually,butforatime.Hereitisnecessarytoknow
howlongthepowerandthetyrannyofthelawoughttoendure,whichdiscoverethsin,
shewethuntouswhatweare,andrevealeththewrathofGod.Theywhoseheartsaretouched
withaninwardfeelingofthesematters,shouldsuddenlyperishiftheyshouldnotreceive
comfort.Therefore,ifthedaysofthelawshouldnotbeshortened,nomancouldbesaved.A
timethereforemustbeset,andboundslimitedtothelaw,beyondwhichitmaynotreign.
Howlongthenoughtthedominionofthelawtoendure?UntiltheSeedcome:towit,that
Seedofwhichitiswritten:Inthyseedshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed.The
tyrannyofthelawthenmustsolongcontinueuntothefullnessofthetime,anduntilthatSeed
oftheblessingcome:nottotheendthatthelawshouldbringthisSeedorgiverighteousness,

butthatitshouldcivillyrestraintherebelliousandobstinate,andshutthemupasitwereina
prisonandspirituallyshouldreprovethemofsin,humblethemandterrifythemandwhen
theyarethushumbledandbeatendown,itshouldconstrainthemtolookuptothatblessed
Seed.
Wemayunderstandthecontinuanceofthelawbothaccordingtotheletterandalso
spirituallyAccordingtotheletterthus:thatthelawcontinuethuntilthetimeofgrace.The
lawandtheprophets,saithChrist,prophesieduntilJohn.FromthetimeofJohnuntilthis
day,thekingdomofheavensufferethviolence,andtheviolenttakeitbyforce(Matthew
11:12f.).InthistimeChristwasbaptizedandbegantopreach:atwhattimealso,afterthe
letter,thelawandalltheceremoniesofMosesceased.
Spirituallythelawmaybethusunderstood,thatitoughtnottoreignintheconscience
anylongerthantotheappointedtimeofthisblessedSeed.
Whenthelawshewethuntomemysin,terrifiethme,andrevealeththewrathand
judgmentofGod,sothatIbegintotrembleandtodespairtherehaththelawhisbounds,his
timeandhisendlimited,sothathenowceasethtoexercisehistyrannyanymoreforwhenhe
hathdonehisofficesufficiently,hehathrevealedthewrathofGodandterrifiedenough.Here
wemustsay:Nowleaveoff,lawthouhastterrifiedandtormentedmeenoughAllthy
floodshaverunoverme,andthyterrorshavetroubledme.Lord,turnnotawaythyfaceinthy
wrathfromthyservant:rebukemenot,Ibeseechthee,inthineanger,etc.Whentheseterrors
andtroublescomethenisthetimeandhouroftheblessedSeedcome.Letthelawthengive
place,whichindeedisaddedtorevealandtoincreasetransgressions,andyetnolongerbut
untilthatblessedSeedbecome.
Whenthatascome,thenletthelawleaveofftorevealsinandtoterrifyanymore:andlet
himdeliveruphiskingdomtoanotherthatistosay,totheblessedSeed,whichisChrist:
whohathgraciouslips,wherewithheaccusethandterrifiethnot,butspeakethoffarbetter
thingsthandoththelaw,namely,ofgrace,peace,forgivenessofsins,victoryoversin,death,
etc.,gottenbyhisdeathandpassionandfreelygivenuntoallbelievers.
Paulthereforeshewethbythesewords:Untiltheseedshallcome,untowhomthe
blessingwaspromised,howlongthelaw,shouldendurelaterallyandspiritually.According
totheletter,itceasedaftertheblessedSeedcameintotheworld,takinguponhimourflesh,
givingtheHolyGhost,andwritinganewlawinourhearts,etc.Butthespiritualtimeofthe
lawdothnotendatonce,butcontinuethfastrootedintheconscience.
Thereforeitisahardmatterforamanwhichisexercisedwiththespiritualuseofthelaw,
toseetheendofthelaw.Forintheseterrorsandfeelingofsin,themindcannotconceivethis
hope,thatGodismerciful,andthathewillforgivesinsforChristssakebutitjudgethonly
thatGodisangrywithsinners,andthatheaccusethandcondemneththem.Iffaithcomenot
heretoraiseamanupagainorelse,accordingtothatsayingofChrist:Wheretwoorthree,
etc.(Matthew18:20),therebesomefaithfulbrotherathandthatmaycomfortbytheWordof
Godhimwhichissooppressedandbeatendownbythelawthendesperationanddeathmust
needsfollow.Thereforeitisaperilousthingforaman,especiallywhenheistempted,tobe
alone.Woebetohimthatisalone,saiththepreacher,forwhenhefallethhehathnoneto
raisehimup(Ecclesiastes4:10).
Whereforetheythatordainedthatmonkishandsolitarylife,gaveoccasiontomany
thousandstodespair.Ifamanshouldseparatehimselffromthecompanyofothersforaday
ortwotobeoccupiedinprayer(aswereadofChrist,thatsometimeshewentasidealoneinto
themount,andbynightcontinuedinprayer),therewerenodangertherein.Butwhenthey

constrainedmencontinuallytoliveasolitarylife,itwasadeviceofthedevilhimself.For
whenamanistemptedandisalone,heisnotabletoraiseuphimself,no,notintheleast
temptationthatcanbe.
Anditwasordainedbyangelsinthehandofamediator
Thisisalittledigressionfromhispurpose,whichheneitherdeclarethnorfinisheth,butonly
touchethitbytheway,andsoproceedeth.Forhereturnethincontinenttohispurpose,when
hesaith:WhatisthelawthencontrarytothepromisesofGod?Now,thiswasthepurpose
ofhisdigression.HefellintothisdifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospel,thatthelaw
addedtothepromisesdiddifferfromtheGospel,notonlyinrespectoftime,butalsoofthe
authorortheefficientcausethereof.Forthelawwasdeliveredbytheangels(Hebrews2),but
theGospelbytheLordhimself.WhereforetheGospelisfarmoreexcellentthanthelaw.For
thelawisthevoiceoftheservants,buttheGospelisthevoiceoftheLordhimself.Therefore
toabaseandtodiminishtheauthorityofthelaw,andtoexaltandmagnifytheGospel,he
saiththatthelawwasadoctrinegiventocontinuebutforasmalltime(foritenduredbutonly
untilthefullnessofthepromise,thatistosay,untiltheblessedSeedcamewhichfulfilledthe
promise)buttheGospelwasforever.Forallthefaithfulhavehadalwaysoneandthe
selfsameGospelfromthebeginningoftheworld,andbythattheyweresaved.Thelaw
thereforeisfarinferiortotheGospel,becauseitwasordainedbytheangelswhicharebut
servants,andenduredbutforashorttime,whereastheGospelwasordainedbytheLord
himself,tocontinueforever(Hebrews1).Foritwaspromisedbeforeallworlds(Titus1).
MoreovertheWordofthelawwasnotonlyordainedbytheangelsbeingbutservants,
butalsobyanotherservantfarinferiortotheangels,namelybyaman,thatis(asherehe
saith)bythehandofamediator,thatistosay,Moses.Now,Christisnotaservant,butthe
Lordhimself.HeisnotamediatorbetweenGodandmanaccordingtothelaw,asMoseswas
butheisamediatorofabettertestament.Thelawthereforewasordainedbyangelsas
servants.ForMosesandthepeopleheardGodspeakinginthemountSinai:thatistosay,they
heardtheangelsspeakinginthepersonofGod.ThereforeStephenintheseventhchapterof
theActssaith:Yehavereceivedthelawbytheministryofangels,andyehavenotkeptit
(Acts7:53).AlsothetextinthethirdofExodusshewethplainlythattheangelappearedunto
Mosesinaflameoffire,andspokeuntohimfromthemidstofthebush.(HeretheLatintext
iswrong,forithathnotthewordangel,butLord.Andbecauseofignoranceofthe
Hebrewtongue,thisplacehathgivenbirthtothedisputationwhethertheLordhimselfspake
untoMoses,oranangel.)PaulthereforesignifieththatChristisamediatorofafarbetter
testamentthanMoses.AndherehealludethtothathistoryinExodusconcerningthegivingof
thelaw,whichsaiththatMosesledthepeopleoutoftheirtentstomeetwithGod,andthathe
placedthematthefootofthemountSinai.
Therewasanheavyandanhorriblesight.Thewholemountwasonaflamingfire,etc.
Whenthepeoplesawthis,theybegantotremblefortheythoughtthattheyshouldhavebeen
suddenlydestroyedinthisfearfultempest.Becausethereforetheycouldnotabidethelaw
soundingsohorriblyoutofMountSinai(forthatterrifyingvoiceofthelawwouldhavekilled
thepeople),theysaiduntoMosestheirmediator:DrawthounighandhearwhattheLord
saith,andspeakthouuntous.Andhehimselfsaith:Imyselfwasamediator,andonethat
stoodbetweenGodandyou,etc.BytheseplacesitisplainenoughthatMoseswasappointed
amediatorbetweenthepeopleandthelawspeaking.

WhereforePaulbythishistorygoethaboutcovertlytodeclare,thatitisimpossiblethat
righteousnessshouldcomebythelaw.Asifheshouldsay:
Howcanthelawjustify,seeingthewholepeopleofIsrael,beingpurifiedandsanctified,
yeaandMoseshimselfthemediatorbetweenGodandthepeople,wereafraidandtrembledat
thevoiceofthelaw,asitissaidintheEpistletotheHebrews?Herewasnothingbutfearand
trembling.Butwhatrighteousnessandholinessisthis,nottobeabletobear,yeanottobe
ableorwillingtohearthelaw,buttoflyfromitandsotohateit,thatitisimpossibletohate
andabhoranythingmoreinthewholeworld?asthehistorymostplainlytestifieth,that,the
peopleintheveryhourwhentheyheardthelaw,didhatenothingmorethanthelaw,and
ratherwisheddeaththantohearthelaw.
So,whensinisdiscovered,asitwerebycertainbrightbeamswhichthelawstrikethinto
theheart,thereisnothingmoreodiousandmoreintolerabletomanthanthelawis.Herehe
wouldratherchoosedeath,thanbeconstrainedtobeartheseterrorsofthelawneversolittlea
time:whichisamostcertaintokenthatthelawjustifiethnot.Forifthelawdidjustify,then
(nodoubt)menwouldloveit,theywoulddelightandtakepleasureinit,andwouldembrace
itwithheartygoodwill.Butwhereisthisgoodwill?
Nowhere:neitherinMosesnorinthewholepeoplefortheywereallastonishedandfled
back.Andhowdothamanlovethatwhichheflieth?
Orhowdelightethheinthatwhichhedeadlyhateth?
Wherefore,thisflightshewethadeadlyhatredofmansheartagainstthelaw,andso
consequentlyagainstGodhimself,theAuthorofthelaw.Andiftherewerenootherargument
toprovethatrighteousnesscomethnotbythelaw,thisonehistorywereenough,whichPaul
settethoutverybrieflyinthesewords:Inthehandofamediator.Asthoughhewouldsay:
Doyenotrememberthatyourfathersweresofarunabletohearthelaw,thattheyhadneedof
Mosestobetheirmediator?Andwhenhewasappointedtothatoffice,theyweresofarfrom
lovingofthelaw,thattheybyafearfulflight,togetherwiththeirmediator(astheEpistleto
theHebrews,Hebrews12,witnesseth),shewedthemselvestohatethesameandifthey
could,theywouldhavegoneeventhroughanironmountainbackagainintoEgypt.Butthey
wereinclosedroundabout,sothattheyhadnowaytoescape.ThereforetheycryuntoMoses:
SpeakthouuntousforifwehearthevoiceoftheLordourGodanymore,weshalldie
(Exodus20:19).Now,therefore,iftheybenotabletohearthelaw,howshouldtheybeable
toaccomplishitWhereforeifthepeoplethatwereofthelaw,wereconstrainedofnecessityto
haveamediator,itfollowethbyaninfallibleconsequence,thatthelawjustifiedthemnot.
Whatdiditthen?EventhesamethingthatPaulsaith:Thelawwasaddedthatthetrespass
mightabound(Romans5:20).Thelawthereforewasalightandasun,whichstruckhis
beamsintotheheartsofthechildrenofIsrael,wherebyitterrifiedthemandstrucktheminto
suchafearofGod,thattheyhatedboththelawandtheauthorthereof:whichisanhorrible
impiety.Wouldyenowsaythatthesemenwererighteous?Assuredlynot.Theyarerighteous
whichhearthelawandwithagoodwillembracethesameanddelighttherein.Butthehistory
ofgivingthelawwitnesseththatallmeninthewholeworld,betheyneversoholy(especially
seeingtheywhichwerepurifiedandsanctifiedcouldnothearthelaw),dohateandabhorthe
law,andwishthatthelawwerenot.
Thereforeitisimpossiblethatmenshouldbejustifiedbythelaw:nayithathaclean
contraryeffect.
AlthoughPaul(asIhavesaid)dothbutonlytouchthisplacebytheway,anddothnot
thoroughlyweighit,norfullyfinishthesame,yethethatshalldiligentlyandattentivelyread

it,mayeasilyunderstandthathespeakethcovertlyofbothmediators:thatistosay,ofMoses
andofChristandcompareththeonewiththeother,ashereafterwewilldeclare.Ifhewould
haveprosecutedthismattermorelargely,thisonlyplacewouldhaveministereduntohiman
argumentandoccasionplentifulenoughtowriteanewepistle:andthathistoryalsoinExodus
19andExodusconcerningthegivingofthelaw,wouldministermatterenoughtowritea
greatvolume,althoughitwerereadbutslightlyandwithoutaffection:albeititmayseemto
beverybarrentothosewhichknownotthetrueofficeanduseofthelaw,ifitbecompared
withothersacredhistories.
HerebywemayseethatifalltheworldhadstoodatthemountSinaiasthepeopleof
Israeldid,theywouldhavehatedthelawandwouldhavefledfromitastheydid.Thewhole
worldthereforeisanenemytothelaw,andhatethitmostdeadly.Butthelawisholy,
righteousandgood,andistheperfectruleofthewillofGod.Howthencanheberighteous,
whichdothnotonlyabhoranddetestthelawandflyfromit,butmoreoverisanenemyof
Godwhoistheauthorofthelaw?Andtrueitisthatthefleshcandonootherwise,asPaul
witnesseth(Romans8:7):ThemindofthefleshisenmityagainstGod:foritisnotsubjectto
thelawofGod,neitherindeedcanitbe.ThereforeitisanextrememadnesssotohateGod
andthelawthatthoucanstnotabidetohearit,andyetnotwithstandingtoaffirmthatweare
maderighteousthereby.
Whereforethesophisters[andschooldivines]arestarkblind,andunderstandnothingat
allofthisdoctrine.Theylookonlyupontheoutwardvisorofthelaw,thinkingthatitis
accomplishedbycivilworks,andthattheyarerighteousbeforeGod,whichdothesame
externally,notconsideringthetrueandspiritualeffectthereof:whichisnottojustify,andto
quietandpacifyafflictedconsciences,buttoincreasesin,toterrifytheconscience,andto
engenderwrath.Theybeingignorantofthis,doconcludethatamanhathagoodwillanda
right[judgmentof]reasoninrespectofthelawofGod.Butwhetherthisbetrueorno,askthe
peopleofthelawwiththeirmediator,whoheardthevoiceofthelawinthemountSinai.Ask
Davidhimself,whoasoftenashecomplainethinthePsalmsthatheiscastfromthefaceof
God,thatheiseveninhell,andthatheisterrifiedandoppressedwiththegreatnessofhissin,
withthewrathandjudgementofGod,settethnotthesacrificesnoryetthelawitselfthese
mightytyrants,butisraisedupandrestoredbytheonlyfreemercyofGod.
Thereforethelawjustifiethnot.
Ifthelawshouldservemineaffections,thatistosay,ifitshouldapprovemine
hypocrisy,mineopinionandconfidenceofmineownrighteousness:ifitshouldsaythat
withoutthemercyofGodandfaithinChrist,throughthehelpofitalone(asalltheworld
naturallyjudgethofthelaw),ImightbejustifiedbeforeGod:andmoreoverifitshouldsay
thatGodisturnedandovercomebyworks,andisboundtorewardthedoersthereof,thatso
havingnoneedofGodImightbeaGoduntomyselfandmeritgracebymyworks,and
settingmySaviorChristapartmightsavemyselfbymyownmerits:if,Isay,thelawshould
thusservemineaffections,thenshoulditbesweet,delectableandpleasantindeed.Sowell
canreasonflatteritself.
Notwithstandingthisshouldnolongercontinue,butuntilthelawshouldcometohis
properuseandoffice:thenshoulditappearthatreasoncannotsufferthosebrightbeamsof
thelaw.TheresomeMosesmustneedscomebetweenasamediatorandyetnotwithstanding
withoutanyfruit,asIwilldeclarehereafter.
Tothispurposeserveththatplace,2Corinthians3:13,concerningthecoveredfaceof
Moses,wherePauloutofthehistoryofExodus34,sheweththatthechildrenofIsraelnot

onlydidnotknow,butalsocouldnotabidethetrueandspiritualuseofthelaw:first,forthat
theycouldnotlookuntotheendofthelaw(saithPaul)becauseoftheveilwhichMosesput
uponhisface.Again,theycouldnotlookuponthefaceofMosesbeingbareanduncovered,
forthegloryofhiscountenance.ForwhenMoseswentabouttotalkwiththem,hecovered
hisfacewithaveil,withoutwhichtheycouldnotbearhistalkthatis,theycouldnothear
Moseshimselftheirmediator,unlesshehadsetanothermediatorbetween,thatistosay,the
veil.HowthenshouldtheyhearthevoiceofGod,orofanangel,whentheycouldnothear
thevoiceofMoses,beingbutaman,yeaandalsotheirmediator,excepthisfacehadbeen
covered?ThereforeexcepttheblessedSeedcometoraiseupandcomforthimwhichhath
heardthelaw,heperisheththroughdesperation,indetestingofthelaw,inhatingand
blasphemingofGod,anddailymoreandmoreoffendingagainstGod.Forthisfearand
confusionofconsciencewhichthelawbringeth,thedeeperitpiercethandthelongerit
continueth,themoreitincreasethhatredandblasphemyagainstGod.
Thishistorythereforeteachethwhatisthepoweroffreewill.Thepeoplearestricken
withfear,theytrembleandtheyflyback.Whereisnowfreewill?Whereisnowthatgood
will,[thatgoodintent,]thatright[judgmentof]reason,whichthePapistsdosomuchbragof?
Whatavailethfreewillhereinthesesanctifiedandholymen?Itcansaynothing:itblindeth
theirreasonitperverteththeirgoodwill.Itreceivethnot,itsalutethnot,itembracethnotwith
joytheLordcomingwiththundering,lightningandfireintothemountSinai.Itcannothear
thevoiceoftheLord,butcontrariwiseitsaith:LetnottheLordspeakuntous,lestwedie.
WeseethenwhatthestrengthandpoweroffreewillisinthechildrenofIsrael,whothough
theywere[cleansedand]sanctifiedcouldnotabidethehearingofonesyllableorletterofthe
law.Thereforethesehighcommendationswhichthesophistersgivetofreewill,arenothing
elsebutmeretoysanddotingdreams.
Nowamediatorisnotamediatorofone
Herehecompareththesetwomediatorstogether,andthatwithamarvellousbrevityyetso
notwithstandingthathesatisfieththeattentivereader,whobecausethiswordmediatoris
general,byandbyunderstandeththatPaulspeakethofthemediatorgenerally,andnotof
Mosesonly.Amediator,saithhe,isnotamediatorofoneonly,butthiswordnecessarily
comprehendethtwo,thatistosay,himthatisoffendedandhimthatistheoffender:ofwhom
theonehathneedofintercessionandtheotherneedethnone.Whereforeamediatorisnotof
one,butoftwo,andofsuchtwoasbeatvariancebetweenthemselves.SoMosesbyageneral
definitionisamediator,becausehedoththeofficeofamediatorbetweenthelawandthe
people,whichcannotabidethespiritualuseofthelaw.Thelawthereforemusthaveanew
face,andhisvoicemustbechangedthatistosay,thespiritualvoiceofthelaw,ortheliving
lawinthe[inward]affection,mustputona[visorora]veil,thatitmaynowbecome
tolerable,sothatthepeoplemaybeabletohearitbythehumanvoiceofMoses.
Nowthelawbeingthuscovered,speakethnomoreinhismajesty,butbythemouthof
Moses.Afterthismanneritdothnothisofficeanymore:thatis,itterrifiethnotthe
conscience.Andthereforemendonomoreunderstandit,butbymeansthereoftheybecome
secure,negligentandpresumptuoushypocrites.Andyetnotwithstandingtheoneofthesetwo
mustneedsbedone:towit,thateitherthelawmustbewithouthisuse,andcoveredwitha
veil(butthen,asIhavesaid,itmakethhypocrites),orelseitmustbeinhisusewithoutthe
veil,andthenitkilleth.Formansheartcannotabidethelawinhistrueusewithouttheveil.

Itbehoveththeetherefore,ifthoulooktotheendofthelawwithouttheveil,eithertolayhold
onthatblessedSeedbyfaith(thatistosay,thoumustlookbeyondtheendofthelawunto
Christ,whichistheaccomplishmentofthelaw,whichmaysayuntothee:Thelawhath
terrifiedtheeenoughBeofgoodcomfortmyson,thysinsareforgiventhee,whereofI
willspeakmoreanon),orelsesurelythoumusthaveMosesforthymediator,withhisveil.
Forthiscause,Paulsaith:Amediatorisnotamediatorofone.Foritcouldnotbethat
MosesshouldbeamediatorofGodalone,forGodneedethnomediator.Andagain,heisnot
amediatorofthepeopleonly,buthedoththeofficeofamediatorbetweenGodandthe
people,whichwereatvariancewithGod.Foritistheofficeofamediatortoreconcilethe
partythatisoffendedwiththepartythatistheoffender.
NotwithstandingMosesissuchamediator(asIhavesaid)asdothnothingelsebut
changethevoiceofthelaw,andmakethittolerable,sothatthepeoplemayabidethehearing
thereofbuthegivethnopowertoaccomplishthelaw.Toconclude:heisamediatorofthe
veil,andthereforehegivethnopowertoperformthelaw,butonlyintheveil.Thereforehis
disciples,inthatheisamediatorortheveil,mustalwaysbehypocrites.
Butwhatshouldhavecometopass,thinkye,ifthelawhadbeengivenwithoutMoses,
eitherbeforeorafterMoses,andthattherehadbeennomediator,andmoreoverthatthe
peopleshouldneitherhavebeensufferedtofly,nortohaveamediator?Herethepeople
beingbeatendownwithintolerablefear,shouldeitherhaveperishedforthwith,orifthey
shouldhaveescaped,theremustneedshavecomesomeothermediator,whichshouldhave
sethimselfbetweenthelawandthepeople,totheendthatboththepeoplemightbepreserved
andthelawremaininhisforce,andalsoanatonementmightbemadebetweenthelawand
thepeople.IndeedMosescomethinthemeantimeandismadeamediator:heputtethona
veilandcoverethhisfacebuthecannotdelivermensconsciencesfromtheanguishand
terrorwhichthelawbringeth.Thereforewhenatthehourofdeathorintheconflictof
conscienceamanfeeleththewrathandjudgmentofGodforsin,whichthelawrevealethand
increasethhere,tokeephimfromdesperation,settingMosesasidewithhisveil,hemust
haveamediatorwhichmaysayuntohim:Althoughthoubeasinner,yetshaltthouremain,
thatis,thoushaltnotdie,althoughthelawwithhiswrathandmaledictiondostillremain.
ThismediatorisJesusChrist,whichchangethnotthevoiceofthelaw,norhideththe
samewithaveilasMosesdid,norleadethmeoutofthesightofthelaw:buthesetteth
himselfagainstthewrathofthelaw,andtakethitaway,andsatisfieththelawinhisownbody
byhimself.AndafterwardbytheGospelhesaithuntome:Indeedthelawthreatenethunto
theethewrathofGodandeternaldeathbutbenotafraidflynotaway,butstandfastI
supplyandperformallthingsfortheeIsatisfythelawforthee.Thisisamediatorfarother
thanMoses,whosettethhimselfbetweenGodbeingoffended,andtheoffender.The
intercessionofMoseshereprofitethnothing:hehathdonehisoffice,andhewithhisveilis
nowvanishedaway.
Hereasinnerbeingutterlydesperate,oramannowapproachinguntodeath,andGod
beingoffendedandangry,doencountertogether.
ThereforetheremustcomeafarothermediatorthanMoses,whichmaysatisfythelaw,
takeawaythewraththereof,andmayreconcileuntoGodwhichisangry,thatmiserable
sinner,guiltyofeternaldeath.
OfthismediatorPaulspeakethbrieflywhenhesaith:Amediatorisnotamediatorof
one.Forthiswordmediatorproperlysignifiethsuchaoneasdoththeofficeofamediator
betweenthepartythatisoffendedandtheoffender.Wearetheoffenders:Godwithhislawis

hewhichisoffended.Andtheoffenseissuch,thatGodcannotpardonit,neithercanwe
satisfyforthesame.Therefore,betweenGod(whoofhimselfisbutone)andus,thereis
wonderfuldiscord.Moreover,Godcannotrevokehislaw,buthewillhaveitobservedand
kept.Andwe,whichhavetransgressedthelaw,cannotflyfromthepresenceofGod.Christ
thereforehathsethimselfamediatorbetweentwowhicharequitecontraryandseparate
asunderwithaninfiniteandeternalseparation,andhathreconciledthemtogether.Andhow
hathhedonethis?Hehathputaway(asPaulsaithinanotherplace)thehandwritingwhich
wasagainstus,whichbyordinances(thatis,bythelaw)wascontraryuntous,andhehath
takenitawayfastenedtothecross,andhathspoiledprincipalitiesandpowers,andhathmade
ashewofthemopenly,triumphingoverthembyhimself(Colossians2:14f.).Thereforeheis
notamediatorofone,butoftwoutterlydisagreeingbetweenthemselves.
Thisisalsoaplacefullofpowerandefficacytoconfoundtherighteousnessofthelaw,
andtoteachusthatinthematterofjustificationitoughttobeutterlyremovedoutofour
sight.Alsothiswordmediatorministerethsufficientmattertoprovethatthelawjustifieth
not.Forelsewhatneedshouldwehaveofamediator?Seeingthenthatmansnaturecannot
abidethehearingofthelaw,muchlessisitabletoaccomplishthelaw,ortoagreewiththe
law.Ergo,thelawjustifiethnot.
Thisdoctrine(whichIdosooftenrepeatandnotwithouttediousnessdostillbeatinto
yourheads)isthetruedoctrineofthelaw,whicheveryChristianoughtwithalldiligenceto
learn,thathemaybeabletrulytodefinewhatthelawis,whatisthetrueuseandoffice,what
arethelimits,whatisthepower,thetimeandtheendthereof.Forithathaneffectclean
contrarytothejudgmentofallmen:whichhavethispestilentandperniciousopinion
naturallyrootedinthem,thatthelawjustifieth.
ThereforeIfearlestthisdoctrinewillbedefacedanddarkenedagainwhenwearedead.
Fortheworldmustbereplenishedwithhorribledarknessanderrorsbeforethelatterday
come.
Whosothereforeisabletounderstandthis,lethimunderstandit,thatthelaw,in[true]
Christiandivinity,andinhistrue[andproper]definition,dothnotjustify,buthathaquite
contraryeffect.Foritshewethandrevealethuntousourselvesitsettethbeforeusanangry
Goditrevealethwrath,itterrifiethusanditdothnotonlyrevealsin,butalsomightily
increasethsin,sothatwheresinwasbeforebutlittle,nowbythelaw,whichbringeththe
sametolight,itbecomethexceedingsinful:sothatamannowbeginnethtohatethelawand
flyfromit,andwithaperfecthatredtoabhorGodthemakerofthelaw.Thisisnottobe
justifiedbythelaw(andthatreasonitselfiscompelledtogrant),buttocommitadoublesin
againstthelaw:first,notonlytohaveawillsodisagreeingfromthelawthatthoucanstnot
hearit,butalsotodocontrarytothatwhichitcommandethandsecondly,sotohateitthat
thouwouldstwishitwereabolished,togetherwithGodhimself,whoistheauthorthereofand
absolutelygood.
Nowwhatgreaterblasphemy,whatsinmorehorriblecanbeimaginedthantohateGod,
toabhorhislaw,andnottosufferthehearingthereof,whichnotwithstandingissupremely
goodandholy?ForthehistorydothplainlywitnessthatthepeopleofIsraelrefusedtohear
thatexcellentlaw,thosemostholyand(intheirownnature)mostgraciouswords,namely:I
amtheLordthyGod,whichbroughttheeout,etc.ThoushalthavenoneotherGods,etc.
Shewingmercytothousands,etc.Honourthyfatheretc.,thatthydaysmaybelonguponthe
earth,etc.(Exodus20:2ff.)andthattheyhadneedofamediator.Theycouldnotabidethis
mostexcellent,perfectanddivinewisdom,thismostgracious,sweetandcomfortable

doctrine.LetnottheLord,speakuntous,saytheylestwedie.Speakthouuntous,etc.
Doubtlessitisamarvellousthing,thatamancannothearthatwhichishiswholefelicity,2
namely,thathehathaGod,yeaandamercifulGod,whichwillshewmercyuntohimin
manythousandsofgenerations,etc.Andmoreover,thathecannotabidethatwhichishis
[chiefsafetyand]defense,namely:ThoushaltnotkillThoushaltnotcommitadulteryThou
shaltnotsteal.ForbythesewordstheLordhathdefendedandfortifiedthelifeofman,his
wife,hischildrenandhisgoods,asitwerewithawallagainsttheforceandviolenceofthe
wicked.
Thelawthencandonothing,savingthatbyhislightitlighteneththeconsciencethatit
mayknowsin,death,thejudgmentandthewrathofGod.Beforethelawcome,Iamsecure:I
feelnosin:butwhenthelawcometh,sin,deathandhellarerevealeduntome.Thisisnotto
bemaderighteous,butguiltyandtheenemyofGod,tobecondemnedtodeathandhellfire.
Theprincipalpointthereforeofthelawin[trueChristian]divinityistomakemennotbetter
butworsethatistosay,itshewethuntothemtheirsin,thatbytheknowledgethereofthey
maybehumbled,terrified,bruisedandbroken,andbythismeansmaybedriventoseek
grace,andsotocometothatblessedSeed.ThisisthesumoftheargumentthatPaulhath
takenoutofthatwordmediatorbywayofdigression.
ButGodisone
Godoffendethnoman,andthereforeneedethnomediator.ButweoffendGod,andtherefore
wehaveneedofamediator,notMoses,butChrist,whichspeakethfarbetterthingsforus,
etc.Hithertohehathcontinuedinhisdigression.Nowhereturnethtohispurpose.
IsthelawthenagainstthepromisesofGod?
Paulsaidbeforethatthelawjustifiethnot.Shallwethentakeawaythelaw?No,notso.Forit
bringethwithitacertaincommodity.Whatisthat?
Itbringethmenuntotheknowledgeofthemselves:itdiscoverethandincreasethsin,etc.
Herenowarisethanotherquestion:Ifthelawdonothingelsebutmakemenworse,in
shewinguntothemtheirsix,thenitiscontrarytothepromisesofGod.Foritseemeththat
Godisbutonlyprovokedtoangerandoffendedthroughthelaw,andthereforeheregardeth
notnorperformethhispromises.WeJewshavethoughtthecontrary,towit,thatweare
restrainedandbridledbythisexternaldiscipline,totheendthatGod,beingprovokedthereby,
mighthastentheperformingofhispromise,andthatbythisdisciplinewemightdeservethe
promise.
Paulanswereth:Itisnothingso.Butcontrariwise,ifyehaveregardtothelaw,the
promiseisratherhindered.FornaturalreasonoffendethGodwhichpromisethforitwillnot
hearhisgoodandholylaw,butsaith:LetnottheLordspeakuntous,etc.Howcanitbe
thenthatGodshouldperformhispromisesuntothosewhichnotonlyreceivenothislawand
hisdiscipline,butalsowithamortalhatreddoshunitandflyfromit?Heretherefore,asI
said,riseththisquestion:IsthelawagainstthepromisesofGod?ThisquestionPaul
touchethbythewayandbrieflyanswerethsaying:
Godforbid

Whyso?First,forthatGodhathmadenopromiseuntousbecauseofourworthiness,our
merits,ourgoodworks:butforhisowninexhaustibleandeternalgoodnessandmercyssake
only.HesaithnottoAbraham:
Allnationsshallbeblessedintheebecausethouhastkeptthelaw.Butwhenhewas
uncircumcised,hadnolaw,andwasyetanidolater(Joshua24:2),hesaiduntohim:Goout
ofthineownland,etc.Iwillbethyprotector,etc.also:Inthyseedshallallnationsbe
blessed(Genesis12:1ff.).TheseareabsoluteandmerepromiseswhichGodfreelygiveth
untoAbraham,withoutanyconditionorrespectofworksormeritseithergoingbeforeor
comingafter.
ThismakethespeciallyagainsttheJews,whichthinkthatthepromisesofGodare
hinderedbecauseoftheirsins.God(saithPaul)dothnotslackhispromisesbecauseofour
sins,orhastenthesameforourrighteousnessandmerits.Heregardethneithertheonenorthe
other.Wherefore,althoughwebecomemoresinful,andarebroughtintogreatercontemptand
hatredofGod,bymeansofthelaw,yetnotwithstandingGodisnotmovedtherebytodefer
hispromise.Forhispromisedothnotstanduponourworthinessandrighteousness,butupon
hisonlygoodnessandmercy.Therefore,wheretheJewssaytheMessiahisnotyetcome
becauseoursinsdohinderhiscoming,itisadetestabledream.AsthoughGodshould
becomeunrighteousbecauseofoursins,ormadealiarbecauseweareliars.Heabideth
alwaysjustandtrue.Histruththereforeistheonlycausethatheaccomplishethand
performethhispromise.
Moreover,althoughthelawdorevealandincreasesin,yetisitnotagainstthepromises
ofGodyearatheritconfirmeththepromises,Forasconcerninghistrueandperfectworkand
end,ithumblethandpreparethaman(sothatheuseitrightly)tosighandseekforgrace.For
whensinisrevealedtoaman,andsoincreasedbythelaw,thenhebeginnethtoperceivethe
wickednessandenmityofmansheartagainstthelaw,andagainstGodhimselftheauthorof
thelaw.ThenhefeelethindeedthatnotonlyhelovethnotGod,butalsohatethand
blasphemethGodwhoisfullofgoodness,andhislawwhichismostholy.Thenishe
constrainedtoconfessthatthereisnogoodthinginhim.Andthus,whenheisthrowndown
andhumbledbythelaw,heacknowledgethhimselftobemostmiserableanddamnable.
Whenthelawthereforeconstrainethamansotoacknowledgehisowncorruption,andto
confesshissinfromthebottomofhisheart,thenithathdoneitsofficetruly,anditstimeis
accomplishedandended:andnowisthetimeofgrace,thattheblessedSeedmaycometo
raiseupandcomforthimthatissocastdownandhumbledbythelaw.
AfterthismannerthelawisnotagainstthepromisesofGod.For,first,thepromise
hangethnotuponthelaw,butuponthetruthofGodandsecondly,whenthelawisinhis
chiefandbestuse,ithumblethaman,andinhumblinghimitmakethhimtosighandgroan,
andtoseekthehandandaidoftheMediator,andmakethhisgraceandhismercyexceeding
sweet(asissaid:Thymercyissweet,Psalm109:21),andhisgiftpreciousandinestimable.
AndbythismeansitpreparethusandmakethusapttoapprehendandtoreceiveChrist.For,
[asthepoetsaith,]Dulcianonmeminit,quinongustavitamara:thatis,Herememberethnot
thesweet,whohathnottastedthebitter.[Thereisacommonproverbthat]hungeristhebest
cook.Likeasthereforethedryearthcoveteththerain,evensothelawmakethtroubledhearts
tothirstafterChrist.Tosuch,Christsavourethrightsweetly:tothemheisjoy,consolation
andlife.AndtherebeginnethChristandhisbenefitrightlytobeknown.
Thisisthenthemostexcellentuseofthelaw,namely,whenamancansouseit,thatit
mayhumblehimandmakehimtothirstafterChrist.AndindeedChristrequireththirsty

souls,whomhemostlovinglyandgraciouslyallurethandcallethuntohimwhenhesaith:
Comeuntomeallyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillrefreshyou(Matthew11:26).
Hedelighteththereforetowaterthesedrygrounds.Hepourethnothiswatersuponfatand
rankground,orsuchasisnotdry,andcovetethnowater.Hisbenefitsareinestimable,and
thereforehegiveththemtononebutuntosuchashaveneedofthemandearnestlydesire
them.Hepreachethgladtidingstothepoor:hegivethdrinktothethirsty.Ifanythirst,saith
he,lethimcomeuntome,etc.(John7:37)Hehealeththebrokenhearted,etc.(Psalm
147:3).Thatis,hecomfortethandsaveththosethatarebruisedandafflictedbythelaw.
ThereforethelawisnotagainstthepromisesofGod.
Foriftherehadbeenalawgivenwhichcouldmakealive,verilyrighteousnessshould
havebeenbythelaw,etc.
BythesewordsPaulsignifieththatnolawofitselfisabletoquickenorgivelife,butonly
killeth.Thereforesuchworksasaredone,notonlyaccordingtothelawsofthePopeorthe
traditionsofmen,butalsoaccordingtotheverylawofGod,donotjustifyamanbeforeGod,
butmakehimasinner:theydonotpacifythewrathofGod,buttheykindleit:theyobtainnot
righteousness,buttheyhinderit:theyquickennot,buttheykillanddestroy.Thereforewhen
hesaith:Ifalawhadbeengivenwhichcouldmakealive,etc.,heteachethplainlythatthe
law,yeaeventhelawofGod,justifiethnot,butthatithathacleancontraryeffect.
AlthoughthesewordsofPaulbeplainenough,yetaretheyutterlyobscureandunknown
tothePapists.Foriftheydidunderstandthemindeed,theywouldnotsomagnifytheirfree
will,theirnaturalstrength,thekeepingofthecounsels,theworksofsupererogation,etc.But
lesttheyshouldseemtobemanifestlywickedandplaininfidelsindenyingthewordsofthe
ApostleofChristsoimpudently,theyhavethispestilentglossalwaysready(wherebythey
perverttheplacesofPaulconcerningthelawwhichrevealethsinandengenderethwrath,that
istosay,theTenCommandments):thatPaulspeakethonlyoftheceremonialandnotofthe
morallaw.ButPaulspeakethplainlywhenhesaith:Ifalawhadbeengiven,etc.andhe
exceptethnolaw.Whereforethisglossofthesophistersisnotwortharush.Forthelawsof
theceremonieswereaswellcommandedofGodandasstrictlykept,asthemorallaws.The
JewsalsokeptcircumcisionaspreciselyastheydidtheSabbathday.Itisevidentenough,
therefore,thatPaulspeakethofthewholelaw.
ThesewordsoftheApostlearesungandsaidinthePapacyandinalltheirchurches,and
yetnotwithstandingtheybothteachandlivequitecontrary.
Paulsaithsimplythatnolawwasgiventoquickenandtobringlife:butthesophisters
teachthecontrary,andaffirmthatmanyandinfinitelawsaregiventoquickenandtobring
life.Althoughtheysaynotthisinplainwords,yetinverydeedsuchistheiropinion,astheir
monkishreligiondothplainlywitness,besidesmanyotherlaws,traditionsandceremoniesof
men,theirworksandmeritsbeforegraceandafter,andinnumerableotherwicked
worshippings,whichtheyhavedevisedoftheirownheadsandthoseonlyhavethey
preached,treadingtheGospelundertheirfeet,andassuredlypromisinggrace,remissionof
sinsandlifeeverlastingtoallsuchasshouldkeepandaccomplishthesame.ThisthatIsay,
cannotbedenied:fortheirbookswhichareyetextant,givecertaintestimonythereof.
ButcontrariwiseweaffirmwithPaul,thatthereisnolaw,whetheritbemanslawor
Godslaw,thatjustifiethandgivethlife.Thereforeweputasgreatdifferencebetweenthelaw
andrighteousness,asisbetweenlifeanddeath,betweenheavenandhell.Andthecausethat

movethussotoaffirm,isthatplainandevident.placeofPaul,wherehesaiththatthelawis
notgiventojustify,togivelife,andtosave,butonlytocondemn,tokill,andtodestroy,
contrarytotheopinionofallmen:fornaturallytheycanjudgenootherwiseofthelaw,but
thatitisgiventoworkrighteousnessandtogivelifeandsalvation.
ThisdifferenceoftheofficesofthelawandoftheGospelkeepethallChristiandoctrine
inhistrue[andproper]use.Alsoitmakethafaithfulmanjudgeoverallkindsoflife,overthe
lawsanddecreesofallmen[andoveralldoctrinewhatsoever]andbriefly,itgivethhim
powertotryallmannerofspirits.OntheothersidethePapists,becausetheyconfoundand
minglethelawandtheGospeltogether,canteachnocertaintytouchingfaith,works,the
statesandconditionsoflife,norofthedifferenceofspirits.Thissamethinghappenethatthis
daytothefantasticalspirits.
NowthereforeafterthatPaulhathprosecutedhisconfutationsandargumentssufficiently
andingoodorder,heteacheththatthelaw(ifyeconsiderhistrueandperfectuse)isnothing
elsebutasacertainschoolmastertoleadusuntorighteousness.Forithumblethmen,it
prepareththemandmakeththemapttoreceivetherighteousnessofChrist,whenitdothhis
ownproperworkandoffice,thatis,whenitmakeththemguilty,terrifiethandbringeththem
totheknowledgeofsin,wrath,deathandhell.Forwhenithathdonethis,theopinionof
mansownrighteousnessandholinessvanishethaway,andChristwithhisbenefitsbeginneth
towaxsweetuntohim.WhereforethelawisnotagainstthepromisesofGod,butrather
serveththem.Trueitis,thatitdothnotaccomplishthepromise,norbringrighteousness:
notwithstandingitfiumblethuswithhisexerciseandoffice,andsomakethusmorethirsty
andmoreapttoreceivethegraceandbenefitofChrist.Therefore,saithhe,ifanylawhad
beengivenwhichmighthavebroughtrighteousness,andthroughrighteousnesslife(forno
mancanobtainlifeexceptfirstheberighteous),thenindeedrighteousshouldcomebythe
law.Moreover,iftherewereanystateoflife,anywork,anyreligion,wherebyamanmight
obtainremissionofsins,righteousnessandlife,thenshouldthesethingsindeedjusifyand
givelife.Butthisisimpossiblefor:
TheScripturehathconcludedallundersin
Where?FirstinthepromisesthemselvesastouchingChrist,asGenesis3:15:Theseedofthe
womanshallbruisetheheadoftheserpentandGenesis22:18:Inthyseed,etc.
WheresoeverthenisanypromiseintheScripturesmadeuntothefathersconcerningChrist,
theretheblessingispromised,thatis,righteousness,salvationandeternallife.Thereforeby
thecontraryitisevident,thattheywhichmustreceivetheblessingareunderthecurse,thatis
tosay,sinandeternaldeath:forelsewhatneedwastheretopromisetheblessing?
Secondly,theScriptureshuttethmenundersinandunderthecurse,especiallybythelaw,
becauseitishispeculiarofficetorevealsinandengenderwrath,aswehavedeclared
throughoutthisEpistle,butchieflyoutofthissentenceofPaul:Whosoeverareoftheworks
ofthelaw,areunderthecurse(Galatians3:10).AlsobythatplacewhichtheApostle
allegethoutofDeuteronomy27:26:Cursediseveryonethatabidethnotinallthewordsof
thislawtodothem,etc.Forthesesentencesinplainwordsdoshutundersinandunderthe
curse,notonlythosewhichsinmanifestlyagainstthelaw,ordonotoutwardlyaccomplish
thelaw,butalsothosewhichareunderthelaw,andwithallendeavorgoabouttoperformthe
sameandsuchweretheJews,asbeforeIhavesaid.Muchmorethendoththesameplaceof
Paulshutupundersinandunderthecurse,allmonks,hermits,Carthusiansandsuchlike,

withtheirprofessions,rulesandreligions,tothewhichtheyattributedsuchholiness,that
whenamanhadoncemadeavowofhisprofession,ifhediedbyandby,theydreamedthat
hewentstraighttoheaven.ButhereyehearplainlythattheScriptureshuttethallundersin.
ThereforeneitherthevownorthemostperfectreligionoftheCarthusian,isrighteousness
[beforeGod]forallarecondemned.Whopronounceththissentence?TheScripture.And
where?
Firstbythispromise:Theseedofthewoman,etc.,Intheeshallbeblessed,etc.and
suchlikeplaces:moreoverbythewholelaw,whereoftheprincipalofficeistomakemen
guiltyofsin,etc.Thereforenomonk,noCarthusian,noCelestinebruiseththeserpentshead,
buttheyabidebruisedandbrokenundertheheadoftheserpent,thatis,underthepowerof
thedevil.Whowillbelievethis?
Briefly,whatsoeveriswithoutChristandhispromise,whetheritbethelawof,Godor
thelawofman,theceremonialorthemorallaw,withoutallexceptionisshutundersinfor
hethatsaithallexceptethnothing.
ThereforeweconcludewithPaulthatthepoliciesandlawsofallnations,betheynever
sogoodandnecessary,withallceremoniesandreligions,withoutfaithinChrist,areand
abideundersin,deathandeternaldamnation,exceptthepromisebyfaithinJesusChristgo
withal,asfollowethinthenext.Ofthismatterwehavespokenlargelybefore.
Whereforethisisatrueproposition:Onlyfaithjustifieth(whichnotwithstandingour
adversariescanbynomeansabide.)orPaulherestronglyconcludeththatthelawdothnot
quickennorgivelife,becauseitisnotgiventothatend.Ifthenthelawdonotjustifyandgive
life,muchlessdoworksjustify.ForwhenPaulsaiththatthelawgivethnotlife,hismeaning
isthatworksalsodonotgivelife.Foritismoretosaythatthelawquickenethnotandgiveth
notlife,thantosaythatworksdonotquickenandgivelife.Ifthenthelawitselfbeing
fulfilled(althoughitisimpossiblethatitshouldbeaccomplished)donotjustify,muchlessdo
worksjustify.Iconcludethereforethatfaithonlyjustifieth,withoutworks.
Paulcannotsufferthisaddition:Faithjoinedwithworksjustifiethbutheproceedeth
simplybythenegative(Romans3:20)ashedothalsobeforeinthesecondchapter:Bythe
worksofthelaw(saithhe)shallnofleshbejustified.Andagaininthisplace:Thelawisnot
giventobringlife.
ThatthepromisebythefaithofJesusChristshouldbegiventothemthatbelieve
HesaidbeforethattheScripturehathshutallundersin.What!forever?
No:butuntilthepromiseshouldbegiven.Nowthepromiseistheinheritanceitself,or
theblessingpromisedtoAbraham:towit,thedeliverancefromthelaw,sin,deathandthe
devil,andafreegivingofgrace,righteousness,salvationandeternallife.Thispromise,saith
he,isnotobtainedbyanymerit,byanylaw,orbyanywork,butitisgiven.Towhom?To
thosethatbelieve.Inwhom?InJesusChrist,whoistheblessedSeedwhichhathredeemedall
believersfromthecurse,thattheymightreceivetheblessing.Thesewordsbenotobscure,but
plainenough:notwithstandingwemustmarkthemdiligentlyandweighwelltheforceand
weightthereof.Forifallbeshutundersin,itfolloweththatallnationsareaccursedandcome
shortofthegloryofGod:alsothattheyareunderthewrathofGodandthepowerofthe
devil,andthatnomancanbedeliveredfromthembyanyothermeansthanbyfaithinJesus
Christ.WiththesewordsthereforePaulinveighethmightilyagainstthefantasticalopinionsof
thesophistersandalljusticiariestouchingtherighteousnessofthelawandofworkswhenhe

saith,thatthepromisebyfaithinChristJesusmightbegiventothemthatbelieve.
Now,howweshouldanswertothosesentenceswhichspeakofworksandrewards,I
havesufficientlydeclaredbefore.Andthematterrequirethnotnow,thatweshouldspeak
anythingofworks.Forwehavenotheretakeninhandtointreatofworks,butofjustification:
towit,thatitisnotobtainedbythelawandworks,sinceallthingsareshutundersinand
underthecursebutbyfaithinChrist.Whenweareoutofthematterofjustification,we
cannotsufficientlypraiseandmagnifythoseworkswhicharecommandedofGod.Forwho
cansufficientlycommendandsetforththeprofitandfruitofoneonlywork,whicha
Christiandoththroughfaithandinfaith?Indeeditismorepreciousthanheavenandearth.
Thewholeworldthereforeinthislifeisnotabletogiveaworthyrecompencetosuchagood
work.YeatheworldhathnotthegracetomagnifythegoodworksoftheGodly[astheyare
worthy],andmuchlesstorewardthem:foritseeththemnot,orifitdo,itesteemeththemnot
asgoodworks,butasmostwickedcrimes,andriddeththeworldofthosewhicharethedoers
thereof,asmostpestilentplaguestomankind.
SoChristtheSavioroftheworld,forarecompenceofhisincomprehensibleand
inestimablebenefits,wasputtothemostopprobriousdeathonthecross.TheApostlesalso
bringingthewordofgraceandeternallifeintotheworld,weremadeasthefilthoftheworld
andtheoffscouringofallthings(1Corinthians4:13).Thisisthegoodlyrewardwhichthe
worldgivethforsogreatbenefits.Butworksdonewithoutfaith,althoughtheyhaveneverso
goodlyashewofholiness,areundersinandthecurse.Wherefore,sofaroffitisthatthe
doersthereofshoulddeservegrace,righteousnessandeternallife,thatrathertheyheapsin
uponsin.AfterthismannerthePope,thatmanofsinandsonofperdition,andallthat
followhim,dowork.Soworkallmeritmongersandhereticswhicharefallenfromthefaith.
Butbeforefaithcame
Heproceedethindeclaringtheprofitandnecessityofthelaw.Hesaidbeforethatthelawwas
addedfortransgressions:notthatitwastheprincipalpurposeofGodtomakealawthat
shouldbringdeathanddamnation,ashesaithinRomans7:13Wasthatwhichisgood,
saithhe,madedeathuntome?Godforbid.Forthelawisawordthatshewethlife,and
drivethmenuntoit.Thereforeitisnotgivenonlyasaministerofdeath,buttheprincipaluse
andendthereofistorevealdeath,sothatitmightbeseenandknownhowhorriblesinis.
Notwithstandingitdothnotsorevealdeathasthoughitdelightedthereinandtendedtono
otherendbuttokillanddestroy:buttothisenditrevealethdeath,thatwhenmenareterrified,
castdownandhumbled,theyshouldfearGod.AndthisdoththetextitselfinExodus20
plainlydeclare:Fearnot(saithMoses),forGodiscometoproveyou,andthathisfearmay
bebeforeyou,thatyesinnot(Exodus20:20).Theofficeofthelaw,therefore,isbuttokill
andyetso,thatGodmaybeabletogivelife.Thelawthenisnotgivenonlytocausedeath
butbecausemanisproudanddreameththatheiswise,righteousandholy,thereforeitis
necessaryheshouldbehumbledbythelaw,thatsothisbeast,theopinionofrighteousness,
mightbeslain:forotherwisemancannotlive.
Albeitthenthatthelawkilleth,yetGoduseththiseffectofthelaw,thisdeathImean,to
agoodendthatis,to[bring]life.ForGodseeingthatthisuniversalplagueofthewhole
world,towit,mansopinionof[hisown]righteousness,hishypocrisy,andconfidencein[his
own]holiness,couldnotbebeatendownbyanyothermeans,hewouldthatitshouldbeslain
bythelaw:notforever,butthatwhenitisonceslain,manmightberaisedupagainabove

andbeyondthelaw,andtheremighthearthisvoice:
Fearnot!Ihavenotgiventhelaw,andkilledtheebythelaw,thatthoushouldestabidein
thisdeathbutthatthoushouldestfearmeandlive.Forthepresumingofgoodworksand
righteousnessstandethnotwiththefearofGod:andwherethefearofGodisnot,therecanbe
nothirstingforgraceorlife.Godmustthereforehaveastronghammer[oramightymaul]to
breaktherocks,andahotburningfireinthemidstofheaventooverthrowthemountains:that
istosay,todestroythisfuriousandobstinatebeast(thispresumption,Imean),thatwhena
manbythisbruisingandbreakingisbroughttonothing,heshoulddespairofhisown
strength,righteousnessandworks,andexceedinglyquakebeforeGodandbeingthus
thoroughlyterrified,shouldthirstaftermercyandremissionofsins.
Butbeforefaithcame,wewerekeptinwardunderthelawsshutupuntothefaithwhich
shouldafterwardberevealed
Thatistosay,beforethetimeoftheGospelandgracecame,theofficeofthelawwas,that
weshouldbeshutandkeptunderthesame,asitwereinprison.Thisisagoodlyandafit
similitude,shewingtheeffectofthelaw,andhowrighteousitmakethmenthereforeitis
diligentlytobeweighed.
Nothief,nomurderer,noranyothermalefactortakencaptive,loveththefettersandthe
loathsomeprisonwhereinheliethfastboundbutrather,ifhecouldhewouldbreakandbeat
intopowdertheprisontogetherwithhisironbonds.Indeed,whileheisinhisprison,he
refrainethfromdoingofevil:butnotofagoodwill,orforloveofrighteousness,butbecause
theprisonrestrainethhimthathecannotdoit:andnowbeingfastfettered,hehatethnothis
theftandhissin(yeaheissorrywithallhisheartthatheisnotfreeandabletorobandsteal)
buthehateththeprison,andifhecouldescapehewouldrobandstealashedidbefore.
Thelawshuttethmenundersintwoways,civillyandspiritually.
Suchistheforceofthelawandtherighteousnessthatcomethofthelaw,compellingustobe
outwardlygood,whenitthreatenethdeathoranyotherpunishmenttothetransgressors
thereof.Hereweobeythelawindeed,butforfearofpunishmentthatis,unwillinglyandwith
greatindignation.Butwhatrighteousnessisthis,whenweabstainfromevilforfearof
punishment?Whereforethisrighteousnessofworksisindeednothingelsebuttolovesinand
tohaterighteousness,todetestGodwithhislaw,andtoloveandreverencethatwhichismost
horribleandabominable.Forlookhowheartilythethiefloveththeprisonandhatethhistheft:
sogladlydoweobeythelawinaccomplishingthatwhichitcommandeth,andavoidingthat
whichitforbiddeth.
Notwithstanding,thisfruitandthisprofitthelawbringeth,althoughmensheartsremain
neversowicked,thatfirstoutwardlyandcivillyafterasortitrestraineththieves,murderers
andothermalefactors.Foriftheydidnotalittlebelievethatsinispunishedinthisworldby
therack,thegallows,theswordandsuchlike,andafterthislifewitheternaldeathandhell
fire,thennomagistrate,noparentorschoolmastershouldbeabletobridlethefuryandrage
ofmenbyanyforce,lawsorchains,Butthethreateningsofthelawstrikeaterrorintothe
heartsoftheungodly,wherebytheyarebridledafterasort,thattheyrunnotheadlongintoall
kindsofwickedness.Notwithstandingtheywouldratherthattherewerenolaw,no
punishment,nohell,andfinallynoGod.IfGodhadnohell,ordidnotpunishthewicked,he

shouldbelovedandpraisedofallmen.Butbecausehepunisheththewicked,andallare
wicked,thereforeinasmuchastheyareshutunderthelaw,theycandonootherwisebut
horriblyhateandblasphemeGod.
Furthermore,thelawshuttethmenundersinnotonlycivillybutalsospirituallythatisto
say,thelawisalsoaspiritualprison,andaveryhell.Forwhenitrevealethsin,threateneth
deathandtheeternalwrathofGod,amancannotavoiditnorfindanycomfort.Foritisnotin
thepowerofmantoshakeoffthesehorribleterrorswhichthelawstirrethup[inthe
conscience],oranyotherheavinessorbitternessofspirit.Hereofcomethoselamentable
complaintsofthesaints,whichareeverywhereinthePsalms:Inhell,whoshallconfessunto
thee,etc.?(Psalm6:5).Forthenisamanshutupinprison:outofthewhichhecannot
escape,norseethhowhemaybedeliveredoutofthesebonds,thatistosay,thesehorrible
terrors.
Thusthelawisaprisonbothcivillyandspiritually,Forfirstitrestrainethandshuttethup
theungodly,thattheyrunnotheadlongaccordingtotheirownlustintoallkindsofmischief.
Again,itshewethuntousspirituallyoursin,terrifiethandhumblethus,thatwhenweareso
terrifiedandhumbled,wemaylearntoknowourownmiseryandcondemnation.Andthisis
thetrueandproperuseofthelaw,sothatitbenotperpetual.Forthisshuttingandholding
underthelawmustendurenolongerbutuntilfaithcomeandwhenfaithcometh,thenmust
thisspiritualprisonhavehisend.
HereagainweseethatalthoughthelawandtheGospelbeseparatefarasunder,and
utterlycontrarytheonetotheother,yetastouchingthe[inward]affectionstheyarevery
nearlyjoinedtheonewiththeother.ThisPaulshewethwhenhesaith:Wewerekeptunder
thelaw,andshutupuntothefaithwhichshouldberevealed.Whereforeitisnotenoughthat
weareshutunderthelaw:forifnothingelseshouldfollow,weshouldbedrivento
desperationanddieinoursins.ButPauladdethmoreover,thatweareshutupandkeptunder
aschoolmaster(whichisthelaw)notforever,buttobringusuntoChrist,whoistheendof
thelaw.Thereforethisterrifying,thishumblingandthisshuttingup,mustnotalways
continue,butonlyuntilfaithberevealed:thatis,itshallsolongcontinueasshallbeforour
profitandoursalvationsothatwhenwearecastdownandhumbledbythelaw,thengrace,
remissionofsins,deliverancefromthelaw,sindeath,etc.maybecomesweetuntous:which
arenotobtainedbyworks,butarereceivedbyfaithalone.
Hewhichintimeoftemptationcanjointhesetwothingstogether,sorepugnantand
contrary:thatistosay,whichwhenheisthoroughlyterrifiedandcastdownbythelaw,doth
knowthattheendofthelawandthebeginningofgrace,oroffaithtoberevealed,isnow
come,useththelawrightly.Alltheungodlyareutterlyignorantofthisknowledgeandthis
cunning.Gainknewitnotwhenhewasshutupintheprisonofthelawandseriouslyfelthis
sin.Atthefirsthewaswithouttheprison:thatis,hefeltnoterror,althoughhehadnowkilled
hisbrotherbuthedissembledthemattercraftily,andthoughtthatGodhimselfwasignorant
thereof.AmImybrotherskeeper?saithhe.Butwhenheheardthisword:Whathastthou
done?Beholdthevoiceofthebloodofthybrothercriethuntomefromtheearth(Genesis
4:9f.),hebegantofeelthisprisonindeed.
Whatdidhethen?Heremainedstillshutupinprison.HejoinednottheGospelwiththe
law,butsaid:Mineiniquityisgreaterthancanbeforgiven.Heonlyrespectedtheprison,
notconsideringthathissinwasrevealeduntohimtothisend,thatheshouldflyuntoGodfor
grace.
ThereforehedespairedanddeniedGod.Hebelievednotthathewasshutuptothisend,

thatgraceandfaithmightberevealeduntohimbutonlythatheshouldstillremaininthe
prisonofthelaw.Thesewords:tobekeptunder,andtobeshutup,arenotvainand
unprofitable,butmosttrueandofgreatimportance.Thiskeepingunderandthisprison
signifieththetrueandspiritualterrors,wherebytheconscienceissoshutupthatinthewide
worlditcanfindnoplacewhereitmaybeinsafety.Yea,aslongastheseterrorsendure,the
consciencefeelethsuchanguishandsorrow,thatitthinkethheavenandearth,yeaifthey
weretentimesmorewideandlargethantheyare,tobestraiterandnarrowerthanamouse
hole.Hereisamanutterlydestituteofallwisdom,strength,righteousness,counseland
succor.Fortheconscienceisamarvelloustenderthing,andthereforewhenitissoshutup
undertheprisonofthelaw,itseethnowayhowtogetout:andthisstraitnessseemethdaily
sotoincrease,asthoughitwouldneverhaveanend.ForthendothitfeelthewrathofGod,
whichisinfiniteandinestimable,whosehanditcannotescape,asPsalm139witnesseth:
WhithershallIgofromthyspirit?etc,Likeasthereforetheworldlyshuttinguporprisonis
abodilyaffliction,andhethatissoshutupcanhavenouseofhisbody:evensothespiritual
prisonisatroubleandanguishofmind,andhethatisshutupinthisprisoncannotenjoy
quietnessofheartandpeaceofconscience.Andyetitisnotsoforever(asreasonjudgeth
whenitfeeleththisprison),butuntilfaithberevealed.Themindthatissoshutup,
therefore,mustberaisedupandcomfortedafterthissort:Brother,thouartindeedshutupbut
persuadethyselfthatthisisnotdonetotheendthatthoushouldestremaininthisprisonfor
everforitiswritten,thatweareshutupuntothefaithwhichshallberevealed.Thouartthen
afflictedinthisprison,nottothydestruction,butthatthoumayestbeblessedbytheblessed
Seed.Thouartkilledbythelaw,thatthroughChristthoumayestbequickenedagainand
restoredtolife.Despairnottherefore,asCain,SaulandJudasdid,whobeingthusshutup,
lookednofartherbuttotheirdarkprison,andtherestillremained:thereforetheydespaired.
Butthoumusttakeanotherwayintheseterrorsofconsciencethantheydidthatis,thoumust
knowthatitiswelldone,andgoodfortheetobesoshutup,confoundedandbroughtto
nothing.Usethereforethisshuttinguprightlyandasthoushouldestdo:thatis,totheendthat
[whenthelawhathdonehisoffice]faithmayberevealed.ForGoddothnotthereforeafflict
thee,thatthoushouldeststillremaininthisaffliction.Hewillnotkilltheethatthoushouldest
abideindeath.Iwillnotthedeathofasinner,etc.(saithhebytheprophetEzekiel,chap.
33:11).Buthewillafflicttheethatsothoumayestbehumbled,andknowthatthouhastneed
ofthemercyofGodandthebenefitofChrist.
Thisholdinginprisonunderthelaw,then,mustnotalwaysendure,butmustonly
continuetothecomingorrevealingoffaithwhichthissweetverseofthePsalmdothteach
us:TheLorddelightethinthosethatfearhim(Psalm147:11),thatistosay,whicharein
prisonunderthelaw.
Butbyandbyafterheaddeth:andinthosethathopeinhismercy.
Thereforewemustjointhesetwothingstogether,whichindeedareascontrarytheoneto
theotherasmaybe.ForwhatcanbemorecontrarythantofearandabhorthewrathofGod,
andtotrustinhismercy?Theoneishell,theotherisheaven:andyettheymustbenearly
joinedtogetherintheheart.Byspeculationamanmayeasilyjointhemtogetherbutin
practicesotodo,ofallthingsitisthehardestwhichImyselfhaveoftenprovedbymyown
experience.OfthismatterthePapistsandSectariesknownothingatall.Thereforethese
wordsofPaularetothemobscureandaltogetherunknownandwhenthelawrevealethunto
themtheirsin,accusethandterrifieththem,theycanfindnocounsel,nohelporsuccorbut
falltodesperationasCainandSauldid.

Seeingthelawtherefore(asissaid)isourtormentorandourprison,certainitisthatwe
donotloveit,buthateit.Hethereforethatsaithheloveththelaw,isaliarandknowethnot
whathesaith.Athiefandarobbershouldshewhimselfstarkmad,thatwouldlovetheprison,
thefettersandchains.Seeingthenthatthelawshuttethusup,andholdethusinprison,it
cannotbebutwemustneedsbeextremeenemiestothelaw.Toconclude:sowellwelovethe
lawandtherighteousnessthereof,asamurdererloveththedarkprison,thestraitbondsand
irons.Howthenshouldwebejustifiedbythelaw?
Andshutupuntothefaithwhichshouldafterberevealed
ThisPaulspeakethinrespectofthefullnessofthetimewhereinChristcame.Butwemust
applyitnotonlytothattime,butalsototheinwardman.Forthatwhichisdoneasanhistory,
andaccordingtothetimewhereinChristcame,abolishingthelaw,andbringinglibertyand
eternallifetolight,isdonespirituallyeverydayineveryChristian:inwhomisfound
continually,somewhilethetimeofthelaw,andsomewhilethetimeofgrace.Forthe
Christianmanhathabody,inwhosemembers(asPaulsaith,Romans7:23)sinandthelaw
areatwar.Now,Iunderstandsintobe,notonlythedeedorthework,butalsotherootand
thetree,togetherwiththefruits,astheScriptureusethtospeakofsin.Whichisyetnotonly
rootedinthebaptizedfleshofeveryChristian,butalsoisatdeadlywarwithit,andholdethit
captive:ifnottogiveconsentuntoit,ortoaccomplishthework,yetdothitforcehim
mightilythereunto.ForalbeitaChristianmandonotfallintooutwardandgrosssins,as
murder,adultery,theftandsuchlike:yetishenotfreefromimpaticncy,murmuring,hating,
blaspheming,etc.againstGodwhichsinstothecarnalreasonarealtogetherunknown.These
thingsconstrainhim,yea,soreagainsthiswill,todetestthelaw:theycompelhimtoflyfrom
thepresenceofGod:theycompelhimtohateandblasphemeGod.Forascarnallustisstrong
inayoungman,inamanoffullagethedesireandloveofglory,andinanoldman
covetousnessevensoinaholymanimpatiency,murmuring,hatredandblasphemyagainst
Godarestrong.ExampleshereoftherearemanyinthePsalms,inJob,inJeremiah,and
throughoutthewholeScripture.Paulthereforedescribingandsettingforththisspiritual
warfare,usethveryvehementwords,andfitforthepurpose,asoffighting,rebelling,holding
andleadingcaptive,etc.
Boththesetimesthen(ofthelawandofgrace,Imean)areinaChristian,astouchingthe
affections[andinwardman].Thetimeofthelawiswhenthelawexercisethme,tormenteth
mewithheavinessofheart,oppressethme,bringethmetotheknowledgeofsin,and
increaseththesame.Herethelawisinhistrueuse[andperfectwork]:whichaChristian
oftentimesfeelethaslongasheliveth.SotherewasgivenuntoPaulaprickintheflesh,the
angelofSatantobuffethim(2Corinthians12:7).Hewouldgladlyhavefelteverymoment
thejoyofconscience,thelaughteroftheheart,andthesweettasteofeternallife.Again,he
wouldgladlyhavebeendeliveredfromalltroubleandanguishofspiritandthereforehe
desiredthatthistemptationmightbetakenfromhim.Notwithstandingthiswasnotdone,but
theLordsaiduntohim:Mygraceissufficientforthee:formypowerismadeperfectin
weakness(2Corinthians12:9).ThisbattledotheveryChristianexperience.Tospeakof
myself,therearemanyhoursinthewhichIchideandcontendwithGod,andimpatiently
resisthim.ThewrathandjudgmentofGoddispleasethmeandagain,myimpatiency,my
murmuring,andsuchlikesinsdodispleasehim.Andthisisthetimeofthelaw,underthe
whichaChristianmancontinuallylivethastouchingtheflesh.Forthefleshlusteth

continuallyagainstthespirit,andthespiritagainsttheflesh(Galatians5:17),butinsome
moreandinsomeless.
Thetimeofgraceis,whentheheartisraisedupagainbythepromiseofthefreemercyof
God,andsaith:Whyartthouheavy,Omysoul,andwhydostthoutroubleme?(Psalm
42:5).Dostthouseenothingbutthelaw,sin,terror,heaviness,desperation,death,hellandthe
devil?Istherenotalsograce,remissionofsins,righteousness,consolation,joy,peace,life,
heaven,Christ,andGod?Troublemenomore,Omysoul.Whatisthelaw,whatissin,what
areallevilsincomparisonofthesethings?TrustinGod,whohathnotsparedhisowndear
Son,buthathgivenhimtothedeathoftheCrossforthysins.Thisisthentobeshutupunder
thelawaftertheflesh,notforever,buttillChristberevealed.Thereforewhenthouartbeaten
down,tormentedandafflictedbythelaw,thensay:LadyLaw,thouartnotalone,neitherart
thouallthingsbutbesidestheethereareyetotherthingsmuchgreaterandbetterthanthou
art,namely,grace,faith,theblessing,etc.Thesedonotnotaccuseme,terrifyme,condemn
mebuttheycomfortme,theybidmehaveagoodhopeandpromiseuntomecertainvictory
andsalvationinChrist.ThereisnocausethereforewhyIshoulddespair.
Hethatisskillfulinthisartandthiscunning,mayindeedbecalledarightdivine.The
fantasticalspiritsandtheirdisciplesatthisday,whichcontinuallybragofthespirit,do
persuadethemselvesthattheyareveryexpertandcunningtherein.ButIandsuchasIam
havescarcelylearnedthefirstprinciplesthereof,althoughwebediligentscholarsinthe
schoolwhereitislearned.Itislearnedindeed,butsolongasthefleshandsindoendure,it
canneverbeperfectlylearnedandasitshouldbe.SothenaChristianisdividedintotwo
times.Inasmuchasheisflesh,heisunderthelawinasmuchasheisspirit,heisundergrace.
Concupiscence,covetousness,ambition,pride,etc.doalwayscleavetotheflesh,also
ignorance,contemptofGod,impatiency,murmuringandangeragainstGod,becausehe
hinderethandbreakethoffourcounsels,ourdevicesandenterprises,andbecausehespeedily
punishethnotsuchasarewicked[rebellious]andcontemptuouspersons,etc.Suchmannerof
sinsarerootedinthefleshofthesaints.Wherefore,ifthoubeholdnothingbuttheflesh,thou
shaltabidealwaysunderthetimeofthelaw.Butthesedaysmustbeshortened,orelseno
fleshshouldbesaved(Matthew24:22).Thelawmusthavehistimeappointed,whereinit
musthavehisend.Thetimeofthelawthereforeisnotperpetual,buthathhisend,whichend
isJesusChrist.
Butthetimeofgraceiseternal.ForChristbeingoncedead,diethnomore(Romans6:9
f.).Heiseternal:thereforethetimeofgracealsoiseternal.
SuchnotablesentencesinPaul,wemaynotlightlypassover,asthePapistsandSectaries
arewonttodo.Fortheycontainwordsoflife,whichdowonderfullycomfortandconfirm
afflictedconsciencesandtheywhichknowandunderstandthemwell,canrightlyjudge
concerningfaith:theycandiscernatruefearfromafalsefear:theycanjudgeofallaffections
[oftheheart],anddiscernallspirits.ThefearofGodisanholyandapreciousthing,butit
mustnotbeeternal.IndeeditoughttobealwaysinaChristian,becausesinisalwaysinhim
butitmustnotbealone,forthenisitthefearofCain,Saul,andJudas,thatistosay,aservile
andadesperatefear.AChristianthereforemustvanquishfearbyfaithintheWordofgrace.
Hemustturnawayhiseyesfromthetimeofthelaw,andlookuntoChristanduntothefaith
whichistoberevealed.Thenhisfearbecomethsweetuntohim,andismingledwithnectar,
sothathenolongerfearethonly,butbeginnethalsotoloveGod.Forifamandoonlybehold
thelawandsin,settingfaithaside,heshallneverbeabletoputawayfear,butshallatlength
falltodesperation.

ThusdothPaulverywelldistinguishthetimeofthelawandgrace.Letusalsolearn
rightlytodistinguishthetimeofthemboth,notinwords,butin[theinward]affection:which
isaveryhardmatter.Foralbeitthesetwothingsareseparatefarasunder,yetaretheymost
nearlyjoinedtogetherinoneheart.Nothingisjoinedmorenearlytogetherthanfearandtrust,
thanthelawandtheGospel,thansinandgrace.Fortheyaresounitedtogetherthattheoneis
swallowedupoftheother.Whereforethereisnomathematicalconjunctionlikeuntothis.
Atthisplace,Whereforethenserveththelaw?Paulbegantodisputeofthelawalsoof
theuseandtheabusethereof,takingoccasionofthatwhichbeforehehadaffirmed,thatthe
faithfuldoobtainrighteousnessbygrace[only],andbythepromise,andnotbythelaw.Upon
thatdisputationrosethisquestion:Whereforethenserveththelaw?Forreasonhearingthat
righteousnessortheblessingisobtainedbygraceandthepromise,byandbyinferreth:Then
thelawprofitethnothing.Whereforethedoctrineofthelawmustbediligentlyconsidered,
thatwemayknowwhatandhowweoughttojudgethereof,lestthateitherwerejectthesame
altogether,asthefantasticalspiritsdo(whichtenyearsagostirringuptherusticalpeopleto
sedition,saidthatthelibertyoftheGospelgivethfreedomtoallmenfromallmannerof
laws),orelselestweshouldattributethepowerofjustifyingtothelaw.Forbothsortsdo
offendagainstthelaw:theoneontherighthand,whichwillbejustifiedbythelaw,andthe
otheronthelefthand,whichwillbecleandeliveredfromthelaw.Wemustthereforekeepthe
highway,sothatweneitherrejectthelaw,norattributemoreuntoitthanweoughttodo.
ThatwhichIhavebeforesooftenrepeatedconcerningboththeusesofthelaw,namely,
thecivilandthespiritualuse,dosufficientlydeclarethatthelawisnotgivenforthe
righteous:but(asPaulsaithinanotherplace)fortheunrighteousandrebellious.Now,ofthe
unrighteoustherearetwosorts,thatistosay,theywhicharetobejustified,andtheywhich
arenottobejustified.Theywhicharenottobejustifiedmustbebridledbytheciviluseof
thelawfortheymustbeboundwiththebondsofthelaw,assavageanduntamedbeastsare
boundwithcordsandchains.Thisuseofthelawhathnoend:andofthisPaulherespeaketh
nothing.Buttheythataretobejustified,areexercisedwiththespiritualuseofthelawfora
time:foritdothnotalwayscontinue,astheciviluseofthelawdoth,butitlookethtofaith
whichistoberevealed,andwhenChristcomethithathitsend.Herebywemayplainlysee
thatallthesentenceswhereinPaulintreatethofthespiritualuseofthelaw,mustbe
understoodofthosewhicharetobejustified,andnotofthosewhicharejustifiedalready.For
theywhicharejustifiedalready,inasmuchastheyabideinChrist,arefarabovealllaw.The
lawthenmustbelaiduponthosethataretobejustified,thattheymaybeshutupintheprison
thereof,untiltherighteousnessoffaithcome:notthattheyattainthisrighteousnessthrough
thelaw(forthatwerenottousethelawrightly,buttoabuseit)butthatwhentheyarecast
downandhumbledbythelaw,theyshouldflyuntoChrist,whoistheendofthelawto
righteousness,toeveryonethatbelieveth(Romans10:4).
Nowtheabusersofthelaw,arefirstofallthejusticiariesandhypocriteswhichdream
thatmenarejustifiedbythelaw.Forthatuseofthelawdothnotexerciseanddriveamanto
faithwhichistoberevealed,butitmakethcareless,arroganthypocrites,swellingand
presumingoftherighteousnessandworksofthelaw,andhindereththerighteousnessoffaith.
Secondly,theyabusethelawwhichwillutterlyexemptaChristianmanfromthelaw,asthe
fantasticalspiritswentabouttodo:whichwastheoccasionthattheyraisedupthatseditionof
therusticalpeople.OfthissortthereareverymanyalsoatthisdaywhichprofesstheGospel
withus:whobeingdeliveredfromthetyrannyofthePopebythedoctrineoftheGospel,do
dreamthattheChristianlibertyitadissoluteandacarnallibertytodowhatsoevertheylist.

These(asPetersaith,1Peter2:16)havethelibertyoftheSpiritasacloakofmaliciousness,
throughwhichthenameofGodandtheGospelofChristisslanderedeverywhereand
thereforetheyshalloncesufferworthypunishmentforthistheirungodliness.Thirdly,suchdo
alsoabusethelaw,whofeelingtheterrorsthereof,donotunderstandthatsuchterrorsought
nolongertocontinue,butuntoChrist.
Thisabuseinthemisthecausethattheyfalltodesperation:asinthehypocritesitisthe
causeofarrogancyandpresumption.
Contrariwise,thetrueuseofthelawcanneverbeesteemedandmagnifiedasitisworthy,
namely,thatwhentheconscienceshutupunderthelawdespairethnot,butbeinginstructed
bythewisdomoftheHolyGhost,concludethinthemidstofitsterrors:Iamindeedshutup
asaprisonerunderthelaw,butnotforeveryea,thisshuttingupshallturntomygreatprofit.
Howso?BecausethatIbeingthusshutup,shallbedriventosighandseekthehandofan
helper,etc.Afterthismannerthelawisaninforcer,whichbycompulsionbringeththehungry
untoChrist,thathemaysatisfythemwithhisgoodthings.Whereforetheproperofficeofthe
lawistoshowuntousoursins,tomakeusfinally,tohumbleus,tokillus,andtobringus
downtohell,andallytotakefromusallhelp,allsuccor,allcomfort:butyetaltogethertothis
end,thatwemaybejustified,exalted,quickenedtolife,carriedupintoheaven,andobtainall
goodthings.
Thereforeitdothnotonlykill,butitkilleththatwemaylive.
WhereforethelawwasourschoolmastertobringustoChrist
HereagainhejoineththelawandtheGospeltogether(whichareseparatesofarasunder)as
touchingtheaffections[andinwardman],whenhesaith:
ThelawisaschoolmastertoChrist.Thissimilitudealsooftheschoolmasterisworthyto
benoted.Althoughaschoolmasterbeveryprofitableandnecessarytoinstructandtobringup
children,yetshowmeonechildorscholarwhichlovethhismaster.HowheartilydidtheJews
lovetheirMoses,andwillinglydowhathecommanded!Suchwastheirloveandobedience
untoMoses,thatineveryhour(asthehistorywitnesseth)theywouldwithalltheirhearts
havestonedhim(Exodus17:4).Itisnotpossiblethereforethatthescholarshouldlovehis
master.
Forhowcanhelovehimwhichkeepethhiminprison,thatistosay,whichsufferethhim
nottodothatwhichgladlyhewould?Andifhedoanythingagainsthiscommandment,by
andbyheisrebukedandchastised,yeaandisconstrainedmoreovertokisstherodwhenheis
beaten.Isnotthis(Iprayyou)agoodlyrighteousnessandobedienceofthescholar,thathe
obeyethhismasterseverelythreateningandsosharplycorrectinghim,andkisseththerod?
Butdothhethuswillinglyandwithgladness?Assoonashismasterhathturnedhisback,he
breakeththerod,orcastethitintothefire.Andifhehadanypoweroverhismaster,hewould
notsufferhimselftobebeatenofhim,butratherhewouldbeathim.Andyetnotwithstanding,
theschoolmasterisverynecessaryforthechild,toinstructandtochastisehimotherwisethe
childwithouthisdiscipline,instructionandgoodeducationshouldbeutterlylost.
Theschoolmasterthereforeisappointedforthechildtoteachhim,tobringhimupandto
keephimasitwereinprison.Buttowhatend,orhowlong?
Isittotheendthatthisstrictandsharpdealingoftheschoolmastershouldalways
continue,orthatthechildshouldremainincontinualbondage.Notso,butonlyforatime,
thatthisobedience,thisprisonanddisciplinemightturntotheprofitofthechild,thatwhen

thetimecomethhemightbehisfathersheir.Foritisnotthefatherswillthathissonshould
bealwayssubjecttotheschoolmaster,andalwaysbeatenwithrodsbutthatbyhisinstruction
anddisciplinehemightbemadeableandmeettobehisfatherssuccessor.
Evensothelaw(saithPaul)isnothingelsebutaschoolmaster:notforever,butuntilit
havebroughtustoChristasinotherwordshesaidalsobefore:Thelawwasaddedbecause
oftransgressionsuntiltheseedshouldcomealso:TheScripturehathshutallundersin,that
thepromise,etc.
Again:Wewerekeptunder,andshutupuntofaithwhichshouldafterberevealed.
Whereforethelawisnotonlyaschoolmaster,butitisaschoolmastertobringusuntoChrist.
Forwhataschoolmasterwerehewhichwouldalwaystormentandbeatthechild,andteach
himnothingatall?Andyetsuchschoolmasterstherewereintimepast,whenschoolswere
nothingelsebutaprisonandaveryhell,theschoolmasterscrueltyrantsandverybutchers.
Thechildrenwerealwaysbeaten,theylearnedwithcontinualpainandtravail,andyetfewof
themcametoanyprofit.Thelawisnotsuchaschoolmaster.Foritdothnotonlyterrifyand
torment(asthefoolishschoolmasterbeatethhisscholarsandteacheththemnothing)butwith
hisrodshedrivethusuntoChrist:likeasagoodschoolmasterinstructethandexercisethhis
scholarsinreadingandwriting,totheendthattheymaycometotheknowledgeofgood
lettersandotherprofitablethings,thatafterwardstheymayhaveadelightindoingofthat
whichbefore,whentheywereconstrainedthereunto,theydidagainsttheirwills.
BythisgoodlysimilitudePaulshowethwhatisthetrueuseofthelaw,namely,thatit
justifiethnothypocrites,fortheyremainwithoutChristintheirpresumptionandsecurityand
contrariwise,thatitleavethnotindeathanddamnationthosethatareofacontriteheart(so
thattheyuseitasPaulteacheth)butdriveththemuntoChrist.Buttheywhichintheseterrors
continuestillintheirfaintheartedness,anddonotapprehendChristbyfaith,dofallatlength
intodesperation.Paulthereforeinthisallegoryoftheschoolmastermostlivelyexpresseththe
trueuseofthelaw.Forlikeastheschoolmasterreprovethhisscholars,grieveththem,and
makeththemheavy,andyetnottotheendthatthisbondageshouldalwayscontinue,butthat
itshouldceasewhenthechildrenarewellbroughtupandinstructedaccordingly,andthat
afterwardswithoutanyconstraintoftheschoolmastertheyshouldcheerfullyenjoytheir
libertyandtheirfathersgoods:evensotheywhicharevexedandoppressedwiththelaw,do
knowthattheseterrorsandvexationsshallnotalwayscontinue,butthattherebytheyare
preparedtocomeuntoChristwhichistoberevealed,andsotoreceivethelibertyofthe
Spirit,etc.
Thatwemaybemaderighteousbyfaith
Thelawisnotaschoolmastertobringusuntoanotherlawgiverwhichrequirethgoodworks,
butuntoChristourjustifierandsavior,thatbyfaithinhimwemightbejustified,andnotby
works.Butwhenamanfeeleththeforceandstrengthofthelaw,hedothnotunderstandnor
believethis.
Thereforehesaith:IhavelivedwickedlyforIhavetransgressedallthecommandments
ofGod,andthereforeIamguiltyofeternaldeath.IfGodwouldprolongmylifecertainyears,
oratleastcertainmonths,Iwouldamendmylifeandliveholilyhereafter.Here,ofthetrue
useofthelawhemakethanabuse,andlosingsightofChristhelookethuntoanother
lawgiver.
Reasonbeingovertakenintheseterrorsandstraits,isboldtopromiseuntoGodthe

fulfillingofalltheworksofthewholelaw.Andhereofcamesomanysectsofmonks,so
manyceremoniesandsomanyworks,devisedtodeservegraceandremissionofsins.And
theywhichdevisedthesethings,thoughtthatthelawwasaschoolmastertoleadthemnot
untoChrist,buttoanewlaw,oruntoChristasalawgiver,andnotasonethathathabolished
thelaw.
Butthetrueuseofthelawis,thatIshouldknowthatIambroughttotheknowledgeof
mysinandhumbledbythelaw,thatsoImaycomeuntoChristandmaybejustifiedbyfaith.
Butfaithisneitherlawnorwork,butanassuredconfidencewhichapprehendethChrist,who
istheendofthelaw,Romans10.Andhow?Notthathehathabolishedtheoldlawandgiven
aneworthatheisajudgewhichmustbepacifiedbyworksasthePapistshavetaught:buthe
istheendofthelawuntorighteousnesstoallthosethatbelievethatistosay,everyonethat
believethinhimisrighteous,andthelawcannotaccusehim,etc.Thisisthetrueuseand
forceofthelaw.Thelawthenisgood,holy,profitableandnecessary,sothatamanuseitas
heshoulddo.Now,theythatabusethelawarefirstthehypocriteswhichattributeuntothe
lawapowertojustifyandsecondlytheywhichdodespair,notknowingthatthelawisa
schoolmastertoleadmenuntoChrist:thatistosay,thatthelawhumbleththemnottotheir
destruction,buttotheirsalvation.ForGodwoundeththathemayhealagain,killeththathe
mayquickenagain,etc.
NowPaul,asbeforeIhavesaid,speakethofthosewhicharetobejustified,andnotof
thosewhicharejustifiedalready.Thereforewhenthougoestabouttoreasonasconcerning
thelaw,thoumusttakethematterofthelaw,orthatwhereuponthelawworketh,namely,the
sinnerandthewickedperson.Himthelawjustifiethnot,butsettethsinbeforehiseyes,
castethhimdown,andbringethhimtotheknowledgeofhimself:itshowethuntohimhell,
thewrathandthejudgmentofGod.Thisisindeedtheproperofficeofthelaw.Then
followeththeuseofthisoffice:towit,thatthesinnermayknowthatthelawdothnotreveal
untohimhissinandthushumblethhim,totheendheshoulddespair:butthatbythis
accusingandbruising,itmaydrivehimuntoChristtheSaviorandcomforter.Whenthisis
done,heisnolongerundertheschoolmaster.Andthisuseisverynecessary.Forseeingthe
wholeworldisoverwhelmedwithsin,ithathneedofthisministryofthelaw,thatsinmaybe
revealed:otherwisenomanshouldeverattaintorighteousness,asbeforewehavelargely
declared.ButwhatworkeththelawinthemthatarealreadyjustifiedbyChrist?Paul
answerethbythesewords,whichare,asitwere,anadditiontothatwhichgoethbefore:
Butafterthatfaithiscome,wearenolongerunderaschoolmaster
Thatistosay:wearefreefromthelaw,fromtheprison,andfromourschoolmasterforwhen
faithisrevealed,thelawterrifiethandtormentethusnomore.Paulherespeakethoffaithasit
waspreachedandpublishedtotheworldbyChristinthetimebeforeappointed.ForChrist
takinguponhimmansnature,cameonceintime,abolishedthelawwithallitseffects,and
byhisdeathdeliveredfromsinandeternaldeathallthosewhichlayholdonthishisbenefit
byfaith.IfthereforeyelookuntoChristandthatwhichhehathdone,thereisnownolaw.For
he,cominginthetimeappointed,verilytookawaythelaw.Now,sincethelawisone,weare
notkeptunderthetyrannythereofanymorebutweliveinjoyandsafetyunderChrist,who
nowsosweetlyreignethinusbyhisSpirit.NowwheretheLord[reigneth]thereisliberty.
Wherefore,ifwecouldperfectlyapprehendChrist,whichhathabolishedthelawbyhisdeath
andhathreconciledusuntohisFather,thatschoolmastershouldhavenopoweroverusatall.

Butthelawofthemembersrebellingagainstthelawofthemind,hindrethus,thatwecannot
perfectlylayholduponChrist.ThelackthereforeisnotinChrist,butinus,whichhavenot
yetputoffthisflesh,towhichsincontinuallycleavethaslongaswelive.Wherefore,as
touchingourselves,wearepartlyfreefromthelawandpartlyunderthelaw.LikePaul,we
servewithourmindthelawofGod,butwithourfleshthelawofsin(Romans7:21ff.).
Hereofitfolloweth,thatastouchingtheconscience,wearefullydeliveredfromthelaw,
andthereforethatschoolmastermustnotruleinitthatis,hemustnotafflictitwithhis
terrors,threateningsandcaptivity.Andalbeithegoaboutsotodoneversomuch,yetisnot
theconsciencemovedtherewith.ForithathChristcrucifiedbeforehereyes,whohath
removedalltheofficesofthelawoutoftheconscience,puttingoutthehandwritingof
ordinancesthatwasagainstus,etc.(Corinthians2:14).Therefore,evenasavirginknoweth
noman,sotheconsciencemustnotonlybeignorantofthelaw,butalsoitmustbeutterly
deaduntothelaw,andthelawlikewiseuntotheconscience.Thisisnotdonebyanyworks,
orbytherighteousnessofthelaw,butbyfaith,whichapprehendethandlayethholdupon
Christ.Notwithstanding,sincleavethstillinthefleshastouchingtheeffectthereof,which
oftentimesaccusethandtroubleththeconscience.Solongthenasthefleshdothremain,so
longthisschoolmasterthelawdothalsoremain,whichmanytimesterrifieththeconscience,
andmakethitheavybyrevealingofsinandthreateningofdeath.Yetisitraisedupagainby
thedailycomingofChristwhoashecameonceintotheworldinthetimebeforeappointed,
toredeemusfromthehardandsharpruleofourschoolmasterevensohecomethdailyunto
usspiritually,totheendthatwemayincreaseinfaithandintheknowledgeofhim,thatthe
consciencemayapprehendhimmorefullyandperfectlyfromdaytoday,andthatthelawof
thefleshandofsinwiththeterrorofdeathandallevilsthatthelawbringethwithit,maybe
dailydiminishedinusmoreandmore.Aslongthenasweliveintheflesh,whichisnot
withoutsin,thelawoftentimesreturnethanddothhisoffice,inonemoreandinanotherless,
astheirfaithisstrongorweak,andyetnottotheirdestruction,buttotheirsalvation.
Forthisistheexerciseofthelawinthesaints,namely,thedailymortificationofthe
flesh,ofreasonandofourownstrength,andthedailyrenewingofourmind,asitissaidin2
Corinthians4:16.
WereceivethenthefirstfruitsoftheSpirit:theleavenishidinthemassofthedough:
butallthedoughisnotyetleavened:nowitisyetbutonlybeguntobeleavened.IfIbehold
theleaven,Iseenothingelsebutpureleaven:butifIbeholdthewholemass,Iseethatitis
notallpureleaven.
Thatistosay,ifIbeholdChrist,Iamaltogetherpureandholy,knowingnothingatallof
thelawforChristismyleaven.ButifIbeholdmyownflesh,Ifeelinmyselfcovetousness,
lust,anger,pride,etc.alsothefearofdeath,heaviness,hatred,murmuring,andimpatiency
againstGod.Themorethesethingsareinme,themoreChristisabsentfrommeorifhebe
present,hispresenceisbutweak.Herewehaveneedofaschoolmastertoexerciseandvex
thisstrongasstheflesh,thatbythisexercisesinsmaybediminished,andawaypreparedfor
Christ.ForasChristcameoncecorporallyatthetimeappointed,abolishedthewholelaw,
vanquishedsin,destroyeddeathandhellevensohecomethuntousspirituallywithout
ceasing,anddailyquenchethandkilleththosesinsinus.
ThisIsay,thatthoumayestbeabletoanswer,ifanyshallthusobject:
Christcameintotheworldandatoncetookawayalloursins,andcleansedusbyhis
bloodwhatneedwethentoheartheGospel,ortoreceiveAbsolutionandtheSacraments?
TrueitisthatinasmuchasthoubeholdestChrist,thelawandsinarequiteabolished.But

Christisnotyetcomeuntotheeorifhebecome,yetnotwithstandingthereareremnantsof
sinintheethouartnotyetthoroughlyleavened.Forwhereconcupiscence,heavinessof
spirit,andfearofdeathis,thereisyetalsothelawandsin.
Christisnotyettrulypresent:forwhenhecomethindeed,hedrivethawayfearand
heaviness,andbringethpeaceandquietnessofconscience.SofarforththenasIdoapprehend
Christbyfaith,somuchisthelawabolisheduntome.Butmyflesh,theworld,andthedevil
dohinderfaithinme,thatitcannotbeperfect.RightgladlyIwouldthatthatlittlelightof
faithwhichisinmyheart,werespreadthroughoutallmybodyandallthemembersthereof
butitistobedone,itisnotbyandbyspread,butonlybeginnethtobespread.Inthemean
seasonthisisourconsolation,thatwewhohavethefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,donowbeginto
beleavened.Butweshallbethoroughlyleavenedwhenthisbodyofsinisdissolved,andwe
shallrisenewcreatureswholly,togetherwithChrist.
AlbeitthenthatChristbeoneandthesameyesterday,today,andshallbeforever
(Hebrews13:8)andalbeitthatAdamandallthefaithfulwhichwerebeforeChrist,hadthe
GospelandfaithyetnotwithstandingChristcameonceinthetimebeforedetermined,and
faithalsocameoncewhentheApostlespreachedandpublishedtheGospelthroughoutthe
world.
Moreover,Christcomethalsospirituallyeverydayandfaithlikewisecomethdailyby
thewordoftheGospel.Now,whenfaithiscome,theschoolmasterisconstrainedtogive
placewithhisheavyandgrievousoffice.Christcomethalsospirituallywhenwestillmore
andmoredoknowandunderstandthosethingswhichbyhimaregivenuntous,andincrease
ingraceandintheknowledgeofhim(2Peter3:18).
ForyeareallthesonsofGodbyfaithinChristJesus
Paul,asatrueandanexcellentteacheroffaith,hathalwaysthesewordsinhismouth:By
faith,infaith,offaith,whichisinChristJesusetc.Hesaithnot:Yearethechildrenof
Godbecauseyearecircumcised,becauseyehaveheardthelaw,andhavedonetheworks
thereof(astheJewsdoimagine,andthefalseapostlesteach),but:byfaithinJesusChrist.
ThelawthenmakethusnotchildrenofGod,andmuchlessmenstraditions.Itcannotbeget
usintoanewnature,oranewbirthbutitsettethbeforeustheoldbirth,wherebywewere
borntothekingdomofthedevilandsoitpreparethustoanewbirth,whichisbyfaithin
JesusChrist,andnotbythelaw,asPaulplainlywitnesseth:ForyeareallthesonsofGodby
faith,etc.Asifhesaid:Albeityebetormented,humbled,andkilledbythelaw,yethathnot
thelawmadeyourighteous,ormadeyouchildrenofGod,butthisistheworkoffaith.What
faith?FaithinChrist.FaiththereforeinChristmakethusthechildrenofGod,andnotthelaw.
ThesamethingwitnessethalsoSt.John:Hegavepowertoasmanyasbelievedinhim,to
becomethechildrenofGod(John1:12).Whattongue,eitherofmenorangels,can
sufficientlyextolandmagnifytheinestimablegraceandglorywhichwehaveinChristJesus,
namely,thatwewhicharemiserablesinnersandbynaturethechildrenofwrath,shouldattain
tosuchhonorastobemadethechildrenandheirsofGod,fellowheirswiththeSonofGod,
andlordsoverheavenandearthandthatbytheonlymeansofourfaithwhichisinChrist
Jesu?
Forallyethatarebaptized,haveputonChrist

ToputonChrististakentwomannerofways,accordingtothelaw,andaccordingtothe
Gospel.Accordingtothelaw,asitissaidinRomans13:PutyeontheLordJesusChrist
thatis,followtheexampleandvirtuesofChrist.Dothatwhichhedid,andsufferthatwhich
hesuffered.
Andin1Peter2:Christhathsufferedforus,leavingusanexamplethatweshould
followhissteps.NowweseeinChristasingularpatience,aninestimablemildnessoflove,
andawonderfulmodestyinallthings.ThisgoodlyapparelofChristwemustputon,thatisto
say,followthesevirtues.Soalsomayweimitatethesaints.
ButtheputtingonofChristaccordingtotheGospel,consistethnotinimitation,butina
newbirthandanewcreation:thatistosay,inputtingonChristhimself,hisinnocency,his
righteousness,hiswisdom,hispower,hissavinghealth,hislifeandhisspirit.Weareclothed
withaleathercoatofAdam,whichisamortalgarment,andagarmentofsin:thatistosay,
weareallsubjectuntosin,allsoldundersinthereisinushorribleblindness,ignorance,
contemptandhatredofGodmoreover,evilconcupiscence,uncleanness,covetousness,etc.
Thisgarment,thatistosay,thiscorruptandsinfulnature,wereceivedfromAdamwhich
Pauliswonttocalltheoldman.Thisoldmanmustbeputoffwithallhisworks(Ephesians
4:22Colossians3:9),thatofthechildrenofAdamwemaybemadethechildrenofGod.This
isnotdonebychangingofagarment,orbyanylawsorworks,butbyanewbirth,andbythe
renewing[oftheinwardman]whichisdoneinBaptism,asPaulsaith:Allyethatare
baptized,haveputonChrist.Also:Accordingtohismercyhathhesavedusbythewashing
ofthenewbirthandtherenewingoftheHolyGhost(Titus3:5).Forbesidesthattheywhich
arebaptized,areregeneratedandrenewedbytheHolyGhosttoaheavenlyrighteousnessand
toeternallife,thererisethinthemalsoanewlightandanewflamethereriseinthemnew
andholyaffections,asthefearofGod,truefaithandassuredhope,etc.Therebeginnethin
themalsoanewwill.AndthisistoputonChristtrulyandaccordingtotheGospel.
Thereforetherighteousnessofthelaw,orofourownworks,isnotgivenuntousin
Baptism,butChristhimselfismadeourgarment.NowChristisnolaw,nolawgiver,no
workbutadivineandaninestimablegift,whomtheFatherhathgivenuntous,thathemight
beourjustifier,oursavior,andourredeemer.Wherefore,toputonChristaccordingtothe
Gospel,isnottobeapparelledwiththelawandwithworks,butwithanincomparablegift
thatistosay,withremissionofsins,righteousness,peace,consolation,joyintheHolyGhost,
salvation,lifeandChristhimself.
Thisisdiligentlytobenoted,becauseofthefondandfantasticalspirits,whichgoabout
todefacethemajestyofBaptism,andspeakwickedlyofit.
Paulcontrariwisecommendethandsettethitforthwithhonorabletitles,callingitthe
washingofthenewbirth,therenewingoftheHolyGhost(Titus3).Andherealsohesaith,
thatalltheywhicharebaptized,haveputonChrist.Asifhesaid:Yehavenotreceived
throughBaptismameretokenwherebyyeareenrolledinthenumberoftheChristians,asin
ourtimemanyfantasticalheadshavesupposed,whichhavemadeofBaptismatokenonly,
thatistosay,abareandemptysign.Butasmany(saithhe)ashavebeenbaptised,haveput
onChrist:thatis,yehavebeencarriedoutofthelawintoanewbirth,whichiswroughtin
Baptism.Thereforeyearenotnowanylongerunderthelaw,butyeareclothedwithanew
garmenttowit,withtherighteousnessofChrist.PaulthereforeteacheththatBaptismisnota
sign,butthegarmentofChrist,nay,thatChristhimselfisourgarment.WhereforeBaptismis
athingofgreatforceandefficacy.Now,whenweareapparelledwithChrist,aswiththerobe
ofourrighteousnessandsalvation,thenwemustputonChristalsoastheapparelofimitation

andexample.ThesethingsIhavehandledmorelargelyinanotherplace,thereforeIhere
brieflypassthemover.
Thereisneitherjewnorgrecian,thereisneitherbondnorfree,thereisneithermalenor
female
HeremightbeaddedmanymorenamesofpersonsandofficeswhichareordainedofGod,as
these:thereisneithermagistratenorsubject,neitherteachernorhearer,neitherschoolmaster
norscholar,neithermasternorservant,neithermistressnormaid,etc.ForinChristJesusall
states,yea,evensuchasareordainedofGod,arenothing.Indeedthemale,thefemale,the
bond,thefree,theJew,theGentile,theprince,thesubject,arethegoodcreaturesofGodbut
inChrist,thatis,inthematterofsalvationtheyarenothing,withalltheirwisdom,
righteousness,religionandpower.
Wherefore,withthesewords,ThereisneitherJewetc.,Paulmightilyabolisheththe
law.Forhere,whenamanisrenewedbybaptism,andChristisputon,thereisneitherJew
norGrecian,etc.TheApostlespeakethnothereoftheJewaccordingtohisnatureand
substance,buthecallethhimaJewwhichisthediscipleofMoses,issubjecttothelaw,is
circumcised,andwithallhisendeavorkeepeththeceremoniescommandedinthelaw.Where
Christisputon,saithhe,thereisneitherJewnorcircumcision,norceremonyoftheTemple,
norJewishlawsanymoreforChristhathabolishedallthelawsofMosesthateverwere.
Whereforetheconscience,believinginChrist,mustbesosurelypersuadedthatthelawis
abolished,withallhisterrorsandthreatenings,thatitshouldbeutterlyignorantwhetherthere
wereeveranyMoses,anylaw,oranyJew.ForChristandMosescaninnowiseagree.Moses
camewiththelaw,withmanyworks,andwithmanyceremoniesbutChristcamewithout
anylaw,withoutanyexactingofworks,givinggraceandrighteousness,etc.
ForthelawwasgivenbyMoses,butgraceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist(John1:17).
Moreoverwhenhesaith,norGrecian,healsorejectethandcondemneththewisdomand
righteousnessoftheGentiles.ForamongtheGentilesthereweregreatandnotablemen,as
Xenophon,Themistocles,MarcusFabius,AttiliusRegulus,Cicero,PomponiusAtticus,and
manyother,whichbeingenduedwithsingularandtrulyheroicvirtues,governed
commonwealsexcellently,anddidmanyworthyactsforthepreservationthereofandyetall
thesewerenothingbeforeGod,withtheirwisdom,theirpower,theirnotableacts,their
excellentvirtues,laws,religions,andceremonies:forwemustnotthinkthattheGentilesdid
condemnallhonestyandreligion.Yeaallnationsofallagesdispersedthroughouttheworld
hadtheirlaws,religions,andceremonieswithoutthewhichitisnotpossiblethatmankind
shouldbegoverned.Allrighteousnessthereforeconcerningeitherthegovernmentoffamilies,
orcommonweals,ordivinematters(aswastherighteousnessofthelaw),withallthe
obedience,executionandholinessthereof,beitneversoperfect,isnothingworthbeforeGod.
Whatthen?ThegarmentofChristwhichweputoninBaptism.
So,iftheservantdohisduty,obeyhismaster,serveinhisvocationneversodiligently
andfaithfullyifhethatisatlibertybeinauthorityandgovernthecommonweahh,andguide
hisownfamilyhonestlyandwithpraiseifthemantothatwhichpertainethtothemanin
marryingawife,ingoverninghisfamily,inobeyingthemagistrate,inbehavinghimself
decentlytowardsallmenifthewomanlivechastely,obeyherhusband,seewelltoher
household,bringupherchildrengodly(whichareindeedexcellentgiftsandholyworks)yet
areallthesenothingincomparisonofthatrighteousnesswhichisbeforeGod.Tobebrief,all

thelaws,ceremonies,religions,rightousnessandworksinthewholeworld,yea,oftheJews
themselves,whichwerethefirstthathadthekingdomandpriesthoodordainedandappointed
ofGod,withtheirholylaws,religion,ceremoniesandworshippingsallthese(Isay)takenot
awaysin,delivernotfromdeath,norpurchaselife.
Thereforeyourfalseapostlesdosubtillyseduceyou(OyeGalatians)whentheyteach
youthatthelawisnecessarytosalvation:andbythismeanstheyspoilyouofthatexcellent
gloryofyournewbirthandyouradoption,andcallyoubacktoyouroldbirth,andtothe
mostmiserableservitudeofthelaw,makingyouofthefreechildrenofGod,bondchildrenof
thelaw,whilsttheywillhaveadifferenceofpersonsaccordingtothelaw.Indeedthereisa
differenceofpersonsinthelawandintheworld,andthereitoughttobe,butnotbeforeGod,
whereallmenareequal.Allhavesinned,andaredestituteofthegloryofGod(Romans
3:23).LettheJewstherefore,theGentiles,andthewholeworldkeepsilenceinthepresence
ofGod.Godhathindeedmanyordinances,laws,degreesoflifeandkindsofserviceinthe
world,butallthesehelpnothingtodeservegrace,andtoobtaineternallife.Somanyasare
justifiedtherefore,arejustified,notbytheobservationofmanslaw,orGodslaw,butby
Christalone,whohathabolishedalllaws.HimalonedoththeGospelsetforthuntousfora
pacifierofGodswrathbythesheddingofhisownblood,andaSavior:andwithoutfaithin
him,neithershalltheJewbesavedbythelaw,northemonkbyhisorder,northeGrecianby
hiswisdom,northemagistrateormasterbyhisuprightgovernment,northeservantbyhis
obedience,etc.
ForyearealloneinChristJesus
Theseareexcellentwords.Intheworld,andaccordingtotheflesh,thereisagreatdifference
andinequalityofpersons,andthesamemustbediligentlyobserved.Forifthewomanwould
betheman,ifthesonwouldbethefather,theservantthemaster,thesubjectthemagistrate,
thereshouldbenothingelsebutaconfusionofallestatesandofallthings.
ContrariwiseinChrist,wherethereisnolaw,thereisnodifferenceofpersons,thereis
neitherJewnorGrecian,butallareone.Forthereisbutonebody,onespirit,onehopeof
vocationforall:thereisoneGospel,onefaith,oneBaptism,oneGodandFatherofall,one
ChristandLordofall.
WehavethesameChrist,I,thou,andallthefaithful,whichPeter,Paul,andallthesaints
had.Thesamehaveallbaptizedinfants.Herethereforetheconscienceknowethnothingofthe
law,buthathChristonlybeforehereyes.ThereforePaulisalwayswonttoaddthisclause:
InChristJesu.
Who,ifhebetakenoutofoursight,thenalloursalvationislost.
Thefantasticalspiritsatthisdaydospeakafterthemannerofthepopishschooldivines,
dreamingthatfaithisaqualitycleavingintheheartwithoutChrist.Thisisadeadlyerror.But
Christshouldbesosetforth,thatthoushouldestseenothingbesideshim,andshouldestthink
thatnothingcanbemorenearuntothee,ormorepresentwithinthyheartthanheis.Forhe
sittethnotidlyinheavenbutispresentwithus,workingandlivinginus.
Ashesaithbeforeinthesecondchapter:IliveyetnotI,butChristlivethinme.And
herelikewise:YehaveputonChrist.Faiththereforeisacertainsteadfastbeholding,which
lookethuponnothingelsebutChristtheconquerorofsinanddeath,andthegiverof
righteousness,salvationandeternallife.ThisisthecausethatPaulnamethandsettethforth
JesusChristsoofteninhisepistles,yeaalmostineveryverse.buthesettethhimforthbythe

Word:forotherwisehecannotbeapprehendedthanbyfaithintheWord.
Thiswasnotablyandlivelyrepresentedbythebrazenserpent,whichisafigureofChrist.
MosescommandedtheJewswhichwerestungofserpentsinthedesert,todonothingelsebut
steadfastlybeholdthebrazenserpent,andnottoturnawaytheireyes.Theythatdidso,were
healedonlybythatsteadfastandconstantbeholdingoftheserpent(Numbers21:6ff.).But
contrariwise,theydiedwhichobeyednotthecommandmentofMoses,butlookedupontheir
woundsandnotupontheserpent.SoifIwouldfindcomfortwhenmyconscienceisafflicted,
orwhenIamatthepointofdeath,ImustdonothingbutapprehendChristbyfaith,andsay:I
believeinJesusChristtheSonofGod,whosuffered,wascrucified,anddiedforme,etc.,in
whosewoundsandinwhosedeathIseemysin,andinhisresurrectionvictoryoversin,death
andthedevil,alsorighteousnessandeternallife.BesideshimIseenothing,Ihearnothing.
ThisistruefaithconcerningChristandinChrist,wherebywearemademembersofhisbody,
fleshofhisflesh,andboneofhisbones.Inhimthereforewelive,wemove,andwehaveour
being.Vainthereforeisthespeculationofthefantasticalheadsconcerningfaith,whichdream
thatChristisspiritually,thatis,speculatively,inus,butreallyinheaven.Christandfaith
mustthoroughlybejoinedtogether.WemustbeinheavenandChristmustliveandworkin
us.Now,helivethandworkethinus,notbyspeculationandnakedknowledge,butindeed
andbyatrueandasubstantialpresence.
AndifyebeChrists,thenareyeAbrahamsseed,andheirsaccordingtothepromise
Thatistosay:ifyebelieveandbebaptizedintoChrist,ifyebelieve,Isay,thatheisthat
promisedSeedofAbrahamwhichbroughttheblessingtoalltheGentiles,thenareyethe
childrenofAbraham,notbynature,butbyadoption.FortheScriptureattributethuntohim,
notonlychildrenoftheflesh,butalsoofadoptionandofthepromise,andforesheweththat
theyshallreceivetheinheritance,andtheothershallbecastoutofthehouse.
SoPaulinfewwordstranslateththewholegloryofLibanus,thatistosay,oftheJewish
people,untothedesert,thatis,untotheGentiles.Andthisplacecomprehendethasingular
consolation:towit,thattheGentilesarethechildrenofAbraham,andconsequentlythe
peopleofGod.ButtheyarethechildrenofAbraham,notbycarnalgenerationbutbythe
promise.Thekingdomofheaventhen,life,andtheeternalinheritance,belongethtothe
Gentiles.AndthistheScripturesignifiedlongbeforewhenitsaith:Ihavemadetheeafather
ofmanynations(Genesis17:5).Again:Inthyseedshallallnationsbeblessed(Genesis
22:18).NowthereforebecausewewhichareGentilesdobelieve,andbyfaithdoreceivethe
blessingpromisedtoAbraham,andexhibitedbyChrist,thereforetheScripturecallethusthe
childrenandheirsofAbraham,notaftertheflesh,butafterthepromise.Sothatpromise:In
thyseed,etc.belongethalsototheGentiles,andaccordingtothispromiseChristhasbecome
ours.
IndeedthepromisewasmadeonlytotheJews,andnottousthatareGentiles,Psalm147:
HeshewethhisworduntoJacob,etc.Hehathnotdealtsowitheverynation,etc.
Notwithstanding,thatwhichwaspromisedcomethuntousbyfaith,bythewhichonlywe
apprehendthepromiseofGod.Albeitthenthatthepromisebenotmadeuntous,yetisit
madeastouchingusandforusforwearenamedinthepromise:Inthyseedshallallnations
beblessed.ForthepromiseshewethplainlythatAbrahamshouldbethefather,notonlyof
theJewishnation,butofmanynations,andthatheshouldbetheheir,notofonekingdom,
butofalltheworld(Romans4).SothegloryofthewholekingdomofChrististranslated

untous.WhereforealllawsareutterlyabolishedintheheartandconscienceofaChristian:
notwithstandingtheyremainwithoutstillintheflesh.Andhereofwehavespokenlargely
before.

CHAPTER4
ThisIsay,thattheheiraslongasheisachild,differethnothingfromaservant,though
hebelordofallbutisundertutorsandgovernors,untiltheappointedofthefather.
YEseewithwhatvehementaffectionPaulgoethabouttocallbacktheGalatians,andwhat
strongargumentsheusethindebatingthematter,gatheringsimilitudesofexperience,ofthe
exampleofAbraham,ofthetestimoniesoftheScripture,andofthetime,sothatoftentimes
heseemethtorenewthewholematteragain.Forbefore,hehadinamannerfinishedthe
disputationconcerningjustification,concludingthatamanisjustifiedbeforeGodbyfaith
onlyandalone.Butbecausehecallethalsotoremembrancethispoliticalexampleofthelittle
heir,hebringeththesamealsofortheconfirmationofhismatter.Thustryingeveryway,he
liethinwaitwithacertainholysubtletytotaketheGalatiansunawaresashesaithinanother
place:Beingcrafty,Icaughtyouwithguile(2Corinthians12:16).Fortheignorantpeople
aresoonerpersuadedwithsimilitudesandexamples,thanwithdeepandsubtledisputations.
Theywillratherbeholdanimagewellpainted,thanabookwellwritten.Paulthereforenow,
afterthathehadbroughtthesimilitudeofamanstestament,oftheprison,ofthe
schoolmaster,usethalsothissimilitudeofanheir(whichisfamiliarandwellknowntoall
men),tomoveandtopersuadethem.Andsurelyitisaveryprofitablethingforateacherto
befurnishedwithsimilitudesandexamples,whichnotonlyPaul,butalsotheprophets,and
Christhimselfalsodidoftenuse.
Yesee,saithhe,thatitisordainedbythecivillaws,thatanheir,albeithebethelordof
allhisfathersgoods,differethnotfromaservant.Indeedhehathanassuredhopeofan
inheritance:butbeforehecometohisyears,histutorsholdhiminsubjection,likeasthe
schoolmasterdoththescholar.
Theycommitnotuntohimtheorderingofhisowngoods,butconstrainhimtoserve,so
thatheiskeptandmaintainedwithhisowngoodslikeaservant.Thereforeaslongasthis
bondageendureth,thatis,solongasheisundertutorsandgovernors,hedifferethnothing
fromaservant.Andthissubjectionandservitudeisveryprofitableforhim:forotherwise
throughfollyhewouldsoonwasteallhisgoods.Thiscaptivityendurethnotalways,buthath
acertaintimelimitedandappointedbythefatherwhereinitmustend.
Soalsowe,aslongaswewerechildren,wereinbondageundertherudimentsofthe
world
Inlikemanner,whenwewerelittlechildren,wewereheirs,havingthepromiseofthe
inheritancetocome,whichshouldbegivenuntousbytheseedofAbraham,thatistosay,by
Christ,inwhomallnationsshouldbeblessed.Butbecausethefullnessoftimewasnotyet
come,Moses,ourtutor,governor,andschoolmaster,cameholdingusincaptivitywithour
handsbound,sothatwecouldbearnorule,norpossessourinheritance.Inthemeantime
notwithstanding,likeasanheirisnourishedandmaintainedinhopeoflibertytocome,even
soMosesdidnourishuswiththehopeofthepromisetoberevealedinthetimeappointedto

wit,whenChristshouldcome,whobyhiscoming,shouldputanendtothetimeofthelaw
(whichcontinuedwhilethepolityofMosesyetstood),andbeginthetimeofgrace.
Nowthetimeofthelawendethintwomannerofways:first(asIsaid),bythecomingof
ChristinthefleshatthetimeappointedofhisFather.ForChristwasonceforallinduetime
mademan,bornofavirgin,andmadeunderthelaw,thathemightredeemthemwhichwere
underthelaw,etc.(Galatians4:4f.).Heenteredintotheholyplaceonceforallthroughhis
ownblood,havingobtainedeternalredemption(Hebrews9:12).
Moreover,thesameChristwhocameonceinthetimeappointed,comethalsountous
dailyandhourlyinspirit.Indeedoncewithhisownbloodheredeemedandsanctifiedallbut
becausewearenotyetperfectlypure(fortheremnantsofsindoyetcleaveinourflesh,
whichstrivethagainstthespirit),thereforedailyhecomethuntousspiritually,and
continuallymoreandmoreaccomplisheththeappointedtimeofhisFather,abrogatingand
abolishingthelaw.
SohecamealsoinspirittothefathersoftheOldTestamentbeforeheappearedinthe
flesh.TheyhadChristinspirit.TheybelievedinChristwhichshouldberevealed,aswe
believeinChristwhichisnowrevealed,andweresavedbyhimasweare,accordingtothat
saying:JesusChrististhesameyesterday,andtoday,andforever.Yesterday,beforethe
timeofhiscominginthefleshtoday,whenhewasrevealedinthetimebeforeappointed
nowandforeverheisoneandthesameChrist.Forevenbyhimonlyandaloneallthe
faithfulwhicheitherhavebeen,be,orshallbe,aredeliveredfromthelaw,justifiedand
saved.Inlikemannerwealso,saithhe,whenwewerechildren,servedundertherudiments
oftheworldthatistosay,thelawhaddominionoverus,oppressedus,andkeptusina
straitbondage,asservantsandcaptives.Forfirstitrestrainedcarnalandrebelliouspersons
civilly,thattheyshouldnotrunheadlongintoallkindsofvice.Forthelawthreateneth
punishmenttotransgressorswhichiftheyfearednot,thereisnomischiefwhichtheywould
notcommitandoverthosewhomthelawsobridleth,itrulethandreigneth.Again,itdid
accuseus,terrifyus,killus,andcondemnusspirituallyandbeforeGod:andthiswasthe
principaldominionthatthelawhadoverus.Therefore,likeasanheirissubjectuntohis
tutors,isbeaten,andiscompelledtoobeytheirlaws,anddiligentlytoexecutetheir
commandments:evenso,mensconsciences,beforeChristcome,areoppressedwiththe
sharpservitudeofthelawthatistosay,theyareaccused,terrifiedandcondemnedofthelaw.
Butthisdominion,orratherthistyrannyofthelawisnotcontinual,butmustonlyendure
untilthetimeofgrace.Whereforetheofficeofthelawistoreproveandtoincreasesins,but
untorighteousness:tokill,butuntolife.ForthelawisaschoolmasteruntoChrist.Likeas
thereforethetutorsdohandletheheir,beingyetachild,straitlyandhardly,rulehimand
commandhimasaservant,andheagainisconstrainedtobesubjectuntothem:evensothe
lawaccusethus,humblethus,andbringethusintobondage,thatwemaybethebondservants
ofsin,death,andofthewrathofGod,whichisindeedamostmiserablekindofbondage.But
asthepowerofthetutors,andthesubjectionandbondageofthelittleheirisnotcontinual,
butonlyendurethuntothetimeappointedofthefatherwhichbeingended,heneedethnotto
begovernedbytutors,norremainethundertheirsubjectionanymore,butwithliberty
enjoyethhisinheritance:evensothelawhathdominionoverus,andweareconstrainedtobe
servantsandcaptivesunderhisgovernment,butnotforever.Forthisclausewhichfolloweth
mustbeadded:Untilthetimeappointedofthefather.ForChristwhichwaspromised,came
andredeemeduswhichwereoppressedwiththetyrannyofthelaw.
Contrariwise,thecomingofChristprofitethnotthecarelesshypocrites,thewicked

contemnersofGod,northedesperate,whichthinkthatnothingelseremainethbutterrorsof
thelawwhichtheyfeel.Hiscomingonlyprofiteththosewhicharetormentedandterrified
withthelawforatimethatistosay,suchasdespairnotinthosegreatandinwardterrors
whichthelawstirrethup,butwithasuretrustcomeuntoChristthethroneofgrace,which
hathredeemedthemfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforthem,andsoobtain
mercyandgrace(Hebrews4:16Galatians3:13).
Thereisacertainvehemencythereforeinthisword,wewereinbondage.
Asifhewouldsay:ourconsciencewassubjecttothelaw,whichholdingusas
bondslavesandcaptives,likeasatyrantholdethhisprisoners,whippedus,andwithallhis
powerexercisedhistyrannyuponusthatistosay,itbroughtuntousaterrorandaheaviness
ofspirit,itmadeustotrembleandreadytodespair,threateninguntouseverlastingdeathand
damnation.Thisspiritualbondageismostsharpandbitter,andyet(asIhavesaid)itisnot
continual,butendurethonlysolongaswearechildrenthatis,aslongasChristisabsent.
Whilstheisabsent,weareservants,shutunderthelaw,destituteofgrace,faith,andallthe
giftsoftheHolyGhost.
ButafterthatChristiscome,thenceaseththeprisonandbondageofthelaw.
Undertheelementsorrudimentsofthisworld,etc.
SomehavethoughtthatPaulspeakethhereofthosecorporalelements,thefire,theair,the
water,andtheearth.ButPaulhathhispeculiarmannerofspeechandhespeakethhereeven
ofthelawofGod,whichhecallethelementsorrudimentsofthisworld:andhiswordsseem
tobeveryheretical.Soishewontinotherplacesalsotodiminishandtoabasetheauthority
ofthelawverymuch,whenhecallethittheletterthatkilleth,theministryofdeathand
damnation,andthepowerofsin.Andthesemostodiousnames,whichshewplainlythe
poweranduseofthelaw,hechoosethofpurpose,toadmonishus,thatintheterrorsofsin,
wrath,andthejudgmentofGod,wetrustnottoourownrighteousnessortotherighteousness
ofthelaw,seeingthatthelaw,inhisbestandprincipaluse,candonothingelsebutaccuse
ourconsciences,increasesin,threatendeathandeternaldamnation.Whereforethis
diminishingandabasingofthelawmustbeappliedtotheconflictofconscience,andnotto
thecivillife,nortosecureandcarelessminds.
Hecalleththereforethelawtheelementsoftheworldthatistosay,theoutwardletters
andtraditionswritteninacertainbook.Foralthoughthelawdocivillybridleamanfrom
evil,andconstrainhimtodowell,yetnotwithstandingbeingkeptafterthissort,itdothnot
deliverhimfromsin,itjustifiethhimnot,itpreparethnotawayforhimtoheaven,but
leavethhimintheworld.Idonotobtainrighteousnessandeverlastinglife,becauseIkillnot,
Icommitnotadultery,Idonotsteal,etc.Theseoutwardvirtuesandhonestconversationsbe
notthekingdomofChrist,northeheavenlyrighteousness,buttherighteousnessoftheflesh
andoftheworldwhichalsotheGentileshad,andnotonlythemeritmongers,asinthetime
ofChristthePharisees,andinourtimethemonksandfriars,etc.Thisrighteousnesssomedo
observetoavoidthepunishmentofthelawsomethattheymaybepraisedofmenand
esteemedrighteous,constant,andpatientandthereforeitisrathertobecalledcoloured
hypocrisy,thanrighteousness.
Moreover,thelaw,whenitisinitsprincipaluseandoffice,candonothingbutaccuse,
terrify,condemnandkill.Butwheresuchterror,suchfeelingofsin,ofdeath,ofthewrathand
judgmentofGodis,thereisnorighteousness,nodivineorheavenlything,butalltheseare

merethingsoftheworldwhich(becauseitisthekingdomofthedevil)isnothingelsebuta
certainpuddleofsin,ofdeath,ofhell,andofallevilswhichthefearful,sorrowfulandheavy
hearteddofeel:butthesecureandcarelesscontemnersdonotfeelthem.Whereforethelaw,
eveninhisbestandmostperfectuse,dothnothingelsebutrevealandincreasesin,andstrike
intoustheterrorofdeathandthesearebutworldlythings.Weseethenthatthelawgivethno
lively,nohealthful,nodivineorheavenlything,butonlyworldlythings.WhereforePauldoth
veryfitlycallthelawtheelementsorrudimentsoftheworld.
AndalthoughPaulcallthewholelawtherudimentsoftheworld(asmayappearbythatI
havesaidbefore),yetprincipallyhespeakeththusincontemptofceremoniallawswhich
althoughtheyprofitneversomuch,yet(saithhe)theyconsistonlyinoutwardthings,as
meat,drink,apparel,places,times,theTemple,thefeasts,washings,thesacrificesetc.,which
bebutmereworldly,andthingsordainedofGodonlyfortheuseofthispresentlife,butnot
tojustifyorsavebeforeGod.Thereforebythisclause,therudimentsoftheworld,he
rejectethandcondemneththerighteousnessofthelaw,whichconsistedintheseoutward
ceremonies,beingnotwithstandingordainedandcommandedofGodtobeobservedfora
timeandbyacontemptiblenamehecallethittherudimentsoftheworld.
SotheEmperorslawsberudimentsoftheworld,fortheyintreatofworldlymatters:that
istosay,ofthingsconcerningthispresentlife,asofgoods,possessions,inheritances,
murders,adulteries,robberies,etc.whereofspeakethalsothesecondtableoftheTen
Commandments.AsforthePopescanonlawsanddecretals,whichforbidmarriageand
meats,thosePaulinanotherplacecalleththedoctrinesofdevilswhicharealsotherudiments
oftheworld,butthattheydomostwickedlyenjointheobservationofoutwardthingscontrary
totheWordofGodandfaith.
WhereforethelawofMosesgivethnothingbutworldlythingsthatistosay,itdothonly
shewcivillyandspirituallytheevilsthatbeintheworld.
Notwithstanding,ifitbeinitstrueuse,itdriveththeconscience,byitsterrors,toseek
andthirstafterthepromiseofGod,andtolookuntoChrist.Butthatthoumayestsodo,thou
hastneedoftheaidandassistanceoftheHolyGhost,whichmaysayinthyheart:Itisnotthe
willofGodthatafterthelawhathdonehisofficeinthee,thoushouldestonlybeterrifiedand
killed,butthat,whenthouartbroughtbythelawtotheknowledgeofthymiseryand
damnation,thoushouldestnotdespair,butbelieveinChrist,whoistheendofthelawunto
righteousness,toeveryonethatbelieveth(Romans10:4).Hereisnoworldlythingdonebut
hereallworldlymattersandalllawscease,andheavenlythingsbeginnowtoappear.
Therefore,solongaswebeundertherudimentsoftheworld,thatistosay,underthe
law,whichonlyrevealethandincreasethsinsandengenderethwrath,webeservantsthrall
andsubjecttothelaw,althoughwehavethepromiseoftheblessingtocome.Indeedthelaw
saith:ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGod,butthatImaybeablesotodo,ortoapprehend
Christ,thiscannotthelawgive.
Ispeaknotthistotheendthatthelawshouldbedespised,neitherdothPaulsomean,but
itoughttobehadingreatestimation.ButbecausePaulishereinthematterofjustification,it
wasnecessarythatheshouldspeakofthelaw,asofathingverycontemptibleandodious.For
justificationisafarothermannerofthingthanthelawis.Wecannotspeakbaselyand
contemptuouslyenoughofthelawwhenweareinthismatter.Whentheconsciencetherefore
isintheconflict,thenshoulditthinkuponnothing,knownothingatallbutChristonlyand
alone.Thenshoulditremovethelawutterlyoutofitssight,andembracenothingbutthe
promiseconcerningChrist.Tosaythis,itisaneasymatterbutinthetimeoftemptation,

whentheconsciencewrestlethinthepresenceofGod,todoitindeed,ofallthingsitisthe
hardest:towit,thatwhenthelawaccuseththee,terrifieththee,revealethuntotheethysin,
threateneththewrathofGodandeternaldeath,thatthen(Isay)thoushouldesthavesuch
strengthoffaith,asiftherehadneverbeenanylaworanysin,butonlyChrist,meregrace,
andredemptionorthatthoushouldestbeabletosay:Olaw,Iwillnothearthee,forthouhast
astammeringandaslowtonguemoreover,thefullnessoftimeisnowcome,andthereforeI
amfree,andwillnotsufferthytyrannyanylonger,etc.Hereamanmayseehowharda
matteritistoseparatethelawfromgrace.Again,howdivineandheavenlyagiftitistohope
hereevenagainsthope,andhowtruethispropositionofPaulis,thatwearejustifiedbyfaith
alone.
Learnhere,therefore,tospeakofthelawascontemptuouslyasthoucanstinthematterof
justification,bytheexampleoftheApostle,whichcalleththelawtherudimentsofthe
world,pernicioustraditions,thestrengthofsin,theministryofdeath,etc.Forifthou
sufferthelawtobearruleinthyconsciencewhenthoustandestbeforeGod,wrestlingagainst
sinanddeath,thenisthelawindeednothingelsebutasinkofallevils,heresiesand
blasphemiesforitdothnothingbutincreasesin,accuseandterrify[theconscience],threaten
death,andsetforthGodasanangryjudge,whichrejectethandcondemnethsinners.Here
therefore,ifthoubewise,banishthisstutteringandstammeringMosesfarfromtheewithhis
law,andinanywiseletnothisterrorsandhisthreateningsmovethee.Herelethimutterlybe
suspecteduntotheeasanheretic,asanexcommunicateandcondemnedperson,worsethan
thePopeandthedevilhimself,andthereforenottobeheardorobeyedinanycase.
Butoutofthematterofjustification,weoughtwithPaultothinkreverentialofthelaw,
tocommendithighly,tocallitholy,righteous,good,spiritualanddivine.Outofthecaseof
conscienceweshouldmakeaGodofit,butinthecaseofconscienceitisaverydevil.For,in
theleasttemptationthatcanbe,itisnotabletoraiseupandcomforttheconsciencebutit
dothcleancontrary:itterrifieth,itoppressethitwithheaviness,andpluckethitfromthe
assuranceofrighteousness,oflife,andofallgoodness.HereuponPaulalittleafter,callethit
weakandbeggarlyrudiments.Whereforeletusnotsufferthelawinanycasetobearrulein
ourconscience,especiallyseeingitcostChristsogreatapricetodelivertheconsciencefrom
thetyrannyofthelaw.Forhewasmadeacurseforus,thathemightdeliverusfromthecurse
ofthelaw.LetthegodlylearnthereforethatthelawandChristaretwocontrarythings,
whereoftheonecannotabidetheother.ForwhenChristispresent,thelawmayinnocase
rule,butmustdepartoutofconscience,andleavethebed(whichissostraitthatitcannot
holdtwo,asIsaiahsaith,Isaiah28:20),andgiveplaceonlytoChrist.Lethimonlyreignin
righteousness,inpeace,injoyandlife,thattheconsciencemaysleepandreposeitself
joyfullyinChristwithoutanyfeelingofthelaw,sinanddeath.
Paulhereofpurposeuseththisfigurativespeech,elementsoftheworldwhereby(asI
said)hedothmuchabaseanddiminishthegloryandauthorityofthelaw,tostirupourminds.
ForhethatreadethPaulattentively,whenheheareththathecalleththelawtheministryof
death,theletterthatkilleth,etc.byandbyhethinkeththuswithhimself:Whydothhegive
suchodious,and,asitappearethtoreason,blasphemoustermstothelaw,whichisadivine
doctrinerevealedfromheaven?TothisPaulanswereth,thatthelawisbothholy,justand
good,andthatitisalsotheministryofsinanddeath,butindiversrespects.BeforeChrist,it
isholyafterChrist,itisdeath.ThereforewhenChristiscome,weoughttoknownothingat
allofthelaw,unlessitbeinthisrespect,thatithathpoweranddominionovertheflesh,to
bridleitandkeepitunder.Hereisaconflictbetweenthelawandtheflesh(towhomtheyoke

ofthelawishardandgrievous)aslongaswelive.
OnlyPaulamongtheApostles,calleththelawtherudimentsoftheworld,weakand
beggarlyelementsthestrengthofsin,theletterthatkilleth,etc.TheotherApostlesspake
notsoofthelaw.WhosoeverthenwillbearightscholarinChristsschool,lethimmark
diligentlythismannerofspeechusedoftheApostle.Christcallethhimanelectvessel(Acts
9:15)andthereforegaveuntohimanexquisiteutterance,andasingularkindofspeechabove
alltherestoftheApostles,thatheasanelectvesselmightfaithfullylaythefoundationsof
thearticleofjustification,andclearlysetforththesame.
Butafterthefulnessoftimewascome,Godsenthisson,madeorbornofawoman,and
madeunderthelaw,thathemightredeemthemwhichwereunderthelaw
Thatistosay,afterthetimeofthelawwasfulfilled,andthatChristwasrevealed,andhad
deliveredusfromthelaw,andthatthepromisewaspublishedamongallnations,etc.
MarkdiligentlyhowPaulheredefinethChrist.Christ(saithhe)isthesonofGodandofa
woman,whichforussinnerswasmadeunderthelaw,toredeemusthatwereunderthelaw.
InthesewordshecomprehendethboththepersonofChristandtheofficeofChrist.His
personconsistethofhisdivineandhumannature.Thisheshewethplainlywhenhesaith,
Godsenthisownson,bornofawoman.ChristthereforeisveryGodandveryman.His
officehesettethforthinthesewords:Beingmadeunderthelawtoredeemthemthatwere
underthelaw.
AnditseemeththatPaulhereasitwereinreproach,calleththeVirgin,themotherofthe
SonofGod,butonlyawomanwhichthingwasnotwelltakenevenofsomeoftheancient
Fathers,whowouldthatheshouldratherhavecalledheravirgin,thanawoman.ButPaul
intreatethinthisEpistleofthemosthighandprincipalmatterofall,towit,oftheGospel,of
faith,ofChristianrighteousnessalsowhatmannerofpersonChristis,whatishisoffice,what
hehathtakenuponhimanddoneforourcause,andwhatbenefitshehathbroughttous
wretchedsinners.Whereforetheexcellencyofsohighandsowonderfulamatterwasthe
causethathehadnoregardtohervirginity.Itwasenoughforhimtosetforthandpreachthe
inestimablemercyofGod,whichwouldthathisSonshouldbebornofthatsex.Therehe
makethnomentionofthedignityofthesex,butofthesexonly.Andinthathenameththe
sex,hesignifieththatChristwasmadetrueandverymanofwomankind.Asifhesaid,he
wasbornnotofmanandwoman,butonlyofwomankind.Thereforewhenhenamethbutonly
thewomankind,itisthesamewhenhesaith:madeofawoman,asifhesaid:madeofa
virgin.JohntheEvangelist,whenhesettethforththeWord,thatitwasinthebeginning,and
wasmadefleshetc.,speakethnotonewordofhismother.
Furthermore,thisplacealsowitnesseththatChrist,whenthetimeofthelawwas
accomplished,didabolishthesame,andsobroughtlibertytothosethatwereoppressed
therewith,butmadenonewlawafterorbesidethatoldlawofMoses.Whereforethemonks
andpopishschoolmendonolesserrandblasphemeChrist,inthattheyimaginethathehath
givenanewlawbesidesthelawofMoses,thandotheTurks,whichvauntoftheirMahomet
asanewlawgiverafterChrist,andbetterthanChrist.Christthencamenottoabolishtheold
law,thathemightmakeanew,but(asPaulheresaith)hewassentofhisFatherintothe
world,toredeemthosewhichwerekeptinthraldomunderthelaw.Thesewordspaintout
Christlivelyandtruly:theydonotattributeuntohimtheofficetomakeanynewlaw,butto
redeemthemwhichwereunderthelaw.AndChristhimselfsaith:Ijudgenoman,andin

anotherplace:Icamenottojudgetheworld,butthattheworldshouldbesavedbyme(John
8:15John12:47)thatistosay,Icamenottobringanylaw,nortojudgemenaccordingto
thesame,asMosesandotherlawgiversbutIhaveahigherandbetteroffice.
Thelawkilledyou,andIagaindojudge,condemnandkillthelaw,andsoIdeliveryou
fromthetyrannythereof.
Wethatareoldmenwhichhavebeensonusledupinthisperniciousdoctrineofthe
Papists,thatithathtakendeeproot,eveninourbonesandmarrow,haveconceivedan
opinionquitecontrarytothatwhichPaulhereteacheth.Foralthoughweconfessedwithour
mouththatChristredeemedusfromthetyrannyofthelaw,yetinverydeedinourheartswe
thoughthimtobealawgiver,atyrantandajudge,moreterriblethanMoseshimself.Andthis
perverseopinionwecannotyetatthisdayinsogreatlightofthetruth,utterlyrejectso
stronglyarethosethingsrootedinourheartswhichwelearninouryouth.Butyewhichare
yetyoungandarenotinfectedwiththisperniciousopinion,maylearnChristpurelywithless
difficultythanwethatareoldcanremoveoutofourmindstheseblasphemousimaginations
whichwehaveconceivedofhim.
Notwithstandingyehavenotutterlyescapedthedeceitsofthedevil.Foralthoughyebe
notasyetinfectedwiththiscursedopinionthatChristisalawgiver,yethaveyeinyouthe
rootwhereofitspringeth,thatis,yehavetheflesh,reason,andthecorruptionofnature,
whichcanjudgenootherwiseofChrist,butthatheisalawgiver.Thereforeyemust
endeavourwithallyourpowertolearnsotoknowandtoapprehendChrist,asPaulhathset
himforthinthisplace.Butifbesidesthisnaturalcorruption,therecomealsocorruptand
wickedteachers(ofwhomtheworldisfull),theywillincreasethiscorruptionofnature,and
soshalltheevilbedoubledthatistosay,evilinstructionwillincreaseandconfirmthe
perniciouserrorofblindreason,whichnaturallyjudgethChristtobealawgiver,andprinteth
thaterrormightilyinourminds,thatwithoutgreattravailanddifficulty,itcanneverbe
abolished.
Whereforeitisveryprofitableforustohavealwaysbeforeoureyesthissweetand
comfortablesentence,andsuchlike,whichsetoutChristtrulyandlively,thatinourwhole
life,inalldangers,intheconfessionofourfaithbeforetyrants,andinthehourofdeath,we
mayboldlyandwithsureconfidencesay:Olaw,thouhastnopoweroverme,andtherefore
thoudostaccuseandcondemnmeinvain.ForIbelieveinJesusChristtheSonofGod,whom
theFathersentintotheworldtoredeemusmiserablesinnersoppressedwiththetyrannyof
thelaw.Hegavehislifeandshedhisbloodforme.Therefore,feelingthyterrorsand
threatenings,Olaw,Iplungemyconscienceinthewounds,blood,death,resurrectionand
victoryofChrist.BesideshimIwillseenothing,Iwillhearnothing.Thisfaithisourvictory,
wherebyweovercometheterrorsofthelaw,sin,death,andallevils,andyetnotwithout
greatconflicts.AndheredothechildrenofGod,whicharedailyexercisedwithgrievous
temptations,wrestleandsweatindeed.Foroftentimesitcomethintotheirminds,thatChrist
willaccusethem,andpleadagainstthem:thathewillrequireanaccountoftheirformerlife,
andthathewillcondemnthem.TheycannotassurethemselvesthatheissentofhisFatherto
redeemusfromthetyrannyandoppressionofthelaw.Andwhereofcomeththis?Theyhave
notyetfullyputofftheflesh,whichrebelledagainstthespirit.Thereforetheterrorsofthe
law,thefearofdeath,andsuchlikesorrowfulandheavysightsdooftentimesreturn,which
hinderourfaiththatitcannotapprehendthebenefitofChrist(whohathredeemedusfromthe
bondageofthelaw)withsuchassuranceasitshoulddo.
Buthow,orbywhatmeanshathChristredeemedus?Thiswasthemannerofour

redemption:Hewasmadeunderthelaw.Christ,whenhecame,foundusallcaptivesunder
governorsandtutors,thatistosay,shutupandholdeninprisonunderthelaw.Whatdidhe
then?AlthoughhebetheLordofthelaw,andthereforethelawhathnoauthorityorpower
overhim(forheistheSonofGod),yetofhisownaccordhemadehimselfsubjecttothelaw.
Herethelawexecuteduponhimallthejurisdictionithathoverus.Itaccusethandterrifieth
us:itmakethussubjecttosin,death,thewrathofGod,andwithhissentencecondemnethus.
Andthisitdothbygoodright:forweareallsinners,andbynaturethechildrenofwrath.
Contrariwise,Christdidnosin,neitherwasthereanyguilefoundinhismouth(1Peter
2:22).Thereforeheowednothingtothelaw.
Yetnotwithstandingthelawwasnolesscruelagainstthisinnocent,holy,righteousand
blessed[Lamb],thanitwasagainstuscursedanddamnedsinners,yeamuchmorerigorous.
Foritaccusedhimasablasphemerandaseditiousperson:itmadehimguiltybeforeGodof
thesinsofthewholeworld:itsoterrifiedandoppressedhimwithheavinessandanguishof
spirit,thathesweatblood,andbriefly,itcondemnedhimtodeath,yeaeventothedeathof
thecross(Luke22:44).
Thisisindeedawonderfulcombat,wherethelawbeingacreaturegivethsuchanassault
tohisCreator,andagainstallright[andequity]practisethhiswholetyrannyupontheSonof
Godwhichitexercisethuponusasthechildrenofwrath.Now,therefore,becausethelawdid
sohorriblyandcursedlysinagainsthisGod,itisaccusedandarraigned.ThereChristsaith:
Olaw,thoumightyqueenandcruelregentofallmankind,whathaveIdone,thatthou
hastaccusedme,terrifiedmeandcondemnedme,whichaminnocent?Herethelaw,which
hadbeforecondemnedandkilledallmen,whenithathnothingwherewithtodefendorpurge
itself,isagainsocondemnedandvanquished,thatit1osethhiswholeright,notonlyover
Christ(whomwithoutanyrightitsocruellyhandledandkilled),butalsooverallthemthat
believeinhim.FortothoseChristsaith:Comeuntomeallyethatlaborundertheyokeofthe
law.Icouldhaveovercomethelawbymyabsolutepower,withoutmineownsmart:forIam
Lordofthelaw,andthereforeithathnorightoverme.ButIhavemademyselfsubjectunto
thelawforyourcausewhichwereunderthelaw,takingyourfleshuponme:thatistosay,of
mineinestimableloveIhumbledandyieldedmyselftomesameprison,tyrannyandbondage
ofthelaw,underthewhichyeservedascaptivesandbondslavesIsufferedthelawtohave
dominionovermewhichwashisLord,toterrifyme,tomakemethrallandcaptiveuntosin,
death,andthewrathofGod,whichitoughtnottohavedone.
ThereforeIhavevanquishedandoverthrownthelawbydoubleright:firstastheSonof
GodandtheLordofthelawsecondlyinyourperson:whichisasmuchasifyehad
overcomethelawyourselvesformyvictoryisyours.
AfterthismannerPaulspeaketheverywhereofthismarvellouscombatbetweenChrist
andthelaw.Andtomakethemattermoredelectableandmoreapparent,heiswonttoset
forththelawbyafigurecalledprosopopaeia,asacertainmightyperson,whichhad
condemnedandkilledChrist:whomChristagain,overcoming,death,hadconquered,
condemnedandkilled,Ephesians2:14:Killingenmityinhimself.Again:Whenhe
ascendedonhigh,heledcaptivitycaptive(Ephesians4:8Psalm68).
HeuseththesamefigurealsoinhisepistlestotheRomans,Corinthians,andColossians:
Bysinhecondemnedsin,etc.(Romans8:3).Christthereforebythisvictorybanishedthe
lawoutofourconscience,sothatnowitcannomoreconfoundusinthesightofGod,drive
ustodesperation,orcondemnus.Indeeditceasethnotstilltorevealoursin,toaccuseand
terrifyusbuttheconsciencetakingholdofthiswordoftheApostle:Christhathredeemed

usfromthelaw,israisedupbyfaith,andconceivethgreatcomfort.Moreover,ittriumpheth
overthelawwithacertainholypride,saying:Icarenotforthyterrorsandthreateningsfor
thouhastcrucifiedtheSonofGod,andthishastthoudonemostunjustlythereforethesin
thatthouhastcommittedagainsthimcannotbeforgiven.
Thouhastlostthyright[andsovereignty],andnowforeverthouartnotonlyovercome,
condemned,andslainuntoChrist,butalsotomebelievinginhim,untowhomhehathfreely
giventhisvictory.Sothelawisdeadtousforever,sothatweabideinChrist.Thanksbe
thereforetoGod,whichhathgivenusthevictorythroughourLordJesusChrist(Corinthians
15:57).
Thesethingsdoalsoconfirmthisdoctrine,thatwearejustifiedbyfaithonly.Forwhen
thiscombatwasfoughtbetwixtChristandthelaw,noneofourworksordesertscame
between,butonlyChristwasfound,whoputtinguponhimourperson,madehimselfsubject
tothelaw,andinperfectinnocencysufferedallthetyrannythereof.Thereforethelaw,asa
thiefandacursedmurdereroftheSonofGod,losethallhisright,anddeservethtobe
condemnedinsuchsort,thatwheresoeverChristis,orisoncenamed,thereitiscompelledto
avoidandflyaway,nootherwisethanthedevilfliethfromtheCross.Whereforeifwe
believe,wearedeliveredfromthelawthroughChrist,whohathtriumphedoveritbyhimself.
ThereforethisglorioustriumphpurchaseduntousbyChrist,isnotgottenbyanyworks
butonlybyfaith:thereforefaithonlyjustifieth.
Thesewordsthen,Christwasmadeunderthelawetc.,astheyarepithyandimporta
certainvehemency,soaretheydiligentlytobeweighedandconsidered.Fortheydeclarethat
theSonofGodbeingmadeunderthelaw,didnotonlyperformoneortwoworksofthelaw,
thatistosay,hewasnotonlycircumcised,orpresentedintheTemple,orwentupto
Jerusalemwithotheratthetimesappointed,oronlylivedcivillyunderthelaw,buthe
sufferedallthetyrannyofthelaw.Forthelawbeinginhisprincipaluseandfullofpower,set
uponChrist,andsohorriblyassailedhim,thathefeltsuchanguishandterror,asnomanupon
theearthhadeverfeltthelike.Thishisbloodysweatdothsufficientlywitness,hiscomfort
ministeredbytheangel,thatmightyprayerwhichhemadeinthegarden,andbriefly,that
lamentablecomplaintuponthecross:MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?These
thingshesufferedtoredeemthosethatwereunderthelaw,thatistosay,inheavinessof
spirit,inanguishandterror,andreadytodespair,whichwereoppressedwiththeheavy
burdenoftheirsins,asindeedwearealloppressed.Forastouchingthefleshwesindaily
againstallthecommandmentsofGod.ButPaulgivethusgoodcomfortwhenhesaith:God
senthisSon,etc.
SoChrist,adivineandhumanperson,begottenofGodwithoutbeginning,andbornof
theVirgininthetimeappointed,camenottomakealaw,buttofeelandsufferandterrorsof
thelawwithallextremity,andtoovercomethesame,thatsohemightutterlyabolishthelaw.
Hewasnotmadeateacherofthelaw,butanobedientdiscipletothelaw,thatbythishis
obediencehemightredeemthemwhichwereunderthelaw.Thisisagainstthedoctrineofthe
Papists,whohavemadeChristalawgiver,yea,muchmoresevereandrigorousthanMoses.
Paulteachethherecleancontrary,towit,thatGodhumbledhisSonunderthelaw,thatisto
say,constrainedhimtobearthejudgmentandcurseofthelaw,sin,death,etc.
ForMosestheministerofsin,wrath,anddeath,apprehended,bound,condemned,and
killedChrist:andallthishesuffered.ThereforeChriststandethasamerepatient,andnotas
anagent,inrespectofthelaw.Heisnotthenalawgiver,orajudgeafterthelaw,butinthat
hemadehimselfsubjecttothelaw,bearingthecondemnationofthelaw,hedeliveredusfrom

thecursethereof.
Now,whereasChristintheGospelgivethcommandments,andteacheththelaw,orrather
expoundethit,thispertainethnottothedoctrineofjustification,butofgoodworks.
Moreover,itisnottheproperofficeofChrist(forthewhichhecameprincipallyintothe
world)toteachthelaw,butanaccidentalorbyoffice:likeasitwastohealthesick,toraise
upthedead,dogoodtotheunworthy,comforttheafflicted,etc.Theseareindeedexcellent
anddivineworksandbenefitsbutyetnottheveryproperandprincipalworksofChrist.For
theprophetsalsotaughtthelaw,andwroughtmiracles.ButChristisGodandman,who
fightingagainstthelaw,sufferedtheutmostcrueltyandtyrannythereof.Andinthathe
enduredtheburdenofthelaw,hevanquisheditinhimself:andafterwardbeingraisedup
againfromdeath,hecondemnedandutterlyabolishedthelawwhichwasourdeadlyenemy,
sothatitcannotcondemnandkillthefaithfulanymore.Whereforethetrueandproperoffice
ofChrististowrestlewiththelaw,withthesinanddeathofthewholeworld,andsoto
wrestlethathemustsufferandabideallthesethingsandbysufferingtheminhimself,
conquerandabolishthem,andbythismeansdeliverthefaithfulfromthelawandfromall
evils.Thereforetoteachthelawandtoworkmiracles,areparticularbenefitsofChrist,forthe
whichhecamenotprincipallyintotheworld.Fortheprophets,andespeciallytheApostles,
didgreatermiraclesthanChristdid(John14).
SeeingthenthatChristhathovercomethelawinhisownperson,itfollowethnecessarily
thatheisnaturallyGod.Forthereisnone,whetherhebemanorangel,whichisabovethe
law,butonlyGod.ButChristisabovethelaw,forhehathvanquishedit:thereforeheisthe
SonofGod,andnaturallyGod.IfthoulayholduponChristinsuchsortasPaulherepainteth
himout,thoucanstnoterrnorbeconfounded.Moreover,thoushalteasilyjudgeofallkinds
oflife,ofthereligionsandceremoniesofthewholeworld.ButifthistruepictureofChristbe
defaced,orinanywisedarkened,thenfollowethaconfusionofallthings.Forthenaturalman
cannotjudgeofthelawofGod.Herefaileththecunningofthephilosophers,ofthecanonists,
andofallmen.Forthelawhathpoweranddominionoverman.Thereforethelawjudgeth
man,andnotmanthelaw.
OnlytheChristianhathatrueandcertainjudgmentofthelaw.Andhow?
Thatitdothnotjustify.Whereforethenisthelawmade,ifitdonotjustify?
RighteousnessbeforeGod,whichisreceivedbyfaithalone,isnotthefinalcausewhythe
righteousdoobeythelaw,butthepeaceoftheworld,thankfulnesstowardsGod,andgood
exampleoflife,wherebyotherbeprovokedtobelievetheGospel.ThePopehathso
confoundedandmingledtheceremoniallaw,themorallaw,andfaithtogether,thathehathat
lengthpreferredtheceremoniallawbeforethemorallaw,andthemorallawbeforefaith.
Thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons
PaulsettethforthandamplifiethverylargelythisplaceofGenesis22.:Inthyseedshallall
thenationsoftheearthbeblessed.Alittlebeforehecalledthisblessingoftheseedof
Abraham,righteousness,life,thepromiseoftheSpirit,deliverancefromthelaw,the
testament,etc.Herehecallethittheadoptionandinheritanceofeverlastinglife.Allthesethis
wordblessingdothcomprehend.Forwhenthecurse(whichissin,death,etc.)isabolished
bythisSeed,theninthesteadthereofsucceedeththeblessing,thatis,righteousness,life,and
allgoodthings.
Butbywhatmerithavewereceivedthisblessing,thatistosay,thisadoptionand

inheritanceofeverlastinglife?Bynoneatall.Forwhatcanmendeservethatareshutunder
sin,subjecttothecurseofthelaw,andworthyofeverlastingdeath?Wehavethenreceived
thisblessingfreely,andbeingutterlyunworthythereof,butyetnotwithoutmerit.Whatmerit
isthat?NotoursbutthemeritofJesusChrist,theSonofGod,whobeingmadeunderthe
law,norforhimselfbutforus(asPaulsaidafore,thathewasmadeacurseforus),redeemed
uswhichwereunderthelaw.
WhereforewehavereceivedthisadoptionbytheonlyredemptionofJesusChristtheSon
ofGod,whichisourrichandeverlastingmerit,whetheritbeofcongruenceorworthiness
[goingbeforegraceorcomingafter].Andwiththisfreeadoptionwehavealsoreceivedthe
HolyGhost,whichGodhathsentintoourhearts,crying:Abba,Father,asfolloweth:
Andbecauseyouaresons,Godhathsentforththespiritofhissonintoyourhearts.
TheHolyGhostissentintwomannerofways.IntheprimitiveChurchhewassentina
manifestandvisibleappearance.SohecameuponChristatJordaninthelikenessofadove,
andinthelikenessoffireupontheApostlesandotherbelievers.Andthiswasthefirst
sendingoftheHolyGhostwhichwasnecessaryintheprimitiveChurch,foritwasexpedient
thatitshouldbeestablishedbymanifestmiracles,becauseoftheunbelievers,asPaul
witnesseth.[Strange]tongues,saithhe,beforasignandatoken,nottothemthatbelieve,
buttothemthatbelievenot(Corinthians14:22).ButafterthattheChurchwasgathered
togetherandconfirmedwiththosemiracles,itwasnotnecessarythatthisvisiblesendingof
theHolyGhostshouldcontinueanylonger.
Secondly,theHolyGhostissentbytheWordintotheheartsofthebelievers,ashereitis
said,GodsentthespiritofhisSon,etc.Thissendingiswithoutanyvisibleappearanceto
wit,whenbythehearingofthespokenWord,wereceiveaninwardfervencyandlight,
wherebywearechangedandbecomenewcreatureswherebyalsowereceiveanew
judgment,newfeelingsandmotions.Thischangeandthisnewjudgmentisnoworkof
reason,orofthepowerofman,butisthegiftandtheoperationoftheHolyGhost,which
comethwiththeWordpreached,whichpurifiethourheartsbyfaith,andbringethforthinus
spiritualmotions.Thereforethereisagreatdifferencebetwixtusandthosewhichwithforce
andsubtletypersecutethedoctrineoftheGospel.ForwebythegraceofGodcancertainly
judgebytheWord,ofthewillofGodtowardsusalsoofalllawsanddoctrines,ofourown
lifeandofthelifeofothers.
Contrariwise,thePapistsandSectariescannotcertainlyjudgeofanything.
Fortheycorrupt,theypersecuteandblasphemetheWord.NowwithouttheWordaman
cangivenocertainjudgmentofanything.
Andalthoughitappearnotbeforetheworld,thatweberenewedinmindandhavethe
HolyGhost,yetnotwithstandingourjudgment,ourspeech,andourconfessiondodeclare
sufficiently,thattheHolyGhostwithhisgiftsisinus.Forbeforewecouldjudgerightlyof
nothing.Wespakenotasnowwedo.Weconfessednotthatallourworksweresinand
damnablethatChristwasouronlymeritbothbeforegraceandafter,asnowwedointhetrue
knowledgeandlightoftheGospel.Whereforeletthistroubleusnothingatall,thattheworld
(whoseworkswetestifytobeevil)judgethustobemostpernicioushereticsandseditious
persons,destroyersofreligion,andtroublersofthecommonpeace,possessedofthedevil
speakinginusandgoverningallouractions.Againstthisperverse[andwicked]judgmentof
theworld,letthistestimonyofourconsciencebesufficient,wherebyweassuredlyknow,that

itisthegiftofGod,thatwedonotonlybelieveinJesusChrist,butthatwealsopreachand
confesshimopenlybeforetheworld.Aswebelievewithourheart,sodowespeakwithour
mouth,accordingtothatsayingofthePsalmist:Ibelieved,andthereforeIhavespokenetc.
(Psalm115:10).
Moreoverweexerciseourselvesuntogodlinessandavoidsinasmuchaswemay.Ifwe
sin,wesinnotofpurpose,butofignorance,andwearesorryforit.Wemayslip,forthedevil
liethinwaitforusbothdayandnight.Alsotheremnantsofsincleaveyetfastinourflesh:
thereforeastouchingthefleshwearesinners,yea,afterthatwehavereceivedtheHoly
Ghost.AndthereisnogreatdifferencebetwixtaChristianandacivilhonestman.Forthe
worksofaChristianinoutwardshewarebutbaseandsimple.Hedothhisdutyaccordingto
hisvocation,hegoverneththecommonwealth,heguidethhisfamily,hetilleththeground,he
givethcounsel,heaidethandsuccourethhisneighbour.Theseworksthecarnalmandothnot
muchesteem,butthinkeththemtobecommonandnothingworth,beingsuchasthelaity,yea
theheathenalsodo.FortheworldunderstandethnotthethingswhichareoftheSpiritofGod,
andthereforeitjudgethperverselyoftheworksofthegodly.Butthemonstroussuperstition
ofhypocritesandtheirwillworkstheyhaveingreatadmiration.Theycountthemholy
works,andsparenochargesinmaintainingthesame.Contrariwise,theworksofthefaithful
(whichalthoughinoutwardappearancetheyseemtobebutvileandnothingworth,yetare
theygoodworksindeed,andacceptedofGod,becausetheyaredoneinfaith,withacheerful
heart,andwithobedienceandthankfulnesstowardsGod),theseworks,Isay,theydonotonly
notacknowledgetobegoodworks,butalsotheydespiseandcondemnthemasmostungodly
andunrighteous.TheworldthereforebelievethnothinglessthanthatwehavetheHolyGhost.
Notwithstandinginthetimeoftribulationorofthecross,andoftheconfessionofourfaith
(whichistheproperandprincipalworkofthosethatbelieve),whenwemusteitherforsake
wife,children,goodsandlife,orelsedenyChrist,thenitappeareththatwemakeconfession
ofourfaith,thatweconfessChristandhisWord,bythepoweroftheHolyGhost.
WeoughtnotthereforetodoubtwhethertheHolyGhostdwellethinusornotbuttobe
assuredlypersuadedthatwearethetempleoftheHolyGhost,asPaulsaith(1Corinthians
6:19).ForifanymanfeelinhimselfalovetowardstheWordofGod,andwillinglyheareth,
talketh,writeth,andthinkethofChrist,letthatmanknowthatitisnottheworkofmanswill
orreason,butthegiftoftheHolyGhostforitisimpossiblethatthesethingsshouldbedone
withouttheHolyGhost.Contrariwise,wherehatredandcontemptoftheWordis,therethe
devil,theGodofthisworld,reigneth,blindingmensheartsandholdingthemcaptive,that
thelightofthegloriousGospelofChristshouldnotshineuponthem(Corinthians4:4).
Whichthingweseeatthisdayinthemostpartofthecommonpeople,whichhavenoloveto
theWord,butcondemnitasthoughitpertainednothingatalluntothem.Butwhosoeverdo
feelanyloveordesiretotheWord,letthemacknowledgewiththankfulness,thatthis
affectionispouredintothembytheHolyGhost.Forwebringnotthisaffectionanddesire
withusneithercanwebetaughtbyanylawshowwemayobtainit:butthischangeisplainly
andsimplytheworkoftherighthandoftheMostHigh.Therefore,whenwewillinglyand
gladlyheartheWordpreachedconcerningChristtheSonofGod,whoforuswasmademan
andbecamesubjecttothelaw,thathemightredeemus:thenGod,byandwiththispreaching,
assuredlysendeththeHolyGhostintoourhearts.
Whereforeitisveryexpedientforthegodlytoknow,thatthey,havetheHolyGhost.
ThisIsay,toconfutethatperniciousdoctrineofthesophistersandmonks,whichtaught
thatnomancancertainlyknow(althoughhislifebeneversouprightandblameless)whether

hebeinthefavorofGodorno.Andthissentence,commonlyreceived,wasaspecial
principleandarticleoffaithinthewholePapacy,wherebytheyutterlydefacedthedoctrineof
faith,tormentedmensconsciences,banishedChristoutoftheChurch,darkenedanddenied
allthebenefitsandgiftsoftheHolyGhost,abolishedthetrueworshipofGod,setupidolatry,
contemptofGod,andblasphemyagainstGodinmenshearts.Forhethatdoubtethofthewill
ofGodtowardshim,andhathnoassurancethatheisingrace,cannotbelievethathehath
remissionofsins,thatGodcarethforhim,andthathecanbesaved.
Augustinesaithverywellandgodly,thateverymanseethmostcertainlyhisownfaith,if
hehavefaith.Thisdotheydeny.Godforbid(saythey)thatIshouldassuremyselfthatIam
undergrace,thatIamholy,andthatIhavetheHolyGhost,yea,althoughIlivegodly,anddo
allworks.Yewhichareyoung,andarenotinfectedwiththisperniciousopinion(whereupon
thewholekingdomofthePopeisgrounded),takeheedandflyfromit,asfromamost
horribleplague.Wethatareoldmenhavebeentrainedupinthiserrorevenfromouryouth,
andhavebeensonusledtherein,thatithathtakendeeprootinourhearts.Thereforeitistous
nolesslabortounlearnandforgetthesame,thantolearnandlayholdupontruefaith.Butwe
mustbeassuredandoutofdoubtthatweareundergrace,thatwepleaseGodforChrists
sake,andthatwehavetheHolyGhost.ForifanymanhavenotthespiritofChrist,thesame
isnoneofhis(Romans8:9).Moreover,whatsoeveramandoubtingthinketh,speaketh,or
doeth,itissinforwhatsoeverproceedethnotoffaith,issin.
Wherefore,whetherthoubeaministerofGodsWord,oramagistrateinthe
commonwealth,thoumustassuredlythinkthatthyofficepleasethGod:butthisthoucanst
neverdo,unlessthouhavetheHolyGhost.Butthouwiltsay:Idoubtnotbutthatmyoffice
pleasethGod,becauseitisGodsordinancebutIdoubtofmineownpersonwhetheritplease
Godorno.
HerethoumustresorttotheWordofGod,whichespeciallyseekethtoassureus,thatnot
onlytheofficeoftheperson,butalsothepersonitselfpleasethGod.Forthepersonis
baptized,believethinChrist,ispurgedinhisbloodfromallsins,livethinthecommunionand
fellowshipofhisChurch.Moreover,hedothnotonlylovethepuredoctrineoftheWord,but
alsoisgladandgreatlyrejoicethwhenheseethitadvanced,andthenumberofthefaithful
increased.Contrariwise,hedetesteththePopeandallSectarieswiththeirwickeddoctrine,
accordingtothatsayingofthePsalm:Ihatethemthatimagineevilthings,butthylawdoI
love(Psalm119:113).
Weoughtthereforetobesurelypersuaded,thatnotonlyouroffice,butourperson
pleasethGod:yea,whatsoeveritsaith,doth,orthinkethparticularly,thesamepleasethGod,
notforourownsakes,butforChristssake,whomwebelievetohavebeenmadeunderthe
lawforus.
NowwearesurethatChristpleasethGod,thatheisholy,etc.ForasmuchthenasChrist
pleasethGodandweareinhim,wealsopleaseGodandareholy.Andalthoughsindostill
remaininourflesh,andwedoalsodailyfallandoffend,yetgraceismoreabundantand
strongerthansin.ThemercyandtruthoftheLordreignethoverusforever.Whereforesin
cannotterrifyusandmakeusdoubtfulofthegraceofGod[whichis]inus.ForChrist,that
mostmightygiant,hathquiteabolishedthelaw,condemnedsin,vanquisheddeath,andall
evils.SolongasheisattherighthandofGod,makingintercessionforus,wecannotdoubtof
thegrace[andfavor]ofGodtowardsus.
Moreover,GodhathalsosenttheSpiritofhisSonintoourhearts,asPaulheresaith.But
ChristismostcertaininhisspiritthathepleasethGod,etc.thereforewealso,havingthe

samespiritofChrist,mustbeassuredthatweareundergraceforhissake,whoismost
assured.ThisIhavesaidconcerningtheinwardtestimony,wherebya[Christianmans]heart
oughttobefullypersuadedthatheisundergraceandhaththeHolyGhost.Now,theoutward
signs(asbeforeIhavesaid)are,gladlytohearofChrist,topreachandteachChrist,torender
thanksuntohim,topraisehim,toconfesshim,yea,withthelossofgoodsandlife:moreover,
todoourdutyaccordingtoourvocationasweareable,infaith,joy,etc.nottodelightin
sins,nortothrustourselvesintoanothermansvocation,buttoattenduponourown,tohelp
ourneedybrother,tocomforttheheavyhearted,etc.Bythesesignsasbycertaineffectsand
consequentswearefullyassuredandconfirmed,thatweareinGodsfavor.Thewickedalso
imaginethattheyhavethesamesigns,buttheyhavenothingless.Herebywemayplainly
perceivethatthePopewithhisdoctrinedothnothingelse,buttroubleandtormentmens
consciences,andatlengthdrivethemintodesperation.Forhenotonlyteacheth,butalso
commandethmentodoubt.
ThereforeasthePsalmsaith:Thereisno[truthor]certaintyinhismouth(Psalm5:9).
Andinanotherplace:Underhistongueisiniquityandmischief(Psalm10:7).
Herewemayseewhatgreatinfirmityisyetinthefaithofthegodly.Forifwecouldbe
fullypersuadedthatweareundergrace,thatoursinsareforgiven,thatwehavethespiritof
Christ,thatwearethechildrenofGodthendoubtlessweshouldbejoyfulandthankfulto
Godforthisinestimablegift.Butbecausewefeelcontrarymotions,thatistosay,fear,
doubtfulness,anguishandheavinessofheart,andsuchlike,thereforewecannotassure
ourselveshereofyeaourconsciencejudgethitagreatpresumptionandpridetochallengethis
glory.Wherefore,ifwewillunderstandthisthingrightlyandasweshoulddo,wemustputit
inpracticeforwithoutexperienceandpracticeitcanneverbelearned.
Whereforeleteverymansopracticewithhimself,thathisconsciencemaybefully
assuredthatheisundergrace,andthathispersonandhisworksdopleaseGod.Andifhefeel
inhimselfanywaveringordoubting,lethimexercisehisfaithandwrestleagainstthis
doubting,andlethimlabortoattainmorestrengthandassuranceoffaith,sothathemaybe
abletosay:IknowthatIamaccepted,andthatIhavetheHolyGhostnotformineown
worthiness,mywork,mymerit,butforChristssake,whoforoursakesmadehimselfthrall
andsubjecttothelaw,andtookawaythesinsoftheworld.InhimdoIbelieve.IfIbea
sinneranderr,heisrighteousandcannoterr.Moreover,Igladlyhear,read,singandwriteof
him,andIdesirenothingmorethanthathisGospelmaybeknowntothewholeworld,and
thatmanymaybeconverteduntohim.
ThesethingsdoplainlywitnessthattheHolyGhostispresent[withusandinus].For
suchthingsarenotwroughtintheheartbymansstrength,norgottenbymansindustryor
travail,butareobtainedbyChristalone,whofirstmakethusrighteousbytheknowledgeof
himself,andafterwardshecreatethacleanheartinus,bringethforthnewmotions,andgiveth
untousthatassurancewherebywearepersuadedthatwepleasetheFatherforhissake.Also
hegivethusatruejudgmentwherebyweproveandtrythosethingswhichbeforeweknew
not,orelsealtogetherdespised.Itbehovethusthereforetowrestleagainstthisdoubting,that
wemaydailyovercomemoreandmore,andattaintoafullpersuasionandcertaintyofGods
favortowardsus,rootingoutofourheartsthiscursedopinion(thatamanoughttodoubtof
thegraceandfavorofGod),whichhathinfectedthewholeworld.Forifwebenotsurethat
weareingrace,andthatwepleaseGodforChristssake,thenwedenythatChristhath
redeemedus,weutterlydenyallhisbenefits.Yethatareyoung,caneasilylayholdonthe
doctrineoftheGospelandshunthatpestilentopinion,wherewithyehavenotyetbeen

infected.
Crying,abbafather
Paulmighthavesaid:GodsenttheSpiritofhisSonintoourhearts,calling,AbbaFather.He
saithnotsobutcrying,AbbaFather,thathemightshewandsetforththetemptationofa
Christianwhichyetisbutweakandweaklybelieveth.IntheeighthtotheRomans,hecalleth
thiscryinganunspeakablegroaning.Likewise,hesaith,theSpirithelpethourinfirmities:
forweknownothowtoprayasweought,buttheSpiritmakethintercessionforuswith
unspeakablegroanings,etc.
Andthisisasingularconsolation,whenhesaiththattheSpiritofChristissentintoour
hearts,crying,AbbaFatherandagain,thathehelpethourinfirmities,makingintercession
foruswithunspeakablegroanings.Hethatcouldassuredlybelievethis,shouldneverbe
overcomewithanyaffliction,wereitneversogreat.Buttherearemanythingsthathinderthis
faithinus.
First,ourheartisborninsinmoreoverthisevilisnaturallygraftedinus,thatwedoubt
ofthegoodwillofGodtowardsus,andcannotassureourselvesthatwepleaseGod,etc.
Besidesallthis,thedevilouradversaryrangethaboutwithterribleroarings(1Peter5:8),and
saith:ThouartasinnerthereforeGodisangrywiththee,andwilldestroytheeforever.
Againstthesehorribleandintolerablecries,wehavenothingwhereupontoholdandstay
ourselves,butthebareWordwhichsettethChristbeforeusasaconqueroroversinanddeath,
andoverallevils.ButtocleavefasttotheWordinthistemptationandtheseterrorsof
conscience,hereinstandethallthedifficulty.ForthenChristappearethtonosense.Wesee
himnot:theheartfeelethnothispresenceorsuccorintemptation:butratheritseemeththat
heisangrywithus,andthatheforsakethus.
Moreover,amanintemptationfeeleththepowerofsin,theweaknessoftheflesh,and
waveringofthemindhefeeleththefierydartsofthedevil,theterrorsofdeath,theangerand
judgmentofGod.Allthesethingscryouthorriblyagainstus,sothatweseenothingelsebut
desperationandeternaldeath.Butyetinthemidstoftheseterrorsofthelaw,thunderingsof
sin,assaultsofdeath,androaringsofthedevil,theHolyGhost(saithPaul)criethinour
hearts,Abba,Father.Andthiscryfarsurmounteththehorriblecriesofthelaw,sin,death,
thedeviletc.itpierceththecloudsandtheheavens,andascendethupintotheearsofGod.
Paulsignifieththereforebythesewords,thatthereisyetinfirmityinthegodlyashedoth
alsointheeighthchaptertotheRomans,whenhesaith:TheSpirithelpethourinfirmities.
Forasmuchthereforeasthesenseandfeelingofthecontraryisstronginusthatistosay,
forasmuchaswefeelmorethedispleasureofGod,thanhisgoodwillandfavortowardsus:
thereforetheHolyGhostissentintoourhearts,whichdothnotonlysighandrequestforus,
butmightilycrieth,AbbaFather!andprayethforusaccordingtothewillofGodwith[tears
and]unspeakablegroanings.Andhowisthisdone?Whenweareinterrorsandintheconflict
ofconscience,wetakeholdofChrist,andbelievethatheisoursaviorbutthendothelaw
andsinterrifyandtormentusmostofall.Moreover,thedevilassailethuswithallhisengines
andfierydarts,andgoethaboutwithallhispowertotakeawayChristandallconsolations
fromus.Herewefeelourselvesalmostgone,andatthepointofdesperation:forthenarewe
thatbruisedreedandsmokingflax[whichIsaiahspeakethof,chap.42:3].
Notwithstanding,inthemeanseason,theHolyGhosthelpethourinfirmities,andmaketh
intercessionforuswithunspeakablegroanings,andcertifiethourspiritsthatwearethe

childrenofGod.Thusisthemindraisedupinthoseterrorsit1ookethuntohisSaviorand
highBishop,JesusChristitovercomeththeinfirmityofthefleshitconceivethcomfort
again,andsaith,AbbaFather.Thisgroaning,whichthenwescantilyfeel,Paulcalletha
cryingandunspeakablegroaning,whichfillethbothheavenandearth.Moreover,hecallethit
thecryingandgroaningoftheSpirit,becausetheHolyGhoststirrethupthesameinour
heartswhenweareweakandoppressedwithtemptationandterror.
Althoughthenthelaw,sinandthedevilcryoutagainstusneversomuchwithgreatand
terribleroarings,whichseemtofillheavenandearth,andfartoexceedthisgroaningofour
heart,yetcantheynothurtus.Forthemorefiercelytheyassailus,accuseandtormentus
withtheircryings,somuchthemoredowegroanandingroaninglayholduponChrist,call
uponhimwithourheartandmouth,cleaveuntohim,andbelievethathewasmadeunderthe
lawforus,thathemightdeliverusfromthecurseofthelaw,anddestroybothsinanddeath.
Andthus,whenwehavetakenholdofChristbyfaith,wecrythroughhim:AbbaFather.
Andthisourcrydothfarsurmounttheroaringof[thelaw,sin,]thedevil,etc.
Butsofaroffisitthatwethinkthisgroaning,whichwemakeintheseterrorsandthisour
weakness,tobeacry,thatscarcelyweperceiveittobeagroaning.Forourfaith,whichin
temptationthussighethuntoChrist,isveryweak,ifweconsiderourownsenseandfeeling,
andthereforewehearnotthiscry.WehavebutonlytheWord,whichwhenweapprehendin
thisconflict,wehavealittlebreathing,andthenwegroan.Ofthisgroaningsomelittlefeeling
wehave,butthecrywehearnot.Buthe,saithPaul,whichsearcheththehearts,knoweth
whatisthemeaningoftheSpirit,etc.TothisSearcherofthehearts,thissmallandfeeble
groaning(asitseemethuntous)isaloudandmightycry,andanunspeakablegroaningin
comparisonwhereofthegreatandhorribleroaringsofthelaw,ofsin,ofdeath,ofthedevil,
andofhell,arenothing,neithercantheyoncebeheard.
Paultherefore,notwithoutcause,calleththisgroaningofagodlyafflictedheart,acry
andagroaningofthespiritwhichcannotbeexpressed.Foritfillethheavensothattheangels
thinktheyhearnothingelsebutthiscry.
Butinusthereisacleancontraryfeeling.Foritseemethuntousthatthisoursmall
groaningdothnotsopiercetheclouds,thatthereisnothingelseheardinheavenofGodorhis
angels.Nay,wethink,andespeciallyduringthetimeoftemptation,thatthedevilhorribly
roarethagainstus,thattheheavensthunderandtheearthtrembleth,thatallwillfalluponus,
thatallcreaturesthreatenourdestruction,thathellisopenandreadytoswallowusup.This
feelingisinourheartthesehorriblevoices,andthisfearfulshewwehearandwesee.And
thisisitthatPaulsaithin2Corinthians12,thatthestrengthofChristismadeperfectinour
weakness,ForthenisChristalmightyindeedthendothhetrulyreignandtriumphinus,
whenwearesoweakthatwecanscarcelygroan.ButPaulsaiththatthisgroaningis,inthe
earsofGod,amostmightycry,whichfillethbothheavenandearth.
ChristalsointheeighteenthofLuke,intheparableofthewickedjudge,calleththis
groaningofafaithfulheart,acry,yeaandsuchacryasceasethnotdayandnighttocryunto
God,wherehesaith:Hearwhattheunrighteousjudgesaith.NowshallnotGodavengehis
elect,whichcrydayandnightuntohim,yeathoughhesufferlongoverthem?YeaItellyou,
hewillavengethemquickly.Weatthisday,insogreatpersecutionandcontradictionofthe
Pope,oftyrantsandSectaries,whichfightagainstusbothontherighthandandontheleft,
candonothingelsebututtersuchgroanings.Andthesewereourgunsandartillerywherewith
wehavesomanyyearsscatteredthecounselsandenterprisesofouradversarieswherebyalso
wehavebeguntooverthrowthekingdomofAntichrist.TheyalsoshallprovokeChristto

hastenthedayofhisgloriouscoming,whereinheshallabolishallrule,authorityandpower,
andshallputallhisenemiesunderhisfeet.Amen.
InthefourteenthofExodus(Exodus14),theLordspeakethuntoMosesattheRedSea,
saying:Whycriestthouuntome?YetMosescriednot,buttrembledandalmostdespaired,
forhewasingreattrouble.Itseemedthatinfidelityreignedinhimandnotfaith.Forhesaw
thepeopleofIsraelsocompassedandenclosedwiththeEgyptianhostandwiththesea,that
therewasnowaywherebytheymightescape.HereMosesdurstnotonceopenhismouth.
Howthendidhecry?Wemustnotjudgethereforeaccordingtothefeelingofourownheart,
butaccordingtotheWordofGod,whichteachethusthattheHolyGhostisgiventothose
thatareafflicted,terrified,andreadytodespair,toraisethemupandcomfortthem,thatthey
benotovercomeintheirtemptationsandafflictions,butmayovercomethem,andyetnot
withoutgreatterrorsandtroubles.
ThePapistsdreamed,thatholymenhadtheHolyGhostinsuchsortthattheyneverhad
norfeltanytemptation.TheyspakeoftheHolyGhostonlybyspeculation[andnaked
knowledge].ButPaulsaith,thatthestrengthofChristismadeperfectinourweakness.Also,
thattheSpirithelpethourinfirmities,andmakethintercessionforuswithunspeakable
groanings.
ThereforewehavethenmostneedofthehelpandcomfortoftheHolyGhost,yeaand
thenishemostreadytohelpus,whenwearemostweakandnearesttodesperation.Ifany
mansufferafflictionwithaconstantandjoyfulheart,thenhaththeHolyGhostdonehis
officeinhim.Andindeedheexercisethhisworkspeciallyandproperlyinthosewhichhave
sufferedgreatterrorsandafflictions,andhaveapproached,asthePsalmsaith,nightothe
gatesofdeath.AsIsaidofMoses,whichsawpresentdeath,inthewaters,andoneveryside
whithersoeverheturnedhisface.Hewasthereforeinextremeanguishanddesperationand
(nodoubt)hefeltinhisheartamightycryofthedevilagainsthim,saying:Allthispeople
shallthisdayperish,fortheycanescapenowayandofthisgreatcalamitythouonlyshaltbe
foundtobetheauthor,becausethouhastledthemoutofEgypt.
Besidesallthis,thepeoplecriedoutagainsthim,saying:WeretherenogravesinEgypt?
Thouhastbroughtusoutthatweshoulddiehereinthewilderness.Haditnotbeenbetterfor
ustohaveservedtheEgyptians,thanherewretchedlytodieinthewilderness?(Exodus
14:11f.).TheHolyGhostwasnothereinMosesbybarespeculationandknowledgeonly,but
trulyandeffectually,whomadeintercessionforhimwithunspeakablegroaning,sothathe
sigheduntotheLordandsaid:OLordatthycommandmenthaveIledforththispeoplehelp
ustherefore.ThisgroaningandsighinguntoGodtheScripturecallethacrying.
ThismatterIhavethemorelargelyprosecuted,thatImightplainlyshewwhattheoffice
oftheHolyGhostis,andwhenhespeciallyexerciseththesame.Intemptation,therefore,we
mustinnowisejudgethereofaccordingtoourownsenseandfeeling,orbythecryingofthe
law,sin,andthedevil,etc.Ifweherefollowourownsense,andbelievethosecryings,we
shallthinkourselvestobedestituteofallhelpandsuccoroftheHolyGhost,andutterlycast
awayfromthepresenceofGod.NayratherletusthenrememberwhatPaulsaith:thatthe
Spirithelpethourinfirmities,etc.alsothatitcrieth,AbbaFatherthatistosay,itutteretha
certainfeeblesighingandgroaningoftheheart(asitseemethuntous),which
notwithstandingbeforeGodisaloudcryandanunspeakablegroaning.
Wherefore,inthemidstofthytemptationandinfirmity,cleaveonlyuntoChrist,and
groanuntohim.HegiveththeHolyGhostwhichcrieth,AbbaFather.Andthisfeeble
groaningisamightycryintheearsofGod,andsofillethheavenandearth,thatGodheareth

nothingelse:andmoreover,itstoppeththecriesofallotherthingswhatsoever.
ThoumustmarkalsothatPaulsaith,thattheSpiritmakethintercessionforusinour
temptation,notwithmanywordsorlongprayer,butonlywithagroaning,which
notwithstandingcannotbeexpressedandthathecriethnotaloudwithtears,saying,Have
mercyonme,OGod,etc.,butonlyutterethalittlesoundandafeeblegroaning,asAh,
Father!Thisisbutalittleword,andyetnotwithstandingitcomprehendethallthings.The
mouthspeakethnot,buttheaffectionoftheheartspeakethafterthismanner:AlthoughIbe
oppressedwithanguishandterroroneveryside,andseemtobeforsakenandutterlycast
awayfromthypresence,yetamIthychild,andthouartmyFatherforChristssake:Iam
beloved,becauseoftheBeloved.Wherefore,thislittlewordFather,conceivedeffectuallyin
theheart,passethalltheeloquenceofDemosthenes,Cicero,andofthemosteloquent
rhetoriciansthateverwereintheworld.Thismatterisnotexpressedwithwords,butwith
groaningswhichgroaningscannotbeutteredwithanywordsoreloquence,fornotonguecan
expressthem.
IhaveusedmanywordstodeclarethataChristianmustassurehimselfthatheisinthe
favourofGod,andthathehaththecryingoftheHolyGhostinhisheart.ThishaveIdone,
thatwemaylearntorejectandutterlytoabandonthatdevilishopinionofthewholekingdom
ofthePope,whichtaughtthatamanoughttobeuncertainandtostandindoubtofthegrace
[andfavor]ofGodtowardshim.Ifthisopinionbereceived,thenChristprofitethnothing.For
hethatdoubtethofGodsfavortowardshim,mustneedsdoubtalsoofthepromisesofGod,
andsoconsequentlyofthewillofGod,andorthebenefitsofChrist,namelythathewasborn,
suffered,died,androseagainforus,etc.ButtherecanbenogreaterblasphemyagainstGod,
thantodenyhispromises,todenyGodHimself,todenyChrist,etc.Whereforeitwasnot
onlyanextrememadness,butanhorribleimpietythatthemonksdidsoearnestlyenticethe
youth,bothmenandwomen,intotheirmonasteries,andtotheirholyorders(astheycalled
them),astoamostcertainstateofsalvation,andyet,whentheyhadthusdone,theybade
themdoubtofthegrace[andfavor]ofGod[towardsthem].
Moreover,thePopecalledalltheworldtotheobedienceoftheholychurchofRome,as
toanholystate,inthewhichtheymightundoubtedlyattainsalvationandyetafterhehad
broughtthemundertheobedienceofhislaws,hecommandedthemtodoubt[oftheir
salvation].SothekingdomofAntichristbraggethandvauntethatthefirst,oftheholinessof
hisorders,hisrulesandhislaws,andassuredlypromisetheverlastinglifetosuchasobserve
andkeepthem.Butafterwards,whenthesemiserablemenhavelongafflictedtheirbodies
withwatching,fasting,andsuchlikeexercises,accordingtothetraditionsandordinancesof
men,thisisallthattheygainthereby,thattheyareuncertainwhetherthisobedienceplease
Godorno.ThusSatanmosthorriblydalliedinthedeathanddestructionofsoulsthroughthe
Pope:andthereforeisthePapacyaslaughterhouseofconsciences,andtheverykingdomof
thedevil.
Nowtoestablishandconfirmthisperniciousandcursederror,theyallegedthesayingof
Solomon:ThejustandthewiseandtheirworksareinthehandsofGod:andyetnoman
knowethwhetherhebeworthyofloveorofhatred(Ecclesiastes9:1).Someunderstandthis
ofthathatredwhichistocomeandsomeagainofthatwhichispresent:butneitherofthem
understandSolomon,whointhatplacemeanethnothinglessthanthatwhichtheydream.
Moreover,thewholeScriptureteachethusespeciallyandaboveallthings,thatweshouldnot
doubt,butassureourselvesandundoubtedlybelievethatGodismerciful,lovingandpatient
thatheisneitherdissemblernordeceiverbutthatheisfaithfulandtrue,andkeepethhis

promiseyeaandhathperformedthathepromised,indeliveringhisonlybegottenSonto
deathforoursins,thateveryonethatbelievethinhimmightnotperish,buthaveeverlasting
life.HerewecannotdoubtbutthatGodisfavorableuntousandlovethusindeed,thatthe
hatredandwrathofGodistakenaway,seeinghesufferedhisSontodieforuswretched
sinners.AlthoughthismatterbesetoutandoftenrepeatedthroughoutthewholeGospel,yetit
profitednothingatall.ThisonesayingofSolomonperverselyunderstood,didmoreprevail
(especiallyamongthevotariesandmonksofthestraighterreligion)thanallthepromisesand
consolationsofthewholeScripture,yea,thanChristhimself.TheyabusedtheScripture
thereforetotheirowndestruction,andweremostjustlypunishedfordespisingtheScriptures,
andrejectingtheGospel.
Itisexpedientforustoknowthesethings:first,becausethePapistsatthisdaydovaunt
themselves,asiftheyhadnevercommittedanyevilthereforetheymustbeconvincedby
theirownabominations,wherewiththeyhavefilledthewholeworld,astheirbooksdo
witness,whereofthereisyetaninfinitenumber:secondly,thatwemaybefullycertifiedthat
wehavethepuredoctrineoftheGospelofwhichcertaintythePopecannotglory,inwhose
kingdom,thoughallthingselseweresoundanduncorrupt,yetthismonstrousdoctrineof
doubting[ofGodsgraceandfavor]passethallothermonsters.Andalthoughitbemanifest
thattheenemiesofChristteachuncertainthings,becausetheycommandthatmens
consciencesshouldremainindoubt,yetnotwithstandingtheyconfidentlycondemnandkill
usasheretics,becausewedissentfromthemandteachthosethingswhicharecertain.And
thistheydowithsuchdevilishrageandcruelty,asiftheyweremostassuredoftheirdoctrine.
LetusthereforegivethanksuntoGod,thatwearedeliveredfromthismonstrousdoctrine
ofdoubting,andcannowassureourselvesthattheHolyGhostcriethandbringethforthinour
heartsunspeakablegroanings.
Andthisisouranchorhold,andourfoundation:theGospelcommandethustobehold,
notourowngoodworks,ourownperfection,butGodthepromiser,andChristtheMediator.
Contrariwise,thePopecommandethustolook,notuntoGodthepromiser,noruntoChrist
ourhighBishop,butuntoourworksandmerits.Hereontheoneside,doubtingand
desperationmustneedsfollow:butontheotherside,assuranceandjoyoftheSpirit.Forwe
cleaveuntoGodwhocannotlie.Forhesaith:Behold,IdelivermySontodeath,thatthrough
hisbloodhemayredeemtheefromthysinsandfrometernaldeath.InthiscaseIcannot
doubt,unlessIwillutterlydenyGod.Andthisisthereasonthatourdoctrineis[mostsure
and]certain:becauseitcarriethusoutofourselves,thatweshouldnotleantoourown
strength,ourownconscience,ourownfeeling,ourownperson,andourownworks,butto
thatwhichiswithoutus,thatistosay,thepromiseandtruthofGodwhichcannotdeceiveus.
ThisthePopeknowethnot,andthereforehewickedlyimagineththatnomanknoweth,behe
neversojustandsowise,whetherhebeworthyofloveorofhatred.
Butifamanbejustandwise,heknowethassuredlythatheisbelovedofGod,orelsehe
isneitherjustnorwise.
Moreover,thissentenceofSolomonspeakethnothingatallofthehatredorfavorofGod
towardsmen,butitisamoralsentencereprovingtheingratitudeofmen.Forsuchisthe
perversenessandingratitudeoftheworldthatthebetteramandeserveth,thelessthankshe
shallhave,andoftentimeshethatshouldbehismostfriend,shallbehismostenemy.
Contrariwise,suchasleastdeserve,shallbemostesteemed.SoDavid,aholymananda
goodking,wascastoutofhiskingdom.Theprophets,ChristandhisApostleswereslain.To
conclude,thehistoriesofallnationswitness,thatmanymenwelldeservingoftheircountry,

werecastintobanishmentbytheirowncitizens,andtherelivedingreatmisery,andsome
alsoshamefullyperishedinprison.WhereforeSolomoninthisplacespeakethnotofthe
consciencehavingtodowithGod,norofthefavororjudgment,[theloveofhatred]ofGod
butofthejudgmentsandaffectionsofmenamongthemselves.Asthoughhewouldsay:there
aremanyjustandwisemen,bywhomGodworkethmuchgood,andgivethpeaceand
quietnessuntomen.Butsofaroffaretheyfromacknowledgingthesame,thatoftentimes
theyrequitethemagainmostunkindlyanduncourteouslyfortheirwelldoingsand
deservings.Thereforealthoughamandoallthingswell,andneversowell,yetheknoweth
notwhetherbythishisdiligenceandfaithfulnesshedeservethehatredorfavorofmen.
Soweatthisday,whenwethoughtweshouldhavefoundfavoramongourown
countrymen,forthatwepreachuntothemtheGospelofpeace,life,andeternalsalvation
insteadoffavor,wehavefoundbitterandcruelhatred.Indeed,atthefirstmanyweregreatly
delightedwithourdoctrine,andreceiveditgladly.Wethoughttheywouldhavebeenour
friendsandbrethren,andthatwithoneconsenttogetherwithus,theywouldhaveplantedand
preachedthisdoctrinetoothers.Butnowwefindthattheyarefalsebrethrenandourdeadly
enemies,whichsowandspreadabroadfalsedoctrineandthatwhichweteachwelland
godly,theypervertandoverthrow,stirringupgrievousoffensesinthechurches.Whosoever
thereforedothhisdutygodlyandfaithfully,inwhatkindoflifesoeverhebe,andforhiswell
doingreceivethnothingagainbuttheingratitudeandhatredofmen,lethimnotvexand
tormenthimselftherefore,butlethimsaywithChrist:Theyhatedmewithoutacause,and:
Forthattheyshouldhavelovedme,theyslanderedmebutIdidpray(Psalm109:3f.).
ThePopethereforewiththisungodlydoctrine,wherebyhecommandedmentodoubtof
thefavorofGodtowardsthem,tookawayGodandallhispromisesoutoftheChurch,buried
allthebenefitsofChrist,andabolishedthewholeGospel.Theseinconveniencesdo
necessarilyfollow:formendonotleantoGodwhichpromiseth,buttotheirownworksand
merits.
ThereforetheycannotbeassuredofthegoodwillofGodtowardsthem,butmustneeds
doubtthereof,andsoatlengthdespair.FornowherecanamanunderstandwhatGodswillis,
andwhatpleasethhim,butinhis[good]Word.ThisWordassurethusatGodhathcastaway
alltheangeranddispleasurewhichhehadconceivedagainstus,whenhegavehisonly
begottenSonforoursins,etc.AlsotheSacraments,thepoweroftheKeys,etc.docertifyus:
which,ifGoddidnotloveus,hewouldnothavegivenuntous.Withsuchinfinitetestimones
ofhisfavortowardsusareweoverwhelmed.Whereforeletusutterlyabandonthispestilent
doubting,wherewiththewholechurchofthePopewaspoisoned,andletusbefullyassured
thatGodismercifuluntous,thatwepleasehimandhehathacareoverusforChristssake,
andthatwehavetheHolyGhost,whichmakethintercessionforuswithsuchcryingand
groaningascannotbeexpressed.
Nowthisisthetruecryingandgroaningindeed,whenamanintemptationcallethupon
God,notasatyrant,notasanangryjudge,notasatormentor,butasaFather,althoughthis
groaningbesosoftandsosecret,thatitcanscarcelybeperceived.Forinserioustemptations,
andinthetimeoftrial,wheretheconsciencewrestlethwiththejudgmentofGod,itiswontto
callGod,notafather,butanunjust,anangry,acrueltyrantandjudge.Andthiscrying,which
Satanstirrethupintheheart,farpasseththecryoftheSpirit,andisstronglyfelt.Forthenit
seemeththatGodhathforsakenus,andwillthrowusdownintohell.Sothefaithfulcomplain
oftentimesinthePsalms:IamcastdownfromthepresenceofGod,andIambecomeasa
brokenvessel,etc.Thisisnotthegroaningthatcrieth:Abba,Fatherbuttheroaringofthe

hatredofGod,whichcriethstrongly:
Ocruel.judge,Ocrueltormentor,etc.Hereitisnowtimethatthouturnawaythineeyes
fromthelaw,fromworks,andfromthesenseandfeelingofthineownconscience,andlay
holdbyfaithofthepromisethatistosay,oftheWordofgraceandlife,whichraisethupthe
conscienceagain,sothatnowitbeginnethtogroanandsay:Althoughthelawaccuseme,sin
anddeathterrifymeneversomuch,yetthouOGodpromisestgrace,righteousnessand
everlastinglifethroughJesusChrist.
Andsothepromisebringethasighingandagroaning,whichcrieth:Abba,Father.
Irejectnotherethatwhichsomedoaffirm,namely,thatPaulofsetpurposeusethtwo
words,whereoftheoneisHebrewandtheotherGreek,becausetheChurchwasgatheredof
bothJewsandGentiles,andthatwhereasthesetwaindidemploydiversetonguesincalling
GodFather,yetnotwithstandingthegroaningofthembothisoneandthesame,seeingthey
bothcryFather.
Whereforethouartnomoreaservant,butason
Thisisthesummingupandtheconclusionofthatwhichhesaidbefore.Asifheshouldsay:
ThisbeingtruethatwebytheGospelhavereceivedtheSpiritwherebywecry,Abba,
Fatherthenisthisdecreeassuredlypronouncedinheaven,thatthereisnobondageany
more,butmereliberty,adoption,andsonship.Andwhobringeththisliberty?Verilythis
groaning.
Bywhatmeans?TheFatherofferethuntomebyhispromise,hisgraceandhisfatherly
favor.Thisremaineththen,thatIshouldreceivethisgrace.
AndthisisdonewhenIagainwiththisgroaningdocry,andwithachildlikeheartdo
assentuntothisnameofFather.Herethenthefatherandthesonmeet,andthemarriageis
madeupwithoutallpompandsolemnity:thatistosay,nothingatallcomethbetween,nolaw
norworkishererequired.Forwhatshouldamandointheseterrorsandhorribledarknessof
temptations?HereisnothingelsebuttheFatherpromising,andcallingmehissonbyChrist,
whowasmadeunderthelaw,etc.andIreceivingandansweringbythisgroaning,saying
Father.Herethenisnoexacting,butonlythatchildlikegroaningthatapprehendethasure
hopeandtrustintribulation,andsaith:Thoupromisest,andcallestmethychildforChrists
sakeandIagainreceive[thypromise]andcalltheeFather.Thisisindeedtobemade
childrensimplywithoutanyworks.Butthesethingswithoutexperience[andpractice]cannot
beunderstood.
Paulinthisplacetakeththewordservantotherwisethanhedidbeforeinthethird
chapter,wherehesaith:Thereisneitherbondnorfree,etc.
Herehecallethhimaservantofthelaw,whichissubjecttothelaw,ashedidalittle
before:Wewereinbondageundertherudimentsoftheworld.
WhereforetobeaservantaccordingtoPaulinthisplace,istobeguiltyandcaptiveunder
thelaw,underthewrathofGodanddeath,tobeholdGod,notasmercifulFather,butasa
tormentor,anenemy,andatyrant.
ThisisindeedtobekeptinbondageandBabylonicalcaptivity,andtobecruelly
tormentedtherein.Forthelawdeliverethnotfromsinanddeath,butrevealethandincreaseth
sin,andengenderethwrath.Thisbondage(saithPaul)continuethnolongeritoppressethus
not,normakethusheavyanymore,etc.Paulsaithconcretely:Thereshallbenoservantany
more.Butthemeaningwillbemoreplainifweputitabstractlythus:Thereshallbeno

bondageinChrist,butmeresonship.Forwhenfaithcometh,thatbondageceaseth,ashesaid
alsobeforeinthethirdchapter.
Now,ifwebytheSpiritofChristcryinginourheart,Abba,Father,benomore
servants,butchildren,thenitfolloweththatwearenotonlydeliveredfromtheportentsofthe
Popeandtheabominationsofmenstraditions,butalsofromallthejurisdictionandpowerof
thelawofGod.Whereforeweoughtinnowisetosufferthelawtoreigninourconscience,
andmuchlessthePopewithhisvainthreateningsandterrors.Indeedheroarethmightilyasa
lion(Revelation10:10),andthreatenethtoallthosethatobeynothislaws,thewrathand
indignationofAlmightyGodandofhisblessedApostles,etc.ButherePaularmethand
comfortethusagainsttheseroarings,whenhesaith:Thouartnomoreaservantbutason.
Takeholdofthisconsolationbyfaith,andsay:Olaw,thytyrannycanhavenoplaceinthe
thronewhereChristmyLordsitteth:thereIcannothearthee(muchlessdoIhearthee,O
Antichrist),forIamfreeandason,whomustnotbesubjecttoanybondageorservilelaw.
LetnotMosesthereforewithhislaws(muchlessthePope),ascendupintothebridechamber
theretolie,thatistosay,toreignintheconsciencewhichChristhathdeliveredfromthelaw,
totheendthatitshouldnotbesubjecttoanybondage.Lettheservantsabidewiththeassin
thevalley:letnonebutIsaacascendupintothemountainwithhisfatherAbraham(Genesis
12:5).Thatis,letthelawhavedominionoverthebodyandovertheoldman:lethimbeunder
thelaw,andsuffertheburdentobelaiduponhimlethimsufferhimselftobeexercisedand
vexedwiththelawletthelawlimitandprescribehimwhatheoughttodo,whatheoughtto
suffer,andhowheoughttoliveandgovernhimselfamongmen.Butletitnotdefilethebed
inwhichChristshouldrestandsleepalone:thatistosay,letitnottroubletheconscience.
ForshealoneoughttolivewithChristherspouseinthekingdomoflibertyandadoption.
Ifthen(saithhe)bytheSpiritofChristyecry,Abba,Father,thenareyeindeedno
longerservantsbutfreemenandsons.Thereforeyearewithoutlaw,withoutsin,without
deaththatistosay,yearesaved,andyearenowquitedeliveredfromallevils.Wherefore
theadoptionbringethwithittheeternalkingdomandalltheheavenlyinheritance.Now,how
inestimablethegloryofthisgiftis,mansheartisnotableinthislifetoconceive,andmuch
lesstoutter.Inthemeantimeweseethisbutdarkly[andasitwereafaroff]:wehavethis
littlegroaningandfeeblefaithwhichonlyrestethuponthehearingandthesoundofthevoice
ofChristingivingthepromise.Inrespectofoursenseandfeeling,therefore,thisthingis
exceedingsmall,butinitself,itisverygreatandinfinite:sothataChristianhathinhima
thingwhichisinfinite,althoughtohisownsightand.feelingitisverylittleandlimited.
Thereforewemustnotmeasurethisthingbyreasonorbyourownfeeling,butbythatwhich
isfarother,towit,thepromiseofGod.Nowbecauseheisinfinite,thereforehispromiseis
alsoinfinite,althoughitseemtobeneversomuchenclosedinthesenarrowstraits,[these
anguishes,Imean,]andinthecompass(sotospeak)oftheWord.Whereforethereisnothing
thatcannowaccuse,terrify,orbindtheconscienceanymore.Forthereisnomoreservitude,
butadoption:whichnotonlybringethuntouslibertyfromthelaw,sinanddeath,butalsothe
inheritanceofeverlastinglife,asfolloweth.
Now,ifthoubeason,thouartalsotheheirofGodthroughChrist
Forhethatisason,mustalsobeanheir:forbyhisbirthheisworthytobeanheir.Thereis
noworkormeritthatbringethtohimtheinheritance,buthisbirthonly:andsoinobtaining
theinheritanceheisamerepatient,andnotanagentthatistosay,nottobeget,nottolabor,

nottocare,buttobebornisthatwhichmakethhimanheir:forhedothnothingtotheend
thathemaybeborn,butonlysuffereth.Soweobtaineternalblessings,namelythe
forgivenessofsins,righteousness,thegloryoftheresurrection,andeverlastinglife,notas
agents,butaspatients[thatis,notbydoing,butbyreceiving].Nothingherecomethbetween,
butfaithaloneapprehendeththepromiseoffered.Likeasthereforeasoninthepoliticand
householdgovernmentismadeanheirbyhisonlybirth:soherefaithonlymakethussonsof
God,bornoftheWord,whichisthewombofGod,whereinweareconceived,carried,born,
andnourishedup,etc.Bythisbirththen,wherebywearemadenewcreatures,formedbyfaith
intheWord,wearemadeChristians,childrenandheirsofGodthroughChrist.
Now,beingheirswearedeliveredfromdeath,thedeviletc.,andwehaverighteousness
andeternallife.
Butthisfarpassethallmanscapacity,thathecallethusheirs:notofsomerichand
mightyprince,notoftheemperor,notoftheworld,butofalmightyGod,thecreatorofall
things.Thisourinheritancethen(asPaulsaithinanotherplace)isunspeakable(2
Corinthians9:15).Andifamancouldcomprehendthegreatexcellencyofthismatter,thathe
isthesonandheirofGod,andwithaconstantfaithbelievethesame,thismanwouldesteem
allthepowerandrichesofallthekingdomsoftheworldbutasfilthydung,incomparisonof
hiseternalinheritance.Hewouldabhorwhatsoeverishighandgloriousintheworld:yea,the
greaterthepompandgloryoftheworldis,themorewouldhehateit.Toconclude,
whatsoevertheworldmosthighlyesteemethandmagnifieth,thatshouldbeinhiseyesmost
vileandabominable.Forwhatisalltheworld,withallhispower,riches,andglory,in
comparisonofGodwhosesonandheirheis?
Furthermore,hewouldheartilydesirewithPaultobeloosedandtobewithChrist
(Philippians1:23),andnothingcouldbemorewelcomeuntohimthanspeedydeath,whichhe
wouldembraceasamostjoyfulpeace,knowingthatitshouldbetheendofallhismiseries,
andthatthroughitheshouldattaintohisinheritance,etc.Yea,amanthatcouldperfectly
believethis,shouldnotlongremainalive,butshouldbeswallowedupincontinentwith
excessivejoy.
Butthelawofthemembersstrivingagainstthelawofthemind,hinderethfaithinus,and
sufferethitnottobeperfect.ThereforewehaveneedofthehelpandcomfortoftheHoly
Ghost,whichinourtroublesandafflictionsmaymakeintercessionforuswithunspeakable
groanings,asbeforeIhavesaid.Sinyetremainethintheflesh,whichoftentimesoppresseth
theconscience,andsohinderethfaith,thatwecannotwithjoyperfectlybeholdanddesire
thoseeternalricheswhichGodhathgivenuntousthroughChrist.Paulhimselffeelingthis
battleofthefleshagainsttheSpirit,criethout:OwretchedmanthatIam,whoshalldeliver
mefromthisbodyofdeath?(Romans7:24).Heaccusethhisbody,whichnotwithstandingit
behovethhimtolove,callingitbyanodiousname,hisdeath.Asifhewouldsay:Mybody
dothmoreafflictme,andmoregrievouslyvexme,thandeathitselfforithinderethinhim
alsothejoyofspirit.Hehadnotalwaysthesweetandjoyfulcogitationsoftheheavenly
inheritancetocome,buthefeltoftentimesalsoheavinessofspirit,anguishandterrors.
Herebywemayplainlyseehowhardamatterfaithis:whichisnoteasilyandquickly
apprehended,ascertainfullandloathingspiritsdream,whichswallowupatonceallthatis
containedintheholyScriptures.Theinfirmitywhichisinthesaints,andthestrivingofthe
fleshagainsttheSpirit,dosufficientlywitnesshowfeeblefaithisinthem.Foraperfectfaith
bringethbyandbyaperfectcontemptandloathingofthispresentlife.Ifwecouldfully
assureourselves,andconstantlybelievethatGodisourFather,andwehissonsandheirs,

thenshouldweutterlycontemnthisworld,withalltheglory,righteousness,wisdom,and
power,withalltheroyalsceptresandcrowns,andwithalltherichesandpleasurethereof.We
shouldnotbesocarefulforthislife:weshouldnotbesoaddictedtoworldlythings,trusting
untothemwhenwehavethem,lamentinganddespairingwhenwelosethembutweshould
doallthingswithgreatlove,humility,andpatience.Butwedothecontraryforthefleshis
yetstrong,outfaithisfeeble,andthespiritweak.ThereforePaulsaithverywell,thatwehave
hereinthislife,butonlythefirstfruitsoftheSpiritandthatintheworldtocome,weshall
havethetenthsalso.
ThroughChrist
PaulhathChristalwaysinhismouth:hecannotforgethimforhedidwellforeseethat
nothingshouldbelessknownintheworld(yeaamongthemwhichshouldprofessthemselves
tobeChristians)thanChristandhisGospel.Thereforehetalkethofhim,andsettethhim
beforeoureyescontinually.Andasoftenashespeakethofgrace,righteousness,thepromise,
adoption,andinheritance,heisalwayswonttoadd,inChrist,orthroughChrist,covertly
impugningthelaw.Asifhewouldsay:Thesethingscomeuntousneitherbythelawnorby
theworksthereofmuchlessbyourownstrength,orbytheworksofmenstraditionsbut
onlybyChrist.
ButeventhenwhenyeknewnotGod,yedidserviceuntothemwhichbynatureareno
gods,butnowseeingyeknowGod,yearatherareknownofGod,howturnyouagainto
impotentandbeggarlyrudiments,whereunto,asfromthebeginning,yewillbein
bondageagain?
ThisistheconclusionofPaulsdisputation.FromthisplaceuntotheendoftheEpistlehe
dothnotmuchdispute,butgivethpreceptsastouchingmanners.Notwithstandinghefirst
reproveththeGalatians,beingsoredispleasedthatthisdivineandheavenlydoctrineshouldbe
sosuddenlyandeasilyremovedoutoftheirhearts.Asifhewouldsay:Yehaveteachers
whichwillbringyoubackagainintothebondageofthelaw.ThisdidnotIbutbymy
doctrineIcalledyououtofdarkness,andoutoftheignoranceofGod,intoawonderfullight
andknowledgeofhim.Ibroughtyououtofbondage,andsetyouinthefreedomofthesons
ofGod,notbypreachinguntoyoutheworksofthelaw,orthemeritsofmen,butthegrace
andrighteousnessofGod,andthegivingofheavenlyandeternalblessingsthroughChrist.
Now,seeingthisistrue,whydoyesosoonforsakethelightandreturntodarkness?Whydo
yesufferyourselvessoeasilytobebroughtfromgraceuntothelaw,fromfreedomto
bondage?
Hereagainwesee(asbeforeIhavesaid)thattofallinfaithisaneasymatter,asthe
exampleoftheGalatianswitnesseth.TheexampleoftheSacramentarians,theAnabaptists,
etc.witnesseththesamealsoatthisday.
Weforourpartdosetforththedoctrineoffaithwithcontinualtravail,bypreaching,by
reading,andbywritingwepurelyandplainly,distinguishtheGospelfromthelaw,andyet
dowelittleprevail.Thiscomethofthedevil,whogoethaboutbyallsubtlemeanstoseduce
men[andtoholdtheminerror]:hecanabidenothinglessthanthetrueknowledgeofgrace,
andfaithinChrist.Therefore,totheendhemaytakeChristdeanoutofsight,hesetteth
beforethemothershews,wherewith[hesodeceiveththem,that]bylittleandlittleheleadeth

themfromfaithandtheknowledgeofgrace,tothedisputationofthelaw.Whenhehath
broughtthisabout,thenisChristtakenaway.Itisnotwithoutcause,therefore,thatPaul
speakethsomuchandsooftenofChrist,andthathegoethaboutsopurelytosetforththe
doctrineoffaith:whereuntoheattributethrighteousnessonlyandalone,andtakethitfromthe
law,declaringthatthelawhathacleancontraryeffect:thatis,toengenderwrath,toincrease
sin,etc.ForhewouldgladlypersuadeusthatweshouldnotsufferChristtobepluckedoutof
ourheartthatthespouseshouldnotsufferherhusbandtodepartoutofherarms,butshould
alwaysembracehimandcleavefastuntohim,whobeingpresent,thereisnodangeryea
thereisthe[faithful]groaning,fatherlygoodwill,adoption,andinheritance.
ButwhysaithPaulthattheGalatiansturnedbackagaintoweakandbeggarlyrudiments,
thatistosay,tothelaw,whereastheyneverhadthelawfortheywereGentiles
(notwithstandinghewrotethesethingstotheJewsalso,asafterwardswewilldeclare)?Or
whyspeakethhenotratherafterthismanner:OncewhenyeknewnotGod,yedidservice
untothemwhichbynaturewerenogodsbutnowseeingyeknowGod,whyturnyeback
again,forsakingthetrueGod,toworshipidols?DothPaultakeittobeallonethingtofall
fromthepromisetothelaw,fromfaithtoworks,andtodoserviceuntogodswhichbynature
arenogods?Ianswer:
Whosoeverisfallenfromthearticleofjustification,isignorantofGod,andanidolater.
Thereforeitisallonething,whetherheafterwardsturnagaintothelaw,ortothe
worshippingofidolsitisallonewhetherhebecalledamonk,aTurk,aJew,oran
Anabaptist.Forwhenthisarticleistakenaway,thereremainethnothingelsebuterror,
hypocrisy,impietyandidolatry,howmuchsoeveritseeminoutwardappearancetobethe
verytruth,thetrueserviceofGod,andtrueholiness,etc.
Thereasonis,becauseGodwillorcanbeknownnootherwisethanbyChrist,according
tothatsavingofJohn1:TheonlybegottenSonwhichisinthebosomoftheFather,hehath
declaredhim.HeistheSeedpromiseduntoAbraham,onwhomGodhathfoundedallhis
promises.WhereforeChrististheonlymean,andasyewouldsay,theglassbywhichwesee
God,thatistosay,weknowhiswill.ForinChristweseethatGodisnotacruelexactorora
judge,butamostfavorable,lovingandmercifulFather,who,totheendhemightblessus,
thatistosay,deliverusfromthelaw,sin,deathandallevils,andmightendueuswithgrace,
righteousness,andeverlastinglife,sparednothisownSon,butgavehimupforusall,etc.
(Romans8:32).ThisisatrueknowledgeofGod,andadivinepersuasion,whichdeceivethus
not,butpaintethoutGoduntouslively,andinsuchsortthatbesidehimthereisnoGod.
Hethatisfallenfromthisknowledge,mustneedsconceivethisfantasyinhisheart:Iwill
setupsuchaserviceofGodIwillenterintosuchanorderIwillchoosethisorthatwork:
andsoIwillserveGod,andIdoubtnotbutGodwillacceptthisandrewardmewith
everlastinglifeforthesame.Forheismercifulandliberal,givingallgoodthingseventothe
unworthyandunthankfulmuchmorewillhegiveuntomegraceandeverlastinglifeformy
greatandmanifoldgooddeedsandmerits.Thisisthehighestwisdom,righteousnessand
religion,thatreasoncanjudgeofwhichiscommontoallnations,tothePapists,Jews,
Turks,,heretics,etc.
TheycangonohigherthanthatPhariseedid,ofwhommentionismadeintheGospel
(Luke18:11f.).TheyhavenoknowledgeofChristianrighteousness,ortherighteousnessof
faith.ForthenaturalmanperceivethnotthethingsofGod(1Corinthians2:14)also,There
isnonethatunderstandeth,thereisnonethatseekethafterGod,etc.(Romans3:11).
ThereforethereisnodifferenceatallbetweenaPapist,aJew,aTurk,andanheretic.Indeed

thereisadifferenceofthepersons,theplaces,religions,worksandworshippings
notwithstandingthereisalloneandthesamereason,thesameheart,opinionandcogitationin
themall.FortheTurkthinkeththeselfsamethingthattheCharterhouseMonkdoth:namely,
ifIdothisorthat[work],GodwillbemercifuluntomeifIdoitnot,hewillbeangry.There
isnomeanbetwixtmansworkingandtheknowledgeofChrist.Ifthisknowledgebe
darkenedordefaced,itisallonewhetherthoubeamonk,aTurk,aJew,etc.Whereforeitis
anextrememadnessthatthePapistsandTurksdosostriveamongthemselvesaboutreligion
andtheserviceofGod,contendingthatbothofthemhavethetruereligionandtrueworship
ofGod.Andthemonksthemselvesagreenottogether:foroneofthemwillbeaccounted
moreholythananotherforcertainfoolishoutwardceremonies,andyetintheirheartsthe
opinionofthemallissoalike,thatoneeggisnotmoreliketoanother.Forthisisthe
imaginationofthemall:IfIdothiswork,GodwillhavemercyuponmeifIdonot,hewill
beangry.AndthereforeeverymanthatrevoltethfromtheknowledgeofChrist,mustneeds
fallintoidolatry,forhecannotbutconceivesuchanimaginationofGodasisnotagreeableto
hisnature:astheCharterhousemonkfortheobservingofhisrule,theTurkforthekeepingof
hisAlcoran,haththisaffiance,thathepleasethGod,andshallreceivearewardofhimforhis
labor.
SuchaGodasafterthissortforgivethsinsandjustifieth[sinners],cannowherebefound,
andthereforethisisbutavainimagination,adream,andanidoloftheheart.ForGodhath
notpromisedthathewillsaveandjustifymenfortheirreligions,observations,ceremonies
[andordinances],devisedbymenyea,Godabhorrethnothingmore(asthewholeScripture
witnesseth)thansuchwillworks,such[services,ritesand]ceremoniesforthewhichalsohe
overthrowethwholekingdomsandempires.Therefore,asmanyastrusttotheirownstrength
andrighteousness,doserveaGod,butsuchaGodastheythemselveshavedevised,andnot
thetrueGodindeed.ForthetrueandnaturalGodspeakeththus:Norighteousness,wisdom,
norreligion,pleasethme,butthatonlywherebytheFatherisglorifiedthroughtheSon.
WhosoeverapprehendeththisSon,andmeormypromiseinhimbyfaith,tohimIamGod,to
himIamaFather,himdoIaccept,justify,andsave.Allotherabideunderwrath,because
theyworshipthatthingwhichbynatureisnoGod.
WhosoeverforsakeththisdoctrinemustneedsfallintotheignoranceofGodhe
understandethnotwhatthetrueChristianrighteousness,wisdom,andserviceofGodisheis
anidolater,abidingunderthelaw,sin,death,andthepowerofthedevil,andallthingsthathe
dothareaccursedandcondemned.ThereforetheAnabaptist,imaginingwithhimselfthathe
pleasethGodifheberebaptized,ifheforsakehishouse,wifeandchildrenifhemortifyhis
flesh,andsuffermuchadversity,andatlengthdeathitselfyetthereisnotonedropofthe
knowledgeofChristinhim,butsecludingChrist,hedreamethaltogetherofhisownworks,of
theforsakingofhisgoods,ofhis[afflictionand]mortification,andnowdifferethnothing
fromtheTurk,Jew,orPapist,inspiritorinheart,butonlyinoutwardappearance,worksand
ceremonies,whichhehathchosentohimself.Thesameconfidenceinworkshaveallthe
monks[andotherreligiousorders]notwithstandingintheirapparelandotheroutwardthings
thereisadifference.
Thereareatthisdayverymanylikeuntothese,whichnotwithstandingwouldbecounted
amongthetrueprofessorsandteachersoftheGospelandastouchingthewords,theyteach
thatmenaredeliveredfromtheirsinsbythedeathofChrist.Butbecausetheyteachfaithin
suchsort,thattheyattributemoretocharitythantofaith,theyhighlydishonorChrist,and
wickedlyperverthisWord.FortheydreamthatGodregardethandacceptethusforour

charityssake,wherebywebeingreconciledtoGod,doloveGodandourneighbor.Ifthisbe
true,thenhavewenoneedofChristatall.SuchmenservenotthetrueGod,butanidolof
theirownheart,whichtheythemselveshavedevised.ForthetrueGoddothnotregardor
acceptusforourcharity,virtues,ornewnessoflife,butforChristssake,etc.
Buttheymakethisobjection:Yetnotwithstanding,theScripturecommandeththatwe
shouldloveGodwithallourheart,etc.Itistrue.ButitfollowethnotthatbecauseGod
commandethus,thereforewedoit.IfwedidloveGodwithallourheart,etc.,thennodoubt
weshouldbejustified,andlivethroughthisobedience,asitiswritten:Hethatshalldothese
thingsshallliveinthem(Leviticus18:5).ButtheGospelsaith:
Thoudostnotthesethings,thereforethoushaltnotliveinthem.Forthissentence,Thou
shaltlovetheLordthyGod,etc.,requirethaperfectobedience,aperfectfear,trustandlove
towardsGod.Thesethingsmenneitherdonorcanperform,inthiscorruptnature.Therefore
thislaw,ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGod,etc.,justifiethnot,butaccusethandcondemneth
allmen,accordingtothatsaying,Thelawcausethwrath,etc.(Romans4:15).Contrariwise,
Christisthefinishingandaccomplishingofthelawtorighteousnss,toeveryonethat
believeth(Romans10:4).Ofthiswehavespokenlargelybefore.
Inlikemanner,theJewkeepingthelawwiththisopinion,thathebythisobediencewill
pleaseGod,servethnottheGodofhisfathers,butisanidolator,worshippingadreamandan
idolofhisownheart,whichisnowheretobefound.FortheGodofhisfathers,whomhesaith
heworshippeth,promisedtoAbrahamaseed,throughthewhichallnationsshouldbe
blessed.ThereforeGodisknown,andtheblessingisgiven,notbythelaw,butbytheGospel
ofChrist.
AlthoughPaulspakethesewords:Then,whenyeknewnotGod,yedidserviceetc.,
properlyandprincipallytotheGalatians,whichwereGentilesyetnotwithstanding,bythe
samewordshealsotoucheththeJews,who,thoughtheyhadrejectedidolsoutwardly,yetin
theirheartstheyworshippedthemmorethandidtheGentiles,asissaid,Romans2:Thou
abhorrestidols,andcommittestsacrilege.TheGentileswerenotthepeopleofGod,theyhad
nothisWord,andthereforetheiridolatrywasgross.ButtheidolatrousJewscloakedtheir
idolatrywiththenameandWordofGod(asalljusticiariesarewonttodo),andsowiththis
outwardshewofholinesstheydeceivedmany.Thereforeidolatry,themoreholyandspiritual
itseemethtobethemorehurtfulitis.
ButhowmaythesetwocontrarysayingswhichtheApostleheresettethdown,be
reconciledtogether?YeknewnotGod,andyeworshippedGod.Ianswer:Allmen
naturallyhavethisgeneralknowledge,thatthereisaGod,accordingtothatsaying,Romans
1:ForasmuchasthatwhichmaybeknownofGodwasmanifestinthem.For[God
manifestedituntothem,inthat]theinvisiblethingsofhim[didappearbythecreationofthe
world].Moreover,theceremoniesandreligionswhichwereandalwaysremainedamongall
nations,sufficientlywitnessthatallmenhavehadacertaingeneralknowledgeofGod.But
whethertheyhaditbynature,orbythetraditionoftheirforefathers,Iwillnotheredispute.
Butheresomewillobjectagain:IfallmenknewGod,whereforethendothPaulsay,thatthe
GalatiansknewnotGodbeforethepreachingoftheGospel?Ianswer:
ThereisadoubleknowledgeofGod,generalandparticular.Allmenhavethegeneral
knowledge,namely,thatthereisaGod,thathecreatedheavenandearth,thatheisjust,that
hepunisheththewicked,etc.ButwhatGodthinkethofus,[whathiswillistowardsus,]what
hewillgiveorwhathewilldototheendwemaybedeliveredfromsinanddeath,andbe
saved(whichisthetrueknowledgeofGodindeed),thistheyknownot.

AsitmaybethatIknowsomemanbysight,whomindeedIknownotthoroughly,
becauseIunderstandnotwhataffectionhebearethtowardsme.Somenknownaturallythat
thereisaGod,butwhathiswillis,orwhatisnothiswill,theydonotknow.Foritiswritten:
ThereisnonethatunderstandethGod(Romans3:11),andinanotherplace:Nomanhath
seenGod(John1:18).Thatistosay,nomanhathknownwhatisthewillofGod.Now,what
dothitavailtheeifthouknowthatthereisaGod,andyetartignorantwhatishiswilltowards
thee?Heresomethinkonething,andsomeanother.TheJewsimaginethistobethewillof
God,iftheyworshiphimaccordingtotheruleofMoseslawtheTurk,ifheobservehis
Alcoranthemonk,ifhekeephisorderandperformhisvows.Butallthesearedeceivedand
becomevainintheirowncogitations,asPaulsaith(Romans1),notknowingwhatpleaseth
ordispleasethGod.Therefore,insteadofthetrueandnaturalGod,theyworshipthedreams
andimaginationsoftheirownheart,whicharebynaturenothing.
ThisisitthatPaulmeanethwhenhesaith:WhenyeknewnotGod,thatis,whenye
knewnotthewillofGod,yeservedthosewhichbynaturewerenogods,thatistosay,ye
servedthedreamsandimaginationsofyourownheart,wherebyyeimaginedwithoutthe
Word,thatGodwastobeworshippedwiththisorthatwork,withthisorthatriteor
ceremony.
Foruponthisproposition,whichallmendonaturallyhold,namely,thatthereisaGod,
hathsprungallidolatry,whichwithouttheknowledgeoftheDivinity,couldneverhavecome
intotheworld.ButbecausemenhadthisnaturalknowledgeofGod,theyconceivedvainand
wickedimaginationsofGod,withoutandagainsttheWord,whichtheyesteemedand
maintainedastheverytruthitself,andsodreamedthatGodissuchaone,asbynatureheis
not.SothemonkimaginethhimtobesuchaGodasforgivethsins,givethgraceand
everlastinglifeforthekeepingofhisrule.
ThisGodisnowheretobefound.ThereforeheservethnotthetrueGod,butthatwhich
bynatureisnoGodtowit,theimaginationandidolofhisownheartthatistosay,hisown
falseandvainopinionofGod,whichhedreamethtobeanundoubtedtruth.Nowreasonitself
willenforceustoconfess,thatmansopinionisnoGod.Thereforewhosoeverwillworship
GodwithouthisWord,servethnotthetrueGod(asPaulsaith),butthatwhichbynatureisno
God.
ThereforewhetheryecallrudimentsherethelawofMoses,orelsethetraditionsofthe
Gentiles(albeithespeakethhereproperlyandprincipallyoftherudimentsofMoses),thereis
nogreatdifference.Forhethatfallethfromgracetothelaw,fallethwithnolessdangerthan
hethatfallethfromgracetoidolatry.ForwithoutChristthereisnothingelsebutmere
idolatry,anidolandfalseimaginationofGod,whetheritbecalledMoseslaw,orthePopes
ordinances,ortheTurksAlcoran,etc.Thereforehesaithwithacertainadmiration:
ButnowseeingyeknowGod
Asthoughheshouldsay:Thisisamarvellousthing,thatye,knowingGodbythepreaching
offaith,dososuddenlyrevoltfromthetrueknowledgeofhiswill(whereinIthoughtyewere
sosurelyestablished,thatIfearednothinglessthanthatyeshouldsoeasilybeoverthrown),
anddonowagain,bytheinstigationofthefalseapostles,returntotheweakandbeggarly
elements,whichyewouldserveagainafresh.Yeheardbeforebymypreaching,thatthisis
thewillofGod,toblessallnations:notbycircumcision,orbytheobservationofthelaw,but
byChristpromisedtoAbraham.Theythatbelieveinhimshallbeblessedwithfaithful

AbrahamtheyarethesonsandheirsofGod.Thus(Isay)haveyeknownGod.
YearatherareknownofGod,etc.
Hecorrecteththesentencegoingbefore:ButnowseeingyehaveknownGodorrather
turnethitafterthismanner:yearatheryeareknownofGod.Forhefearedlesttheyhadlost
Godutterly.Asifhewouldsay:
Alas!areyecometothispoint,thatnowyeknownotGod,butreturnagainfromgraceto
thelaw?YetnotwithstandingGodknowethyou.Andindeedourknowledgeisratherpassive
thanactivethatistosay,itconsistethinthis,thatweareratherknownofGod,thanthatwe
knowhim.Allourdoing,[thatis,allourendeavortoknowandtoapprehendGod,]isto
sufferGodtoworkinus.HegiveththeWord,whichwhenwehavereceivedbyfaithgiven
fromabove,wearenewbornandmadethesonsofGod.Thisisthenthesenseandmeaning:
YeareknownofGod,thatis,yearevisitedwiththeWord,yeareenduedwithfaithandthe
HolyGhost,wherebyyearerenewed,etc.Wherefore,evenbythesewords,yeareknownof
God,hetakethawayallrighteousnessfromthelaw,anddenieththatweattaintheknowledge
ofGodthroughtheworthinessofourownworks.FornomanknoweththeFather,butthe
Son,andhetowhomtheSonwillrevealhim(Matthew11:27)andalso:Hebyhis
knowledgeshalljustifymany,becauseheshallbeartheiriniquities(Isaiah53:11).Wherefore
ourknowledgeconcerningGodconsistethinsuffering,andnotindoing.Hemuchmarvelleth
therefore,thatseeingtheyknewGodtrulybytheGospel,theyreturnedsosuddenlytoweak
andbeggarlyrudiments,bythepersuasionofthefalseapostles.AsImyselfalsoshould
greatlymarvel,ifourchurch(whichbythegraceofGodisgodlyreformedinpuredoctrine
andfaith)shouldbesoseducedandpervertedbysomefondandfrantichead,throughthe
preachingofoneortwosermons,thattheywouldnotacknowledgemefortheirpastorany
more.Whichthingnotwithstandingshallonedaycometopass,ifnotwhilstwelive,yet
whenwearedeadandgone.Formanyshallthenriseup,whichwillbemastersandteachers,
whounderacoloroftruereligionshallteachfalseandperversedoctrine,andshallquickly
overthrowallthatweinsolongtimeandwithsogreattravailhavebuilded.Wearenotbetter
thantheApostles,whowhilsttheyyetlived,saw(notwithouttheirgreatgriefandsorrow)the
subversionofthosechurcheswhichtheythemselveshadplantedthroughtheirministry.
Thereforeitisnogreatmarvelifwebeconstrainedtobeholdthelikeevilatthisdayinthose
churcheswheresectariesdoreign,whohereafterwhenwearedead,shallpossessalsothose
churcheswhichwehavewonandplantedbyourministry,andwiththeirpoisoninfectand
subvertthesame.AndyetnotwithstandingChristshallremainandreigntotheendofthe
world,andthatmarvellously,ashedidunderthePapacy.
Paulseemethtospeakveryspitefullyofthelaw,whenhecallethittherudiments(ashe
didalsobeforeinthebeginningofthischapter),andnotonlyrudiments,butweakand
beggarlyrudiments.IsitnotblasphemytogivesuchodiousnamestothelawofGod?The
lawbeinginhistrueuse,oughttoservethepromises,andtostandwiththepromisesand
grace.Butifitfightagainstthem,itisnomoretheholylawofGod,butafalseandadevilish
doctrine,anddothnothingelsebutdrivementodesperation,andthereforemustberejected.
Whereforewhenhecalleththelawweakandbeggarlyrudiments,hespeakethofthelaw
inrespectofproudandpresumptuoushypocriteswhichwouldbejustifiedbyit,andnotofthe
lawbeingspirituallyunderstood,whichengenderethwrath(Romans4:15).Forthelaw(asI
haveoftensaid)beinginhisownproperuse,accusethandcondemneththeoldmanandin

thisrespectitisnotonlyastrongandrichrudimentbutmostmightyandmostrich,yearather
aninvinciblepowerandriches:andifheretheconsciencebecomparedwiththelaw,thenitis
mostweakandbeggarly.Foritissotenderathing,thatforasmallsinitissotroubledand
terrified,thatitutterlydespaireth,unlessitberaisedupagain.Wherefore,thelawinhis
properusehathmorestrengthandriches,thanheavenandearthisabletocontaininsomuch
thatonejotoronetittlieofthelawisabletokillallmankind,asthehistoryofthelawgiven
byMosesdothwitness(Exodus19:20).Thisisthetrueanddivineuseofthelaw,ofwhich
Paulspeakethnotinthisplace.
Paulthereforeintreatethhereofhypocrites,whicharefallenfromgrace,orwhichhave
notyetattainedtograce.These,abusingthelaw,seektobejustifiedbyit.Theyexerciseand
tirethemselvesdayandnightintheworksthereof,asPaulwitnessethoftheJews:ForIbear
themrecord,saithhe,thattheyhavethezealofGod,butnotaccordingtoknowledgefor
theyareignorantoftherighteousnessofGod,etc.(Romans10:2f.).Suchdohopesotobe
strengthenedandenrichedbythelaw,thattheymaybeabletosettheirpowerandwealthof
righteousnesswhichtheyhavegottenbythelaw,againstthewrathandjudgmentofGod,and
sotoappeaseGodandtobesavedthereby.Inthisrespectthen,wemaywellsaythatthelaw
isaweakandabeggarlyrudimentthatistosay,whichcangiveneitherhelpnorcounsel.
Andwhosolistethtoamplifythismatter,maydosointherhetoricalmannerandsay,that
thelawisaweakandabeggarlyrudimentactively,becauseitmakethmenmoreweakand
beggarly:andpassively,becausethatofitselfithathnopowerorriches,wherebyitisableto
giveortobringrighteousness:andmoreover,thatneutrallyandinitself,itisnotonlyweak
andbeggarly,butevenweaknessandbeggaryitself.Howthenshallitenrichorstrengthen
those,whichwerebeforebothweakandbeggarly?
Thereforetoseektobejustifiedbythelaw,isasmuchasifamanbeingweakandfeeble
already,wouldseeksomeothergreaterevilwherebyhemightovercomehisweaknessand
poverty,whichnotwithstandingwouldbringhimuntoutterdestruction.Asifhewhichhath
thefallingsickness,wouldseektojoinuntoitthepestilenceforaremedyorifalepershould
cometoaleper,orabeggartoabeggar,theonetohelpandtoenrichtheother.Here,asthe
proverbsaith,onemanmilkeththehegoatwhiletheotherholdeththesieveunder.
Paulthereforesheweththattheywhichseektobejustifiedbythelaw,havethis
commoditythereby,thatdailytheybecomemoreandmoreweakandbeggarly.Fortheybe
weakandbeggarlyofthemselvesthatistosay,theyarebynaturethechildrenofwrath,
subjecttodeathandeverlastingdamnationandyettheylayholduponthatwhichisnothing
elsebutmereweaknessandbeggary,seekingtobestrengthenedandenrichedthereby.
Thereforeeveryonethatfallethfromthepromisetothelaw,fromfaithtoworks,doth
nothingelsebutlayuponhimself,beingweakandbeggarlyalready,suchayokeasheisnot
abletobear(Acts15:10),andinbearingthereofismadetentimesmoreweakandbeggarlyso
thatatlengthheisdriventodespair,unlessChristcomeanddeliverhim.
ThisthingtheGospelalsowitnesseth,speakingofthewomanwhichwasgrievedtwelve
yearswithabloodyissue,andsufferedmanythingsofmanyphysicians,uponwhomshehad
spentallhersubstance,andyetcouldnotbecuredbutthelongershewasundertheirhands,
theworseshewas(Mark5:25ff.).Asmanythereforeasdotheworksofthelawtobe
justifiedthereby,arenotonlynotmaderighteous,buttwicemoreunrighteousthantheywere
beforethatis(asIhavesaid),moreweakandbeggarlyandmoreunapttodoanygoodwork.
ThishaveIprovedtobetruebothinmyselfandmanyothers.Ihaveknownmanymonksin
thePapacy,whichwithgreatzealhavedonemanygreatworksfortheattainingof

righteousnessandsalvation,andyetweretheymoreimpatient,moreweak,moremiserable,
morefaithless,morefearful,andmorereadytodespairthananyother.Thecivilmagistrates
whowereeveroccupiedingreatandweightyaffairs,werenotsoimpatient,sofearful,so
fainthearted,sosuperstitious,andsofaithless,asthesejusticiaries[andmeritmongers]were.
Whosoeverthenseekethrighteousnessbythelaw,dothnothingelsebutseekbyrepeated
actstoacquireforhimselfahabitofthatfirstact,imaginingthatGodbeingangryand
threatening,mustneedsbepacifiedwithworks.Nowwhenhehathonceconceivedthis
fantasy,hebeginnethtowork.Buthecanneverfindsomanygoodworksasareabletoquiet
hisconscience,butstillhedesirethmore,yeahefindethsinsinthoseworkshehathdone
already.Thereforehisconsciencecanneverbecertified,buthemustneedsbealwaysin
doubt,andthusthinkwithhimself:Thouhastnotsacrificedasthoushouldestdothouhast
notprayedarightthisthouhastleftundonethisorthatsinthouhastcommitted.Herethe
hearttremblethandfeelethitselfoppressedwithinnumerablesins,whichstillincrease
withoutend,sothatheswervethfromrighteousnessmoreandmore,untilatlengthhefallto
desperation.Hereofitcomeththatmany,beingatthepointofdeath,haveutteredthese
desperatewords:OwretchthatIam!
Ihavenotkeptmineorder.WhithershallIfleefromthewrathofChrist,thatangry
judge?WouldtoGodIhadbeenmadeaswineherd,orthevilestwretchinthewholeworld.
Thusthemonkintheendofhislifeismoreweak,morebeggarly,morefaithlessand
fearfulthanhewasatthebeginning,whenhefirstenteredintohisorder.Thereasonis,
becausehewouldstrengthenhimselfthroughweakness,andenrichhimselfthroughpoverty.
Thelaw,ormenstraditions,ortheruleofhisorder,shouldhavehealedhimwhenhewas
sick,andenrichedhimwhenhewaspoor:butheisbecomemorefeebleandmorepoorthan
thepublicansandharlots.Thepublicansandharlotshavenotanheapofgoodworkstotrust
unto,asthemonkshavebutalthoughtheyfeeltheirsinsneversomuch,yettheycansay
withthepublican:God,bemercifultomeasinner!(Luke18:13).Butcontrariwisethe
monk,whichhathspentallhistimeinweakandbeggarlyelements,isconfirmedinthis
opinion:Ifthoukeepthyrule,thoushaltbesaved,etc.Withthisfalsepersuasionheisso
deludedandbewitched,thathecannotapprehendgrace,nonoronceremembergrace.Thus,
notwithstandingalltheworkswhicheitherhedothorhathdone,betheyneversomanyand
sogreat,hethinkeththathehathneverdoneenough,buthathstillaneyetomoreworksand
so,byheapingupofworks,hegoethabouttoappeasethewrathofGodandtojustifyhimself,
untilhebedriventoutterdesperation.Wherefore,whosoeverfallethfromfaithandfolloweth
thelaw,isliketoAesopsdog,whichforegoeththeflesh,andsnatchethattheshadow.
Wherefore,itisimpossiblethatsuchasseek[righteousnessand]salvationbythelaw
(whereuntoallmenarenaturallyinclined),shouldeverfindquietnessandpeaceof
conscience:yeatheydonothingelsebutheaplawsuponlaws,wherebytheytormentboth
themselvesandothers,andafflictmensconsciencessomiserably,thatthroughextreme
anguishofheart,manydiebeforetheirtime.Foronelawalwaysbringethforthtenmore,and
sotheyincreasewithoutnumberandwithoutend.ThisdotheinnumerableSummaewitness
(especiallythatdevilishonewhichtheycalltheAngelic),whereinlawsofthissortare
gatheredandexpounded.
Tobebrief:hethatstrivethtobejustifiedbythelaw,endeavourethtodothatwhichhe
shallneverbeabletoaccomplish.Hereuntowemayapply,asIseetheFathersdid,the
sayingsofwiseandlearnedmenconcerninglabordoneinvain,suchas:Rollingthestone,
Drawingwaterwithasieve,etc.AndIthinkthatwithsuchinventionsandparablesthe

FatherswishedtoremindtheirdisciplesofthedistinctionbetweenthelawandtheGospel,
andsotoshowthatwhenmenhavefallenfromgrace,albeitthattheyexerciseandweary
themselveswithceaselessandburdensometoil,yettheirlaborisinvain.Sucharerightlysaid
torollthestonethatis,tolabortonopurpose,asthepoetstellofSisyphus,whichrolledthe
stonetothetopofthemountaininhell,andasoftenasitreachedthetop,itrolleddown
again.Also,todrawwaterwithasievethatis,towearythemselveswithendlessanduseless
labor,asthepoetstellofthedaughtersofDanaus,whichinhelldidcarrywaterincracked
vesselstoabottomlessjar.
Iwouldthatyewhicharestudentsofsacredlearning,hadastoreofsuchparables,thatye
mightthebetterretainthedistinctionbetweenthelawandtheGospel:asthattoseektobe
justifiedbythelawistocountmoneyoutofanemptypurse,toeatfromanemptyplatterand
drinkfromanemptycup,toseekstrengthandricheswherethereisnaughtbutweaknessand
poverty,tolayyetmoreburdensononethatisweigheddownandcrushedwithhisload,to
payanhundredguineaswhenthouhastnotapenny,totaketheshirtoffanakedman,to
oppressthesickandneedywithmoresicknessandneed,etc.
NowwhowouldhavethoughtthattheGalatians,whichhadlearnedsosoundandsopure
adoctrineofsuchanexcellentApostleandteacher,couldbesosuddenlyledawayfromthe
same,andutterlypervertedbythefalseapostles?ItisnotwithoutcausethatIrepeatthisso
often,thattofallawayfromthetruthoftheGospelisaneasymatter.Thereasonis,because
evengodlymendonotsufficientlyconsider,whatapreciousandanecessarytreasurethetrue
knowledgeofChristis.Thereforetheydonotlaborsodiligentlyandsocarefullyasthey
shoulddo,toobtainandtoretainthesame.Moreover,thegreaterpartofthosethathearthe
Word,areexercisedwithnocross[oraffliction]theywrestlenotagainstsin,deathandthe
devil,liveinsecuritywithoutanyconflict.Suchmenbecausetheyarenotprovedandtried
withtemptations,andthereforearenotarmedwiththeWordofGodagainstthesubtletiesof
thedevil,neverfeeltheuseandpoweroftheWord.Indeedwhilsttheyareamongfaithful
ministersandpreachers,theycanfollowtheirwords,andsayastheysay,persuading
themselvesthattheyperfectlyunderstandthematterofjustification.Butwhentheyaregone,
andwolvesinsheepsclothingarecomeintheirplace,ithappenethuntothemasitdidtothe
Galatiansthatistosay,theyaresuddenlyseducedandeasilyturnedbacktoweakand
beggarlyrudiments.
Paulhathherehispeculiarmannerofspeech,whichtheotherApostlesdidnotuse.For
therewasnoneofthembesidesPaul,thatgavesuchnamestothelawtowit,thatitisaweak
andabeggardlyrudiment,thatistosay,utterlyunprofitabletorighteousness.AndsurelyI
durstnothavegivensuchtermsuntothelaw,butshouldhavethoughtitgreatblasphemy
againstGod,ifPaulhadnotdonesobefore.ButofthisIhaveintreatedmorelargelybefore,
whereIshewedwhenthelawisweakandbeggarly,andwhenitismoststrongandrich,etc.
NowifthelawofGodbeweakandunprofitabletojustification,muchmorearethelawsand
decreesofthePopeweakandunprofitabletojustification.NotthatIutterlyrejectand
condemnallhislaws,forIsaythatmanyofthemareusefulforexternaldiscipline,totheend
thatallthingsmaybedoneorderlyintheChurch,thatnodissensions,strife,etc.shouldarise,
evenastheemperorslawsareusefulforthegoodorderofthecommonweal,etc.Butwith
thiscommendationanduseofhislaws,thePopeisnotcontent,butherequirethustobelieve
thatbytheobservationofthemwearejustifiedandsaved.Thiswedeny,andwegive
sentenceagainstthedecrees,lawsandtraditionsofthePope,withsuchboldnessand
assurance,asPauldidagainstthelawofGod,theytheyarenotonlyweakandbeggarly

rudiments,andutterlyunprofitabletorighteousness,butalsoexecrable,accursed,devilishand
damnable:fortheyblasphemegrace,theyoverthrowtheGospel,abolishfaith,takeaway
Christ,etc.
ForasmuchmenasthePoperequireththatweshouldkeephislawsasnecessaryto
salvation,heisveryAntichristandthevicarofSatanandasmanyascleaveuntohim,and
confirmhisabominationsandblasphemies,orkeepthemtothisend,thattherebytheymay
merittheforgivenessoftheirsins,aretheservantsofAntichristandofthedevil.Nowsuch
haththedoctrineofthepapisticalchurchbeenofalongtime,thattheselawsoughttobekept
asnecessarytosalvation.ThusthePopesittethinthetempleofGod,vauntinghimselfas
God:hesettethhimselfagainstGod,andexaltethhimselfaboveallthatiscalledGodor
worshipped,etc.(Thessalonians2:4)andmensconsciencesmorefearedandreverencedthe
lawsandordinancesofthePope,thantheWordofGodandhisordinances.Bythismeanshe
wasmadethelordofheavenandearthandofhell,andbareatriplecrownuponhishead.The
cardinalsalsoandbishopshiscreatures,weremadekingsandprincesoftheworld:and
therefore,ifhedidnotburdenmensconscienceswithhislaws,hecouldnotlongmaintain
histerriblepower,hisdignityandhisriches,buthiswholekingdomwouldquicklyfall.
ThisplacewhichPaulherehandleth,isweightyandofgreatimportance,andtherefore
themorediligentlytobemarkedtowit,thattheywhichfallfromgracetothelaw,doutterly
losetheknowledgeofthetruththeyseenottheirownsinstheyneitherknowGod,nor
themselves,northedevilandmoreovertheyunderstandnottheforceanduseofthelaw,
althoughtheybragneversomuchthattheykeepandobservethesame.Forwithoutthe
knowledgeofgrace,thatistosay,withouttheGospelofChrist,itisimpossibleforamanto
givethisdefinitionofthelaw,thatitisaweakandbeggarlyrudimentandunprofitableto
righteousness.Butratherhejudgethquitecontraryofthelaw:towit,thatitisnotonly
necessarytosalvation,butalsothatitstrengthenethsuchasareweak,andenrichethsuchas
arepoorandbeggarlythatistosay,thatsuchasobeyandobservethesame,shallbeableto
meritrighteousnessandeverlastingsalvation.Ifthisopinionremain,thepromiseofGodis
denied,Christistakenaway,lying,impietyandidolatryisestablished.NowthePope,withall
hisbishops,hisschoolsandwholesynagogue,taughtthathislawsarenecessarytosalvation:
thereforeewasateacherofweakandbeggarlyelements,wherewithhemadetheChurchof
Christthroughoutthewholeworldmostweakandbeggarlythatistosay,heburdenedand
miserablytormentedtheChurchwithhiswickedlaws,defacingChristandburyinghis
Gospel.ThereforeifthouwiltobservethelawsofthePopewithoutoffenseofconscience,see
toitthoukeepthemwithouttheopinionofrighteousnessforrighteousnessisgiventhrough
Christalone.
Whereuntoyewillbeinbondageagain
Thisheaddeth,todeclarethathespeakethofproudandpresumptuoushypocrites,whichseek
tobejustifiedbythelaw,asIhaveshewnbefore.
Forotherwisehecalleththelawholy,good,etc.,as1Timothy1:8:Weknowthatthe
lawisgood,ifamanuseitrightly,thatistosay,civillytobridleevildoers,andspirituallyto
increasetransgressions.ButwhosoeverobserveththelawtoobtainrighteousnessbeforeGod,
makeththelaw,whichisgood,damnableandhurtfuluntohimself.Hereproveththe
Galatianstherefore,becausetheywouldbeinbondagetothelawagain,whichdothnottake
awaysins,butincreaseththem.Forwhilstasinner,beingweakandpoorhimself,seekethto

bejustifiedbythelaw,hefindethnothinginitbutweaknessandpovertyitself.Andheretwo
sickandfeeblebeggarsmeettogether,ofwhomtheoneisnotabletohelpandhealtheother,
butrathermolestethandtroubleththeother.
We,asbeingstronginChrist,willgladlyservethelaw,nottheweakandbeggarly,but
themightyandrichlaw,thatistosay,sofarforthasithathpoweranddominionoverthe
body:forthenweservethelaw,butonlyinourbodyandoutwardmembers,andnotinour
conscience.ButthePoperequireththatweshouldobeyhislawswiththisopinion,thatifwe
dothisorthat,wearerighteousifwedoitnot,wearedamned.Herethelawisnomorethan
aweakandbeggarlyelement.Forwhilstthisbondageoftheconsciencecontinuethunderthe
law,therecanbenothingbutmereweaknessandpoverty.Whereforealltheweightofthe
matterliethinthiswordtoserve.ThemeaningthereforeofPaulisthis,thathewouldnot
havetheconsciencetoserveunderthelawasacaptive,buttobefreeandtohavedominion
overthelaw.FortheconscienceisdeadtothelawthroughChrist,andthelawagainuntothe
conscience.Whereofwehavemorelargelyintreatedaforeinthesecondchapter.
Yeobservedaysandmonths,timesandyears
Bythesewordsheplainlydeclarethwhatthefalseapostlestaught,namely,theobservationof
days,months,timesandyears.Almostallthedoctorshaveinterpretedthisplaceas
concerningtheastrologicaldaysoftheChaldaeans,sayingthattheGentilesindoingbusiness
orawaitingtheissuesoflifeandaffairs,didobservecertainfixeddays,months,etc.,andthat
theGalatiansatthebiddingofthefalseapostlesdidalsothesame.
AndSt.Augustine,whomothersthereafterfollowed,expoundedthesewordsofPaulas
concerningthatGentilecustom,althoughafterwardsheinterpretedthemalsoofthedays,
months,etc.oftheJews.ButPaulhereinstructeththeconsciencethereforehespeakethnot
ofthatGentilecustomofobservingdays,etc.,whichpertainethonlytothebody,buthe
speakethofthelawofGod,andoftheobservationofdays,months,etc.,accordingtothelaw
ofMosesthatistosay,concerningreligiousdays,monthsandseasons,whichtheGalatians
taughtbythefalseapostlesdidobserveuntojustification.ForMoseshadcommandedthe
JewstokeepholytheSabbathday,thenewmoons,thefirstandtheseventhmonth,thethree
appointedtimesorfeasts(namelythePassover,theFeastofWeeks,andoftheTabernacles)
andtheyearofJubilee.TheseceremoniestheGalatianswereconstrainedbythefalseapostles
tokeepasnecessarytorighteousness.Thereforehesaiththatthey,losingthegraceandliberty
whichtheyhadinChrist,wereturnedbacktotheservingofweakandbeggarlyelements.For
theywerepersuadedbythefalseapostles,thattheselawsmustneedsbekept,andbykeeping
ofthemtheyshouldobtainrighteousnessbutiftheykeptthemnot,theyshouldbedamned.
Contrariwise,Paulcaninnowisesufferthatmensconsciencesshouldbeboundtothelawof
Moses,butalwaysdelivereththemfromthelaw.BeholdI,Paul,(saithhe,alittleafterinthe
fifthchapter),dosayuntoyou,thatifyebecircumcised,Christshallprofityounothing
and,Letnomanjudgeyouinmeatordrinkorinrespectofanholiday,ofanewmoonor
sabbathday,etc.(Colossians2:16).SosaithourSaviorChrist:ThekingdomofGodcometh
notwithobservation(Luke17:20).Muchlessthenaremensconsciencestobeburdenedand
snaredwithhumantraditions.Heresomemanmaysay:IftheGalatianssinnedinobserving
daysandseasons,howisitnotsinwhenyedothesame?Ianswer:WeobservetheLords
day,thedayofhisNativity,Easter(Pascha),andsuchlikefeasts,withallliberty,Weburden
notconscienceswiththeseceremonies,neitherteachasthefalseapostlesandthePapistsdid,

thattheyarenecessarytorighteousness,orthatwecanmakesatisfactionforsinsbythembut
wekeepthemtotheendthatallmaybedoneorderlyandwithouttumultintheChurch,and
thatoutwardconcord(forinspiritwehaveanotherconcord)benotbroken,asonceitcameto
passwhentheRomanpontiff,Victor,excommunicatedallthechurchesofAsiafornoother
causethanthattheycelebratedthePaschaldayatanothertimethantheRomanchurch.
IrenaeusreprehendeththisinVictor,asassuredlyitwasworthytobereprehended:foritwas
extrememadnessonaccountofsolightamattertohandoverthechurchesoftheEasttothe
devil.The[true]knowledgeoftheobservationofdaysandseasonswasthusrareevenamong
thegreatestmen.Jeromehaditnot,neitherhadAugustineunderstoodit,ifhehadnotbeen
vexedandexercisedbythePelagians.
ButwechieflyobservesuchfeaststotheendthattheministryoftheWordmaybe
preserved,thatthepeoplemayassemblethemselvesatcertaindaysandtimestohearthe
Word,tocometotheknowledgeofGod,tohavecommunion,topraytogetherforall
necessities,andtogivethankstoGodforallhisbenefitsbothbodilyandspiritual.Anditwas
forthiscauseaboveall,Ibelieve,thattheobsevationoftheLordsday,Easter,Pentecost,etc.
wasinstitutedoftheFathers.
Iaminfearofyou,lestIhavebestowedonyoulaborinvain
HerePaulshewethhimselftobegreatlytroubledthroughthefalloftheGalatianswhomhe
wouldmorebitterlyreprove,butthathefeareth,lestifheshoulddealwiththemmore
sharply,heshouldnotonlynotmakethembetter,butmoreoffendthem,andsoutterly
alienatetheirmindsfromhim.
Thereforeinwritinghechangethandmitigatethhiswordsandasthoughalltheharm
redoundeduntohimself,hesaith:Iaminfearofyou,lestIhavebestowedmylaboronyou
invainthatistosay,itgrievethmethatIhavepreachedtheGospelwithsogreatiligence
andfaithfulnessamongstyou,andseenofruittocomethereof.Notwithstanding,althoughhe
showaverylovingandafatherlyaffectiontowardsthem,yetwithalhechideththem
somewhatsharply,butyetcovertly.Forwhenhesaiththathehadlaboredinvain,thatisto
say,thathehadpreachedtheGospelamongthemwithoutanyfruitheshowethcovertlythat
eithertheywereobstinateunbelievers,orelsewerefallenfromthedoctrineoffaith.Now
boththese,aswellunbelieversasbackslidersfromthedoctrineoffaith,aresinners,wicked,
unrighteousanddamned.Suchthereforedoobeythelawinvain:theyobservedays,months
andyearsinvain.Andinthesewords,Iaminfearofyou,lestIhavebestowedonyoulabor
invain,iscontainedasecretexcommunication.FortheApostlemeanethherebythatthe
GalatiansweresecludedandseparatefromChrist,unlesstheyspeedilyreturnedtosoundand
sinceredoctrineagainyethepronouncednoopensentenceagainstthem.Forheperceived
thathecoulddonogoodwithoversharpdealingwhereforehechangethhisstyle,and
speakeththemfair,saying:
BeyeasIam,forIamasyeare.
Thisplaceisnotdialectical,butfullofaffections,whichmustbehandledrhetorically.
HithertoPaulhadbeenwhollyoccupiedinteaching:andbeingmovedwiththisgreat
enormity[andwickedrevolting]oftheGalatians,hewasvehementlyincensedagainstthem,
andchidthembitterly,callingthemfools,bewitched,notbelievingthetruth,crucifiersof

Christ,etc.NowthegreaterpartofhisEpistlebeingfinished,hebeginnethtoperceivethathe
hadhandledthemtoosharply.Thereforebeingcarefullestheshoulddomorehurtthangood
throughhisseverity,heshoweththatthishissharpchidingproceedethofafatherlyaffection
andatrueapostolicalheart.Andsoheamplifieththematterwithsweetandgentlewords,to
theendthatifhehadoffendedany(asnodoubtthereweremanyoffended),bythesesweet
andlovingwordshemightwinthemagain.
Andherebyhisownexampleheadmonishethallpastorsandministers,thattheyoughtto
bearafatherlyandmotherlyaffection,nottowardsraveningwolves,buttowardsthepoor
sheep,miserablyseducedandgoingastray,patientlybearingwiththeirfaultsandinfirmities,
instructingandrestoringthemwiththespiritofmeekness.Fortheycannotbebroughtinthe
rightwaybyanyothermeansandbyoversharpreprovingandrebukingtheyareprovokedto
anger,orelsetodesperation,butnottorepentance.Andhereistobenotedbymeway,that
suchisthenatureandfruitoftrueandsounddoctrine,thatwhenitiswelltaughtandwell
understood,itjoienthmensheartstogetherwithasingularconcord.Butwhenmenreject
godlyandsinceredoctrine,andembraceerrors,thisunityandconcordissoonbroken.
Thereforeassoonasthouseestthybrethrenseducedbyvainandfantasticalspirits,tofall
fromthearticleofjustification,thoushaltperceivematbyandbytheywillpursuethefaithful
withbitterhatred,whombeforetheymosttenderlyloved.
Thiswefindtobetrueatthisdayinourfalsebrethren,theSacramentariansand
Anabaptists,whoatthebeginningofthereformationoftheGospel,weregladtohearusand
readourbookswithgreatzealandaffection.TheyacknowledgedthegiftoftheHolyGhostin
us,andreverencedusforthesame,asministersofGod.Someofthemalsolivedfamiliarly
withusforatime,andbehavedthemselvesverymodestlyandsoberlyamongus.Butwhen
theyweredepartedfromusandpervertedbytheSectaries,theyshowedthemselvesmore
bitterenemiestoourdoctrineandournamethananyotherforalthoughtheyhatedthe
Papists,theyhatedusyetmore.Idomuchandoftenmarvelwhereupontheyshouldconceive
suchadeadlyhatredagainstus,whomtheybeforesodearlyandsotenderlylovedforwe
offendedthemnotinanythingnorgavethemanyoccasiontohateus.Yea,theyare
constrainedtoconfessthatwedesirenothingmore,thanthatthegloryofGodmaybe
advanced,thebenefitofChristtrulyknown,andthetruthoftheGospelpurelytaught,which
Godhathnowagainintheselatterdaysrevealedbyusuntothisunthankfulworldwhich
thingshouldratherprovokethemtoloveusthantohateus.Imarvelthereforenotwithout
cause,whereofthischangecometh.Verilythereisnoothercause,butthattheyhavegotten
untothemselvesnewmastersandharkenedtonewteachers,whosepoisonhathsoinfected
them,thatnowofveryfriendstheyarebecomeourmortalenemies.AndIseethecondition
oftheApostlesandallotherfaithfulministerstobesuch,thattheirdisciplesandhearers
beingonceinfectedwiththeerrorsofthe[falseapostlesand]heretics,haveanddoset
themselvesagainstthem,andbecometheirenemies.Therewereveryfewamongstthe
GalatianswhichcontinuedinthesounddoctrineoftheApostle.Alltherestbeingseducedby
thefalseapostles,didnotacknowledgePaulfortheirpastorandteacheranymoreyea,there
wasnothingmoreodiousuntothemthanthenameanddoctrineofPaul.AndIfearme,that
thisEpistlebroughtveryfewofthembackagainfromtheirerror.
Ifthelikecaseshouldhappentousthatistosay,ifinourabsenceourchurchshouldbe
seducedbyfantasticalheads,andweshouldwritehither,notoneortwo,butmanyepistles,
weshouldprevaillittleornothingatall.
Ourmen(afewonlyexceptedofthestrongersort)wouldusethemselvesnootherwise

towardsus,thantheydoatthisdaywhichareseducedbytheSectarieswhowouldsooner
worshipthePope,thantheywouldobeyouradmonitionsorapproveourdoctrine.Noman
shallpersuadethemtheyrejectChrist,andreturnagaintoweakandbeggarlyelements,andto
thosewhichbynaturearenogods.Theycanabidenothingless,thantohearthattheir
teachers,bywhomtheyareseduced,areoverthrowersoftheGospelofChrist,andtroublers
ofmensconsciencesandofthechurches.TheLutheransonly(saythey)arenotwise,they
alonedonotpreachChrist,theyalonehavenottheHolyGhost,thegiftofprophecy,andthe
trueunderstandingoftheScriptures.ourteachersareinnothinginferioruntothemyea,in
manythingstheyexcelthem,becausetheyfollowtheSpiritandteachspiritualthings.
Contrariwise[theLutherans]neveryettastedwhattruedivinitymeant,butstickintheletter,
andthereforetheyteachnothingbutthecatechism,faith,andcharity,etc.Wherefore(asIam
wonttosay),likeastofallinfaithisaneasymatter,soisitmostperilous,towit,evenfrom
thehighheavenintothedeeppitofhell.Itisnotsuchasproperlyfolloweththenatureof
man,asmurder,adultery,andsuchlikebutdevilishandtheproperworkofthedevil.For
theywhichsofall,cannotbeeasilyrecovered,butmostcommonlytheycontinueperverseand
obstinateintheirerror.Thereforethelatterendofthosemenisworsethanthebeginning,as
ourSaviorChristwitnessethwhenhesaith:Theuncleanspiritbeingcastoutofhishouse,
whenhereturneth,heenterethinagainnotalone,buttakethuntohimsevenspiritsworsethan
himself,andtheredwelleth,etc.(Matthew12:43ff.).
PaulthereforeperceivingthroughtherevelationoftheHolyGhost,thatitwastobe
fearedlestthemindsoftheGalatians,whomofagodlyzealhehadcalledfoolishand
bewitchedetc.,bythissharpchidingshouldratherbestirredupagainsthim,thanamended
(especiallysincehenowknewthatthefalseapostleswereamongthem,whowouldexpound
thissharpchidingwhichproceededfromafatherlyaffection,untotheworst,cryingout:Now
Paul,whichsomeofyousogreatlypraise,shewethwhatheis,andwithwhatspiritheisled
who,whenhewaswithyou,wouldseemtobeuntoyouafather,buthislettersshowinhis
absencethatheisatyrant,etc.).Thereforeheissotroubledthroughagodlycareandfatherly
affection,thathecannotwelltellhowandwhattowritetothem.Foritisadangerousthing
foramantodefendhiscausebyletteragainstthosewhichareabsent,andhavenowbegunto
hatehim,andarepersuadedbyothersthathiscauseisnotgood.Thereforebeingingreat
perplexity,hesaithalittleafter:Iamtroubled[andatmywitsend]foryourcausethatis,I
knownotwhattodo,orhowtodealwithyou.
BeyeasIam,forIamasyeare.
Thesewordsaretobeunderstood,notofdoctrine,butofaffections.
Thereforethemeaningisnot:BeyeasIam,thatistosay,thinkofdoctrineasIdo,but:
BearsuchanaffectiontowardsmeasIdotowardsyou.Asthoughhewouldsay:PerhapsI
havetoosharplychiddenyou,butpardonthismysharpness,andjudgenotmyheartbymy
words,butmywordsbytheaffectionofmyheart.Mywordsseemrough,andmy
chastisementsharp,butmyheartislovingandfatherly.Therefore,OmyGalatians,takethis
mychidingwithsuchamindasIbeartowardsyou:forthematterrequiredthatIshouldshow
myselfsosharpandseveretowardsyou.
Evensomaywealsosayofourselves.Ourcorrectionissevere,andourmannerof
writingsharpandvehementbutcertainlythereisnobitternessinourheart,noenvy,no
desireofrevengeagainstouradversariesbutthereisinusagodlycarefulnessandsorrowof

spirit.WedonotsohatethePopeandothererroneousspirits,thatwewishanyevilunto
them,ordesiretheirdestructionbutratherwedesirethattheymayreturnagaintotheright
way,andbesavedtogetherwithus.Theschoolmasterchastiseththescholar,nottohurthim,
buttoreformhim.Therodissharp,butcorrectionisnecessaryforthechild,andtheheartof
himthatcorrecteth,lovingandfriendly.Sothefatherchastisethhisson,nottodestroyhim
buttoreformandamendhim.Stripesaresharpandgrievoustothechild,butthefathers
heartislovingandkind:andunlesshelovedhischild,hewouldnotchastisehim,butcast
himoff,despairofhiswelfareandsufferhimtoperish.Thiscorrectionthereforewhichhe
givethtohischild,isatokenoffatherlyaffection,andisveryprofitableforthechild.Even
so,OmyGalatians,thinkyelikewiseofmydealingtowardsyou:thenyewillnotjudgemy
chidingtobesharpandbitter,butprofitableforyou.Allchastisementforthepresenttime
seemethnottobejoyous,butgrievous:butafterwards,etc.(Hebrews12:11).Letthesame
affectionthereforebeinyoutowardsmewhichIbeartowardsyou.Ibearalovingheart
towardsyou:thesameIdesireagainofyou.
Thushespeakeththemfair,andwiththisfairspeechhestillcontinueth,thathemight
pacifytheirmindswhichwerestirredupagainsthimbyhissharpchiding.Notwithstanding
herevokethnothisseverewords.Indeedheconfesseththattheyweresharpandbitter:but
necessity(saithhe)compelledmetoreprehendyousomewhatsharplyandseverely.Butthat
whichIdid,proceededofasincereandlovinghearttowardsyou.Thephysiciangivetha
bitterpotiontohispatient,nottohurthim,buttocurehim.Ifthenthebitternessofthe
medicine,whichisgiventothesickbody,isnottobeimputedtothephysician,buttothe
medicineandthemaladyjudgeyealsoinlikemannerofmysevereandsharpreprehension.
Brethren,Ibeseechyou:yehavenothurtmeatall
IsthistobeseechtheGalatians,whenhecalleththembewitched,disobedienttothetruth,and
crucifiersofChrist?Itseemethrathertobeagreatrebuke.Butcontrariwise,Paulsaiththatit
isnorebuke,butanearnestbeseechingandindeedsoitis.Anditisasmuchasifhesaid:I
confessthatIhavechiddenyousomewhatbitterlybuttakeitingoodpart,andthenshallye
findthismychidingtobenochiding,butaprayingandabeseeching.Ifafatherlikewisedo
sharplycorrecthisson,itisasmuchasifhesaid:Myson,Ipraytheetobeagoodchild,etc.
Itseemethindeedtobeacorrectionbutifyerespectthefathersheart,itisagentleand
earnestbeseeching.
Yehavenothurtmeatall
Asifhesaid:WhyshouldIbeangrywithyou,orofamaliciousmindspeakevilofyou,
seeingyehavenothingoffendedme?Whythensayestthouthatweareperverted,thatwe
haveforsakenthydoctrine,thatwearefoolish,bewitched,etc.?Thesethingsdowitnessthat
wehaveoffendedthee.Heanswereth:Yehavenotoffendedme,butyourselves,and
thereforeIamthustroubled,notformineowncause,butfortheloveIbearuntoyou.Think
notthereforethatmychidingdidproceedofmaliceoranyevilaffection.ForItakeGodto
witness,yehavedonemenowrong,butcontrariwiseyehavebestowedgreatbenefitsupon
me.
Thusspeakingthemfair,heprepareththeirmindstosufferhisfatherlychastisementwith
achildlikeaffection.Andthisistotemperwormwoodorabitterpotionwithhoneyandsugar,

tomakeitsweetagain.Soparentsspeaktheirchildrenfairwhentheyhavewellbeatenthem,
givingthemapples,pearsandotherlikethings,wherebythechildrenknowthattheirparents
lovethemandseektodothemgood,howsharpsoevertheircorrectiondothappear.
Andyeknowhowthroughtheinfirmityoftheflesh,Ipreachedthegospeluntoyouat
thefirst.Andthetrialofmewhichwasinmyflesh,yedespisednot,neitherabhorred,
butyereceivedmeasanangelofGod,yeaasChristJesus.
NowhedeclarethwhatpleasurehehadreceivedoftheGalatians.Thefirstbenefit(saithhe),
whichIesteemasthegreatestofall,wasthis:WhenIbeganfirsttopreachtheGospel
amongstyou,andthatthroughtheinfirmityofthefleshandgreattemptations,mycrossdid
nothingatalloffendyoubutyeshowedyourselvessoloving,sokindandsofriendlytowards
me,thatnotonlyyewerenotoffendedwiththismyinfirmityoftheflesh,withmy
temptationsandafflictionswherewithIwasalmostoverwhelmed,butalsoyelovedme
dearly,andreceivedmeasanangelofGod,yearatheratChristJesushimself.Thisisindeed
agreatcommendationoftheGalatians,thattheyreceivedtheGospelofamanso
contemptibleandafflictedoneverysideasPaulwas.ForwherehepreachedtheGospel
amongstthem,boththeJewsandGentilesmurmuredandragedagainsthim.Forallthe
mighty,wise,religiousandlearnedmen,hated,persecutedandblasphemedPaul.Withallthis
theGalatianswerenowitoffended,but,turningtheireyesfromthebeholdingofthis
infirmity,thesetemptationsanddangers,theydidnotonlyhearthatpoor,despised,wretched
andafflictedPaul,andacknowledgedthemselvestobehisdisciples,butalsotheyreceived
andheardhimasanangelofGod,yeaasJesusChristhimself.Thisisaworthy
commendationandasingularvirtueoftheGalatians,andindeedsuchacommendationashe
givethtononeofallthosetowhomhewrote,besidestheseGalatians.
JeromeandcertainotheroftheancientfathersexpoundthisinfirmityofthefleshinPaul,
tobesomediseaseofthebody,orsometemptationoflust.Thesegoodfatherslivedwhenthe
Churchwasoutwardlyinapeaceableandprosperousstate,withoutanycrossorpersecution.
Forthenthebishopsbegantoincreaseinriches,estimationandgloryintheworldandmany
alsoexercisedtyrannyoverthepeoplewhichwerecommittedtotheircharge,asthe
ecclesiasticalhistorywitnesseth.Fewdidtheirduty,andtheythatwouldseemtodoit,
forsakingthedoctrineoftheGospel,setforththeirowndecreestothepeople.Now,whenthe
pastorsandbishopsarenotexercisedwiththeWordofGod,butneglectthepureandsincere
preachingthereof,theymustneedsfallintosecurity:fortheyarenotexercisedwith
temptations,withthecrossandpersecutions,whicharewontalwaysundoubtedlytofollow
thepurepreachingoftheWord.
ThereforeitwasimpossiblethattheyshouldunderstandPaul.Butwebythegraceof
God,havesoundandsinceredoctrine,whichalsowepreachandteachfreely,andtherefore
arecompelledtosufferthebitterhatred,afflictionsandpersecutionsofthedevilandthe
world.Andifwewerenotexercisedoutwardlybytyrantsandhereticswithforceandsubtilty,
andinwardlywithterrorsandthefierydartsofthedevil,Paulshouldbeasobscureand
unknownuntousashewasintimespasttothewholeworld,andyetistothePapists,the
Anabaptists,andotheradversaries.
ThereforethegiftofknowledgeandinterpretationoftheScriptures,andourstudy,
togetherwithourtowardandoutwardtemptations,openuntousthemeaningofPaul,andthe
senseofalltheholyScriptures.

Paulthereforecalleththeinfirmityoftheflesh,nodisease[ofthebody]or[temptation
of]lust,buthissufferingandafflictionwhichbesustainedinhisbodywhichhesetteth
againstthevirtueandpoweroftheSpirit.ButlestweshouldseemtowrestandpervertPauls
words,letushearhimselfspeakingin2Corinthians12:VerygladlywillIrejoiceratherin
mineinfirmities,thatthepowerofChristmaydwellinme.ThereforeItakepleasurein
infirmities,inreproaches,innecessities,inpersecutions,inanguishforChristssake:for
whenIamweak,thenamIstrong.Andintheeleventhchapter:Inlaborsmoreabundant,in
stripesabovemeasure,inprisonsmoreplenteous,indeathsoft.OftheJewsfivetimes
receivedIfortystripessaveone,Iwasthricebeatenwithrods.Iwasoncestoned,Isuffered
thriceshipwreck,etc.Theseafflictionswhichhesufferedinhisbodyhecalleththeinfirmity
oftheflesh,andnotanycorporaldisease.Asthoughhewouldsay:WhenIpreachedthe
Gospelamongstyou,IwasoppressedwithsundryevilsandafflictionsIwasalwaysin
dangerbothoftheJewsandoftheGentiles,andalsooffalsebrethrenIsufferedhunger,and
wantedallthingsIwastheveryfilthandoffscouringoftheworld.Hemakethmentionof
thishisinfirmityinmanyplaces,asin1Corinthians4Corinthians4,6,11,12,andinmany
other.
WeseethenthatPaulcallethinfirmitiesofthefleshtheafflictionswhichhesufferedin
theflesh,likeastheotherApostles,theprophets,andallgodlymendidnotwithstandinghe
wasmightyinspirit.ForthepowerofChristwasinhim,whichalwaysreignedandtriumphed
throughhim.
Whichthinghetestifiethin2Corinthians12inthesewords:forwhenIamweak,then
amIstrongalso:Iwillgladlyrejoiceinmyinfirmities,thatthepowerofChristmaydwell
inmeandinthesecondchapter:ThanksbetoGodwhoalwaysmakethustotriumphin
Christ.Asthoughhewouldsay:Indeedthedevil,theunbelievingJews,andtheGentilesrage
cruellyagainstusnotwithstandingwecontinueconstantandinvincibleagainstalltheir
assaults,andwilltheynillthey,ourdoctrineprevailethandtriumpheth.Thiswasthestrength
andpowerofspiritinPaul,againstwhichhesettethheretheinfirmityandbondageofthe
flesh.
Nowthisinfirmityofthefleshinthegodlydothwonderfullyoffendreason.
ThereforePaulsohighlycommendeththeGalatians,becausetheywerenotoffendedwith
thisgreatinfirmity,andthesevile[andcontemptible]formsofthecrosswhichtheysawin
himoutreceivedhimasanangel,yeaasChristJesus.AndChristhimselfalsoarmeththe
faithfulagainstthesebase[andcontemptible]formsofthecrossinwhichheappeared,when
hesaithBlessedishethatisnotoffendedinme(Matthew11:6).Andsurelyitisagreat
matter,thattheywhichbelieveinhim,doacknowledgehimtobeLordofall,andSaviorof
theworldwhomnotwithstandingtheyheartohavebeenthemostmiserableofallothers,the
leastofmen,yeaaveryscornofmen,andacontemptofthepeople(Psalm22:7):briefly,
despisedandhatedofallmen,andcondemnedtothedeathofthecrossandevenofhisown
people,andespeciallyofthosethatwere[esteemed]thebest,thewisestandholiestofall
other.Thisisagreatmatter,Isay,nottobemovedwiththesegreatoffenses,andtobeable,
notonlytocontemnthem,butalsotoesteemthispoorChrist,sospitefullyscorned,spitupon,
whippedandcrucified,morethantherichesofalltherichest,thestrengthofallthestrongest,
thewisdomofallthewisest,theholinessofalltheholiestmen,withallthecrownsand
sceptresofallthekingsandprincesofthewholeworld.Theythereforeareworthilycalled
blessedofChrist,whicharenotoffendedinhim.SoitwasagreatthingthattheGalatians
werenotoffendedbythatmostoffensiveinfirmityandthosecontemptibleformsofthecross,

whichtheysawinPaul,butreceivedhimasanangel,andasJesusChrist.Moreover,asChrist
saiththathisdisciplescontinuedwithhiminhistemptations,soPaulsaiththattheGalatians
didnotdespisehistemptationswhichheboreintheflesh.Notwithoutcause,therefore,doth
hepraisethemsohighly.
NowPaulhadnotonlyoutwardtemptations(whereofIhavespokenalready),butalso
inwardandspiritualtemptations,asChristhadinthegardensuchasthatwaswhereofhe
complainethin2Corinthians12,namely,thesko>loyinthefleshandtheangelofSatan
whichbuffetedhim.ThisIsaybytheway,becausethePapists,seeingthattheLatin
translationhathstimulumcarnis,haveinterpretedthisstimulumasamotionofcarnallust.
ButintheGreekitisskoloy,whichsignifiethagoadorasharppointedstake.Itwas
thereforeaspiritualtemptation.Andhereinisnorepugnance,inthatheaddedthisword
flesh,saying:Aprickwasgivenmeintheflesh.Yeahecallethitofpurposeaprickinthe
flesh.
FortheGalatiansandotherswhichwereconversantwithPaul,hadseenhimoftentimes
ingreatheaviness,anguishandterror.WhereforetheApostleshadnotonlybodily,butalso
spiritualtemptationswhichalsoheconfessethin2Corinthians7withthesewords:
Fightingswithout,andterrorswithin.AndLukesaithinthelastoftheActs,thatPaul,when
hehadlongstriveninthetempestsofthesea,evenuntotheheavinessofhisspirit,wasagain
refreshed,andwaxedboldwhenhesawthebrethrenthatcamefromRometomeethimatthe
marketofAppiusandThreeTaverns.
Also,inPhilippians2,heconfesseththatGodhadmercyuponhim,inthatherestored
Epaphroditussoweakandneartodeath,untohealthagain,lestheshouldhavesorrowupon
sorrow.Thereforebesidesoutwardtemptationsofthebody,theApostlesalsosuffered
anguishandheavinessofspirit.
ButwhysaithPaulthathewasnotdespisedoftheGalatians?Itseemeththatthey
despisedhim,whentheyfellawayfromhisGospel.Paulexpoundethhimself:WhenIfirst
preachedtoyoutheGospel(saithhe)yedidnotasotherpeoplehavedone,who,being
greatlyoffendedthroughthismyinfirmityandtemptationoftheflesh,havedespisedand
rejectedme.Formansreasonissoonoffendedwiththesevileandcontemptibleformsofthe
cross,andjudgeththosetobestarkmad,which[beingsoafflicted]willgoabouttocomfort,
tohelp,andtosuccorothersalso,thosethatboastoftheirgreatriches,thatistosay,of
righteousness,strength,victoryoversin,death,andallevils,ofjoy,salvation,andeverlasting
life,andyetnotwithstandingareneedy,weak,heavyhearted,anddespised,evilintreatedand
slain(notbythemultitude,butbythemthatarehighestinchurchandstate)asverynoisome
poisonsbothofcommonwealsandreligionandtheywhichkillthem,thinktheydohigh
serviceuntoGod(John16:2).Therefore,whentheypromiseuntootherseternaltreasures,and
theythemselvesperishsowretchedlybeforetheworld,theyarelaughedtoscorn,and
compelledtohear:Physician,curethyself(Luke4:23).Andhereofcomethesecomplaints
whichareeverywhereinthePsalms:Iamaworm,andnoman,etc.,and:Departnotfrom
me,fortribulationisathand,andthereisnonetohelp,etc.(Psalm22:6,11).
ThisisthereforeagreatcommendationoftheGalatians,thattheywerenotoffendedwith
thisinfirmityandtemptationofPaul,butreceivedhimasanangelofGod,yeaasJesus
Christ.ItisindeedagreatvirtueandworthyofgreatpraisetoheartheApostlesbutitisa
greater,andatrueChristianvirtue,togiveearuntoonesomiserable,weakandcontemptible
asPaulwasamongtheGalatians(asherehewithessethofhimself),andtoreceivehimasan
angelfromheaven,andtogivehimsuchhonorasifhehadbeenChristJesushimself,andnot

beoffendedwithhisafflictions,beingsogreatandsomany.Whereforebythesewordshe
highlycommendeththevirtueoftheGalatians,whichhesaithhewillkeepinperpetual
remembrance,andsogreatlyesteemeththesame,thathedesirethitmaybeknownuntoall
men.Notwithstanding,insettingforthsohighlytheirbenefitsandpraises,heshoweth
covertlyhowentirelytheylovedhimbeforethecomingofthefalseapostles,andtherewithal
hemoveththemtocontinueastheybegan,andtoembracehimwithnolessloveand
reverencethantheydidbefore.
Andherebyitmayalsoappear,thatthefalseapostleshadgreaterauthorityamongthe
GalatiansthanPaulhimselfhadfortheGalatians,beingmovedwiththeirauthoritypreferred
themfarabovePaul,whombeforetheysodearlyloved,andreceivedasanangelofGod,etc.

Whatwasthenyourfelicity?
Asifhewouldsay:Howhappywereyecounted!Howmuchwereyethenpraisedand
commended!ThelikemannerofspeechwehaveinthesongoftheVirginMary:All
generationsshallcallmeblessed(Luke1:48).
Andthesewords,Whatwasthenyourfelicity?containinthemacertainvehemency.As
ifheshouldsay:Yewerenotonlyblessed,butinallthingsmostblessedandhighly
commended.Thushegoethabouttoqualifyandmitigatehisbitterpotion,thatistosay,his
sharpchiding,fearinglesttheGalatiansshouldbeoffendedtherwithespeciallyseeinghe
knewthatthefalseapostleswouldslanderhim,andmostspitefullyinterprethiswords.
Forthisisthequalityandnatureofthesevipers,thattheywillslanderandmaliciously
pervertthosewordswhichproceedfromasimpleandsincereheart,andwrestthemclean
contrarytothetruesenseandmeaningthereof.
Theyaremarvellouscunningworkmeninthismatter,farpassingallthewitand
eloquenceofalltherhetoriciansintheworld.Fortheyareledwithawickedspirit,whichso
bewitcheththem,thattheybeinginflamedwithadevilishrageagainstthefaithful,canno
otherwisedo,butmaliciouslyinterpretandwickedlyperverttheirwordsandwritings.
Thereforetheyarelikeuntothespider,thatsuckethvenomoutofsweetandpleasantflowers,
whichproceedethnotoftheflowers,butoftheirownvenomousnature,[whichturneththat
intopoisonthatofitselfisgoodandwholesome].Paul,therefore,bythesemildandsweet
wordsgoethabouttopreventthefalseapostles,totheendtheyshouldhavenooccasionto
slanderandperverthiswordsafterthismanner:Paulhandlethyouveryurgently,hecalleth
youfoolish,bewitched,anddisobedienttothetruth,whichisasuretokenthatheseekethnot
yoursalvation,butaccountethyouasdamnedandrejectedofChrist,etc.
ForIbearyourecord,thatifithadbeenpossible,yewouldhavepluckedoutyourown
eyes,andhavegiventhemtome
HepraiseththeGalatiansabovemeasure.Yedidnotonlyintreatme(saithhe)most
courteouslyandwithallreverence,receivingmeasanangelofGod,etc.,butalsoifnecessity
hadrequiredyewouldhavepluckedoutyourowneyesandgiventhemuntomeyea,you
wouldhavebestowedyourlivesforme.AndindeedtheGalatiansbestowedtheirlivesfor

him:forinthattheyreceivedandmaintainedPaul(whomtheworldaccountedmostexecrable
andaccursed)theyturnedupontheirownheads,asreceiversandmaintainersofPaul,the
cruelhatredandindignationofalltheGentilesandJews.
SoalsoatthisdaythenameofLutherismostodioustotheworld.Hethatpraisethme,
sinnethworsethananyidolater,blasphemer,perjurer,whoremonger,adulterer,murderer,or
thief.Itmustneedsbe,therefore,thattheGalatianswerewellestablishedinthedoctrineand
faithofChrist,seeingthattheywithsogreatdangeroftheirlivesreceivedandmaintained
Paul,whichwashatedthroughoutalltheworldforelsetheywouldneverhavesustainedthat
cruelhatredofthewholeworld.
AmIthereforebecomeyourenemybecauseItellyouthetruth?
HereheshoweththereasonwhyhespeakeththeGalatianssofair.Forhesuspecteththatthey
takehimfortheirenemy,becausehehadreprovedthemsosharply.Iprayyou(saithhe),set
aparttheserebukes,andseparatethemfromdoctrine,andyeshallfindthatmypurposewas
nottorebukeyou,buttoteachyouthetruth.IndeedIconfessthatmyepistleissharpand
severebutbythisseverityIgoabouttocallyoubackagaintothetruthoftheGospel,from
thewhichyearefallen,andtokeepyouinthesamethereforeapplythissharpnessandthis
bitterpotion,nottoyourpersons,buttoyourdiseaseandjudgemenottobeyourenemyin
rebukingyousosharply,butratherthinkthatIamyourfather:forunlessIlovedyoudearly
asmychildren,andknewalsothatIambelovedofyou,Iwouldnothavereprovedyouso
sharply.
Itisthepartofafriendfreelytoadmonishhisfriendifhedoamiss,andwhenheisso
admonished,ifhebewise,heisnotangrywiththeotherwhichhathsofriendlyadmonished
himandtoldhimthetruth,butgivethhimthanks.Itiscommonlyseenintheworldthattruth
bringethhatred,andthatheisaccountedanenemywhichspeakeththetruth.Butamongst
friendsitisnotsomuchlessamongstChristians.SeeingthereforeIhavereprehendedyouof
merelove,totheendyemightabideinthetruth,yeoughtnottobeoffendedwithme,nor
losethetruth,orthinkmeyourenemybecauseofmyfriendlyandfatherlyreprehension.All
thesethingsarespokenofPaultoconfirmthatwhichwassaidbefore:BeyeasIam.
Yehavenothurtmeetc.
Theyarejealousoveryouamiss
Hereprovethheretheflatteryofthefalseapostles.ForSataniswont,byhisministers,
throughwonderfulsubtiltyandcraftysleightstobeguilethesimple,asPaulsaith:Withfair
speechandflatterytheydeceivetheheartsofthesimple(Romans16:18).Forfirstofallthey
makegreatprotestationsthattheyseeknothingelsebuttheadvancementofGodsgloryand
moreover,thattheyaremovedbytheSpirit(becausethemiserablepeopleareneglected,or
elsebecausethetruthisnotpurelytaughtofothers)toteachtheinfallibletruth,thatbythis
meanstheelectmaybedeliveredfromerror,andmaycometothetruelightandknowledge
ofthetruth.Moreover,theypromiseundoubtedsalvationtothosethatreceivetheirdoctrine.
Ifvigiliantandfaithfulpastorsdonotwithstandtheseraveningwolves,theywilldogreat
harmtotheChurchunderthispretenseofgodlinessandunderthissheepsclothing.Forthe
Galatiansmightsay:Whydostthouinveighsobitterlyagainstourteachers,forthattheybe
jealousoverus?Forthatwhichtheydo,theydoofzealandmerelove:thisoughtnotto

offendthee,etc.Indeed(saithhe)theyarejealousoveryou,buttheirjealousyisnotgood.So
atthisdaywearecompelledtohearfromtheSacramentariansthatwebyourobstinacydo
offendagainstcharityandbreakthepeaceofthechurches,becausewerejecttheirdoctrineof
theLordsSupper.Itwerebetter,saythey,thatweshouldletitpass,especiallyseengtherebe
nodangerinit,thanthatweshouldforthesakeofthisonearticleofdoctrine(andthatnotthe
chiefest)stirupsogreatdiscordsandcontentionsintheChurchespeciallyseeingtheydissent
fromusinnootherarticleofdoctrinesavethisoftheLordsSupper.TothisIreply:Cursed
bethatcharityandconcordwhichcannotbepreservedbutattheperiloftheWordofGod.
SothefalseapostlesfeignedthattheydidferventlylovetheGalatians,andweremoved
withacertaindivinezealtowardsthem.Nowzealproperlysignifiethanangrylove,orasye
wouldsay,jealousy.Eliassaith:IhavebeenveryjealousfortheLordofHosts(1Kings
19:14).Afterthismannerthehusbandisjealoustowardshiswife,thefathertowardshisson,
thebrothertowardshisbrother,thatistosay,theylovethemferventlyyetso,thattheyhate
theirvices,andgoabouttomendthem.
SuchazealthefalseapostlespretendedtobeartowardstheGalatians.Paulindeed
alloweththattheyboreaferventlovetowardstheGalatians,andwereveryjealousforthem
buttheirzeal(saithhe)wasnotgood.Now,bythiscolorandsubtlepretensethesimpleare
deceived,whentheseseducersdomakethemtobelievethattheybearagreatzealand
affectiontowardsthem,andthattheyareverycarefulforthemPaulthereforewarnethus
heretoputadifferencebetwixtagoodzealandanevilzeal.Indeedagoodzealistobe
commended,butnotanevilzeal.Iamaszealousoveryou(saithPaul)astheynowjudgeye
whichofourzealsisbetter,mineortheirswhichisgoodandgodlywhichisevilandcarnal.
Thereforeletnottheirzealsoeasilyseduceyoufor:
Theywouldexcludeyou,thatyoushouldaltogetherlovethem
Asifhesaid:Trueitisthattheyareveryzealoustowardsyou,butbythismeanstheyseek
thatyeagainshouldbezealoustowardsthemandrejectme.Iftheirzealweresincereand
godly,thensurelytheywouldbecontentthatIshouldbebelovedofyouaswellasthey.But
theyhateourdoctrine,andthereforetheirdesireisthatitmaybeutterlyabolished,andtheir
ownpreachedamongstyou.Now,totheendtheymightbringthistopass,theygoaboutby
thisjealousytopluckyourheartsfromme,andtomakemeodiousuntoyou,thatwhenye
haveconceivedanhatredagainstmeandmydoctrine,andturnedyouraffectionandzeal
towardsthem,yeshouldlovethemonly,andreceivenootherdoctrinebuttheirs.Thushe
bringeththefalseapostlesintosuspicionamongtheGalatians,showingthatbythisgoodly
pretensetheygoabouttodeceivethem.SoourSaviorChristalsowarnethus,saying:Take
heedoffalseprophets,whichcometoyouinsheepsclothing(Matthew7:15).
Paulsufferedthesametemptationwhichwesufferatthisday.Hewasmarvellously
troubledwiththisenormity,thatafterthepreachingofhisgoodandwholesomedoctrine,he
sawsomanysects,commotions,dissipationsofcommonweals,changesofkingdoms,and
otherlikethings,toensue,whichwerethecauseofinfiniteevilsandoffenses.Hewas
accusedbytheJewstobeaperniciousfellow,amoverofseditioninhiswholenation,andto
beanauthorofthesectoftheNazarenes(Acts24:5).Asiftheyhadsaid:Thisisaseditious
andablasphemousfellowforhepreachethsuchthingswherebyhenotonlyoverthroweththe
Jewishcommonwealth,excellentlywellorderedandestablishedbythelawsofGodbutalso
abolishetheventheTenCommandments,thereligionandserviceofGod,andourpriesthood,

andpublisheththroughouttheworldtheGospel(ashecallethit)whereofaresprunginfinite
evils,seditions,offenses,andsects.HewascompelledtohearoftheGentilesalso,which
criedoutagainsthiminPhilippi,thathewasatroublerofthecity,,andpreachedcustoms
whichwerenotlawfulforthemtoreceive(Acts16:20f.).
Suchtroublesofcommonwealsandothercalamities,asfamine,wars,dissensions,and
sects,theJewsandGentilesimputedtothedoctrineofPaulandoftheotherApostlesand
thereforetheypersecutedthemascommonplagues,andenemiesofthepublicpeaceandof
religion.TheApostles,notwithstandingallthis,didnotceasetodotheiroffice,butmost
constantlypreachedandconfessedChrist.FortheyknewthattheyshouldratherobeyGod
thanmen(Acts5:29)andthatitwasbetterthatthewholeworldshouldbetroubledandinan
uproar,thanthatChristshouldnotbepreached,orthatonesoulshouldbeneglectedand
perish.
Inthemeantimeitwas(nodoubt)aheavycrosstotheApostlestoseetheseoffensesfor
theywerenotmadeofiron.Itwasawonderfulgriefuntothem,thatthatpeopleforwhose
sakesPaulwishedtobeseparatefromChrist,shouldperishwithalltheirornaments(Romans
9).Theysawthatgreattumultsandchangesofkingdomsshouldfollowtheirdoctrineand
(whichwasmorebitteruntothemthandeathitself,butespeciallyuntoPaul)theysawthat
evenamongstthemtheresprangupmanysects.ItwasheavynewstoPaulwhenheheardthat
theCorinthiansdeniedtheresurrectionofthedeadwhenheheardthatthechurcheswhich
wereplantedbyhisministryweretroubledthattheGospelwasoverthrownbythefalse
apostles,andthatallAsiawasrevoltedfromhisdoctrine,andcertaingreatpersonages
besides.
Butheknewthathisdoctrinewasnotthecauseoftheseoffensesandsects,andtherefore
hewasnotdiscouraged,heforsooknothisvocation,butwentforwardknowingthatthe
Gospelwhichhepreached,wasthepowerofGodtosalvationtoallthatbelieve,howsoeverit
seemtotheJewsandGentilestobeafoolishandoffensivedoctrine(Romans1:16).
HeknewthattheyareblessedwhicharenotoffendedbythisWordoftheCross,whether
theybeteachersorhearers,asChristhimselfsaith:Blessedishewhichisnotoffendedin
me.Contrariwiseheknewthattheywerecondemned,whichjudgedthisdoctrinetobe
foolishandheretical.
Thereforeheboldlysaid(asChristdid)oftheJewsandGentileswhichwereoffended
withthisdoctrine:Letthemalone,theyareblindandleadersoftheblind(Matthew15:14).
Wealsoareconstrainedatthisdaytohearthesamespokenofus,whichwassaidofPaul
andtheotherApostlestowit,thatthedoctrineoftheGospelwhichweprofess,isthecause
ofmanyandgreatevils,asofseditions,wars,sects,andinnumerableoffenses.Yea,they
imputeuntousallthetroubleswhichareatthisday.Assuredlyweteachnoheresiesor
wickeddoctrine,butwepreachthegladtidingsconcerningChrist,thatheisourhighpriest
andourredeemer.Moreover,ouradversariesareconstrained(iftheywillconfessthetruth)to
grantusthis,thatwehavegivennooccasionthroughourdoctrine,ofseditions,wars,tumults,
etc.butalwayshavetaughtthathonorandreverencemustbegiventothemagistrates,
becauseGodhathsocommanded.Neitherarewetheauthorsofoffensesbutinthatthe
wickedareoffended,thefaultisinthemselvesandnotinus.Godhathcommandedusto
preachthedoctrineoftheGospelwithoutanyrespectofoffense.Butbecausethisdoctrine
condemneththewickeddoctrineandidolatryofouradversaries,theybeingprovokedthereby,
raiseoffensesofthemselves,whichtheschoolmencalledoffensestaken,whichtheysaid,
oughtnottobeavoided,norcanbeavoided.

ChristtaughttheGospel,havingnoregardtotheoffenseoftheJews.Sufferthem,
(saithhe)theyareblindandleadersoftheblind,etc.(Matthew15:14).Themorethepriests
forbadetheApostlestopreachinthenameofJesus,themoretheApostlesgavewitnessthat
thesameJesuswhomtheyhadcrucified,isbothLordandChrist,andwhosoevershouldcall
uponhimshouldbesaved,andthatthereisnoothernamegivenuntomenunderheaven,
wherebytheymustbesaved,etc.(Acts2:21,364:12).EvensowepreachChristatthisday,
notregardingtheclamorsofthewickedPapistsandallouradversaries,whichcryoutthatour
doctrineisseditiousandfullofblasphemy,thatittroubleththecommonwealth,overthroweth
religionandteachethheresies,andbrieflythatitisthecauseofallevils.WhenChristandhis
Apostlespreached,thesamewassaidlikewiseofthembythewickedJews.Notlongafter,
theRomanscame,andaccordingtotheirownprophecy,destroyedboththeplaceandthe
nation.WhereforelettheenemiesoftheGospelatthisday,takeheedthattheybenot
overwhelmedwiththeseevils,whichtheyprophecyuntothemselvesThesetheymake
grievousandheinousoffenses,thatmonksandpriestsdomarrywives,thatweeatfleshupon
theFridaysandsuchlike.Butthisisnooffensetothematall,thatbytheirwickeddoctrine
theyseduceanddailydestroyinnumerablesouls,thatbytheirevilexampletheyoffendthe
weak,thattheyblasphemeandcondemnthegloriousGospelofthemightyGod,andthatthey
persecuteandkillthosethatlovethesincerityofdoctrine[andtheWordoflife]this(Isay)is
tothemnooffense,butanobedience,aserviceandanacceptablesacrificeuntoGod.Letus
sufferthemtherefore:fortheyareblindandleadersoftheblind.Hethathurteth,lethim
hurtstillandhethatisfilthy,lethimbefilthystill(Revelation22:11).Butwe,becausewe
believe,willspeakandsetforththewonderfulworksoftheLordsolongaswehavebreath,
andwillendurethepersecutionsofouradversariesuntilthetimethatChristourhighBishop
andKingshallcomefromheaven,who,wehope,willcomeshortlyasajustJudgetotake
vengeanceofallthosethatobeynottheGospel.Sobeit.
Withtheseoffenseswhichthewickedallege,thegodlyarenothingmoved.
FortheyknowthatthedevilhatethnothingmorethanthepuredoctrineoftheGospel,
andthereforehegoethabouttodefaceitwithinnumerableoffenses,thatbythismeanshe
mightrootitoutofmensheartsforever.
Before,whennothingelsewastaughtintheChurchbutmanstraditions,thedevildidnot
sorageForwhilstthestrongmankeptthehouse,allthathepossessedwasinpeace:butnow
whenaStrongercometh,whichvanquishethandbindeththatstrongoneandspoilethhis
house,thenhebeginnethtorageindeed(Luke11:21f.).Andthisisaninfallibletoken,that
thedoctrinewhichweprofessisofGod.Forelse(asitissaidinJob40.),thatBehemoth
wouldliehidunderthetreesinthecovertofthereedandfens.Butnowthatherangethabout
likearoaringlionandstirrethupsuchhurlyburlies,itisamanifesttokenthathefeeleththe
powerofourpreaching.
WhenPaulsaith:Theyarejealousoveryou,butamissetc.,heshoweth,bytheway,
whoaretheauthorsofsectstowit,thosejealousspiritswhichinalltimesoverthrowthetrue
doctrine,andtroublethepublicpeace.Forthesebeingstirredupwithaperversezeal,imagine
thattheyhaveacertainsingularholiness,modesty,patience,anddoctrineaboveothers,and
thereforetheythinkthattheyareabletoprovideforthesalvationofallmen,thattheycan
teachmoreprofoundandprofitablethings,ordainbetterserviceandceremoniesthanallother
teachersbesides,whomtheydespiseasnothingincomparisonofthemselves,andabasetheir
authority,andcorruptthosethingswhichtheyhavepurelytaught.Thefalseapostleshadsuch
awickedandperversezeal,stirringupsects,notonlyinGalatia,butalsoinalltheplaces

wheresoeverPaulandtheotherApostleshadpreachedafterthewhichsectsfollowed
innumerableoffensesandmarvelloustroubles.Forthedevil(asChristsaith)isaliaranda
murderer(John8:44),andthereforeheiswontnotonlytotroublemensconsciencesbyfalse
doctrine,butalsotostiruptumults,seditions,wars,andallmischief.
ThereareverymanyatthisdayinGermanywhicharepossessedwiththiskindof
jealousy,whichpretendgreatreligion,modesty,doctrine,patienceetc.,andyetinverydeed
theyareraveningwolveswhowiththeirhypocrisyseeknothingelsebuttodiscreditus,that
thepeoplemightesteemandreverencethemonly,andreceivenootherdoctrinebuttheirs.
Now,becausethesemenhaveagreatopinionofthemselvesanddespiseothers,itcannot
be,butthattheremustneedsfollowhorribledissensions,sects,divisionsandseditions.But
whatshouldwedo?WecannotremedythismatterasPaulcouldnotdoinhistime.
Notwithstandinghegainedsome,whichobeyedhisadmonitions.SoIhopealsothatwehave
calledsomebackfromtheerrorsoftheSectaries.
Butitisagoodthingtobezealouslyaffectedalwaysinagoodthing,andnotonlywhenI
ampresentwithyou
Asifheshouldsay:Icommendyouforthis,thatyeweresozealousformeandlovedmeso
entirely,whenIpreachedtheGospelamongstyouintheinfirmityoftheflesh.Yeoughtto
bearthesameaffectiontowardsmenowwhenIamabsent,evenasifIhadneverdeparted
fromyou.ForalthoughIbeabsentinthebody,yethaveyemydoctrine,whichyeoughtto
retainandmaintain,seeingyereceivedtheHolyGhostthroughitthinkingwithyourselves
thatPaulisalwayspresentwithyouaslongasyehavehisdoctrine.Idonottherefore
reprehendyourzealbutIpraiseit,andsofarforthIpraiseitasitisthezealofGodorofthe
Spirit,andnotoftheflesh.
Now,thezealoftheSpiritisalwaysgoodforitisanearnestaffectionandmotionofthe
hearttoagoodthing,andsoisnotthezealoftheflesh.
HecommendeththereforethezealoftheGalatians,thattherebyhemaypacifytheir
mindsandthattheymaypatientlysufferhiscorrection.Asifhewouldsay:Takemy
correctioningoodpartforitproceedethofnoangerormalice,butofasorrowfulheartand
carefulforyoursalvation.Thisisalivelyexampletoteachallministershowtobecarefulfor
theirsheep,andtoassayeveryway,thatbychiding,fairspeaking,orintreating,theymay
keeptheminsounddoctrine,andturnthemfromsubtleseducersandfalseteachers.
Mylittlechildren,ofwhomItravailinbirthagain,untilChristbeformedinyou.
Allhiswordsareweightyandfitlyframedtothepurpose,thattheymaymovetheheartsof
theGalatians,andwintheirfavoragain.Andthesearesweetandlovingwords,whenhe
calleththemhislittlechildren.Whenhesaith:OfwhomItravailinbirth,itisanallegory.
FortheApostlesareinthesteadofparentsasschoolmastersalsoare,intheirplaceand
callingorasparentsbegetthebodilyform,sotheybegettheformofthemind.Now,theform
ofaChristianmindisfaith,ortheconfidenceoftheheartthatlayethholduponChrist,and
cleavethtohimalone,andtonothingelse.
Theheartbeingfurnishedwiththisconfidenceorassurance,towit,thatforChristssake
wearerighteous,haththetrueformofChrist.Now,thisformisgivenbytheministryofthe
Word,asitissaid,1Corinthians4:15IhavebegottenyouthroughtheGospel,thatisto

say,inspirit,thatyemightknowChristandbelieveinhim.Also2Corinthians3:3:Yeare
theepistleofChristministeredbyusandwrittennotwithink,butwiththeSpiritoftheliving
God.FortheWordcomethfromthemouthoftheApostleoroftheminister,andentereth
intotheheartofhimthathearethit.TheretheHolyGhostispresent,andimprinteththeWord
intheheart,sothatitconsentethuntoit.Thuseverygodlyteacherisafatherwhichgendereth
andformeththetrueshapeofaChristianmind,andthatbytheministryoftheWord.
Moreover,bythesewords,OfwhomItravailinbirth,hetoucheththefalseapostles.As
thoughhewouldsay:IdidbegetyourightlythroughtheGospelbutthesecorruptershave
formedanewshapeinyourheart,notofChrist,butofMoses:sothatnowyouraffianceis
notgroundedanymoreuponChrist,butupontheworksofthelaw.Thisisnotthetrueform
ortheformofChrist,butitisanotherform,andaltogetherdevilish.Andhesaithnot:Of
whomItravailinbirthuntilmyformbefashionedinyou,butuntilChristbeformedin
youthatistosay,ItravailthatyemayreceiveagaintheshapeandsimilitudeofChrist,and
notofPaul.Inwhichwordsheagainreproveththefalseapostlesfortheyhadabolishedthe
formofChristintheheartsofthebelievers,andhaddevisedanotherform,thatistosay,their
ownashesaith(chapter6:13):Theywouldhaveyoucircumcised,thattheymightgloryin
yourflesh.
OfthisformofChristhespeakethalsoinColossians3:Putyeonthenewmanwhichis
renewedinknowledgeaftertheimageofhimthatcreatedhim.Paulthereforegoethaboutto
repairtheformofChristintheGalatians,thatwasdisfiguredandcorruptedbythefalse
apostles:whichis,thattheyshouldfeel,think,andwill,asGoddoth,whosethoughtandwill
is,thatweshouldobtainremissionofoursinsandeverlastinglifebyJesusChristhisSon,
whomhesentintotheworldtotheendhemightbethepropitiationforoursins,yeaforthe
sinsofthewholeworld,andthatwethroughthishisSonshouldknowthatheisappeasedand
becomeourlovingFather.Theythatbelievethis,arelikeuntoGod:thatistosay,alltheir
thoughtsareofGod,astheaffectionoftheirheartistheyhavethesameformintheirmind
whichisinGodorinChrist.Thisistoberenewedinthespiritofourmind,andtoputonthe
newmanwhichafterGodiscreatedinrighteousnessandtrueholiness,asPaulsaith
(Ephesians4:23f.).
Hesaiththen,thathetravailethasainoftheGalatiansinbirth,andyetso
notwithstanding,thattheformofthechildrenshouldnotbetheformoftheApostle,sothat
thechildrenshouldnotresembletheformofPaul,orofCephasetc.(1Corinthians1:12f.),
butofanotherfather,thatistosay,ofChrist.Iwillfashionhim(saithhe)inyou,thatthe
samemindmaybeinyou,whichwasinChristhimself(Philippians2:5).Tobebrief:I
travailofyouthatistosay,Ilaborcarefullytocallyoubacktoyourformerfaith,thewhich
yehavelost(beingdeceivedbythecraftandsubtiltyofthefalseapostles)andarereturnedto
thelawandworks.ThereforeImustnowagaincarefullytravailtobringyoubackfromthe
lawtothefaithofChrist.Thishecallethtotravailinbirth,etc.
AndIwouldIwerewithyounow,thatImightchangemyvoice,etc.
ThesearethetruecaresofanApostle.Itisacommonsaying,thataletterisadead
messengerforitcangivenomorethanithath.Andnoepistleorletteriswrittensoexactly,
whereinthereisnotsomewhatlacking.Forthecircumstancesarediversethereisadiversity
oftimes,places,persons,manners,andaffectionsallwhichnoepistlecanexpresstherefore
itmoveththereaderdiversely,makinghimnowsad,nowmerry,ashehimselfisdisposed.

Butifanythingbespokensharplyoroutoftime,thelivelyvoiceofamanmayexpound,
mitigate,orcorrectthesame.
ThereforetheApostlewisheththathewerewiththem,totheendhemighttemperand
changehisvoice,asheshouldseeitneedfulbythequalitiesoftheiraffections.As,ifhe
shouldseeanyofthemverymuchtroubled,hemightsotemperhiswords,thattheyshould
notbeoppressedtherebywithmoreheaviness:contrariwise,ifheshouldseeothershigh
minded,hemightmoresharplyreprehendthem,lesttheyshouldbetoosecureandcareless,
andsoatlengthbecomecontemners[ofGod].
Whereforehecouldnotdevisehowhebeingabsent,shoulddealwiththembyletters.As
ifheshouldsay:Ifmyepistlebetoosharp,IfearIshallmoreoffendthanamendsomeof
youandifitbetoogentle,itwillnotprofitthosewhichareperverseandobstinatefordead
lettersandwordsgivenomorethantheyhave.Contrariwise,thelivelyvoiceofaman
comparedtoanepistle,isaqueen:foritcanaddanddiminish,itcanchangeitselfintoall
mannerofaffections,times,places,andpersons.Tobebrief,Iwouldgladlyconvertyouby
[my]letters,thatistosay,callyoubackfromthelawtothefaithofJesusChristbutIfear
thatIshallnotdosobydeadletters.ButifIwerewithyou,Icouldchangemyvoice,Icould
reprovethembitterlythatareobstinate,andcomforttheweakwithsweetandlovingwords,
asoccasionshouldrequire.
ForIamtroubledforyou
Thatistosay:Iamsotroubledinmyspirit,thatIknownothowbyletterstobehavemyself
towardsyou.HereisalivelydescriptionofthetrueaffectionofanApostle.Heomitteth
nothing,hechideththeGalatians,heintreateththem,hespeakeththemfair,hehighly
commendeththeirfaith,laboringbyallmeanstobringthembackagaintothetruthofthe
Gospel,andtodeliverthemoutofthesnaresofthefalseapostles.Thesearevehementwords,
proceedingfromanheartstirredupandinflamedwithahotburningzeal,andthereforeought
diligentlytobeconsidered.
Tellme,yethatwillbeunderthelaw,doyenothearthelaw?
HerewouldPaulhavecloseduphisepistle:forhedesirednottowriteanymore,butratherto
bepresentwiththeGalatians,andtospeakuntothemhimself.Buthebeingingreat
perplexityandverycarefulforthismatter,takethbythewaythisallegory,whichthencame
intohismind.Forthepeoplearegreatlydelightedwithallegoriesandsimilitudes,and
thereforeChristhimselfoftentimesuseththem.Fortheyare,asitwere,certainpictureswhich
setforththingsasiftheywerepaintedbeforetheeyesofthesimple,andthereforetheymove
andpersuadeverymuch,especiallythesimpleandignorant.Firsttherefore,hestirrethupthe
Galatiansthroughtheirearswithwordsandwritings.Secondly,hepaintethoutthematter
itselfbeforetheireyeswiththisgoodlyallegory.
NowPaulwasamarvellouslycunningworkmaninhandlingofallegoriesforheiswont
toapplythemtothedoctrineoffaith,tograce,andtoChrist,andnottothelawandtheworks
thereof,asOrigenandJeromedo,whoareworthilyreprehendedforthattheyturnedtheplain
sentencesoftheScripture,whereallegorieshavenoplace,intounfitandfoolishallegories.
Thereforetouseallegories,itisoftentimesaverydangerousthing.Forunlessamanhavethe
perfectknowledgeofChristiandoctrine,hecannotuseallegoriesrightlyandasheshoulddo.

ButwhydothPaulcallthebookofGenesis,outofthewhichheallegeththehistoryof
IshmaelandofIsaac,thelaw,seeingthatbookcontainethnothingatallconcerningthelaw
andespeciallythatplacewhichheallegeth,speakethnotofanylaw,butonlycontainetha
plainhistoryofAbrahamstwochildren?PauliswonttocallthefirstbookofMosesthelaw
afterthemanneroftheJewswhichalthoughitcontainnolawbesidesthelawof
circumcision,butprincipallyteachethfaith,andwitnesseththatthepatriarchspleasedGod
becauseoftheirfaithyettheJewsnotwithstanding,becauseofthelawofcircumcision
thereincontained,calledthebookofGenesis,withtherestofthebooksofMoses,thelaw.
SodidPaulhimselfalsobeingaJew.AndChristunderthenameofthelaw,
comprehendednotonlythebooksofMoses,butalsothePsalms:Butitis,thattheword
mightbefulfilledwhichiswrittenintheirlaw:Theyhatedmewithoutcause(John15:25
Psalm35:19).
ForitiswrittenthatAbrahamhadtwosons,onebyaservant,andonebyafreewoman.
Buthewhichwasoftheservant,wasbornaftertheflesh:andhewhichwasofthefree
woman,wasbornafterthepromise
Asifhesaid:Yeforsakegrace,faith,andChrist,andturnbackagaintothelawyewillbe
underthelaw,andbecomewisethroughit.ThereforeIwilltalkwithyouofthelaw.Ipray
youconsiderthelawdiligently.YeshallfindthatAbrahamhadtwosons,IshmaelbyAgar,
andIsaacbySarah.
TheywereboththetruesonsofAbraham.IshmaelwasaswellthetruesonofAbraham
asIsaacwas,forbothcameofonefather,ofoneflesh,andofoneseed.Whatwasthenthe
difference?Thismakethnotthedifference(saithPaul),thatthemotheroftheonewasfree
andtheotherbond(albeititpertainethtotheallegory)butthatIshmael,whichwasbornof
thebondwoman,wasbornaftertheflesh,thatistosay,withoutthepromiseandthewordof
God.ButIsaacwasnotonlybornofthefreewoman,butalsoaccordingtothepromise.What
then?YetwasIsaacnotwithstandingaswellbornoftheseedofAbrahamasIshmaelwas.I
grantthattheywereboththechildrenofonefather,andyetnotwithstandingthereisa
difference.ForalthoughIsaacwasbornoftheflesh,yetthepromiseandappointmentofGod
wentbefore.NoneobservedthisdifferencebutonlyPaul,whichhegatheredoutofthetextof
Genesisafterthismanner.
WhereasAgarconceivedandbroughtforthIshmael,therewasnowordofGodthat
foreshewedthatthisshouldcometopassbut,bythepermissionofSarah,Abrahamwentin
tohisservantAgar,whomSarah,beingbarren,hadgiventowifetoAbraham,asissaidinthe
bookofGenesis.ForSarahhadheardthatAbrahambythepromiseofGodshouldhaveseed
ofhisbody,andshehopedthatsheshouldbethemotherofthisseed.Butwhenshehad
waitednowforthepromisemanyyearswithgreatanguishofspirit,andsawthatthematter
wassolongdeferred,shewasoutofhope.
Thisholywomanthereforegivethplaceforthehonorofherhusband,andresignethher
righttoanother,thatistosay,tohermaid.Notwithstandingshesufferethnotherhusbandto
marryanotherwifeoutofhishouse,butshegivethuntohiminmarriageherownservant,to
theendthatshemightbebuildedbyher.Forsosaiththehistory:NowSarah,Abrahams
wife,barehimnochildrenandshehadamaid,anEgyptian,Agarbyname.AndSarahsaid
untoAbraham:Beholdnow,theLordhathrestrainedmefromchildbearing.Ipraytheegoin
tomymaiditmaybethatIshallbebuildedbyher(Genesis16).Thiswasagreathumility

ofSarah,whosoabasedherself,andtookingoodpartthistemptationandtrialofherfaith.
Forthusshethought:Godisnoliarthatwhichhehathpromisedtomyhusband,hewill
surelyperform.ButperadventureGodwillnotthatIshouldbethemotherofthatseed.Itshall
notgrievemethatAgarshouldhavethishonor,untowhomletmylordenter,forImay
peradventurebebuildedbyher.
IshmaelthereforeisbornwithouttheWord,attheonlyrequestofSarah.
ForthereisnowordofGodwhichcommandedAbrahamthustodo,orpromisedthus
untohimason,butallthisisdoneatadventure.WhichalsothewordsofSarahdodeclare:It
maybe(saithshe)thatIshallbebuildedbyher.SeeingthereforetherewasnowordofGod
spokentoAbrahambefore,astherewaswhenSarahshouldbringforthIsaac,butonlythe
wordofSarahitisevidentenoughthatIshmaelwasthesonofAbrahamafterthefleshonly,
withoutthewordofGod:thereforehewasbornatadventure,andunlookedforasanother
childis.ThisPaulobservedanddiligentlyconsidered.
InRomans9heprosecuteththesameargumentwhichhereherepeatethandsettethinan
allegory,andconcludethstrongly,thatnotallthesonsofAbrahamarethesonsofGod.
Abraham(saithhe)hathtwosortsofchildren.Somearebornofhisfleshandblood,butthe
wordandpromiseofGodgoethbefore,asIsaac.Otherarebornwithoutthepromise,as
Ishmael.Thereforethechildrenoftheflesh(saithhe)arenotthechildrenofGod,butthe
childrenofthepromise,etc.Andbythisargumenthemightilystoppeththemouthsofthe
proudJews,whichgloriedthattheyweretheseedandchildrenofAbraham:asalsoChrist
dothinthethirdofMatthew,andintheeighthofJohn.Asifhesaid:itfollowethnot,Iamthe
carnalseedofAbraham,thereforeIamthechildofGodEsauisthenaturalson,thereforethe
heir.Nayrather(saithhe)theythatwillbethechildrenofAbraham,besidestheircarnalbirth,
mustbealsothesonsofthepromise,andmustbelieve.Andtheyonlyarethetruechildrenof
Abraham,andconsequentlyofGod,whohavethepromiseandbelieve.
ButIshmael,becausehewasnotpromisedofGodtoAbraham,isasonaftertheflesh
only,andnotafterthepromise,andthereforehewasbornatadventure,asotherchildrenbe.
Fornomotherknowethwhethersheshallhaveachildorno,orifsheperceiveherselftobe
withchild,yetshecannottellwhetheritshallbeasonoradaughter.ButIsaacwasexpressly
named(Genesis17:19):Sarahthywife(saiththeangeltoAbraham)shallbeartheeason,
andthoushaltcallhisnameIsaac.Herethesonandthemotherareexpresslynamed.Thus,
forthishumilityofSarah,becauseshegaveupherrightandsufferedthecontemptofAgar,
Godrequitedherwiththishonor,thatsheshouldbethemotherofthepromisedson,etc.
Thewhichthingsarespokenbyallegories
Allegoriesdonotstronglypersuadeindivinity,butascertainpicturestheybeautifyandset
outthematter.ForifPaulhadnotprovedtherighteousnessoffaithagainsttherighteousness
ofworksbystrongandpithyarguments,heshouldhavelittleprevailedbythisallegory.But
becausehehadfortifiedhiscausebeforewithinvinciblearguments,takenofexperience,of
theexampleofAbraham,ofthetestimoniesoftheScripture,andsimilitudes:nowintheend
ofhisdisputationsheaddethanallegory,togiveabeautytoalltherest.Foritisaseemly
thingsometimestoaddanallegorywhenthefoundationiswelllaidandthematterthoroughly
proved.Foraspaintingisanornamenttosetforthandgarnishanhousealreadybuilded,sois
anallegorythelightofamatterwhichisalreadyotherwiseprovedandconfirmed.

Forthesemothersarethetwotestaments:theonefrommountsinai,whichgendereth
untobondage,whichisAgar.(forinArabiamountsinaiiscalledAgar)etc.
AbrahamisafigureofGod,whichhathtwosons,thatistosay,twosortsofpeoplewhoare
representedbyIshmaelandIsaac.ThesetwoarebornuntohimbyAgarandSarah,thewhich
signifieththetwoTestaments,theOldandtheNew.TheOldisofMountSinai,begetting
untobondage,whichisAgar.FortheArabiansintheirlanguagecallAgarthesamemountain
whichtheJewscallSinai(whichseemethtohavethatnameofbramblesandthorns)which
alsoPtolemaeusandtheGreekcommentariesdowitness.Afterthesamemannerdiverse
namesaregiventomanymountains,accordingtothediversityofnations.Sothemount
whichMosescallethHermon,oftheSidoniansiscalledSirion,andoftheAmoritesSenir.
Nowthisservethverywelltothepurpose,thatMountSinaiintheArabianlanguage
signifiethasmuchasanhandmaidandIthinkthelikenessofthisnamegavePaullightand
occasiontoseekoutthisallegory.LikewisethenasAgarthebondmaidbroughtforthto
Abrahamason,andyetnotanheirbutaservant:soSinai,theallegoricalAgar,broughtforth
toGodason,thatistosay,acarnalpeople.Again,asIshmaelwasthetruesonofAbraham,
sothepeopleofIsraelhadthetrueGodtobetheirFather,whichgavethemhislaw,his
oracles,religion,andtrueservice,andthetempleasitissaidinPsalm147:Heshewethhis
worduntoJacob,etc.
Notwithstandingthisonlywasthedifference:Ishmaelwasbornofabondmaidafterthe
flesh,thatistosay,withoutthepromise,andcouldnotthereforebetheheir.Sothemystical
Agar,thatistosay,MountSinai,wherethelawwasgivenandtheOldTestamentordained,
broughtforthtoGod,thegreatAbraham,apeople,butwithoutthepromise,thatistosaya
carnalandaservilepeople,andnottheheirofGod.ForthepromisesastouchingChristthe
giverofallblessing,andastouchingthedeliverancefromthecurseofthelaw,fromsinand
death,alsoastouchingthefreeremissionofsins,ofrighteousnessandeverlastinglife,arenot
addedtothelaw,butthelawsaith:Hethatshalldothesethingsshallliveinthem(Leviticus
18:5,Romans10:5).
Thereforethepromisesofthelawareconditional,promisinglife,notfreely,buttosuch
asfulfillthelaw,andthereforetheyleavemensconsciencesindoubt:fornomanfulfilleth
thelaw.ButthepromisesoftheNewTestamenthavenosuchconditionjoineduntothem,nor
requireanythingofus,nordependuponanyconditionofourworthiness,butbringandgive
untousfreelyforgivenessofsins,grace,righteousnessandlifeeverlastingforChristssake,
asIhavesaidmorelargelyinanotherplace.
ThereforethelawortheOldTestamentcontainethonlyconditionalpromisesforithath
alwayssuchconditionsastheseare,joinedtoit:Ifyehearkentomyvoice,ifyekeepmy
statutes,ifyewalkinmyways,yeshallbemypeople,etc.TheJewsnotconsideringthis,laid
holdofthoseconditionalpromisesasiftheyhadbeenabsoluteandwithoutallconditions:
whichtheysupposedthatGodcouldneverrevoke,butmustneedskeepthem.Hereupon,
whentheyheardtheprophets(whichcouldwelldiscernbetwixtthecorporalpromisesofthe
law,andthespiritualpromisesconcerningChristandhiskingdom)foreshewthedestruction
ofthecityofJerusalem,oftheTemple,ofthekingdomandpriesthood,theypersecutedand
killedthemashereticsandblasphemersofGodfortheysawnotthisconditionthatwas
annexed:Ifyekeepmycommandments,itshallgowellwithyou,etc.
ThereforeAgarthebondmaidbringethforthbutabondservant.Ishmaelthenisnotthe
heir,althoughhebethenaturalsonofAbraham,butremainethabondman.Whatishere

lacking?ThepromiseandtheblessingoftheWord.SothelawgiveninMountSinai,which
theAbrabianscallAgar,begettethnonebutservants.Forthepromisemadeasconcerning
Christ,wasnotannexedtothelaw.WhereforeOyeGalatians,ifyeforsakingthepromiseand
faith,fallbacktothelawandworks,yeshallalwayscontinueservants:thatis,yeshallnever
bedeliveredfromsinanddeath,butyeshallalwaysabideunderthecurseofthelaw.For
Agargenderethnottheseedofthepromiseandheirs,thatistosay,thelawjustifiethnot,it
bringethnotthesonshipandinheritance,butratherhindereththese,andworkethwrath.
AndanswerethtoJerusalemwhichnowis,andsheisinbondagewithherchildren
Thisawonderfulallegory.AsPaulalittlebeforemadeAgarofSinai,sonowofJerusalemhe
wouldgladlymakeSarah,buthedarethnot,neithercanhesodobutiscompelledtojoin
JerusalemwithmountSinai,forhesaiththatthesamepertainethtoAgar,seeingmountAgar
reachetheventoJerusalem.Anditistruethattherebecontinualmountainsreachingfrom
ArabiaPetraeauntoKadeshbarneaofJewry.HesaiththenthatthisJerusalemwhichnowis,
thatistosay,thisearthlyandtemporalJerusalem,isnotSarah,butpertainethtoAgar,for
thereAgarreigneth.Forinitisthelawbegettinguntobondageinitistheworshipand
ceremonies,thetemple,thekingdom,thepriesthoodandwhatsoeverwasordainedinSinai
bythemother,whichisthelaw,thesameisdoneinJerusalem.ThereforeIjoinherwith
Sinai,andIcomprehendbothinoneword,towit,SinaiorAgar.
Idurstnothavebeensoboldtohandlethisallegoryafterthismanner,butwouldrather
havecalledJerusalemSarahortheNewTestament,especiallyseeingthepreachingofthe
Gospelbeganinit,theHolyGhostwastheregiven,andthepeopleoftheNewTestament
weretherebornandIwouldhavethoughtthatIhadfoundoutaveryfitallegory.Wherefore
itisnotforeverymantouseallegoriesathispleasure:foragoodlyoutwardshewmaysoon
deceiveaman,andcausehimtoerr.WhowouldnotthinkitaveryfitthingtocallSinai
Agar,andJerusalemSarah?IndeedPaulmakethJerusalemSarah,butnotthiscorporal
JerusalemwhichhesimplyjoinethuntoAgarbutthatspiritualandheavenlyJerusalem,in
whichthelawreignethnot,northecarnalpeople,asinthatJerusalemwhichisinbondage
withherchildren,butwhereinthepromisereigneth,whereinisalsoaspiritualandafree
people.
Andtotheendthatthelawshouldbequiteabolished,andthatwholekingdomwhichwas
establishedinAgar,theearthlyJerusalemwasbythepermissionofGodhorriblydestroyed
withallherornaments,thetemple,theceremonies,etc.NowalthoughtheNewTestament
beganinit,andsowasspreadthroughoutthewholeworld,yetnotwithstandingitappertaineth
toAgarthatistosay,itisthecityofthelaw,oftheceremoniesandofthepriesthood,
institutedbyMoses.Briefly,itisgenderedofAgarthebondwoman,andthereforeisin
bondagewithherchildren,thatistosay,itwalkethintheworksofthelaw,andnever
attainethtothelibertyofthespirit,butabidethcontinuallyunderthelaw,sin,anevil
conscience,thewrathandjudgmentofGod,andundertheguiltofdeathandhell.Indeedit
haththelibertyoftheflesh,ithathacorporalkingdom,ithathmagistrates,riches,and
possessions,andsuchlikethings:butwespeakofthelibertyofthespirit,wherebyweare
deadtothelaw,tosinanddeath,andweliveandreigningrace,forgivenessofsins,
righteousnessandeverlastinglife.ThiscannottheearthlyJerusalemperform,andthereforeit
abidethwithAgar.

ButJerusalemwhichisabove,isfreewhichisthemotherofusall
ThatearthlyJerusalem(saithhe)whichisbeneath,havingthepolicyandordinancesofthe
law,isAgar,andisinbondagewithherchildrenthatistosay,sheisnotdeliveredfromthe
law,sinanddeath.ButJerusalemwhichisabove,thatistosay,thespiritualJerusalem,is
Sarah(albeitPauladdethnotthepropernameSarah,butgivethheranothername,callingher
thefreewoman),thatistosay,thattrueladyandfreewomanwhichisourmother,gendering
usuntoliberty,andnotuntobondageasAgardoth.
NowthisheavenlyJerusalemwhichisabove,istheChurch,thatistosay,thefaithful
dispersedthroughoutthewholeworld,whichhaveoneandthesameGospel,oneandthe
samefaithinChrist,thesameHolyGhost,andthesameSacraments.
Thereforeunderstandnotthiswordabove(ajnagwgikw~v)ofthetriumphantChurch
(astheschoolmencallit)inheavenbutofthemilitantChurchonearth.Forthegodlyare
saidtohavetheirconversationinheaven,Philippians3:Ourconversationisinheavennot
locally,butinthataChristianbelieveth,inthathelayethholdofthoseinestimable,those
heavenlyandeternalgifts,heisinheaven.Ephesians1:Whichhathblesseduswithall
spiritualblessinginheavenlyplacesinChrist.Wemustthereforedistinguishtheheavenly
andspiritualblessingfromtheearthly.
Fortheearthlyblessingistohaveagoodcivilgovernmentbothincommonwealsand
familiestohavechildren,peace,riches,fruitsoftheearth,andothercorporalcommodities.
Buttheheavenlyblessingistobedeliveredfromthelaw,sinanddeathtobejustifiedand
quickenedtolifetohavepeacewithGodtohaveafaithfulheart,ajoyfulconscienceanda
spiritualconsolationtohavetheknowledgeofJesusChrist,thegiftofprophecy,andthe
revelationoftheScripturestohavethegiftsoftheHolyGhost,andtorejoiceinGod.These
aretheheavenlyblessingswhichChristgivethtohisChurch.
WhereforeJerusalemwhichisabove,thatistosay,theheavenlyJerusalem,istheChurch
whichisnowintheworld,andnotthecityofthelifetocome,ortheChurchtriumphant,as
theidleandunlearnedmonksandtheschooldoctorsdreamed,whichtaughtthattheScripture
hathfoursenses:theliteralsense,themoralsense,theallegoricalsense,andthemystical
senseandaccordingtothesesensestheyhavefoolishlyinterpretedalmostallthewordsof
theScripturesas:thiswordJerusalemliterallysignifiedthatcitywhichwassonamed:
morallyapureconscience:allegoricallytheChurchmilitant:mysticallythecelestialcityor
theChurchtriumphant.WiththesetriflingandfoolishfablestheyrenttheScripturesintoso
manyanddiversesenses,thatsillypoorconsciencescouldreceivenocertaindoctrineofany
thing.ButPaulsaidherethattheoldandearthlyJerusalembelongethuntoAgar,andthatitis
inbondagewithherchildren,andisutterlyabolished.ButthenewandheavenlyJerusalem
whichisaqueenandafreewoman,isappointedofGodinearthandnotinheaven,tobethe
motherofusall,ofwhomwehavebeengendered,andyetdailyaregendered.Thereforeitis
necessarythatthisourmothershouldbeinearthamongmen,asalsohergenerationis.
NotwithstandingshegenderethbytheHolyGhost,bytheministryoftheWordand
Sacraments,andnotintheflesh.
ThisIsaytotheendthatinthismatterweshouldnotbecarriedawaywithour
cogitationsintoheaven,butthatweshouldknowthatPaulsetteththeJerusalemwhichis
above,againsttheearthlyJerusalem,notlocallybutspiritually.Forthereisadistinction
betweenthosethingswhicharespiritual,andthosewhicharecorporalorearthly.The
spiritualthingsareabovetheearthlyarebeneath:soJerusalemwhichisabove,is

distinguishedfromthecarnalandtemporalJerusalemwhichisbeneath,notlocally(asIhave
said)butspiritually.ForthisspiritualJerusalemwhichtookherbeginninginthecorporal
Jerusalem,hathnotanycertainplaceashaththeotherinJudaea:butitisdispersed
throughoutthewholeworld,andmaybeinBabylon,inTurkey,inTartary,inScythia,in
Judaea,inItaly,inGermany,intheislesofthesea,inthemountainsandvalleys,andinall
placesoftheworldwheremendwellwhichhavetheGospelandbelieveinJesusChrist.
WhereforeSarahorJerusalemourfreemother,istheChurchitself,thespouseofChrist,
ofwhomweallaregendered.Thismothergenderethfreechildrenwithoutceasingtotheend
oftheworld,aslongassheexerciseththeministryoftheWordthatistosay,aslongasshe
preachethandpublisheththeGospel,forthisistrulytogender.Now,sheteacheththeGospel
afterthismanner:towit,thatwearedeliveredfromthecurseofthelaw,fromsin,deathand
allotherevilsbyJesusChrist,andnotbythelaw,neitherbyworks.ThereforeJerusalem
whichisabove,thatistosay,theChurch,isnotsubjecttothelawandworks,butsheisfree
andamotherwithoutthelaw,sinanddeath.Now,suchamotherassheis,suchchildrenshe
gendereth.
ThisallegoryteachethveryaptlythattheChurchshoulddonothingelsebutpreachand
teachtheGospeltrulyandsincerely,andbythismeansshouldgenderchildren.Soweareall
fathersandchildren,onetoanotherforwearebegottenoneofanother.I,beingbegottenby
otherthroughtheGospel,donowbegetother,whichshallalsobegetotherhereafter,andso
thisbegettingshallenduretotheendoftheworld.NowIspeakofthegeneration,notofAgar
thebondmaid,whichgenderethherbondservantsbythelawbutofSarahthefreewoman,
whogenderethheirswithoutthelaw,andwithoutmansworksorendeavors.ForinthatIsaac
isheir,andnotIshmael(albeitnotwithstandingthatbothofthemwerethenaturalsonsof
Abraham),Isaachadtheinheritancebythewordofpromise,namely:Sarahthywifeshall
bringtheeason,andthoushaltcallhisnameIsaac(Genesis17:19).ThisdidSarahwell
understand,andthereforeshesaith:Castoutthebondwomanandhersonetc.andPaulalso
allegeththesewordsafterwards.WhereforeasIsaachaththeinheritanceofhisfatheronlyby
thepromiseandbyhisbirth,withoutthelawandwithoutworksevensowearebornthrough
theGospel,ofthatfree.womanSarah,thatistosay,theChurch,trueheirsofthepromise.She
instructethus,nourishethus,andcarriethus,inherwomb,inherlapandinherarms:she
formethandfashionethustotheimageofChrist,untilwegrowuptoaperfectman,etc.So
allthingsaredonebytheministryoftheWord.
WhereforetheofficeofthefreewomanistogenderchildrentoGodherhusbandwithout
ceasingandwithoutend:thatistosay,suchchildrenasknowthattheyarejustifiedbyfaith
andnotbythelaw.
Foritiswritten:rejoicethoubarrenthatbearestnochildrenbreakforthandcrythou
thattravailestnot,forthedesolatehathmanymorechildrenthanshethathathan
husband(isaiah54:1)
PaulallegeththisplaceoutofIsaiahtheprophet,whichisaltogetherallegorical.Itiswritten
(saithhe)thatthemotherofmanychildren,andshewhichhathanhusband,mustbesickand
dieandcontrariwise,thatthebarrenandshewhichhathnochildren,musthaveabundanceof
children.
AfterthesamemannerHannahsignifiethinhersong,outofthewhichIsaiahtookthis
prophecy(1Samuel2:4ff.):Thebowofthemightymenisbroken,andtheweakaregirded

withstrength.Theythatwerefullhavehiredoutthemselvesforbread,andthehungryare
filled:sothatthebarrenhathbornseven,andshethathadmanychildrenisfeeble.A
marvellousmatter(saithhe):shethatwasfruitfulshallbemadebarren,andshethatwas
barrenfruitful.Moreover,suchasbeforewerestrong,full,rich,glorious,righteous,livingand
blessed,shallbecomefeeble,hungry,poor,ignominoussinners,subjecttodeathand
damnation:andcontrariwise,thefeebleandhungry,etc.,shallbestrongandsatisfied,etc.
TheApostleshewethbythisallegoryoftheprophetIsaiah,thedifferencewhichis
betweenAgarandSarah,thatistosay,betweentheSynagogueandtheChurch,orbetween
thelawandtheGospel.Thelawbeingthehusbandofthefruitfulwoman,thatistosay,ofthe
Synagogue,begettethverymanychildren.Formenofallages,notonlyidiots,butalsothe
wisestandbest(thatistosay,allmankindexceptthechildrenofthefreewoman)doneither
seenorknowanyotherrighteousnessthantherighteousnessofthelaw:muchlessdothey
knowanywhichismoreexcellent:whereforetheythinkthemselvesrighteousiftheyfollow
thelawandoutwardlyperformtheworksthereof.(AndinthiswordlawIincludealllaws,
humananddivine.)Thesealthoughtheybefruitful,havemanydisciples,andshineinthe
righteousnessandgloriousworksofthelaw,yetnotwithstandingarenotfree,but
bondservantsfortheyarethechildrenofAgar,whichgenderethtobondage.Nowiftheybe
servants,theycannotbepartakersoftheinheritance,butshallbecastoutofthehousefor
servantsremainnotinthehouseforever(John8:35).Yeatheyarealreadycastoutofthe
kingdomofgraceandliberty:Forhethatbehevethnot,iscondemnedalready(John3:18).
Theyremainthereforeunderthemaledictionofthelaw,undersinanddeath,underthepower
ofthedevil,andunderthewrathandjudgmentofGod.
Now,ifthemorallawitselfortheTenCommandmentsofGod,candonothingelsebut
genderservants,thatistosay,cannotjustify,butonlyterrify,accuse,condemn,anddrive
mensconsciencestodesperation:howthen,Iprayyou,shallthetraditionsofmenandthe
lawsofthePopejustify,whicharethedoctrinesofdevils?Theythereforethatteachandset
fortheitherthetraditionsofmenorthelawofGodasnecessarytoobtainrighteousness
beforeGod,donothingelsebutgenderbondservants.
Notwithstandingsuchteachersarecountedthebestmen:theyobtainthefavorofthe
world,andaremostfruitfulmothers,fortheyhaveaninfinitenumberofdisciples.For
[mans]reasonunderstandethnotwhatfaithandtruegodlinessis,andthereforeitneglecteth
anddespisethit,andisnaturallyaddictedtosuperstitionandhypocrisy,thatistosay,tothe
righteousnessofworks.Now,becausethisrighteousnessshinethandflourishetheverywhere,
thereforeitisamightyempressofthewholeworld.Theythereforewhichteachthe
righteousnessofworksbythelaw,begetmanychildrenwhichoutwardlyseemtobefree,and
haveagloriousshewofexcellentvirtues,butinconsciencetheyareservantsandbondslaves
ofsin:thereforetheyaretobecastoutofthehouseandcondemned.
ContrariwiseSarahthefreewoman,thatistosay,thetrueChurch,seemethtobebarren.
FortheGospelwhichistheWordoftheCrosswhichtheChurchpreacheth,shinethnotso
brightlyasthedoctrineofthelawandworks,andthereforeshehathnotsomanydisciplesto
cleaveuntoher.Moreover,shebeareththistitle,thatsheforbiddethgoodworks,makethmen
secure,idle,andnegligent,raisethupheresiesandseditions,andisthecauseofallmischief
andthereforesheseemethtobringnosuccessorprosperity,butallthingsseemtobefullof
barrenness,desolationanddesperation.Thereforethewickedarecertainlypersuaded,thatthe
Churchwithherdoctrinecannotlongendure.TheJewsassuredthemselvesthattheChurch
whichwasplantedbytheApostles,shouldbeoverthrownthewhichbyanodiousnamethey

calledasect.ForthustheyspeaktoPaulinActs28:22:Asconcerningthissect,weknow
thateverywhereitisspokenagainst.Inlikemannerhowoften(Iprayyou)haveour
adversariesbeendeceived,whichsomewhilesappointedonetime,andsomewhilesanother,
whenweshouldcertainlybedestroyed?ChristandhisApostleswereoppressedbutafter
theirdeaththedoctrineoftheGospelwasfurtherspreadabroadthanitwasduringtheirlife.
Inlikemannerouradversariesmayoppressusatthisday,buttheWordofGodshallabidefor
ever.HowmuchsoeverthentheChurchseemethtobebarrenandforsaken,weakand
despised,andoutwardlytosufferpersecution,andmoreoverbecompelledtohearthis
reproach,thatherdoctrineishereticalandseditiousnotwithstandingshealoneisfruitful
beforeGod,genderingbytheministryoftheWordaninfinitenumberofchildren,heirsof
righteousnessandeverlastinglifeandalthoughoutwardlytheysufferpersecution,yetin
spirittheyaremostfree:whonotonlyarejudgesoveralldoctrinesandworks,butalsoare
mostvictoriousconquerorsagainstthegatesofhell.
TheprophetthereforeconfesseththattheChurchisinheavinessforelsehewouldnot
exhorthertorejoice.Hegranteththatsheisbarrenbeforetheworldforelsehewouldnot
callherbarrenandforsaken,havingnochildren:butbeforeGod,saithhe,sheisfruitful,and
thereforehebiddethhertorejoice.Asthoughhewouldsay:Thouartindeedforsakenand
barren,andhastnotthelawforthyhusband,andthereforethouhastnochildren.Butrejoice:
foralthoughthouhastnotthelawforthyhusband,butartforsakenasavirginthatisreadyto
marry(forhewillnotcallherawidow),whichshouldhaveanhusbandifshewerenot
forsakenofhim,orifhewerenotslain,thou(Isay)whichartsolitaryandforsakenofthy
husbandthelaw,andnotsubjecttothemarriageofthelaw,shaltbeamotherofinnumerable
children.WhereforethepeopleorthechurchoftheNewTestamentisaltogetherwithoutthe
law(astouchingtheconscience),andthereforesheseemethtobeforsakeninthesightofthe
world.Butalthoughsheseemtobeneversobarrenwithoutthelawandwithoutworks,yet
notwithstandingsheismostfruitfulbeforeGod,andbringethforthaninfinitenumberof
children,notinbondagebutinfreedom.Bywhatmeans?Notbythelaw,butbytheWord
andSpiritofChristwhichisgivenbytheGospel,throughthewhichsheconceiveth,bringeth
forth,andnourishethherchildren.
Paulthereforeplainlyshewethbythisallegorythedifferencebetweenthelawandthe
Gospel:first,whenhecallethAgartheOldTestament,andSarahtheNewagain,whenhe
calleththeoneabondmaid,theotherafreewomanmoreoverwhenhesaiththatthemarried
andfruitfulisbecomebarrenandcastoutofthehousewithherchildrencontrariwise,when
thebarrenandforsakenisbecomefruitful,andbringethforthaninfinitenumberofchildren,
andthosealsoinheritors.Bythesedifferencesareresembledthetwosortsofpeople,offaith
andofthelawImean.Thepeopleoffaithhavenotthelawfortheirhusband,theyservenot
inbondage,theyarenotbornofthatmotherJerusalemwhichnowisbuttheyhavethe
promise,theyarefree,andarebornoffreeSarah.
HeseparateththereforethespiritualpeopleoftheNewTestamentfromtheotherpeople
ofthelaw,whenhesaiththatthespiritualpeoplearenotthechildrenofAgarthebondmaid,
butofSarahthefreewoman,whichknowethnothingofthelaw.Andbythismeanshe
placeththepeopleoffaithfaraboveandwithoutthelaw.Now,iftheybeaboveandwithout
thelaw,thenaretheyjustifiedbythespiritualbirthonly,whichisnothingelsebutfaithand
notbythelaworbytheworksthereof.Now,asthepeopleofgraceneitherhavenorcanhave
thelawsothepeopleofthelawneitherhavenorcanhavegrace:foritisimpossiblethatthe
lawandgraceshouldstandtogether.Thereforewemustbejustifiedbyfaith,andlosethe

righteousnessofthelaworelsebejustifiedbythelawandlosetherighteousnessoffaith.
Butthisisafoulandalamentableloss,tolosegraceandtoreturntothelaw.Contrariwise,it
isanhappyandblessedloss,tolosethelawandlayholdofgrace.
Wetherefore(followingtheexampleanddiligenceofPaul)doendeavorasmuchasis
possible,tosetforthplainlythedifferencebetweenthelawandtheGospelwhichisvery
easyastouchingthewords.ForwhoseethnotthatAgarisnotSarah,andthatSarahisnot
Agar?AlsothatIshmaelisnotIsaac,andthathehathnotthatwhichIsaachath?Amanmay
easilydiscernthesethings.Butingreatterrorsandintheagonyofdeath,whentheconscience
wrestlethwiththejudgmentofGod,itisthehardestthingofallotherstosaywithasureand
steadfasthope:IamnotthesonofAgar,butofSarahthatistosay,thelawbelongeth
nothinguntome,forSarahismymother,whobringethforthfreechildrenandheirs,andnot
servants.
PaulthenbythistestimonyofIsaiahhathprovedthatSarah,thatistosay,theChurch,is
thetruemotherwhichbringethforthfreechildrenandheirs:contrariwisethatAgar,thatisto
say,theSynagogue,genderethmanychildrenindeed,buttheyareservantsandmustbecast
out.Moreover,becausethisplacespeakethalsooftheabolishingofthelaw,andofChristian
liberty,itoughttobediligentlyconsidered.Forasitisthemostprincipalandspecialarticle
ofChristiandoctrine,toknowthatwearejustifiedandsavedbyChrist,soitisalsovery
necessarytoknowandunderstandwellthedoctrineconcerningtheabolishmentofthelaw.
Forithelpethverymuchtoconfirmourdoctrineastouchingfaith,andtoattainsoundand
certainconsolationofconscience,whenweareassuredthatthelawisabolished,andspecially
ingreatterrorsandseriousconflicts.
Ihaveoftensaidbefore,andnowIsayagain(foritcannotbetoooftenrepeated),thata
ChristianlayingholdofthebenefitofChristthroughfaith,hathnolaw,butallthelawisto
himabolishedwithallhisterrorsandtorments.ThisplaceofIsaiahteacheththesamething,
andthereforeitisverynotableandfullofcomfort,stirringupthebarrenandforsakento
rejoice,whichwascountedworthytobemockedorpitiedaccordingtothelaw.Forsuchas
werebarren,wereaccursedaccordingtothelaw.ButtheHolyGhostturneththissentence,
andpronounceththebarrenworthyofpraiseandblessing:andcontrariwise,thefruitfuland
suchasbringforthchildren,accursedwhenhesaith:Rejoicethoubarren,etc.forthe
desolatehathmanymorechildrenthanthemarriedwife.HowsoeverthenSarah,thatisto
say,theChurch,seemethtobeforsakenandbarrenbeforetheworld,nothavingthe
righteousnessandworksofthelaw:yetnotwithstandingsheisamostfruitfulmother,having
aninfinitenumberofchildrenbeforeGod,astheprophetwithesseth.Contrariwise,although
Agarseemneversofruitfulandtobringforthneversomanychildren,yetnotwithstanding
shehathnoissueremainingforthechildrenofthebondwomanarecastoutofthehouse
togetherwiththeirmother,andreceivenottheinheritancewiththechildrenofthefree
womanasPaulsaithafterward.
Becausethereforewearethechildrenofthefreewoman,thelawouroldhusbandis
abolished(Romans7).Whoaslongashehaddominionoverus,itwasimpossibleforusto
bringforthchildrenfreeinspirit,orknowinggracebutweremainedwiththeotherin
bondage.Trueitis,thataslongasthelawreigneth,menarenotidle,buttheylaborsore,they
beartheburdenandtheheatoftheday,theybringforthandgendermanychildren:butas
wellthefathersasthechildrenarebastards,anddonotbelongtothefreemothertherefore
theyareatthelengthcastoutofthehouseandinheritancewithIshmaeltheydieandare
damned.Itisimpossiblethereforethatmenshouldattaintotheinheritance,thatistosay,that

theyshouldbejustifiedandsaved,bythelaw,althoughtheytravailneversomuch,andbe
neversofruitfultherein.Accursedthereforebethatdoctrine,lifeandreligion,which
endeavourethtogetrighteousnessbeforeGodbythelawortheworksthereof.Butletus
prosecuteourpurposeastouchingtheabolishmentofthelaw.
Thomasandotherschooldoctors,speakingoftheabolishmentofthelaw,saythatthe
judicialandtheceremoniallawsareperniciousanddeadlysincethecomingofChrist,and
thereforetheyareabolishedbutnotsothemorallaw.These[blinddoctors]knewnotwhat
theysaid.Butifthouwiltspeakoftheabolishmentofthelaw,talkofthelawasitisinits
ownproperuseandoffice,andasitisspirituallytakenandcomprehendwithalthewhole
law,makingnodistinctionatallbetweenthejudicial,ceremonial,andmorallaw.Forwhen
PaulsaiththatwearedeliveredfromthecurseofthelawbyChrist,hespeakethofthewhole
law,andprincipallyofthemorallaw,whichonlyaccuseth,cursethandcondemneththe
conscience,whichtheothertwodonot.Whereforewesaythatthemorallaw,orthelawof
theTenCommandments,hathnopowertoaccuseandterrifytheconscienceinwhichChrist
reignethbyhisgrace:forhehathabolishedthepowerthereof.
Notthattheconsciencedothnotatallfeeltheterrorsofthelaw(forindeeditfeeleth
them),butthattheycannotcondemnit,norbringittodesperation.Forthereisnowno
condemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus(Romans8:1),also:Ifthesonshallmakeyou
free,yeshallbefreeindeed(John8:36).HowsoeverthenaChristianmanbeterrified
throughthelawshowinguntohimhissin,notwithstandinghedespairethnot.Forhebelieveth
inChrist,andbeingbaptizedinhimandcleansedbyhisblood,hehathremissionofallhis
sins.Now,whenoursinispardonedthroughChrist,whoistheLordofthelaw(andyetso
pardonedthathegavehimselfforit),thelawbeingaservanthathnomorepowertoaccuse
andcondemnusforsin,seeingitisforgivenusandwearenowmadefree,forasmuchasthe
Sonhathdeliveredusfrombondage.Whereforethelawiswhollyabolishedtothemthat
believeinChrist.
But(thouwiltsay)Idonothing.Thoucanstdonothingwherebythoumayestbe
deliveredfromthetyrannyofthelaw.ButhearthisjoyfultidingswhichtheHolyGhost
bringethuntotheeoutofthewordsoftheprophet:Rejoicethouthatartbarren,etc.Asifhe
wouldsay:Whyartthousoheavy,whydostthousomourn,sincethereisnocausewhythou
shouldestsodo?ButIambarrenandforsaken,etc.Well:althoughthoubeneversobarren
andforsaken,nothavingtherighteousnessofthelaw,notwithstandingChrististhy
righteousness:hewasmadeacurseforTHEE,todelivertheefromthecurseofthelaw.If
thoubelieveinhim,thelawisdeadUntothee.AndlookhowmuchChristisgreaterthanthe
law,somuchhastthouamoreexcellentrighteousnessthantherighteousnessofthelaw.
Moreover,thouartfruitfulandnotbarrenforthouhastmanymorechildrenthanshewhich
hathanhusband.
Thereisalsoanotherabolishmentofthelawwhichisoutward:towit,thatthepolitic
lawsofMosesdonothingbelonguntous.Whereforeweoughtnottocallthembackagain,
norsuperstitiouslybindourselvesuntothemassomewentabouttodointimespast,being
ignorantofthisliberty.Now,althoughtheGospelmakeusnotsubjecttothejudiciallawsof
Moses,yetnotwithstandingitdothnotexemptusfromtheobedienceofallpoliticlaws,but
makethussubjectinthiscorporallife,tothelawsofthatgovernmentwhereinwelivethatis
tosay,itcommandetheveryonetoobeyhismagistrateandlaws,notonlybecauseofwrath,
butalsoforconsciencesake(1Peter2:Romans13).AndtheEmperor[oranyotherPrince]
shouldnotoffend,ifheusedsomeofthejudiciallawsofMoses:yeahemightusethemfreely

andwithoutoffense.Thereforethepopishschoolmenaredeceived,whichdreamthatthe
judiciallawsofMosesareperniciousanddeadlysincethecomingofChrist.
LikewisewearenotboundtotheceremoniesofMoses:muchlesstotheceremoniesof
thePope.Butbecausethisbodilylifecannotbealtogetherwithoutceremoniesorrites(for
thereneedsmustbesomeinstruction),thereforetheGospelsufferethordinancestobemade
intheChurchastouchingdays,times,placesetc.,thatthepeoplemayknowuponwhatday,
inwhathour,andinwhatplacetoassembletogethertoheartheWordofGod,etc.It
permittethalsothatlessonsandreadingsshouldbeappointed,asintheschools,especiallyfor
theinstructionofchildrenandsuchasareignorant.Thesethingsitpermittethtotheendthat
allmaybedonecomelyandorderlyintheChurch(1Corinthians14).Notthattheywhich
keepsuchordinancesdotherebymeritremissionofsins,etc.
Moreovertheymaybe[changedor]omittedwithoutsin,sothatitbedonewithout
offenseoftheweak.NeitherisittruethattheceremoniesofMosesaftertherevelationof
Christaredeadly:elsehadtheChristianssinnedinobservingthefeastsofPaschand
Pentecost,whichtheoldchurchinstitutedbytheexampleoftheMosaiclaw(albeitinafar
othermannerandtoafarotherend).
Now,Paulspeakethhereespeciallyoftheabolishmentofthemorallaw:whichis
diligentlytobeconsidered.Forhespeakethagainsttherighteousnessofthelaw,thathemight
establishtherighteousnessoffaith,concludingthus:IfonlygraceorfaithinChristjustify,
thenisthewholelawabolishedwithoutanyexception.Andthisheconfirmethbythe
testimonyofIsaiah,wherebyheexhorteththebarrenandforsakentorejoice:foritseemeth
shehathnochild,norhopeevertohaveany,thatistosay,shehathnodisciples,nofavornor
countenanceoftheworld,becauseshepreacheththewordofthecrossofChristcrucified,
againstallthewisdomoftheflesh.Butthouthatartbarren(saiththeprophet),letnotthisany
whittroublethee:yearatherliftupthyvoiceandrejoice,forshethatisforsakenhathmore
childrenthanshethathathanhusband:thatistosay,shethatismarriedandhathagreat
numberofchildrenshallbemadeweak,andthouthatartforsakenshalthavemanychildren.
HecalleththeChurchbarrenbecauseherchildrenarenotbegottenbythelaw,byworks,
byanyindustryorendeavorofmanbutbythewordoffaithintheSpiritofGod.Hereis
nothingelsebutbeingbornnoworkingatall.Contrariwise,theythatarefruitful,laborand
exercisethemselveswithgreattravailinbearingandbringingforthandhereisaltogether
working,andnobirth.Butbecausetheyendeavortogettherightofchildrenandheirsbythe
righteousnessofthelaworbytheirownrighteousness,theyareservantsandneverreceivethe
inheritance,no,thoughtheytirethemselvestodeathwithcontinualtravail.Fortheygoabout
toobtainthatbytheirownworksagainstthewillofGod,whichGodofhismeregracewill
givetoallbelieversforChristssake.Thefaithfulworkwellalsobuttheyarenotthereby
madesonsandheirs(forthistheirbirthbringethuntothem):butthistheydototheendthat
theybeingnowmadechildrenforChristssake,mightglorifyGodbytheirgoodworks,and
helptheirneighbors.
Nowwe,brethren,afterthemannerofisaacarechildrenofthepromise
Thatistosay,wearenotchildrenoftheflesh,asIshmael,orasallthefleshlyIsrael,which
gloriedthattheyweretheseedofAbrahamandthepeopleofGod.ButChristansweredthem,
John8:IfyewerethesonsofAbraham,yewouldnotseektokillmewhichhathspokenthe
truthuntoyoualso:IfGodwereyourfather,thenwouldyelovemeandreceivemyword.

Asifhewouldsay:Brethrenbornandbroughtuptogetherinonehouse,knowoneanothers
voicebutyebeofyourfatherthedevil,etc.Wearenotsuchchildren(saithhe)astheyare,
whichremainservants,andatlengthshallbecastoutofthehouse.Butwearechildrenofthe
promise,asIsaacwasthatistosay,ofgraceandoffaith,bornonlyofthepromise.
ConcerningthisIhavespokensufficientlybeforeinthethirdchapter,intreatinguponthis
place:Inthyseedshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed.Thereforewearepronounced
righteous,notbythelaw,byworks,orourownrighteousness,butbythemere[mercyand]
graceofGod.Paulrepeatethveryoften,anddiligentlysettethforththepromisewhichis
receivedbyfaithaloneforheknewthatitwasverynecessarysotodo.
HithertoastouchingtheallegoryoutofGenesistothewhichPaulannexeththeplaceof
Isaiahasaninterpretation.NowheapplieththehistoryofIshmaelandIsaacforourexample
andconsolation.
Butasthenhethatwasbornaftertheflesh,persecutedhimthatwasbornafterthe
spirit,evensoitisnow
Thisplacecontainethasingularconsolation.WhosoeverarebornandliveinChrist,and
rejoiceinthisbirthandinheritanceofGod,haveIshmaelfortheirenemyandtheirpersecutor.
Thiswelearnatthisdaybyexperienceforweseethatalltheworldisfulloftumults,
persecutions,sectsandoffenses.Wherefore,ifwedidnotarmourselveswiththisconsolation
ofPaul,andsuchlike,andwellunderstandthisarticleofjustification,weshouldneverbeable
towithstandtheviolenceandsubtlesleightsofSatan.
Forwhoshouldnotbetroubledwiththesecruelpersecutionsofouradversaries,andwith
thesesectsandinfiniteoffenseswhichasortofbusyandfantasticalspiritsstirupatthisday?
Verilyitisnosmallgriefuntous,whenweareconstrainedtohearthatallthingswerein
peaceandtranquillitybeforetheGospelcameabroadbutsincethepreachingandpublishing
thereof,allthingsareunquiet,andthewholeworldisinanuproar,sothateveryonearmeth
himselfagainstanother.WhenamanthatisnotenduedwiththeSpiritofGodheareththis,by
andbyheisoffended,andjudgeththatthedisobedienceofsubjectsagainsttheirmagistrates,
thatseditions,wars,plaguesandfamine,thattheoverthrowingofcommonweals,kingdoms
andcountries,thatsects,offenses,andsuchotherinfiniteevilsdoproceedaltogetherofthe
doctrineoftheGospel.
Againstthisgreatoffensewemustcomfortandarmourselveswiththissweet
consolation,thatthefaithfulmustbearthisnameandthistitleintheworld,thattheyare
seditiousandschismatics,andtheauthorsofinnumerableevils.Andhereofitcometh,that
ouradversariesthinktheyhaveajustcauseagainstus,yeathattheydoGodhighservice
whentheyhate,persecuteandkillus(John16:2).ItcannotbethenbutthatIshmaelmust
persecuteIsaac:butIsaacagainpersecutethnotIshmael.
WhosowillnotsufferthepersecutionofIshmael,lethimnotprofesshimselftobea
Christian.
Butletouradversaries(whichsomightilyamplifytheseevilsatthisday)telluswhat
goodthingsensuedthepreachingoftheGospelofChristandhisApostles.Didnotthe
destructionofthekingdomoftheJewsfollow?
WasnottheRomanempireoverthrown?Wasnotthewholeworldinanuproar?Andyet
theGospelwasnotthecausehereof,whichChristandhisApostlespreachedfortheprofit
andsalvationofmen,andnotfortheirdestruction.Butthesethingsfollowedthroughthe

iniquityofthepeople,thenations,thekingsandprinces,whobeingpossessedofthedevil
wouldnothearkentotheWordofgrace,life,andeternalsalvationbutdetestedand
condemneditasadoctrinemostperniciousandhurtfultoreligionandcommonweals.And
thatthisshouldsocometopass,theHolyGhostforetoldbyDavidwhenhesaith,Psalm2:
Whydotheheathenrage?etc.
Suchtumultsandhurlyburlieswehearandseeatthisday.Theadversarieslaythefault
inourdoctrine.Butthedoctrineofgraceandpeacestirrethnotupthesetroubles:butthe
people,nations,kingsandprincesoftheearth(asthePsalmistsaith)rageandmurmur,
conspireandtakecounsel,notagainstus(astheythink)noragainstourdoctrine,whichthey
blasphemeasfalseandseditious:butagainsttheLordandhisanointed.
Thereforealltheircounselsandpracticesareandshallbedisappointedandbroughtto
nought.Hethatdwellethintheheavenshalllaugh:theLordshallhavetheminderision
(Psalm2:4).Letthemcryoutthereforeaslongastheylist,thatweraiseupthesetumultsand
seditions:notwithstandingthisPsalmcomfortethus,andsaiththattheythemselvesarethe
authorsofthesetroubles.Theycannotbelievethis,andmuchlesscantheybelievethatitis
theywhichmurmur,riseup,andtakecounselagainsttheLordandhisanointed:nayrather
theythinkthattheymaintaintheLordscause,thattheydefendhisglory,anddohim
acceptableserviceinpersecutingus:butthePsalmliethnot,andthatshalltheenddeclare.
Herewedonothing,butweonlysuffer,asourconsciencebearethuswitnessintheHoly
Ghost.Moreover,thedoctrineforthewhichtheyraiseupsuchtumultsandoffenses,isnot
ours,butitisthedoctrineofChrist.
Thisdoctrinewecannotdeny,norforsakethedefensethereof,seeingChristsaith:
Whosoevershallbeashamedofmeandofmywordsinthisadulterousandsinfulgeneration,
ofhimshalltheSonofManbeashamedetc.Mark8:38)HethereforethatwillpreachChrist
truly,andconfesshimtobeourrighteousness,mustbecontenttohearthatheisapernicious
fellowandthathetroublethallthings.Theywhichhavetroubledtheworld(saidtheJewsof
PaulandSilas)arecomeuntous,andhavedonecontrarytothedecreesofCaesar(Acts17).
AndinActs24:WehavefoundthispestilentowstirringupseditionamongalltheJews
throughoutthewholeworld,andtheauthorofthesectofNazarenes,etc.
InlikemanneralsotheGentilescomplaininActs16:Thesementroubleourcity.Soat
thisdaytheyaccuseLuthertobeatroublerofthePapacy,andoftheRomanempire.IfI
wouldkeepsilence,thenallthingsshouldbeinpeacewhichthestrongmanpossesseth(Luke
11:21),andthePopewouldnotpersecutemeanymore.ButbythismeanstheGospelof
Christshouldbeblemishedanddefaced.IfIspeak,thePopeistroubledandoverthrown.
EitherwemustlosethePope,an[earthlyand]mortalman,orelseChristwhichiseternal,and
withhimeternallife.LetthePopeperishthen,whichisearthlyandmortal,ratherthanthe
heavenlyandeternalChrist.
Christhimself,whenheforesawinspiritthegreattroubleswhichshouldfollowhis
preaching,comfortedhimselfafterthismanner:Icame(saithhe)tosendfireupontheearth,
andwhatwillIbutthatitbekindled?(Luke12:49)Inlikemannerweseeatthisday,that
greattroublesfollowthepreachingoftheGospel,throughthepersecutionandblasphemyof
ouradversaries,andthecontemptandingratitudeofourownpeople.
Thismattersogrievethus,thatoftentimes,aftertheflesh[andafterthejudgmentof
reason],wethinkithadbeenbetterthatthedoctrineoftheGospelhadnotbeenpublished,
thanthatafterthepreachingthereof,thepublicpeaceshouldbesotroubled.Butaccordingto
theSpirit,wesayboldlywithChrist:Icametosendfireupontheearth,andwhatwillIbut

thatitshouldnowbekindled?Now,afterthatthisfireiskindled,therefollowforthwithgreat
commotions.ForitisnotakingoranemperorthatisthusprovokedbuttheGodofthis
world.whichisamostmightyspirit,andthelordofthewholeworld.Thisweakword,
preachingChristcrucified,settethuponmightyandterribleadversary.Behemoth,feelingthe
divinepowerofthisword,stirrethupallhismembers,shakethhistail,andmakeththedepth
oftheseatoboillikeapot(Job41:31).Hereofcomeallthesetumults,allthesefuriousand
cruelragesoftheworld.
Whereforeletitnottroubleusthatouradversariesareoffended,andcryout,thatthere
comethnogoodbythepreachingoftheGospel.Theyareinfidels,theyareblindand
obstinate,andthereforeitisimpossiblethattheyshouldseeanyfruitoftheGospel.But
contrariwise,wewhichbelieve,doseetheinestimableprofitsandfruitsthereofalthough
outwardlyforatimewebeoppressedwithinfiniteevils,despised,spoiled,accused,
condemnedastheoutcastsandfilthydungofthewholeworld,andputtodeath,andinwardly
afflictedwiththefeelingofoursin,andvexedwithdevils.ForweliveinChrist,inwhomand
bywhomweare[made]kingsandlordsoversin,death,theflesh,theworld,hell,andall
evils.Inwhomandbywhomalsowetreadunderourfeetthatdragonandbasilisk,whichis
thekingofsinanddeath.Howisthisdone?Infaith.Fortheblessednesswhichwehopefor,
isnotyetrevealed,whichinthemeantimewewaitforinpatience,andyetnotwithstandingdo
nowassuredlypossessthesamebyfaith.
Weoughtthereforediligentlytolearnthearticleofjustification:forthatonlyisableto
supportusagainsttheseinfiniteslandersandoffensesandtocomfortusinallourtemptations
andpersecutions.Forweseethatitcannototherwisebe,butthattheworldwillbeoffended
withthedoctrineofgodliness,andcontinuallycryoutthatnogoodcomethofit.Forthe
naturalmanunderstandethnotthosethingswhichareoftheSpiritofGodfortheyare
foolishnesstohim(1Corinthians2:14).Heonlybeholdeththeoutwardevils,troubles,
rebellions,murders,sects,andothersuchlikethings.Withthesesightsheisoffendedand
blinded,andfinallyfallethintothecontemptandblasphemingofGodsWord.
Onthecontrarypart,weoughttostayandcomfortourselvesinthis,thatouradversaries
donotaccuseandcondemnusforanymanifestwickednesswhichwehavecommitted,as
adultery,murder,theft,andsuchlike,butforourdoctrine.Andwhatdoweteach?That
ChristtheSonofGod,bythedeathoftheCross,hathredeemedusfromoursinsandfrom
everlastingdeath.Thereforetheydonotimpugnourlife,butourdoctrineyeathedoctrineof
Christ,andnotours.Therefore,iftherebeanyoffense,itisChristsoffenseandnotoursand
sothefaultwhereforetheypersecuteus,Christhathcommitted,andnotwe.Nowwhether
theywillcondemnChrist,andpluckhimoutofheavenasanhereticandseditiouspersonfor
thisfault,thatheisouronlyjustifierandSavior,letthemlooktothat.Asforus,we
commendingthishimowncauseuntohimself,arequietbeholderswhetherofthemshallhave
thevictory,Christorthey.Indeed,aftertheflesh,itgrievethusthattheseIshmaeliteshateand
persecuteussofuriously:notwithstanding,accordingtothespirit,wegloryinthese
afflictions,bothbecauseweknowthatwesufferthemnotforoursins,butforChristscause,
whosebenefitandwhoseglorywesetforth,andalsobecausePaulgivethuswarning
aforehand,thatIshmaelmustmockandpersecutehim.TheJewsexpoundthisplace,which
PaulallegethoutotGenesis21,ofIshmaelmockingandpersecutingIsaac,afterthismanner,
thatIshmaelconstrainedIsaactocommitidolatry.Ifhedidso,yetIbelievenotthatitwas
anysuchgrossidolatryastheJewsdreamof,towit,thatIshmaelmadeimagesofclay,after
themanneroftheGentiles,whichhecompelledIsaactoworship:forthisAbrahamwouldin

nowisehavesuffered.ButIthinkthatIshmaelwasinoutwardshewaholyman,asCainwas,
whoalsopersecutedhisbrother,andatlengthkilledhim:notforanycorporalthing,but
becausehesawthatGodesteemedhimabovetheother.
InlikemannerIshmaelwasoutwardlyaloverofreligion:hesacrificedandexercised
himselfinwelldoing.ThereforehemockedhisbrotherIsaac,andwouldbeesteemedabetter
manthanhefortwocauses:first,forhisreligionandserviceofGodsecondly,forhiscivil
governmentandinheritance.Andthesetwothingsheseemedjustlytochallengetohimself.
ForhethoughtthatthekingdomandpriesthoodpertainedtohimbytherightofGods
lawasthefirstborn,andthereforehepersecutedIsaacspirituallybecauseofreligion,and
corporallybecauseoftheinheritance.
ThispersecutionalwaysremainethintheChurch,especiallywhenthedoctrineofthe
Gospelflourisheth,towit,thatthechildrenofthefleshmockthechildrenofthepromise,and
persecutethem.ThePapistsandthefantasticalspiritspersecuteusatthisday,andfornone
othercause,butforthatweteachthatrighteousnesscomethbythepromise.Foritvexeththe
Papiststhatwewillnotworshiptheiridols,thatistosay,thatwesetnotforththeir
righteousness,theirworksandworshippings,devisedandordainedbymen,asavailableto
obtaingraceandforgivenessofsins.Andforthiscausetheygoabouttoeastusoutofthe
house,thatistosay,theyvauntthattheyaretheChurch,thechildrenandpeopleofGod,and
thattheinheritancebelongethuntothem,etc.Contrariwise,theyexcommunicateandbanish
usashereticsandseditiouspersons:andiftheycan,theykillusalso:andinsodoingthey
thinktheydoGodgoodservice.
So,asmuchasinthemlieth,theycastusoutofthislifeandthelifetocome.The
fantasticalspiritsdohateusdeadly,becauseweimpugnanddetesttheirerrorsandheresics
whichtheyspreadabroadanddailyrenewintheChurch,andforthiscausetheyjudgeusto
befarworsethanthePapistsandthereforetheyhaveconceivedamorecruelhatredagainst
us,thanagainstthePapists,judgingustobefarworsethanthose.
AssoonthereforeastheWordofGodisbroughttolight,thedevilisangry,andusethall
hisforceandsubtlesleightstopersecuteit,andutterlytoabolishit.Thereforehecanno
otherwisedo,butraiseupinfinitesects,[horrible]offenses,cruelpersecutions,and
[abominable]murders.Forheisthefatheroflyingandofmurder.Hespreadethhislies
throughouttheworldbyfalseteachers,andhekillethmenbytyrants.Bythesemeanshe
possessethboththespiritualandthecorporalkingdom:thespiritualkingdombythelyingof
falseteachers(stirringupalsowithoutceasingeverymanparticularbyhisfierydartsto
heresiesandwickedopinions)thecorporalkingdombytheswordoftyrants.Thusthisfather
oflyingandofmurder,stirrethuppersecutiononeveryside,bothspiritualandcorporal,
againstthechildrenofthefreewoman.Thespiritualpersecution,whichweareatthisday
constrainedtosufferofheretics,istousmostgrievousandintolerable,becauseoftheinfinite
offensesandslanderswherewiththedevilgoethabouttodefaceourdoctrine.Forweare
enforcedtohear,thattheheresicsanderrorsoftheAnabaptistsandSacramentarians,andall
otherenormitiesdoproceedfromourdoctrine.Thecorporalpersecution,bywhichtyrantslie
inwaitforourgoodsandlives,ismoretolerablefortheypersecuteusnotforoursins,but
forthetestimonyoftheWordofGod.LetuslearnthereforeevenbythetitlewhichChrist
givethtothedevil,towit,thatheisthefatheroflyingandmurder(John8),thatwhenthe
GospelflourishethandChristreigneth,thensectsofperditionmustneedsspringupand
murderers,persecutingthetruth,mustrageeverywhere.AndPaulsaith:Theremustbe
heresies(1Corinthians11:19).Hethatisignorantofthis,issoonoffended,andfallingaway

fromthetrueGodandtruefaith,hereturnethtohisoldGodandold[false]faith.
Paulthereforeinthisplacearmeththegodlybeforehand,thattheyshouldnotbeoffended
withthosepersecutions)sectsandoffenses,saying:Butasthenhethatwasbornafterthe
flesh,etc.Asifhewouldsay:Ifwebethechildrenofthepromise,andbornaftertheSpirit,
wemustsurelylooktobepersecutedofourbrother,whichisbornafterthefleshthatisto
say,notonlyourenemies,whicharemanifestlywicked,shallpersecuteus,butalsosuchasat
thefirstwereourdearfriends,withwhomwewerefamiliarlyconversantinonehouse,which
receivedfromusthe[true]doctrineoftheGospel,shallbecomeourdeadlyenemies,and
persecuteusextremely.Fortheyarebrethrenaftertheflesh,andmustpersecutethebrethren
whicharebornaftertheSpirit.SoChrist(inPsalm41)complainethofJudas:Themanofmy
peaceinwhomItrusted,whichdideatbreadwithme,hathlifteduphisheelagainstme.But
thisisourconsolation,thatwehavenotgivenanyoccasiontoourIshmaelitestopersecuteus.
ThePapistspersecuteus,becauseweteachthepureandsinceredoctrineoftheGospelwhich
ifwewouldforsake,theywouldpersecuteusnomore.Moreover,ifwewouldapprovethe
perniciousheresiesoftheSectaries,theywouldpraiseus.But,becausewedetestandabhor
theimpietybothoftheoneandtheother,thereforedotheysospitefullyhateandsocruelly
persecuteus.
ButnotonlyPaul(asIhavesaid)armethusagainstsuchpersecutionsandoffenses,but
ChristhimselfalsomostsweetlycomfortethusinthefifteenthchapterofJohn,saying:Ifye
wereoftheworld,theworldwouldlovehisownbutbecauseyouarenotoftheworld,butI
havechosenyououtoftheworld,thereforetheworldhatethyou,etc.Asifhewouldsay:I
amthecauseofallthesepersecutionswhichyeendureandifyebekilled,itisIforwhose
sakeyearekilledforifyedidnotpreachmywordandconfessme,theworldwouldnot
persecuteyou.Butitgoethwellwithyoufortheservantisnotgreaterthanhismaster.If
theyhavepersecutedme,theywallalsopersecuteyouformynamessake,etc.
BythesewordsChristlayethallthefaultuponhimself,anddeliverethusfromallfear.
Asifhewouldsay:Yearenotthecausewhytheworldhatethandpersecutethyou,butmy
namewhichyepreachandconfess,isthecausethereof.Butbeofgoodcomfort,Ihave
overcometheworld.
Thisaffianceupholdethus,sothatwedoubtnothingbutthatChristisstrongenoughnot
onlytobear,butalsotovanquishallthecrueltyoftyrants,andthesubtlesleightsofheretics.
AndthishehathdeclaredinshewingforthhispoweragainsttheJewsandtheRomans,whose
tyrannyandpersecutionshesufferedforatime.Healsosufferedthesubtleandcrafty
practicesofheretics,butintimeandplaceheoverthrewthemall,andremainedkingand
conqueror.LetthePapiststhenrageasmuchastheywilllettheSectariesslanderandcorrupt
theGospelofChristasmuchastheycannotwithstandingChristshallreigneternallyandhis
Wordshallstandforever,whenallhisenemiesshallbebroughttonought.Moreover,thisisa
singularconsolation,thatthepersecutionofIshmaelagainstIsaacshallnotalwayscontinue,
butshallendureforalittlewhile,andwhenthatisended,thesentenceshallbepronounced,as
followeth:
ButwhatsaiththeScripture?Castoutthebondwomanandherson:forthesonofthe
bondwomanshallnotbeheirwiththesonofthefreewoman
ThiswordofSarahwasverygrievoustoAbrahamandnodoubt,whenheheardthis
sentence,hisfatherlybowelsweremovedwithcompassiontowardshissonIshmaelforhe

wasbornofhisflesh.AndthistheScriptureplainlywitnesseth,whenitsaith:Andthisthing
wasverygrievousinAbrahamssight,becauseofhisson.ButGodconfirmeththesentence
whichSarahpronounced,sayingtoAbraham:Letitnotbegrievousinthysightforthechild
andforthybondwoman:inallthatSarahshallsayuntotheehearhervoice:forinIsaacshall
thyseedbecalled(Genesis21:912).
TheIshmaeliteshearinthisplacethesentencepronouncedagainstthem,which
overthroweththeJews,Grecians,Romans,andallotherswhichpersecutetheChurchof
Christ.TheselfsamesentencealsoshalloverthrowthePapists,andasmanyastrustintheir
ownworks,whichatthisdayboastthemselvestobethepeopleofGodandtheChurch:which
alsotrustthattheyshallsurely,receivetheinheritance,andjudgeuswhichrestuponthe
promiseofGod,notonlytobebarrenandforsaken,butalsohereticscastoutoftheChurch,
andthatitisimpossiblethatweshouldbesonsandheirs.ButGodoverthroweththeir
judgementandpronounceththissentenceagainstthem,thatbecausetheyarethechildrenof
thebondwoman,andpersecutethechildrenofthefreewoman,thereforetheyshallbecastout
ofthehouse,andshallhavenoinheritancewiththechildrenorpromisetowhomonlythe
inheritancebelongethbecausetheyarethechildrenofthefreewoman.Thissentenceis
ratified,andcanneverberevoked,fortheScripturecannotbebroken:whereforeitshall
assuredlycometopassthatourIshmaelitesshallnotonlylosetheecclesiasticalandpolitic
governmentwhichtheynowhave,butalsoeverlastinglife.FortheScripturehathforetold
thatthechildrenofthebondwomanshallbecastoutofthehouse,thatistosay,outofthe
KingdomofGracefortheycannotbeheirstogetherwiththechildrenofthefreewoman.
NowhereistobenotedthattheHolyGhostcalleththepeopleofthelawandworks,asit
wereincontempt,thechildofthebondwoman.Asifhesaid:Whydoyevauntofthe
righteousnessofthelawandworks,andwhydoyeglorythatyearethepeopleandchildren
ofGodforthesame?Ifyeknownotonwhomyeareborn,Iwilltellyou:Yeare
bondservantsbornofabondwoman.Andwhatservants?Thebondservantsofthelaw,and
consequentlyofsin,ofdeath,andofeverlastingdamnation.Nowaservantisnoinheritor,but
iscastoutofthehouse.WhereforethePopewithallhiskingdom,andallotherjusticiaries
(whatoutwardappearanceofholinesssoevertheyhave)whichhopetoobtaingraceand
salvationbylawshumanordivine,arechildrenofthatbondwoman,andhavenoinheritance
withthechildrenofthefreewoman.Ispeaknow,notofthepopes,cardinals,bishops,and
monks,thatweremanifestlywicked,whohavemadetheirbelliestheirGod,andhave
committedsuchhorriblesinsasIwillnotwillinglynamebutofthebestofthem,suchasI
andmanyotherswere,whichlivedholily,andwentaboutthroughgreatlaborandtravailby
keepingoftheirmonkishorder,topacifythewrathofGod,andtomeritremissionofsinsand
everlastinglife.Theseheartheirsentenceherepronounced,thatthesonsofthebondwoman
mustbecastoutofthehousewiththeirmotherthebondwoman.
Suchsentencesdiligentlyconsidered,makeuscertainofourdoctrine,andconfirmusin
therighteousnessoffaith,againstthedoctrineandrighteousnessofworks,whichtheworld
embracethandmagnifieth,condemninganddespisingtheother.Andthistroublethand
offendethweakminds:whichalbeittheyplainlyseetheimpietyandexecrablewickednessof
thePapists,yetnotwithstanding,theyarenoteasilypersuadedthatallthemultitudewhich
beareththenameandtideoftheChurchdoerr,andthattherearebutfewofthemwhichhave
asoundandarightopinionofthedoctrineoffaith.AndifthePapacyhadthesameholiness
andausterityoflifewhichithadinthetimeoftheancientfathers,Jerome,Ambrose,
Augustine,andothers,whentheclergyhadnotyetsoevilafamefortheirsimony,excess,

abundanceofriches,voluptuousness,whoredom,sodomitry,andsuchotherinfinitesins,but
livedafterthecanonsanddecreesoftheFathersreligiouslyandholilyinoutwardshew,and
unmarried,whatcouldwedonowagainstthePapacy?
ThesinglelifewhichtheclergykeptverystraitlyinthetimeoftheFathers,wasagoodly
thing,andmadeofmenveryangelsinthesightoftheworld,andthereforePaulColossians
2:18,callethitthereligionofangels.AndthePapistssingthusoftheirvirgins:Heledan
angelicallifeintheflesh,seeinghelivedcontrarytotheflesh.Moreoverthelifewhichthey
callthecontemplativelive(whereuntotheclergymenwerethenverymuchgiven,utterly
neglectingallcivilandhouseholdgovernment)hadagoodlyshewofholiness.Whereforeif
thatoutwardshewandappearanceoftheoldPapacyremainedatthisday,weshould
peradventuredobutlittleagainstitbyourdoctrineoffaith,seeingwedonowsolittleprevail,
when(thatoldoutwardshewofgodlinessandseveredisciplinebeingutterlyabolished)there
isnothingtobeseeninthePapacybutaverysinkandpuddleofvicesandabominations.
ButadmitthecasethattheoldreligionanddisciplineofthePapacywereyetremaining
notwithstanding,weoughtbytheexampleofPaul(whovehementlypursuedthefalse
apostles,whichoutwardlyappearedtobeverygoodandholymen)tofightagainstthe
meritmongersofthepapisticalkingdom,andtosay:Althoughyeliveasinglelife,tiringand
consumingyourbodieswithcontinualtravail,andwalkinginhumilityandthereligionof
angels,yetareyeservantsofthelaw,ofsin,andofthedevil,andmustbecastoutofthe
houseforyeseekrighteousnessandsalvationbyyourworks,andnotbyChrist.
WhereforeweoughtnotsomuchtoconsiderthewickedlifeofthePapists,astheir
abominabledoctrineandhypocrisy,againstthewhichwespeciallyfight.Letussupposethen
thatthereligionanddisciplineoftheoldPapacydothyetstillflourish,andthatitisnow
observedwithasmuchseverityandstraitnessaseveritwas(asbythehermits,byJerome,by
Augustine,Gregory,Bernard,Francis,Dominicandmanyother)yetmustwesay
notwithstanding:Ifyehavenothingbutthisholinessandchastityoflifetosetagainstthe
wrathandjudgmentofGod,yeareinverydeedthesonsofthebondwomanwhichmustbe
castoutofthekingdomofheavenandbedamned.
Andnowtheythemselvesdonotdefendtheirwickedlife,nayrathertheywhicharethe
bestandsoundestofthemalldodetestitbuttheyfightforthemaintenanceanddefenseof
thedoctrineofdevils,forhypocrisy,andfortherighteousnessofworks.Heretheyallegethe
authorityofCouncilsandtheexamplesofholyFathers,whomtheyaffirmtohavebeenthe
authorsoftheirholyordersandstatutesetc.Thereforewefightnotagainstthemanifest
wickednessandabominationsofthePapacy,butagainstthegreatestholinessandholiest
saintsthereof,whichthinktheyleadanangelicallife,whilsttheydreamthattheykeepnot
onlythecommandmentsofGod,butalsothecounselsofChrist,anddoworksof
supererogation,andsuchastheyarenotboundtodo.Thiswesayistolaborinvain,except
theytakeholdofthatonethingalone,whichChristsaithisnecessaryandchoosethegood
partwithMary,whichshallnotbetakenfromthem(Luke10:42).
ThisdidBernard,amansogodly,soholy,andsochaste,thatheistobecommendedand
preferredabovethemall.Hebeingoncegrievouslysick,andhavingnohopeoflife,putnot
histrustinhissinglelifewhereinhehadlivedmostchastely,notinhisgoodworksanddeeds
ofcharity,whereofhehaddonemanyoutremovedthemfaroutofhissight,andlayinghold
onthebenefitofChristbyfaith,hesaid:Ihavelivedwickedly,butthouLordJesusChrist,by
doublefightdostpossessthekingdomofheaven:first,becausethouarttheSonofGod
secondly,becausethouhastpurchaseditbythydeathandpassion.Thefirstthoukeepestfor

thyselfbythybirthright.Thesecondthougivesttome,notbytherightofmyworks,butby
therightofgrace.HesetnotagainstthewrathandjudgmentofGodhismonkeryandhis
angelicallifebuthetookholdofthatonethingwhichwasnecessary,andsowassaved.I
thinkthatJerome,Gregory,andmanyotherofthefathersandhermitsweresavedafterthe
samesort.AnditisnottobedoubtedbutthatalsointheOldTestamentmanykingsofIsrael
andotheridolatersweresavedinlikemanner,whoatthehourofdeathcastingawaytheir
vaintrustwhichtheyhadinidols,tookholdofthepromiseofGodconcerningtheSeedof
Abrahamwhichshouldcome,thatistosay,Christinwhomallnationsshouldbeblessed.
AndifatthisdaytherebeanyofthePapistswhichshallbesaved,theymustsimplyleannot
totheirowngooddeedsanddeserts,buttotheonlymercyofGodoffereduntousinChrist,
andsaywithPaul:Ihavenotmineownrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,butthatwhichis
byfaithinChrist(Philippians3:9).
Thenbrethrenwearenotchildrenoftheservantbutofthefreewoman
PaulhereconcludethhisallegoryofthebarrenChurch,andofthefruitfulpeopleofthelaw.
Wearenot(saithhe)thechildrenofthebondwomanthatistosay,wearenotunderthelaw
whichbegettethuntobondage,thatis,whichterrifieth,accusethandbringethtodesperation:
butwearedeliveredfromitbyChristthereforeitcannotterrifynorcondemnus,etc.
Ofthiswehavespokenenoughbefore.Moreover,althoughthesonsofthebondwoman
dopersecuteusneversomuchforatime,yetthisisourcomfort,thattheyshallthemselvesat
lengthbecastintoouterdarknessandbecompelledtoleavetheinheritanceuntous,which
belongethuntousasthesonsofthefreewoman.
Paulthereforebythesewords,bondwomanandfreewoman,tookoccasion(aswe
haveheard)torejecttherighteousnessofthelaw,andtoconfirmthedoctrineofjustification.
Andofpurposehetakethholdofthiswordfreewoman,vehementlyurgingandamplifying
thesame,especiallyinthebeginningofthechapterfollowing.Whereuponhetakethoccasion
toreasonofChristianliberty,theknowledgewhereofisverynecessary:forthePopehath
utterlyoverthrownitandmadetheChurchsubjectbymanstraditionsandceremoniestoa
mostmiserableandfilthybondage.ThatlibertywhichispurchasedbyChrist,isuntousat
thisdayamoststrongfort,wherebywedefendourselvesagainstthetyrannyofthePope.
WhereforewemustdiligentlyconsiderthisdoctrineofChristianliberty,aswellto
confirmthedoctrineofjustification,asalsotoraiseupandcomfort[weak]consciences
againstsomanytroublesandoffenses,whichouradversariesdoimputeuntotheGospel.
Now,Christianlibertyisaveryspiritualthing,whichthecarnalmandothnotunderstand.
YeatheywhichhavethefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,andcantalkwellthereof,doveryhardly
retainitintheirheart.Itseemethtoreasonthatitisamatterofsmallimportance.Thereforeif
theHolyGhostdonotmagnifyitthatitmaybeesteemedaccordingly,itiscondemned.

CHAPTER5
PAULnowdrawingtowardstheendofhisEpistle,disputethveryvehementlyindefenseof
thedoctrineoffaithandChristianliberty,againstthefalseapostles,theenemiesand

destroyersofthesameagainstwhomhecastethoutverythunderingwordstobeatthem
downandutterlytovanquishthem.AndtherewithalheexhorteththeGalatianstoflytheir
perniciousdoctrineasadangerouspoison.Inhisexhortationheintermingleththreatenings
andpromises,tryingeverywaythathemaykeeptheminthatlibertywhichChristhath
purchasedforthemsaying:
StandfastthereforeinthatlibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree
Thatistosay:beyesteadfast.SoPetersaith(1Peter5:8):Besoberandwatch,foryour
adversarythedevilasaroaringlionwalkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevourwhom
resist,beingsteadfastinthefaith.
Beyenotcareless(saithhe)butsteadfastandconstant.Lienotdownandsleep,butstand
up.Asifhewouldsay:Itstandethyouinhandtobewatchfulandconstant,thatyemaykeep
andholdfastthatlibertywherewithChristhathmadeyoufree.Theythataresecureand
negligent,cannotkeepthisliberty.ForSatanmostdeadlyhateththelightoftheGospel,that
istosay,thedoctrineofgrace,liberty,consolation,andlife.
Thereforewhenheseeththatitbeginnethoncetoappear,forthwithhefightethagainstit
withallmightandmain,stirringupstormsandtempests[tohinderthecoursethereof,and]
utterlytooverthrowit.WhereforePaulwarneththefaithfulnottosleep,nottobenegligent
butconstantlyandvaliantlytoresistSatan,thathespoilthemnotofthatlibertywhichChrist
hathpurchasedforthem,etc.
Everywordhathhereacertainvehemency.Stand,saithheasifheshouldsay:Here
haveyeneedofgreatdiligenceandvigilancy.Inthatliberty.Inwhatliberty?Notinthat
wherewiththeEmperorhathmadeusfree,butinthatwherewithChristhathmadeusfree.
TheEmperorhathgiven,orratherwascompelledtogive,tothebishopofRomeafreecity,
andotherlandsalsoimmunities,privilegesandprerogatives,etc.Thisisalsoaliberty,butit
isacivilliberty,wherebythePopewithallhisclergyisexemptfrompubliccharges.
Moreover,thereisafleshly,orratheradevilishliberty,wherebythedevilchieflyreigneth
throughoutthewholeworld.Fortheythatenjoythisliberty,obeyneitherGodnorlaws,but
dowhattheylist.Thisliberty,thepeopleseekandembraceatthisdayandsodothe
Sectaries,whichwillbeatlibertyintheiropinionsandinalltheirdoings,totheendtheymay
teachanddowhatsoevertheydreamtoberight,withoutreprehension,Thesestandinthat
libertywhereinthedevilhathmadethemfree.Butwespeaknothereofthisliberty,albeitthe
wholeworldseekethnootherliberty.Neitherdowespeakofthecivilliberty,butofafar
othermannerofliberty,whichthedevilhatethandresistethwithallhispower.
ThisisthatlibertywherebyChristhathmadeusfree,notfromanearthlybondage,from
theBabylonicalcaptivity,orfromthetyrannyoftheTurks,butfromGodseverlastingwrath.
Andwhereisthisdone?Intheconscience.Thererestethourliberty,andgoethnofarther.For
Christhathmadeusfree,notcivilly,norcarnally,butdivinelythatistosay,wearemade
freeinsuchsort,thatourconscienceisnowfreeandquiet,notfearingtheWrathtocome.
Thisisthattrueandinestimablelibertytotheexcellencyandmajestywhereof,ifwecompare
theother(thecivilandthecarnal),theyarebutasonedropofwaterinrespectofthewhole
sea.Forwhoisabletoexpresswhatathingitis,whenamanisassuredinhisheartthatGod
neitherisnorwillbeangrywithhim,butwillbeforeveramercifulandalovingfatherunto
himforChristssake?Thisisindeedamarvelousandincomprehensibleliberty,tohavethe
mosthighandsovereignMajestysofavorableuntous,thathedothnotonlydefend,maintain

andsuccorusinthislife,butalsoastouchingourbodieswillsodeliverus,thatourbodies,
whicharesownincorruption,indishonorandinfirmity,shallriseagaininincorruption,in
gloryandpower(Corinthians15:42ff.).Wherefore,thisisaninestimableliberty,thatweare
madefreefromthewrathofGodforeverandisgreaterthanheavenandearthandallother
creatures.
Ofthislibertytherefollowethanother,wherebythroughChristwearemadefreefromthe
law,sin,death,thepowerofthedevil,hell,etc.For,asthewrathofGodcannotterrifyus,for
thatChristhathdeliveredusfromthesame,sothelaw,sin,etc.,cannotaccuseandcondemn
us.Andalthoughthelawaccuseus,andsinterrifyus,yettheycannotdriveustodesperation.
Forfaith,whichovercomeththeworld,byandbysaith:Thesethingsbelongnotuntomefor
Christhathmademefree,anddeliveredmefromthemall.Likewisedeath,whichisthemost
mightyandmostdreadfulthinginalltheworld,isutterlyvanquishedintheconscienceby
thislibertyoftheSpirit.WhereforethemajestyofthisChristianlibertyishighlytobe
esteemed,anddiligentlyconsidered.Itisaneasymatterforamantospeakthesewords:
FreedomfromthewrathofGod,sin,death,etc.butinthetimeoftemptation,intheagony
ofconscience,inpracticetoapplythemtohimself,andtofeeltheexcellencyofthisliberty
andthefruitthereof,itisahardermatterthancanbeexpressed.
Thereforeourconsciencemustbeinstructedandpreparedbeforehand,thatwhenwefeel
theaccusationofthelaw,theterrorsofsin,thehorrorofdeath,andthewrathofGod,wemay
removetheseheavysightsandfearfulfantasiesoutofourminds,andsetintheplacethereof
thefreedompurchasedbyChrist,theforgivenessofsins,righteousness,life,andthe
everlastingmercyofGod.Andalbeitthefeelingofthecontrarybeverystrong,yetletus
assureourselvesthatitshallnotlongendure,accordingtothatsayingoftheprophet:Ina
momentofwrathIhidmyfacefromtheeforaseasonbutwitheverlastingmercyIhave
compassiononthee(Isaiah54:8).Butthisisveryhardtodo.Wherefore,thatlibertywhich
Christhathpurchasedforus,isnotsosoonbelievedasitisnamed.Ifitcouldbeapprehended
withasureandsteadfastfaith,thennorageorterroroftheworld,ofthelaw,sin,death,orthe
devil,couldbesogreat,butbyandbyitshouldbeswallowedupasalittledropofwateris
swallowedofthemainsea.AndcertainlythisChristianlibertyswallowethupatonce,and
takethquiteawaythewholeheapofevils,thelaw,sin,death,Godswrath,andbrieflythe
serpenthimself,withhishead[andwholepower],andinthesteadthereofitplaceth
righteousness,peace,everlastinglife,etc.
Butblessedishethatunderstandethandbelieveth.
Letuslearn,therefore,tomagnifythisourliberty,whichnoemperor,noprophetor
patriarch,nonoranyangelfromheavenhathobtainedforus,butJesusChristtheSonofGod,
bywhomallthingswerecreatedbothinheavenandearth.Whichlibertyhehathpurchased
withnootherpricethanwithhisownblood,todeliverus,notfromanybodilyortemporal
servitude,butfromaspiritualandeverlastingbondageundermostcruelandinvincible
tyrants,towit,thelaw,sin,death,andthedevil,andsotoreconcileusuntoGodhisFather.
Nowsincetheseenemiesareovercome,andwereconcileduntoGodbythedeathofhisSon,
itiscertainthatwearerighteousbeforeGod,andthatwhatsoeverwedo,pleasethhim.And
althoughtherebecertainremnantsofsinyetstillinus,theyarenotlaidtoourcharge,but
pardonedforChristssake.
Paulusedwordsofgreatforceandvehemency,whichoughttobediligentlyweighed.
Stand(saithhe)inthatlibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree.Thislibertythenisnot
givenuntousbythelaw,orforourrighteousness,butfreelyforChristssake:whichthing

PaulherewitnessethandplainlydeclareththroughouthiswholeEpistle.Christalso,inthe
eighthofJohn,saith:IftheSonshallmakeyoufree,yeshallbefreeindeed.Heonlyisset
betwixtusandtheevilswhichtroubleandafflictus:heovercomeththemandtakeththem
away,sothattheycannomoreoppressusnorcondemnus.Inthesteadofsinanddeath,he
givethuntousrighteousnessandeverlastinglifeandbythismeanshechangeththebondage
andterrorsofthelawintolibertyofconscienceandconsolationoftheGospel,whichsaith:
Beofgoodcomfort,myson,thysinsareforgiventhee(Matthew9:2).Whosoeverthen
believethinChrist,hehaththisliberty.
Reasoncannotperceivetheexcellencyofthismatterwhich,whenamanconsiderethin
spirit,heshallseethatitisinestimable.Forwhoisabletoconceiveinhismindhowgreatand
unspeakableagiftitistohavetheforgivenessofsins,righteousness,andeverlastinglife,in
thesteadofthelaw,sin,death,andthewrathofGod,andtohaveGodhimselffavorableand
mercifulforever?ThePapistsandthehypocrites,thatseektherighteousnessofthelaw,or
theirownrighteousness,doglorythattheylikewisehaveremissionofsins,righteousness,the
favorofGod,etc.
Fortheyvauntthattheyalsohavethisliberty,andtheypromisethesameuntoothersbut
inverydeedtheyaretheservantsofcorruption,andinthetimeoftemptationalltheir
confidencevanishethawayeveninamoment.
Fortheytrustuntotheworksandsatisfactionsofmen,andnottotheWordofGod,nor
untoChrist.Whereforeitisimpossibleforthejusticiaries,[whichseektowinheaven,life,
andsalvationbyworksandmerits,]toknowwhattheliberty[anddeliverance]fromsinis.
Contrariwise,ourlibertyhathforherfoundationChristhimself,whoisouroverlasting
highpriest,sittingattherighthandofGodandmakingintercessionforus.Whereforethe
forgivenessofsins,righteousness,life,andliberty,whichwehavethroughhim,issure,
certain,andperpetual,sothatwebelievethesame.Wherefore,ifwecleaveuntoChristwitha
steadfastfaith,andstandfastinthatlibertywherewithhehathmadeusfree,weshallobtain
thoseinestimablegiftsbutifwebecarelessandnegligent,weshalllosethem.Itisnot
withoutcausethatPaulbiddethuswatchandstandfastforheknewthatthedevilseeketh
nothingmorethantospoilusofthislibertywhichcostChristsogreataprice,andtoentangle
usagainbyhisministersintheyokeofbondage,asfolloweth.
Andbenotentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondage
PaulhathspokenmosteffectuallyandprofoundlyasconcerninggraceandChristianliberty,
andwithhighandmightywordshathexhortedtheGalatianstocontinueinthesameforitis
easilylost.Thereforehebiddeththemstandfast,lestthat,throughnegligenceorsecurity,they
fallbackagainfromgraceandfaithtothelawandworks.Nowbecausereason(whichfar
preferreththerighteousnessofthelawbeforetherighteousnessoffaith)perceivethnodanger
herein,thereforewithacertainindignationheinveighethagainstthelawofGod,andwith
greatcontempthecallethitayoke,yeaayokeofbondage.SoPetercallethitalso(Acts15):
WhytemptyeGod,tolayayokeonthedisciplesnecks,etc.Andthusheturnethallthings
tothecontrary.Forthefalseapostlesdidabasethepromise,andmagnifiedthelawandthe
worksthereofinthiswise:Ifyewillbemadefree(saythey)fromsinanddeath,andobtain
righteousnessandlife,thenfulfillthelaw,becircumcised,observedays,months,times,and
years,offersacrifices,anddosuchotherlikethingsthenshallthisobedienceofthelaw
justifyandsaveyou.ButPaulsaiththecontrary.

They(saithhe)thatteachthelawafterthissort,donotsetmensconsciencesatliberty,
butsnareandentanglethemwithayoke,yeaandthatwithayokeofbondage.
Hespeakeththereforeofthelawverybaselyandcontemptuously,andcallethitahard
bondageandaservileyoke.Andthishedothnotwithoutgreatcause.Forthispernicious
opinionofthelaw,thatitjustifieth[andmakethmenrighteousbeforeGod],isdeeplyrooted
inmansreason,andallmankindissowrappedinit,thatitcanhardlygetout.AndPaul
seemethheretocomparethosethatseekrighteousnessbythelaw,untooxenthatbetiedto
theyoke,totheendhemighttakefromittheglory[ofjustifyingand]ofrighteousness.For,
likeasoxendrawingintheyokewithgreattoil,receivenothingtherebybutforageand
pasture,andwhentheybeabletodrawtheyokenomore,areappointedtotheslaughtereven
so,theythatseekrighteousnessbythelaw,arecaptivesandoppressedwiththeyokeof
bondage,thatistosay,withthelawandwhentheyhavetiredthemselvesalongtimeinthe
worksofthelawwithgreatandgrievoustoil,intheendthisistheirreward,thattheyare
miserableandperpetualservants.Andwhereof?Evenofsin,death,Godswrath,thedevil,
etc.
Whereforethereisnogreaterorharderbondage,thatthebondageofthelaw.Itisnot
withoutcausethen,thatPaulcallethittheyokeofbondage.
Foraswehaveoftensaidbefore,thelawdothbutreveal,increase,andaggravatesin,
accuse,terrify,condemn,andgenderwrath,andfinallyitdriveth[poor]consciencesinto
desperation,whichisthemostmiserableandmostgrievousbondagethatcanbe.(Romans3.,
Romans4.,Romans7.).
Heuseththereforeveryvehementwords.Forhewouldgladlypersuadethemthatthey
shouldnotsufferthisintolerableburdentobelaidupontheirshouldersbythefalseapostles,
orbeentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondage.Asifheshouldsay:Westandnothereupon
amatterofsmallimportance,buteitherofeverlastingliberty,oreverlastingbondage.Forlike
asfreedomfromGodswrathandallevilsisnottemporalorcarnal,buteverlastingevenso
thebondageofsin,death,thedevil,etc.(wherewithalltheybeoppressedwhichwillbemade
righteousandsavedbythelaw)asnotcorporalandsuchascontinuethforatime,but
everlasting.Forsuchworkers[ofthelaw]asgoabouttoperformandaccomplishallthings
preciselyandexactly(forofsuchPaulspeaketh)canneverfindquietnessandpeaceof
conscience.InthislifetheyalwaysdoubtofthegoodwillofGodtowardsthem,theyare
alwaysinfearofdeath,thewrathandjudgmentofGodandafterthislifetheyshallbe
punishedfortheirunbeliefwitheverlastingdamnation.
Thereforethedoersofthelaw[andsuchasstandaltogetherupontherighteousnessand
worksthereof]arerightlycalled(accordingtotheproverb)thedevilsmartyrs,whichtake
morepains,andpunishthemselvesmoreinpurchasinghell,thanthemartyrsofChristdoin
obtainingheaven.Fortheyaretormentedtwomannerofways:first,theymiserablyafflict
themselveswhilsttheylivehere,bydoingofmanyhardandgreatworks,andallinvainand
afterwards,whentheydie,theyreapforarecompenseeternaldamnation.Thusaretheymost
miserablemartyrs,bothinthislifeandinthelifetocome,andtheirbondageiseverlasting.
Contrariwise,thegodlyhavetroublesintheworld,butinChristtheyhavepeace,because
theybelievethathehathovercometheworld(John16:33).Whereforewemuststandfastin
thatfreedomwhichChristhathpurchasedforusbyhisdeath,andwemusttakegoodheed
thatwebenotentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondageasithappenethatthisdaytothe
fantasticalspirits,whofallingawayfromfaithandfromthisfreedom,haveprocuredunto
themselveshereatemporalbondage,andintheworldtocomeshallbeoppressedwithan

everlastingbondage.AsforthePapists,themostpartofthemarebecomeatthisdayplain
epicures.Therefore,whiletheymay,theyusethelibertyoftheflesh,singingthiscareless
song:Ede,bibe,lude,postmorteranullsvoluptasthatis,Eat,drink,andmakegoodcheer,
forafterthislifethereisnopleasure.Buttheyaretheverybondslavesofthedevil,by
whomtheyareholdencaptivesathiswillandpleasurethereforetheyshallfeelthis
everlastingbondageinhell.HithertoPaulsexhortationhathbeenvehementandearnest,but
thatwhichfollowethdothfarpassit.
Behold,Ipaulsayuntoyou,thatifyebecircumcised,Christshallprofityounothing
Paulherewonderfullystirredupwithzealandfervencyofspirit,thunderethagainstthelaw
andcircumcision:andtheseburningwordsproceedingofgreatindignation,theHolyGhost
wrestethfromhim,whenhesaith:Behold,IPauletc.,I(Isay)whoknowthatIhavenot
receivedtheGospelbyman,butbytherevelationofJesusChrist,andhavecommissionand
authorityfromabove,topublishandtopreachthesameuntoyou,dotellyouthisnewbut
undoubtedtruth,thatifyebecircumcised,Christshallprofityounothingatall.Thisisavery
hardsentence,wherebyPauldeclareth,thattobecircumcised,isasmuchastomakeChrist
utterlyunprofitable:notinhimself,butinrespectoftheGalatians,who,beingdeceivedbythe
subtletyofthefalseapostles,believedthatbesidesfaithinChrist,itwasneedfulforthe
faithfultobecircumcised,withoutthewhichtheycouldnotobtainsalvation.
Thisplaceisasitwereatouchstone,wherebywemaymostcertainlyandfreelyjudgeof
alldoctrines,works,religionsandceremoniesofallmen.
Whosoeverteachthatthereisanythingnecessarytosalvation(whethertheybePapists,
Turks,Jews,orSectaries)besidesfaithinChrist,orshalldeviseanyworkorreligion,or
observeanyrule,tradition,orceremonywhatsoever,withthisopinionthatbysuchthings
theyshallobtainforgivenessofsins,righteousness,andeverlastinglifetheyhearinthisplace
thesentenceoftheHolyGhostpronouncedagainstthembytheApostle,thatChristprofiteth
themnothingatall.SeeingPauldurstgivethissentenceagainstthelawandcircumcision,
whichwereordainedofGodhimself,whatdursthenotdoagainstthechaffanddrossof
menstraditions?
Wherefore,thisplaceisaterriblethunderboltagainstallthekingdomofthePope.Forall
ofthem,priests,monks,hermits,etc.(Ispeakofthebestofthem),havereposedtheirtrust
andconfidenceintheirownworks,righteousness,vowsandmerits,andnotinChrist,whom
theymostwickedlyandblasphemouslyimaginetobeanangryjudge,anaccuserand
condemnerandthereforeheretheyheartheirjudgment,thatChristprofiteththemnothing.
Foriftheycanputawaysins,anddeserveforgivenessofsinsandeverlastinglife,through
theirownrighteousnessandstraitnessoflife,thentowhatpurposewasChristborn?What
profithavetheybyhispassionandbloodshedding,byhisresurrection,victoryoversin,
deathandthedevil,seeingtheyareabletoovercomethesemonstersbytheirownstrength?
Andwhattonguecanexpress[orwhatheartcanconceive]howhorribleathingitistomake
Christunprofitable?
ThereforetheApostleuttereththesewordswithgreatdispleasureandindignation:Ifye
becircumcised,Christshallprofityounothingthatistosay,noprofitshallredoundunto
youofallhisbenefits,buthehathbestowedthemalluponyouinvain.
Herebyitappearethsufficiently,thatnothingunderthesunismorehurtfulthanthe
doctrineofmenstraditionsandworks,fortheyutterlyabolishandoverthrowatoncethe

truthoftheGospel,faith,thetrueworshippingofGod,andChristhimself,inwhomthe
Fatherhathordainedallthings.InChristarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge
InhimdwellethallthefullnessoftheGodheadbodily(Colossians2:3,9).Wherefore,all
theythatareeitherauthorsormaintainersofthedoctrineofworks,areoppressorsofthe
Gospel,makethedeathandvictoryofChristunprofitable,blemishanddefacehis
Sacraments,andutterlytakeawaythetrueusethereof,andbriefly,theyareblasphemers,
enemiesanddeniersofGod,andofallhispromisesandbenefits.Whosoisnotmovedwith
thesewordsofPaul(whichcalleththelawayokeofbondage,andsaiththattheywhich
affirmthekeepingofcircumcisiontobenecessarytosalvation,makeChristunprofitable),
andcannotbedrivenfromthelawandcircumcision(nottospeakofmenstraditions),noryet
fromtheconfidencewhichhehathinhisownrighteousnessandworks,norbestirredupto
seekthatlibertywhichisinChrist,hisheartisharderthanstoneandiron.
Thisisthereforeamostcertainandclearsentence,thatChristisunprofitable,thatisto
say,heisborn,crucifiedandrisenagaininvaintohimthatiscircumcised,thatis,which
puttethhistrustincircumcision.For(asIhavesaidbefore)Paulspeakethnothereofthe
workofcircumcisioninitself(whichhurtethnothimthathathnoaffianceoropinionof
righteousnessinit),butoftheuseofthework,thatistosay,oftheconfidenceand
righteousnessthatisannexedtothework.ForwemustunderstandPaulaccordingtothe
matterwhereofheintreateth,oraccordingtotheargumentwhichhehathinhand,whichis,
thatmenbenotjustifiedbythelaw,byworks,bycircumcision,orsuchlike.Hesaithnotthat
worksofthemselvesarenothingbuttheconfidenceandrighteousnessofworksarenothing
forthatmakethChristunprofitable.Thereforewhosoreceivethcircumcision,withthis
opinionthatitisnecessarytojustification,tohimChristavailethnothing.
Letusbearthiswellinmindinourprivatetemptations,whenthedevilaccusethand
terrifiethourconsciencetodriveittodesperation.Forheisthefatheroflying,andtheenemy
ofChristianlibertythereforehetormentethuseverymomentwithfalsefears,thatwhenour
consciencehathlostthisChristianliberty,itshouldalwaysbeindread,feelingitselfaccused
andterrified.When(Isay)thatgreatdragon,thatoldserpentthedevil(whodeceiveththe
wholeworld,andaccusethourbrethreninthepresenceofGoddayandnight,Revelation12)
comethandlayethuntothycharge,thatthouhastnotonlydonenogood,buthastalso
transgressedthelawofGod,sayuntohim:Thoutroublestmewiththeremembranceofmy
sinspastthouputtestmealsoinmindthatIhavedonenogoodbutthisisnothingtome:for
ifeitherItrustedinmineowngooddeeds,ordistrustedbecauseIhavedonenone,Christ
shouldbothwaysprofitmenothingatall.Therefore,whetherthoulaymysinsbeforeme,or
mygoodworks,Ipassnot:butremovingbothfaroutofmysight,Ionlyrestinthatliberty
whereinChristhathmademefree.Iknowhimtobeprofitableuntome,thereforeIwillnot
makehimunprofitable:whichIshoulddo,ifeitherIshouldpresumetopurchasemyselffavor
andeverlastinglifebymygooddeeds,orshoulddespairofmysalvationbecauseofmysins.
WhereforeletuslearnwithalldiligencetoseparateChristfarfromallworks,aswell
goodasevilfromalllawsbothofGodandman,andfromalltroubledconsciences:forwith
alltheseChristhathnothingtodo.Hehathtodo,Igrant,withafflictedconsciences:howbeit
nottoafflictthemmore,buttoraisethemup,andintheirafflictiontocomfortthem.
ThereforeifChristappearinthelikenessofanangryjudgeorlawgiver,thatrequiretha
straitaccountofourlife.past:thenletusassureourselvesthatitisnotChrist,butaraging
fiend.FortheScripturepaintethoutChristtobeourreconciler,ouradvocateandour
comforter.Suchaoneheisandevershallbe:hecannotbeunlikehimself.

ThereforewhensoeverthedeviltransforminghimselfintothelikenessofChrist,
disputethwithusafterthismanner:Thisthououghtest,beingadmonishedbymyword,to
havedone,andhastnotdoneitandthisthououghtestnottohavedone,andhastdoneit
knowthouthereforethatIwilltakevengeanceonthee,etc.:letthisnothingatallmoveus,
butbyandbyletusthinkwithourselves:Christspeakethnottopoorafflictedanddespairing
consciencesafterthismannerheaddethnotafflictiontotheafflictedhebreakethnotthe
bruisedreed,neitherquenchethhethesmokingflax(Matthew12:20).Indeedtothehard
heartedhespeakethsharply:butsuchasareterrifiedandafflicted,hemostlovinglyand
comfortablyallurethuntohim,saying:Comeuntomeallyethattravailandbeheavyladen,
andIwillrefreshyou(Matthew11:28)Icamenottocalltherighteous,butsinnersetc.
(9:13)Beofgoodcomfortmyson,thysinsareforgiventhee(9:2)Beofgoodcheer,I
haveovercometheworld(John16:33)Thesonofmancametoseekandtosavethatwhich
waslost(Luke19:10).Wemusttakegoodheedthereforelestthatwe,beingdeceivedwith
thewonderfulsleightsandinfinitesubtletiesofSatan,doreceiveanaccuserandcondemner
inthesteadofacomforterandsavior:andsounderthevisorofafalseChrist,thatistosay,of
thedevil,welosethetrueChristandmakehimunprofitableuntous.Thusmuchhavewesaid
astouchingprivateandparticulartemptations,andhowweshoulduseourselvestherein.
ForItestifyagainuntoeverymanwhichiscircumcised,thatheisadebtortodothe
wholelaw
Thefirstinconvenienceisindeedverygreat,wherePaulsaith,thatChristprofiteththem
nothingwhicharecircumcised:andthisthatfollowethisnothingless,wherehesaith,that
theywhicharecircumcised,aredebtorstokeepthewholelaw.Hespeakeththesewordswith
suchearnestnessandvehemencyofspirit,thatheconfirmeththemwithanoath:Itestify,
thatistosay,Iswearbyallthatissacred.Butthesewordsmaybeexpoundedtwoways,
negativelyandaffirmatively.Negatively,afterthismanner:Itestifyuntoeverymanwhichis
circumcised,thatheisadebtortokeepthewholelaw,thatistosay,thatheperformethno
pieceofthelawyeathatintheveryworkofcircumcisionheisnotcircumcised,andevenin
thefulfillingofthelawhefulfillethitnot,buttransgressethit.Andthisseemethtometobe
thesimpleandtruemeaningofPaulinthisplace.
Afterwardsinthesixthchapterheexpoundethhimselfsaying:Theythemselveswhich
arecircumcised,keepnotthelaw.Sohesaithalsobeforeinthethirdchapter:Whosoever
areoftheworksofthelaw,areunderthecurse.Asifhesaid:Althoughyebecircumcised,
yetareyenotrighteousandfreefromthelawbutbythisdeedyearerathermadedebtorsand
bondservantsofthelawandthemoreyegoabouttosatisfythelaw,andtobesetfreefrom
it,themoreyeentangleandsnareyourselvesintheyokethereof,sothatithathmorepowerto
accuseandcondemnyou.Thisistogobackwardlikethecrabandtowashawayfilthwith
filth.
AndthiswhichIsaybyoccasionofPaulswords,Ihavelearnedbyexperienceinthe
monastery,bothinmyselfandothers.Ihaveseenmanywhichhavepainfullytravailed,and
uponmereconsciencehavedoneasmuchaswaspossibleforthemtodo,infasting,inprayer,
inwearingofhair,inpunishingandtormentingtheirbodieswithsundryexercises(whereby
atlengththeymustneedshaveutterlyconsumedthem,yeaalthoughtheyhadbeenmadeof
iron),andalltothisendthattheymightobtainquietnessandpeaceofconscience:
notwithstanding,themoretheytravailed,themoretheywerestrickendownwithfear,and

especiallywhenthehourofdeathapproached,theyweresofearfulthatIhaveseenmany
murderers[andothermalefactors]condemnedtodeath,dyingmorecourageouslythanthey
did,whichnotwithstandinghadlivedveryholily.
Thereforeitismosttrue,thattheywhichdothelaw,doitnot.Forthemoremengoabout
tosatisfythelaw,themoretheytrangressit.Evensowesayandjudgeofmenstraditions.
Themoreamanstrivethtopacifyhisconsciencethereby,themorehetroublethand
tormentethit.WhenIwasamonk,Iendeavoredasmuchaswaspossibletoliveafterthe
straitruleofmineOrder:Iwaswonttoshrivemyselfwithgreatdevotion,andtoreckonup
allmysins(yetbeingalwaysverycontritebefore),andIreturnedtoconfessionveryoften,
andthoroughlyperformedthepenancethatwasenjoineduntome:yetforallthismy
consciencecouldneverbefullycertified,butwasalwaysindoubt,andsaid:Thisorthatthou
hastnotdonerightlythouwastnotcontrite[andsorrowful]enoughthissinthoudidstomit
inthyconfession,etc.ThereforethemoreIwentabouttohelpmyweak,waveringand
afflictedconsciencebymenstraditions,themoreweakanddoubtfulandthemoreafflictedI
was.Andthus,themoreIobservedmenstraditions,themoreItransgressedthem,andin
seekingafterrighteousnessbymineOrder,Icouldneverattainuntoit:foritisimpossible(as
Paulsaith)thattheconscienceshouldbepacifiedbytheworksofthelaw,andmuchmoreby
menstraditions,withoutthepromiseandgladtidingsconcerningChrist.
Whereforetheythatseektobejustifiedandquickenedbythelaw,aremuchfurtheroff
fromrighteousnessandlife,thanthepublicans,sinners,andharlots.Forthesecannottrustto
theirownworks,seeingtheybesuchthattheycannothopetoobtaingraceandforgivenessof
sinsthereby.Forifrighteousnessandworksdoneaccordingtothelawdonotjustify,howcan
sinsjustifywhicharecommittedcontrarytothelaw?Thereforeinthispointtheyareinfar
bettercasethanthejusticiaries:fortheyhavenoaffianceintheirownworks,whichgreatly
hinderethtruefaithinChrist,ifitdonotutterlytakeitaway.Contrariwise,thejusticiaries,
whichabstainoutwardlyfromsins,andliveholilyandwithoutblameinthesightofthe
world,cannotbewithouttheopinionoftheirownrighteousness,withwhich[thetrue]faithin
Christcannotstand:andforthiscausetheybemoremiserablethanthepublicansandharlots,
whooffernottheirgoodworkstoGodinhisdispleasure,thatforthesamehemay
recompensethemwitheverlastinglife(asthejusticiariesdo),fortheyhavenonetoofferbut
desirethattheirsinsmaybepardonedforChristssake.Hethereforethatdoeththelawwith
thisopinion,thathewillbejustifiedthereby,isadebtortodothewholelaw,thatistosay,he
doethnotoneletterofthelaw.Forthelawisnotgiventotheendthatitmayjustify,butthat
itmayrevealsin,terrify,accuseandcondemn.Whereforethemoreamanseekethbythelaw
andworkstohelphisconscience,themoreherenderethituncertainandconfused.Letthe
monksbeasked(whichearnestlylabortoobtainpeaceofconsciencebytheirtraditions),
whethertheycanassuredlyaffirmthattheirkindoflifepleasethGod,andthattheyarein
favorwithGodbecauseofit.Iftheywillconfessthetruth,theywillanswer:AlbeitthatIlive
blamelesslyandgivealldiligencetokeepmineOrder,yetIcannotassuredlysaywhetherthis
myobediencepleasethGodorno.
IntheLivesoftheFatherswereadofArsenius(ofwhomImadementionafore).
Althoughhehadlivedalongtimeinthehighestholinessandabstinence,yetwhenhefeltthat
deathwasnotfaroff,hebegantogrieveandfearexceedingly.Beingaskedwhyhefeared
death,seeinghehadlivedholilyallhisdaysandhadservedGodwithoutceasing,he
answeredthathehadindeedlivedblamelesslyaccordingtothejudgmentofmen,butthe
judgmentsofGodwereotherthanthoseofmen.Sohebytheholinessandausterityofhislife

hadattaineduntonothingelsebutthefearandhorrorofdeath.Ifhewassaved,hemusthave
castawayallhisownrighteousnessandrestedontheonlymercyofGod,saying:Ibelievein
JesusChristtheSonofGod,ourLord,whichsuffered,wascrucified,anddiedformysins,
etc.
Theotherexpositionisaffirmative.Hethatiscircumcised,ifalsoadebtortodothe
wholelaw.ForhethatreceivethMosesinonepoint,mustofnecessityreceivehiminall.He
thatosnecessityobservethonepartofthelaw,hathadutytoobserveallotherpartsthereof.
Andithelpethnothingtosay,thatcircumcisionisnecessary,andnottherestofMoseslaws.
Forbythesamereasonthatthouartboundtokeepcircumcision,thouartalsoboundtokeep
thewholelaw.Nowtobeboundtokeepthewholelawisnothingelsebuttoshow,ineffect,
thatChristisnotyetcome.Ifthisbetrue,thenareweboundtokeepalltheJewish
ceremoniesandlawstouchingmeats,places,andtimesandChristmustbelookedforasyet
tocome,thathemayabolishtheJewishkingdomandpriesthood,andsetupanewkingdom
throughoutthewholeworld.ButthewholeScripturewitnesseth,andthesequelthereof
plainlydeclareth,thatChristisalreadycome,thatbyhisdeathhehathredeemedthehuman
race,thathehathabolishedthelaw,andthathehathfulfilledallthingswhichalltheprophets
haveforetoldofhim.Thereforethelawbeingabolishedandtakenaway,hehathgivenunto
usgraceandtruth.Itisnotthenthelawnortheworksthereof,butitisfaithintheChrist
whichhathcome,thatmakethamanrighteous.
SomewouldbindusatthisdaytocertainofMoseslawsthatlikethembest,asthefalse
apostleswouldhavedoneatthattime.Butthisisinnowisetobesuffered.Forifwegive
Mosesleavetoruleoverusinanything,weareboundtoobeyhiminallthings.Wherefore
wewillnotbeburdenedwithanylawofMoses.Wegrantthatheistobereadamongstus,
andtobeheardasaprophetandawitnessbearerofChristandmoreover,thatoutofhimwe
maytakegoodexamplesofgoodlawsandholylife.Butwewillnotsufferhiminanywiseto
havedominionoverourconscience.
Inthiscaselethimbedeadandburied,andletnomanknowwherehisgraveis
(Deuteronomy34:6).
Theformerexposition,thatistosay,thenegative,seemethtometobemoreaptand
morespiritual:notwithstandingbotharegood,andbothdocondemntherighteousnessofthe
law.Thefirstisthatwearesofarfromobtainingrighteousnessbythelaw,thatthemorewe
goabouttoaccomplishthelaw,themorewetransgressthelaw.Thesecondis,thathewhich
willperformanypieceofthelaw,isboundtokeepthewholelaw.
Andtoconclude,thatChristprofiteththemnothingatallwhichwillbejustifiedbythe
law.
HerebyitappeareththatPaulmeanethnothingelse,butthatthelawisaplaindenialof
Christ.NowitisawonderfulthingthatPauldareaffirm,thatthelawofMoses,whichwas
givenbyGodtothepeopleofIsrael,isadenialofChrist.WhythendidGodgiveit?Before
thecomingofChrist,andbeforehismanifestationintheflesh,thelawwasnecessary.For
thelawisourschoolmastertobringusuntoChrist.ButnowthatChristisrevealed,inasmuch
aswebelieveinhim,wearenolongerundertheschoolmaster.Hereofwehavespoken
largelyenoughbefore,attheendofthethirdchapter.Whosoteacheththenthatthelawis
necessarytorighteousness,teachethaplaindenialofChristandofallhisbenefits,hemaketh
Godaliar,yeahemakeththelawalsoaliar:forthelawitselfbearethwitnessofChristandof
thepromisesmadeasconcerningChrist,andhathforetoldthatheshouldbeakingofgrace,
andnotofthelaw.

Yeareabolished(orseparated)fromChrist,whosoeverarejustifiedbythelaw,andye
arefallenfromgrace
HerePaulexpoundethhimself,andshoweththathespeakethnotsimplyofthelaw,norofthe
worksofcircumcision,butoftheconfidenceandopinionthatmenhavetobejustified
thereby.Asifhewouldsay:Idonotutterlycondemnthelaworcircumcision(foritislawful
formetodrink,toeat,andtokeepcompanywiththeJews,accordingtothelaw:itislawful
formetocircumciseTimothy)buttoseektobejustifiedbythelaw,asifChristwerenotyet
come,or,beingnowpresent,healonewerenotableto.justify,thisisitwhichIcondemn:for
thisistobeseparatedfromChrist.
Thereforehesaith:Yeareabolished,thatis,yeareutterlyvoidofChrist,Christisnot
inyou,heworkethnotinyouanymore:yearenotpartakersoftheknowledge,thespirit,the
fellowship,thefavor,theliberty,thelife,orthedoingsofChrist,butyeareutterlyseparate
fromhim,sothathehathnomoretodowithyou,noryewithhim.
ThesewordsofPaularediligentlytobenoted,thattoseektobejustifiedbythelaw,is
nothingelsebuttobeseparatedfromChrist,andtomakehimutterlyunprofitable.Whatcan
bespokenmoremightilyagainstthelaw?Whatcanbesetupagainstthisthunderbolt?
WhereforeitisimpossiblethatChristandthelawshoulddwelltogetherinoneheartfor
eitherthelaworChristmustgiveplace.ButifthouthinkthatChristandtrustinthelawcan
dwelltogether,thenbethousurethatChristdwellethnotinthyheart,butthedevilinthe
likenessofChrist,accusingandterrifyingthee,andstraitlyexactingoftheethelawandthe
worksthereofuntorighteousness.ForthetrueChrist(asIhavesaidbefore)neithercalleth
theetoareckoningforthysins,norbiddeththeetotrusttothineowngoodworks.Andthe
trueknowledgeofChrist,orfaith,disputethnotwhetherthouhastdonegoodworksto
righteousness,orevilworkstocondemnationbutsimplyconcludethafterthissort:ifthou
havedonegoodworks,thouartnotthereforejustifiedorifthouhavedoneevilworks,thou
artnotthereforecondemned.Ineithertakefromgoodworkstheirpraise,norcommendevil
works.Butinthematterofjustification,Isay,wemustlookhowwemayholdChrist,lestif
weseektobejustifiedbythelaw,wemakehimunprofitableuntous.ForitisChristalone
thatjustifiethme,bothagainstmyevildeeds,andwithoutmygooddeeds.IfIhavethis
persuasionofChrist,IlayholdofthetrueChrist.ButifIthinkthatheexacteththelawand
worksofmetosalvation,thenhebecomethunprofitableuntome,andIamutterlyseparated
fromhim.
Thesearedreadfulsentencesandthreateningsagainsttherighteousnessofthelaw,and
mansownrighteousness.Moreover,theyarealsomostcertainprincipleswhichconfirmthe
articleofjustification.Thisisthenthefinalconclusion:EitherthoumustforegoChrist,orthe
righteousnessofthelaw.IfthouretainChrist,thouartrighteousbeforeGod:butifthoustick
tothelaw,Christavaileththeenothingthouartboundtokeepthewholelaw,andthouhast
nowsentencealreadypronouncedagainstthee:Cursediseveryonethatfulfillethnotetc.
(Deuteronomy27:26).Aswehavesaidofthelaw,sowesayalsoofmenstraditions:Either
thePopewithhisreligiousroutmustrejectallthosethingswhereinhithertohehathputhis
trust,orelseChristshallbeunprofitabletothem.Andherebywemayplainlyseehow
perniciousandpestilentthepopishdoctrinehathbeen.Forithathledmencleanawayfrom
Christ,andmadehimaltogetherunprofitable.Godcomplainethinthetwentythirdof
Jeremiah,thattheprophetsprophesiedliesandthedreamsoftheirownhearts,totheendthat

hispeopleshouldforgethisname,etc.Therefore,likeasthefalseprophets,leavingtheright
interpretationofthelaw,andthetruedoctrineconcerningtheseedofAbraham,inwhomall
thenationsoftheearthshouldbeblessed,preachedtheirowndreams,totheendthatthe
peopleshouldforgettheirGodevenso,thePapistshavingdarkenedanddefacedtheGospel
concerningChrist,sothattheymadeitofnoneeffect,taughtandsetforthnothingelsebutthe
doctrineofworks,wherebytheydrewthewholeworldawayfromChrist.Whosoearnestly
considereththismattercannotbutfearandtremble.
Yearefallenfromgrace
Thatistosay,yearenolongerinthekingdomofgrace.Forlikeashethatisinaship,on
whichsidesoeverhefallethintothesea,isdrowned,evensohewhichisfallenawayfrom
gracemustneedsperish.Hethereforethatwillbejustifiedbythelaw,hathmadeshipwreck
andhathcasthimselfintothedangerofeternaldeath.Andwhatcanbemoremadandwicked
thanthatamanshouldwishtoretainthelawofMoses,andtherebytolosethegraceand
favorofGod:whichifthoudo,thoucanstnotbutheapuptothyselfwrathandallevils?
Now,iftheyfallfromgracewhichwillbejustifiedbythemorallaw,whithershalltheyfall,I
prayyou,whichwillbejustifiedbytheirowntraditionsandvows?Eventothebottomof
hell.Noforsooth:theyflyupintoheavenforsotheythemselveshavetaughtus.
Whosoeverlive(saythey)accordingtotheruleofSt.Francis,[Dominic,Benedict,]or
suchother,thepeaceandmercyofGodisuponthemandagain:Alltheythatobserveand
keepchastity,obedience,etc.shallhaveeverlastinglife.Butputthouthesevainandwicked
triflesbehindthee,andhearkenwhatPaulteacheththeehere,andwhatChristteacheth,
saying:HethatbelievethintheSonofGodhatheverlastinglife:buthethatbelievethnotin
theSon,shallnotseelife,butthewrathofGodabidethuponhim(John3:36)andagain:He
thatbelievethnotisjudgedalready(John3:18).
Now,likeasthedoctrineofthePapists(tonotethisbytheway)concerningmens
traditions,works,vows,merits,etc.wasmostcommonintheworldsowasitthoughttobe
thebestandmostcertainofallother:wherebythedevilhathbothsetupandestablishedhis
kingdommostmightily.Thereforewhenweatthisdaydoimpugnandvanquishthisdoctrine
bythepowerofGodsword,aschaffisdrivenawaybythewind,itisnomarvelthatSatan
ragethsocruellyagainstus,raisethupslandersandoffenseseverywhere,andsetteththe
wholeworldinourtops.Willsomemanthensay,ithadbeenbettertohaveheldourpeace,
forthenhadnoneoftheseevilsbeenstirredup?Butweoughtmoretoesteemthefavorof
God,whoseglorywesetforth,thantocareforthefuryoftheworldwhichpersecutethus.For
whatisthePopeandthewholeworldincomparisonofGod,whomassuredlyweoughtto
magnifyandtopreferbeforeallcreatures?Moreovertheungodlyenlargeuponthetumults
andtheoffenseswhichSatanraisethuptodestroy,orattheleasttodeface,ourdoctrine.
Contrarariwise,wedoamplifytheinestimableprofitandfruitofthisdoctrine,whichwehold
tobefarabovealluproars,sectsandoffenses.Indeedweareweak,andbearanheavenly
treasureinearthenvesselsbutalthoughthevesselsbeneversobrittle,yetisthetreasure
inestimable(2Corinthians4:7.).
Thesewords,yearefallenfromgrace,mustnotbecoldlyorslenderlyconsideredfor
theyareweightyandofgreatimportance.Hethatfallethfromgrace,utterlyloseththe
atonement,theforgivenessofsins,therighteousness,libertyandlife,thatJesusChristhath
meritedforusbyhisdeathandresurrectionandinsteadthereofhepurchasethtohimselfthe

wrathandjudgmentofGod,sin,death,thebondageofthedevilandeverlastingdamnation.
Andthisplacestronglyconfirmethandfortifiethourdoctrineconcerningfaithorthearticleof
justification,andmarvelouslycomfortethusagainthecruelrageofthePapists,thatpersecute
andcondemnusasheretics,becauseweteachthisarticle.Indeedthisplaceoughttofearthe
enemiesoffaithandgrace,thatistosay,allthatseekrighteousnessbyworks,from
persecutingandblasphemingthewordofgrace,lifeandeverlastingsalvation.Buttheybeso
hardheartedandobstinate,thatseeingtheyseenotandhearingtheyhearnot(Matthew
13:13)[andwhentheyread]thisdreadfulsentenceoftheApostlepronouncedagainstthem
[theyunderstanditnot].Letusleavethemthereforeuntothemselvesfortheyareblind,and
leadersoftheblind(Matthew15:14).
ForwethroughtheSpiritbyfaithwaitforthehopeofrighteousness
Paulhereknittethupthematterwithanotableconclusion,saying:Yewillbejustifiedbythe
law,bycircumcisionandbyworksbutweseeknottobejustifiedbythismeans,lestChrist
shouldbemadeunprofitableuntous,andwebecomedebtorstoperformthewholelaw,and
sofinallyfallawayfromgracebutwewaitthroughtheSpiritbyfaithforthehopeof
righteousness.Everywordisherediligentlytobenoted,fortheyarepithyandfullofpower.
Hedothnotonlysayasheiswont:Wearejustifiedbyfaith,orthroughtheSpiritbyfaith,
butmoreoverheaddeth:wewaitforthehopeofrighteousness,includinghopealso,thathe
maycomprehendthewholematteroffaith.WhenhesaithwethroughtheSpiritbyfaith,
thereisanoppositiontobenotedinthewordSpiritasifhesaid:Weseeknottobejustified
bytheflesh,butbytheSpiritandsobytheSpiritthatitbenotafantasticalspiritandonethat
ishisownmaster,asthehereticsdovauntofthespiritbutourSpiritisoffaith.
ConcerningtheSpiritandfaithhehathspokenlargelybeforebutherehenotonlysaith:
WearejustifiedthroughtheSpiritbyfaith,butheaddeth:wewaitforthehopeof
righteousness,whichisanewaddition.
Hope,afterthemanneroftheScripture,istakentwoways,namely,forthethingthatis
hopedfor,andfortheaffectionofhimthathopeth.Forthethingthatishopedfor,itistaken
inthefirstchapteroftheColossians:Forthehopessakewhichislaidupforyouinheaven,
thatistosay,thethingwhichyehopefor.Fortheaffectionofhimthathopeth,itistakenin
theeighthtotheRomans:Forwearesavedbyhope,etc.Sohopeinthisplacealsomaybe
takentwoways,andsoityieldethadoublesense.Thefirstis:WewaitthroughtheSpiritby
faithforthehopeofrighteousness,thatistosay,therighteousnesshopedfor,whichshall
certainlyberevealedinthetimeappointed.Thesecond:WewaitthroughtheSpiritbyfaith
forrighteousnesswithhopeanddesirethatistosay,wearerighteous,howbeitour
righteousnessisnotyetrevealed,buthangethyetinhope(Romans8:24).Foraslongaswe
livehere,sinremainethinourfleshthereisalsoalawinourfleshandmembers,rebelling
againstthelawofourmind,andleadinguscaptivesuntotheserviceofsin(Romans7:13).
Nowwhentheseaffectionsofthefleshdorageandreign,andweontheothersidedothrough
theSpiritwrestleagainstthesame,thenisthereaplaceforhope.Indeedwehavebeguntobe
justifiedthroughfaith:wherebyalsowehavereceivedthefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,andthe
mortificationofthefleshisalsobeguninusbutwebenotyetperfectlyrighteous.It
remaineththenthatwebeperfectlyjustified,andthisisitwhichwehopefor.Soour
righteousnessisnotyetinactualpossession,butliethunderhope.Thisisasweetandasound
consolation,wherebyafflictedandtroubledconsciences,feelingtheirsin,andterrifiedwith

everyfierydartofthedevil,maybemarvelouslycomforted.Forthefeelingofsin,thewrath
ofGod,death,hell,andallotherterrors,iswonderfulstrongintheconflictofconscienceasI
myselfbeingtaughtbyexperiencedoknow.Thencounselmustbegiventothetemptedin
thiswise:Brother,thoudesiresttohaveasensiblefeelingofthyjustificationthatis,thou
wouldsthavesuchaafeelingofrighteousness,asthouhastofsin:butthatwillnotbe.
Butthyrighteousnessoughttosurmountthefeelingofsin,andhopethatthouart
righteousbeforeGod.Thatistosay,thyrighteousnessstandethnotuponthineownfeeling,
butuponthyhopingthatitshallberevealedinduetime.Wherefore,thoumustnotjudge
accordingtothefeelingofsinwhichtroublethandterrifieththee,butaccordingtothe
promiseanddoctrineoffaith,wherebyChristispromiseduntothee,whoisthyperfectand
everlastingrighteousness.Thusmyhope,consistingintheinwardaffection,isstirredupby
faithinthemidstofallterrorsandfeelingofsin,tohopethatIamrighteous.Moreover,if
hopebeheretakenforthethingwhichishopedfor,itisthustobeunderstood,thatthatwhich
amannowseethnot,hehopethintimeshallbemadeperfectandclearlyrevealed.
Eithersensemaystandbutthefirst,touchingtheaffectionofhoping,bringethmore
plentifulconsolation.Formyrighteousnessisnotyetperfect,itcannotyetbefelt:yetIdonot
despairforfaithshowethuntomeChristinwhomItrust,andwhenIhavelaidholdofhim
byfaith,Iwrestleagainstthefierydartsofthedevil,andItakeagoodheartthroughhope
againstthefeelingofsin,assuringmyselfthatIhaveaperfectrighteousnesspreparedforme
inheaven.Soboththesesayingsaretrue:thatamrighteousalreadybythatrighteousness
whichisbeguninme,andalsothatIamraisedupinthesamehopeagainstsin,andwaitfor
thefullconsummationofperfectrighteousnessinheaven.Thesethingsarenotrightly
understood,butwhentheybeputinpractice.

WHATDIFFERENCETHEREISBETWEENFAITHANDHOPE
Hererisethaquestion,whatdifferencethereisbetweenfaithandhope.
Thesophistersandschoolmenhavelaboredverymuchinthismatter,buttheycould
nevershowanycertainty.YeatouswhichtravailintheholyScriptureswithmuchdiligence,
andalsowithmorefullnessofspiritandunderstanding(beitspokenwithoutanybrag)itis
hardtofindanydifference.Forthereissogreataffinitybetweenfaithandhope,thattheone
cannotbeseparatefromtheother.Notwithstandingthereisadifferencebetweenthem,which
isgatheredoftheirseveraloffices,diversityofworking,andoftheirends.
First,theydifferinrespectoftheirsubject[thatis,ofthegroundwhereintheyrest]:for
faithrestethintheunderstanding,andhoperestethinthewill.Butinverydeedtheycannotbe
separated,theonehavingrespecttotheother,asthetwocherubimsofthemercyseat
(Exodus25:20).
Secondly,theydifferinrespectoftheiroffice[thatis,oftheirworking].Forfaithtelleth
whatistobedone,itteacheth,prescribethanddirecteth,anditisaknowledge.Hopeisan
exhortationwhichstirrethupthemindthatitmaybestrong,boldandcourageousthatitmay
sufferandendureinadversity,andinthemidstthereofwaitforbetterthings.
Thirdly,theydifferastouchingtheirobject[thatis,thespecialmatterwhereuntothey
look].Forfaithhathforherobjectthetruth,teachingustocleavesurelythereto,and1ooketh
uponthewordandpromiseofthethingthatispromised.Hopehathforherobjectthe

goodnessofGod,andlookethuponthethingwhichispromisedintheWord,thatis,upon
suchmattersasfaithteachethustobehopedfor.
Fourthly,theydifferinorder:forfaithisthebeginningoflifebeforealltribulation
(Hebrews11.),buthopecomethafterwards,proceedingoftribulation(Romans5.).
Fifthly,theydifferbythediversityofworking:forfaithisateacherandajudge,fighting
againsterrorsandheresies,judgingspiritsanddoctrinesbuthopeisasitwerethegeneralor
captainofthefield,fightingagainsttribulation,thecross,impatiency,heavinessofspirit,
weakness,desperationandblasphemy,anditwaitethforgoodthingseveninthemidstofall
evils.
ThereforewhenIaminstructedbyfaithintheWordofGod,andlayholdofChrist,
believinginhimwithmywholeheart(thewhichcannotbedonewithoutthewill),thenamI
righteousbythisknowledge,byandbycomeththedevil,thefatheroflies,andlaborethto
extinguishmyfaithbywilesandsubtletiesthatistosay,bylies,errorsandheresies.
Moreover,becauseheisamurderer,hegoethaboutalsotooppressitbyviolence.
Herehopewrestling,layethholdonthethingrevealedbyfaith,andovercomeththedevil
thatwarrethagainstfaithandafterthisvictoryfollowethpeaceandjoyintheHolyGhost.So
thatinverydeed,faithandhopecanscarcelybediscernedtheonefromtheother,andyetis
thereacertaindifferencebetweenthem.Andthatismaybethebetterperceived,Iwillsetout
thematterbyasimilitude.
Incivilgovernment,prudenceandfortitudedodiffer,andyetthesetwovirtuesareso
joinedtogether,thattheycannoteasilybesevered.Now,fortitudeisaconstancyofmind,
whichisnotdiscouragedinadversity,butendurethvaliantly,andwaitethforbetterthings.
Butiffortitudebenotguidedbyprudence,itisbuttemerityandrashness.Ontheotherside,if
fortitudebenotjoinedwithprudence,thatprudenceisbutvainandunprofitable.Therefore
likeasinpolicy,prudenceisbutvainwithoutfortitude,evensoindivinity,faithwithouthope
isnothing:forhopeendurethadversityandisconstanttherein,andintheendovercomethall
evils.Andontheotherside,likeasfortitudewithoutprudenceisrashness,evensohope
withoutfaithisapresumptioninspirit,andatemptingofGodforithathnoknowledgeof
Christandofthetruthwhichfaithteacheth,andthereforeitisbutablindrashnessand
arrogancy.Whereforeagodlymanbeforeallthingsmusthavearightunderstanding
instructedbyfaith,accordingtothewhichthemindmaybeguidedinafflictions,thatitmay
hopeforthosegoodthingswhichfaithhathrevealedandtaught.Faithisthedialectic,which
conceiveththeideaofwhatsoeveristobebelieved.Hopeistherhetoric,whichamplifieth,
urgeth,persuadeth,andexhortethtoconstancy,totheendthat.faithshouldnot.failintimeof
temptation,butshouldkeepholdoftheWordandfirmlycleaveuntoit.
Now,asdialecticandrhetoricaredistinctarts,whichnotwithstandinghavesuchan
affinitytheonewiththeother,thattheycannotbeseparate(forwithoutdialecticthe
rhetoriciancanteachnothingcertain,andwithoutrhetoricthedialecticianmovethnothis
hearers,buthethatjoineththetwobothteachethandpersuadeth)evensofaithandhopeare
distinctaffections,forfaithisnothope,norhopefaith,andyetbecauseofthegreataffinity
whichtheyhavetheonewiththeother,theycannotbeseparated.Therefore,asdialecticand
rhetoriclendtheiraidtheonetotheother,soalsodofaithandhope.Thereisthereforesucha
distinctionbetweenfaithandhopeindivinity,asbetweentheunderstandingandthewillin
philosophy,prudenceandfortitudeinpolicy,dialecticandrhetoricindiscourse.
Tobeshort,faithisconceivedbyteachingfortherebythemindisinstructedwhatthe
truthis.Hopeisconceivedbyexhortationforbyexhortationhopeisstirredupinafflictions,

whichconfirmethhimthatisalreadyjustifiedbyfaith,thathebenotovercomebyadversities,
butthathemaybeablemorestronglytoresistthem.Notwithstandingifthesparkoffaith
shouldnotgivelighttothewill,itcouldnotbepersuadedtolayholduponhope.Wehave
faiththen,wherebywearetaught,weunderstandandknowtheheavenlywisdom,apprehend
Christ,andcontinueinhisgrace.ButassoonaswelayholduponChristbyfaithandconfess
him,forthwithourenemies,theworld,thefleshandthedevil,riseupagainstus,hatingand
persecutingusmostcruellybothinbodyandspirit.Whereforewethusbelievingandjustified
throughtheSpiritbyfaithdowaitforthehopeofourrighteousness.Andwewaitthrough
patienceforweseeandfeeltheflatcontrary.Fortheworldwithhisprincethedevilassaileth
usmightilybothwithinandwithout.Moreover,sinyetstillremainethinus,whichdrivethus
intoheaviness.Notwithstandingwegivenotoverforallthis,butraiseupourmindstrongly
throughfaith,whichlighteneth,teachethandguideththesame.Andthusweabidefirmand
constant,andovercomealladversitiesthroughhimwhichhathlovedus,untilour
righteousnesswhichwebelieveandwaitforberevealed.
Byfaiththereforewebegan,byhopewecontinue,andbyrevelationweshallobtainthe
whole.Inthemeantimewhilstwelivehere,becausewebelieve,weteachtheWordand
publishtheknowledgeofChristuntoothers.Thusdoingwesufferpersecution(accordingto
thistext:Ibelieved,andthereforedidIspeak,andIwassoretroubled(Psalm116:10),with
patience,beingstrengthenedandencouragedthroughhopewhereuntotheScriptureexhorteth
uswithmostsweetandcomfortablepromisestaughtandrevealeduntousbyfaith.Andthus
dothhopespringupandincreaseinus,Romans15:4:Thatthroughpatienceandcomfortof
theScriptureswemayhavehope.
Paultherefore,notwithoutcausejoinethpatienceintribulation,andhopetogether,inthe
fifthandeighttotheRomans,andinotherplacesalso,forbythemhopeisstirredup.But
faith(asalsoIshowedbefore)goethbeforehopeforitisthebeginningoflife,andbeginneth
beforealltribulation:foritlearnethChrist,andapprehendethhim,withoutthecross.
Notwithstanding,theknowledgeofChristcannotbelongwithoutthecross,without
troublesandconflicts.InthiscasethemindmustbestirreduptoafortitudeofSpirit(forhope
isnothingelsebutaspiritualfortitude,asfaithisnothingelsebutaspiritualprudence)which
consistethinsuffering,accordingtothissaying:
Thatthroughpatience,etc.(Romans15:4).Thesethreethingsthendoabide[inthe
faithful]Faith,whichteacheththetruth,anddefendethfromerrorsHope,whichendureth
andovercomethalladversities,aswellbodilyasghostlyandCharity,whichworkethall
goodthingsasitfollowethinthetext.Andsoisamanentireandperfectinthislife,aswell
withinaswithout,untiltherighteousnessberevealedwhichhewaitethforandthisshallbea
perfectandeverlastingrighteousness.
Moreover,thisplacecontainethbothasingulardoctrineandconsolation.
Astouchingthedoctrine,itshoweththatwearemaderighteous,notbyworks,sacrifices
oralltheceremoniesofMosesslaw,muchlessbytheworksandtraditionsofmen,butby
Christalone.Whatsoeverisinusbesideshim,whetheritbelaw,work,suffering,or
understanding,will,etc.,itisfleshandnotspirit.Whatsoeverthentheworldcountethtobe
goodandholywithoutChrist,isnothingelsebutsin,error,andflesh.Whereforecircumcision
andtheobservationofthelawalsotheworks,religions,andvowsofthemonks,andofall
suchastrustintheirownrighteousness,are[altogether]carnal.Butwe(saithPaul)arefar
aboveallthesethingsintheSpirit:forwepossessChristbyfaith,andinthemidstofour
afflictionsthroughhopewewaitforthatrighteousnesswhichwepossessalreadybyfaith.

Thecomfortisthis:thatinseriousconflictsandterrors,whereinthefeelingofsin,
heavinessofspirit,desperationandsuchlike,isverystrong(fortheyenterdeeplyintothe
heartandmightilyassailit),thoumustnotfollowthineownfeeling.Forifthoudo,thouwilt
say:Ifeelthehorribleterrorsofthelawandthetyrannyofsin,notonlyrebellingagainstme,
butalsosubduingandleadingmecaptive,andIfeelnocomfortorrighteousnessatall.
ThereforeIamasinnerandnotrighteous.IfIbeasinner,thenamIguiltyofeverlasting
death.Butagainstthisfeelingthoumustwrestle,andsay:AlthoughIfeelmyselfutterly
overwhelmedandswallowedupwithsin,andmyhearttellethmethatGodisoffendedand
angrywithme,yetinverydeeditisnottrue,butthatmineownsenseandfeelingsojudgeth.
TheWordofGod(whichintheseterrorsIoughttofollow,andnotmineownsense)
teachethafarotherthing:namely,thatGodisnearuntothemthatareofatroubledheart,and
saveththemthatareofanhumblespirit(Psalm34:18)alsoHedespisethnotanhumbleand
contriteheart(Psalm51:17).Moreover,Paulshowethhere,thattheywhicharejustified
throughtheSpiritbyfaith,donotyetfeelthehopeofrighteousness,butwaitstillforit.
Whereforewhenthelawaccusethandsinterrifieththee,andthoufeelestnothingbutthe
wrathandjudgmentofGod,despairnotforallthat,buttakeuntotheethearmorofGod,the
shieldoffaith,thehelmetofhope,andtheswordoftheSpirit(Ephesians6:16ff.),andtry
howgoodandhowvaliantawarriorthouart.LayholdofChristbyfaith,whoistheLordof
thelawandsin,andofallthingselsewhichaccompanythem.Believinginhimthouart
justified:whichthingreasonandthefeelingofthineownheartwhenthouarttempted,donot
tellthee,buttheWordofGod.
Moreover,inthemidstoftheseconflictsandterrorswhichoftenreturnandexercisethee,
waitthoupatientlythroughhopeforrighteousness,whichthouhastnowbyfaith,althoughit
beyetbutbegunandimperfect,untilitberevealedperfectandeternalinthetimeappointed.
Butthouwiltsay:Ifeelnotmyselftohaveanyrighteousness,orattheleast,Ifeelitbut
verylittle.Thoumustnotfeel,butbelievethatthouhastrighteousness.Andexceptthou
believethatthouartrighteous,thoudostgreatinjuryuntoChrist,whohathcleansedtheeby
thewashingofwaterthroughtheWordwhoalsodieduponthecross,condemnedsinand
killeddeath,thatthroughhimthoumightestobtainrighteousnessandeverlastinglife.These
thingsthoucanstnotdeny(exceptthouwiltopenlyshowthyselftobewickedand
blasphemousagainstGod,andutterlytodespiseGodandallhispromises,Christandallhis
benefits),andsoconsequentlythoucanstnotdenybutthatthouartrighteous.
Letuslearn,therefore,ingreatandhorribleterrors,whenourconsciencefeelethnothing
butsin,andjudgeththatGodisangrywithus,andthatChristhathturnedhisfacefromus,
nottofollowthesenseandfeelingofourownheart,buttosticktotheWordofGod,which
saiththatGodisnotangry,butlookethtotheafflicted,andtosuchasaretroubledinspirit
andtrembleathisWordandthatChristturnethnothimselfawayfromsuchaslaborandare
heavyladen,butrefreshethandcomforteththem,etc.
Thisplacethereforeteachethplainly,thatthelawandworksbringusuntono
righteousnessorcomfortatall:butthisdoththeHolyGhostinthefaithofChrist,whoraiseth
uphopeinterrorsandtribulations,whichendurethandovercomethalladversities.Veryfew
therebethatknowhowweakandfeeblefaithandhopeareunderthecross,andinthe
conflict.Foritseemeththeyarebutasmokingflax,whichisreadybyandbytobeputout
withavehementwind.Butthefaithful,whobelieveinthemidstoftheseassaultsandterrors,
hopingagainsthope,thatistosay,fightingthroughfaithinthepromiseastouchingChrist,
againstthefeelingofsinandofthewrathofGod,doafterwardsfindbyexperience,thatthe

sparkoffaith,beingverylittle(asitappearethto[natural]reason,forreasoncanscarcelyfeel
it)isasanelementalfirewhichfilleththewholeheaven,andswallowethupalloursinsand
allourterrors.
Thereisnothingmoredearorpreciousinalltheworld,tothetruechildrenofGod,than
thisdoctrine.Fortheythatunderstandthisdoctrine,doknowthatwhereofalltheworldis
ignorant,namely,hatsin,deathandallothermiseries,afflictionsandcalamities,aswell
corporalasspiritual,doturntothebenefitandprofitoftheelect.Moreover,theyknowthat
Godisthenmostdearuntothem,whenheseemethtobefarthestoff,andthatheisthena
mostmercifulandlovingSavior,whenheseemethtobemostangry,toafflictandtodestroy.
Alsotheyknowthattheyhaveaneverlastingrighteousness,whichtheywaitforthrough
hope,asacertainandsurepossessionlaidupfortheminheaven,evenwhentheyfeelthe
horribleterrorsofsinanddeathmoreover,thattheyarethenlordsofallthings,whenthey
aremostdestituteofallthings,accordingtothatsaying:Havingnothing,andyetpossessing
allthings(2Corinthians6:10).
This,saiththeScripture,istoconceivecomfortthroughhope.Butthiscunningisnot
learnedwithoutgreatandoftentemptations.
ForinJesusChristneithercircumcisionavailethanything,neitheruncircumcision,but
faithwhichworkethbylove
Thisplacetheschoolmendowrestuntotheirownopinion,wherebytheyteachthatweare
justifiedbycharityorworks.Fortheysaythatfaith,eventhoughitbeinfusedfromabove
(andoffaithgottenbyourownindustryIspeaknothere),justifiethnot,except!tbeformed
bycharity.Fortheycallcharitygracemakingacceptable,thatis,justifying(touseourword,
orratherPaulsword)andthentheysaythatcharityisgottenbyourmeritofcongruence,
etc.Andmoreover,theyaffirmthatevenfaithinfusedcanstandtogetherwithmortalsin.
Thusentirelydotheytakejustificationawayfromfaithandattributeit(bythismeans)unto
charityalone.AndthistheywillhavetobedemonstratedbyPaulinthisplace:Faithwhich
workethbylove,asifPaulwouldsay:Lo,faithjustifiethnot,yeaitisnothing,except
workingcharitybeaddeduntoit,whichformethfaith.
Buttheseareallmonsters,fabricatedbyidleheads.Forwhowillbeartobetaughtthat
faith,whichisthegiftofGodthroughtheHolyGhostinfusedintoourhearts,canstand
togetherwithmortalsin?Iftheyspakeoffaithgottenbyourownindustry,orhistoricalfaith
andanaturalopinionconceivedoutofhistory,theymightbeborneyeaconcerningan
historicalfaiththeyshouldspeaktruly.Butwhentheythinkthusofinfusedfaith,theydo
plainlyconfessthattheyareutterlydevoidofallrightunderstandingoffaith.Moreover,they
readthisplaceofPaulthroughcoloredglass(asthesayingis),andpervertthetextaftertheir
owndreams.ForPaulsaithnot:Faithwhichjustifiethbylove,or:Faithwhichmaketh
acceptablebylove.Suchatexttheydoinvent,andforciblythrustitintothisplace.Muchless
dothPaulsay:Charitymakethacceptable.Hesaithnotso,buthesaith:Faithwhichworketh
bylove.
Hesaiththatworksaredonebyfaiththroughlove,andnotthatamanisjustifiedbylove.
Butwhoissorudeagrammarianthatheunderstandethnotfromtheverywords,thatitisone
thingtobejustifiedandanothertowork?ForthewordsofPaulareclearandplain:Faith
WORKETHbylove.Whereforeitismanifestfraudwhentheysetasidetheplainmeaningof
Paulandinterprettoworkastobejustifiedandworksasrighteousnessforevenin

moralphilosophytheyareconstrainedtoconfessthatworksarenotrighteousness,butworks
aredonefromrighteousness.
Moreover,Paulmakethnotfaithhereunformed,andasitwerearudechaos,whereuntoit
pertainethneithertobenortodoanything:butheattributeththeworkingitselfuntofaith,and
notuntocharitynotdreamingthatfaithissomerudeandunformedquality,butassertingthat
itisanefficaciousandworkingquiddity,andasitwereasubstanceor(astheysay)
substantialform.Forhesaithnot:Charityisefficacious,but:
Faithisefficacious,andnot:Charityworketh,but:Faithworketh.Butcharityhemaketh
asitweretheinstrumentoffaith,throughwhichfaithworketh:andwhodothnotknowthat
aninstrumenthathitsforce,motionandaction,notofitself,butoftheworkman,operator,or
agent?Forwhowouldsay:Theaxegiveththepowerandmotionofcuttingtothecarpenter?
Theshipgiveththepowerandmotionofnavigatingtothesailor?Or,toadducetheexample
ofIsaiah,whowillsay:Thesawdraweththecarpenter,ortherodliftethupthehand?(Isaiah
10:15).Thereisbutlittledifferencewhentheysaythatcharityistheformoffaith,orthatit
impartethforceandmotionuntofaith,orthatitjustifieth.ButseeingPaulattributethnoteven
worksuntocharity,howshouldheattributejustificationuntoit?Itisthereforecertainthat
greatinjuryisdone,notonlyuntoPaul,butuntofaithandcharitythemselvesalso,whenthis
placeiswrestedagainstfaithonbehalfofcharity.
Butsoithappenethtothecarelessreadersandsuchasbringtheirowncogitationstothe
readingofholyScripture,whereastheyoughttocomebringingnothing,butseekingtocarry
awaythoughtsfromtheScripturesandmoreover,theyoughtdiligentlytoconsiderthewords,
comparingthosegoingbeforewiththosefollowingafter,andendeavortograspthecomplete
senseofeachplace,notpickingoutwordsandphrasestosuittheirowndreams.ForPaul
goethnotaboutheretodeclarewhatfaithis,orwhatitavailethbeforeGodhedisputethnot,
Isay,ofjustification(forthishathhedonelargelybefore),butasitweregatheringuphis
argument,hebrieflyshowethwhattheChristianlifeitselfis,saying:InChristJesusneither
circumcisionnoruncircumcisionavailethanything,butfaithworkingthroughlove.Thatisto
say,faithwhichisnotfeignednorhypocritical,buttrueandlively.Thatisthatfaithwhich
exercisethandrequirethgoodworksthroughlove.Itisasmuchtosayas:Hethatwillbea
trueChristianindeed,oroneofChristskingdom,mustbeatruebeliever.Nowhebelieveth
nottruly,ifworksofcharityfollownothisfaith.Soonbothhands,aswellontherighthand
asontheleft,heshuttethhypocritesoutofChristskingdomOnthelefthandheshuttethout
theJews,andallsuchaswillworktheirownsalvation,saying:InChristneither
circumcision,thatistosay,noworks,noworshipping,nokindoflifeintheworld,butfaith
alonewithoutanytrustinworks[ormerits]availeth[beforeGod].Ontherighthandhe
shuttethoutallslothfulandidlepersons,whichsay:Iffaithjustifywithoutworks,thenletus
worknothing,butletusonlybelieveanddowhatwelist.Notso,yeenemiesofgrace,saith
Paul.Itistruethatonlyfaithjustifieth,butIspeakhereoffaith,which,afterithathjustified,
isnotidle,butoccupiedandexercisedinworkingthroughlove.
PaulthereforeinthisplacesettethforththewholelifeofaChristianman,namely,that
inwardlyitconsistethinfaithtowardsGod,andoutwardlyincharityandgoodworkstowards
ourneighbor.SothatamanisaperfectChristianinwardlythroughfaithbeforeGod,who
hathnoneedofourworks,andoutwardlybeforemen,whomourfaithprofitethnothing,but
ourcharityorourworks.Therefore,whenwehaveheardorunderstoodofthisformof
Christianlife,towit,thatitisfaithandcharity(asIhavesaid),itisnotyetdeclaredwhat
faithorwhatcharityisforthisisanotherquestion.Forastouchingfaith,ortheinward

nature,forceanduseoffaith,hehathspokenbefore,whereheshowedthatitisour
righteousness,orratherourjustificationbeforeGod.Herehejoinethitwithcharityand
works,thatistosay,hespeakethoftheexternalofficethereof,whichistostirusuptodo
goodworks,ortobringforthinus[thefruitsof]charityto[theprofitof]ourneighbor.
Wherefore,seeingthisplacespeakethofthewholelifeofChristians,nomanofgoodsense
canunderstanditasconcerningjustificationbeforeGod:forthatwerebaddialectic,orthe
fallacyofcompositionanddivision,wherebythatistakenofthepart,whichissaidofthe
whole.Fordialecticcannotsuffer(asrhetoricdoth)thefiguresofsynecdocheandhyperbole,
seeingitisthemistressofteaching,defining,dividing,andconcluding,asexactlyasthese
thingscanbedone.Forwhatmannerofdialecticwerethis:Manisbodyandsoul,neither
canhebewithoutbodyandsoulthereforethebodyunderstandeth,thesoulalonedothnot
understand?Itisthesamedialecticasthis:TheChristianlifeisfaithandlove,orfaith
workingthroughlovethereforelovejustifieth,andnotfaithalone.
Butletmansdreamsdepart.Thisalsowelearnoutofthisplace,namely,howhorribleis
thedarknessinthoseEgyptianswhichdespisenotonlyfaith,butalsolove,inChristianity
andinitssteadtheywearythemselveswithwillworks,tonsures,vestments,meatsand
infiniteothervainoutwardshows,bythewhichtheywillseemtobeChristians.ButPaulhere
standingwithgreatfreedom,declarethopenlyandplainly:ThatwhichmakethaChristianis
faithworkingthroughlove.Hesaithnot:AChristianismadebyacowl,byfasting,
vestments,ceremoniesbutbytruefaithtowardsGod,whichlovethhisneighboranddoeth
good.
Whetheranybeaservant,master,king,priest,man,woman,cladinpurpleorcladin
rags,eatingfleshoreatingfish:noneofallthesethings,yeanoneatall,makethaChristian,
butonlyfaithandlove.Allelseisfalsehoodandmereidolatry.Andyetnothingismore
despisedthanthisveryfaithandcharityamongthosewhowillbemostChristiansandaholier
churchthantheChurchofGoditself.Onceagaintheyadmireandboastoftheirownshows
andshamsofwillworks,undercoverofwhichtheypromotetheirhorribleidolatries,
impieties,avarice,uncleanness,hatreds,murders,andthewholekingdomofhell.Suchpower
haththevehemenceofhypocrisyandsuperstitioninallagesfromthebeginningeventothe
endoftheworld.
Yedidrunwell:whodidletyouthatyedidnotobeythetruth?
Theseareplainwords.Paulaffirmeththatheteacheththemthetruthandtheselfsamething
thathetaughtthembefore,andthattheyranwellsolongastheyobeyedthetruth,thatis,they
believedandlivedrightly:butnowtheydidnotso,sincetheyweremisledbythefalse
apostles.
Moreover,heusethhereanewkindofspeechincallingtheChristianlifeacourseora
race.ForamongtheHebrews,torunortowalksignifiethasmuchastoliveortobe
conversant.Theteachersdorunwhentheyteachpurely,andthehearersorlearnersdorun
whentheyreceivetheWordwithjoy,andwhenthefruitsoftheSpiritdofollow.Whichthing
wasdoneaslongasPaulwaspresent,ashewitnessedbeforeinthethirdandfourthchapters.
Andherehesaith:Yedidrunwell,thatistosay,allthingswentforwardwellandhappily
amongyou,yelivedverywell,yewentontherightwaytoeverlastinglife,whichtheWord
ofGodpromisedyou,etc.
Thesewords,Yedidrunwell,containinthemasingularcomfort.Thistemptation

oftentimesexerciseththegodly,thattheirlifeseemethuntothemtoberatheracertainslow
creepingthanarunning.Butiftheyabideinsounddoctrine,andwalkintheSpirit,letthis
nothingtroublethem,thattheirdoingsseemtogoslowlyforward,orrathercreep.God
judgethfarotherwise.Forthatwhichseemethuntoustobeveryslowandscarcelytocreep,
runnethswiftlyinGodssight.Again,thatwhichistousnothingelsebutsorrow,mourning,
anddeath,isbeforeGod,joy,mirth,andtruehappiness.ThereforeChristsaith:Blessedare
yethatmournandweep,foryeshallreceivecomfort(Matthew5:4),yeshalllaugh,etc.
(Luke6:21).AllthingsshallturntothebesttothemwhichbelieveintheSonofGod,beit
sorrow,orbeitdeathitself.Thereforetheybetruerunnersindeed,andwhatsoevertheydo,it
runnethwellandgoethhappilyforwardbythefurtheranceofChristsspirit,whichcannot
skillofslowproceedings.
Whodidletyouthatyoudidnotobeythetruth?
Theyarehinderedinthiscoursewhichfallawayfromfaithandgracetothelawandworks
asithappenedtotheGalatiansbeingmisledandseducedbythefalseapostles,whomcovertly
hereprehendethwiththesewords:Whodidletyouthatyoudidnotobeythetruth?Inlike
mannerhesaidbeforeinthethirdchapter:Whohathbewitchedyouthatyoushouldnotobey
thetruth?AndherePaulshowethbytheway,thatmenaresostronglybewitchedwithfalse
doctrinethattheyembraceliesandheresiesinthesteadofthetruthandspiritualdoctrine.
Andontheotherside,theysayandswearthatthesounddoctrinewhichbeforetheyloved,is
erroneousandthattheirerrorissounddoctrine,maintaininganddefendingthesamewithall
theirpower.EvensothefalseapostlesbroughttheGalatians(whichranwellatthebeginning)
intothisopinion,tobelievethattheyerredandwentveryslowlyforwardwhenPaulwastheir
teacher.Butafterwards,theybeingseducedbythefalseapostles,andfallingcleanawayfrom
thetruth,weresostronglybewitchedwiththeirfalsepersuasion,thattheythoughtthemselves
tobeinahappystate,andthattheyranverywell.
Thesamehappenethatthisdaytosuchasareseducedbythesectariesandfantastical
spirits.ThereforeIamwonttosay,thatfallingindoctrinecomethnotofman,butofthe
devil,andismostperilous,towit,evenfromthehighheaventothebottomofhell.Forthey
thatcontinueinerror,aresofarofffromacknowledgingtheirsin,thattheymaintainthesame
tobehighrighteousness.Whereforeitisimpossibleforthemtoobtainpardon.
Itisnotthepersuasionofhimthatcallethyou
Thisisagreatconsolationandasingulardoctrine,wherebyPaulshowethhowthefalse
persuasionofsuchasaredeceivedbywickedteachers,mayberootedoutoftheirhearts.The
falseapostleswerejollyfellows,andinoutwardappearancefarpassingPaulbothinlearning
andgodliness.TheGalatians,beingdeceivedwiththisgoodlyshow,supposedthatwhenthey
heardthem,theyheardChristhimself,andthereforetheyjudgedtheirpersuasiontobeof
Christ.Contrariwise,PaulshoweththatthispersuasionanddoctrinewasnotofChrist,who
hadcalledthemingrace,butofthedevilandbythismeanshewonmanyofthemfromthis
falsepersuasion.
Likewiseweatthisdayrevokemanyfromerrorthatwereseduced,whenweshowthat
theiropinionsarefantastical,wicked,andfullofblasphemies.
Again,thisconsolationpertainethtoallthosethatareafflicted,whichthroughtemptation

conceiveafalseopinionofChrist.Forthedevilisamarvelouspersuader,andknowethhow
toamplifytheleastsin,yeaaverytrifle,insuchsort,thathewhichistemptedshallthinkitto
beamostheinousandhorriblecrime,andworthyofeternaldamnation.Herethetroubled
consciencemustbecomfortedandraisedupinsuchsortasPaulraiseduptheGalatians,to
wit,thatthiscogitationorpersuasioncomethnotofChrist,forasmuchasitfightethagainst
thewordoftheGospel,whichpaintethoutChrist,notasanaccuser,acruelexactor,etc.,but
asameek,humbleheartedandmercifulSaviorandcomforter.
ButifSatan(whoisacunningworkman,andwillleavenowayunassayed)overthrow
this,andlayagainsttheethewordandexampleofChristinthiswise:TrueitisthatChristis
meek,gentleandmerciful,buttothosewhichareholyandrighteous:contrariwise,tothe
sinnershethreatenethwrathanddestruction(Luke13):alsohepronounceththatthe
unbelieversaredamnedalready(John3):moreover,Christwroughtmanygoodworks:he
sufferedalsomanyevils,andcommandethustofollowhisexample:butthylifeisneither
accordingtoChristsword,norhisexample:forthouartasinner,andthereisnofaithinthee:
yea,thouhastdonenogoodatall,andthereforethosesentenceswhichsetforthChristasa
severejudge,dobelongtothee,andnotthosecomfortablesentenceswhichshowhimtobea
lovingandamercifulSavior,etc.Herelethimthatistemptedcomforthimselfafterthis
manner:
TheScripturesettethoutChristuntoustwomannerofways:first,asagift.IfItakehold
ofhiminthissort,Icanwantnothing.ForinChristarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomand
knowledge(Colossians2:3).He,withallthatisinhim,ismadeuntomeofGod,wisdom,
righteousness,sanctification,andredemption(1Corinthians1:30).Therefore,althoughI
havecommittedbothmanyandgrievoussins,yetnotwithstanding,ifIbelieveinhim,they
shallallbeswallowedupbyhisrighteousness.Secondly,theScripturesettethhimforthasan
exampletobefollowed.Notwithstanding,IwillnotsufferthisChrist(Imean,asheisan
example)tobesetbeforeme,butonlyinthetimeofjoyandgladnesswhenIamoutof
temptation(whereIcanscarcelyfollowthethousandthpartofhisexample),thatImayhave
himasamirrortobeholdandviewhowmuchisyetwantinginme,thatIbecomenotsecure
andcareless.ButinthetimeoftribulationIwillnothearnoradmitChrist,butasagift,who
dyingformysins,hathbestoweduponmehisrighteousness,andhathdoneandaccomplished
thatforme,whichwaswantinginmylife:Forheistheendandfulfillingofthelawunto
righteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth(Romans10:4).
Itisgoodtoknowthesethings,notonlytotheendthateveryoneofusmayhaveasure
andacertainremedyinthetimeoftemptation,wherebywemayeschewthatvenomof
desperation,wherewithSatanthinkethtopoisonusbutalsototheendwemaybeableto
resistthefurioussectariesandschismaticsofourtime.FortheAnabaptistscountnothing
moregloriousintheirwholedoctrine,thanthattheysoseverelyurgetheexampleofChrist
andthecrossespeciallyseeingthesentencesaremanifestwhereinChristcommendeththe
crosstohisdisciples.WemustlearnthereforehowwemaywithstandthisSatan,transforming
himselfintothelikenessofanangel.Whichweshalldoifwemakeadifferencebetween
Christsetforthuntoussometimesasagift,andsometimesasanexample.Thepreachingof
himbothwayshathhisconvenienttime,whichifitbenotobserved,thepreachingof
salvationmaybeturnedintopoison.
Christthereforemustbesetforthuntothosewhicharealreadycastdownandbruised
throughtheheavyburdenandweightoftheirsins,asaSaviorandagift,andnotasan
Exampleandalawgiver.Buttothosethataresecureandobstinate,hemustbesetforthasan

examplealsothehardsentencesoftheScripture,andthehorribleexamplesofthewrathof
Godmustbelaidbeforethem,asofthedrowningofthewholeworld,ofthedestructionof
SodomandGomorrah,andsuchotherlike,thattheymayrepent.LeteveryChristiantherefore
whenheisterrifiedandafflicted,learntocastawaythefalsepersuasionwhich(bySatans
whispering)hehathconceivedofChrist,andlethimsay:OcursedSatan,whydostthounow
disputewithmeofdoingandworking,seeingIamterrifiedandafflictedformysinsalready?
Nayrather,seeingInowlaborandamheavyladen,Iwillnothearkentotheewhichartan
accuserandadestroyer,buttoChristtheSaviorofmankind,whichsaith,thathecameinto
theworldtosavesinners,tocomfortsuchasareinterror,anguish,anddesperation,andto
preachdeliverancetothecaptives,etc.ThisisthetrueChrist,andthereisnoneotherbuthe.I
canseekexamplesofholylifeinAbraham,Isaiah,JohnBaptist,Paul,andothersaints:but
theycannotforgivemysins,theycannotdelivermefromthepowerofthedevilandfrom
death,theycannotsavemeandgivemeeverlastinglife.ForthesethingsbelongtoChrist
alone,whomGodtheFatherhathsealed,thereforeIwillnothearthee,noracknowledgethee
formyteacher,OSatan,butChrist,ofwhomtheFatherhathsaid:ThisismybelovedSon,in
whomIamwellpleasedhearhim.
Letuslearninthiswisetocomfortourselvesthroughfaithintemptation,andinthe
persuasionoffalsedoctrine:elsethedevilwilleitherseduceusbyhisministers,orkillus
withhisfierydarts.
Alittleleavendothleaventhewholelump
Jeromeandtheywhichhavefollowedhim,docensurePaul,allegingthatheoftentimes
wresteththesayingsofholyScriptureuntoanothersense.
WhereforetheysaythatthosethingsaremadetobeofforceinPaul,whichintheirown
placesareofnoforce.ButtheyaccusetheApostleunjustlyforrightwellandwiselydothhe
nowmakegeneralsentencesparticular,nowparticularsentencesgeneral:asaforeinthethird
chapter,hetakeththisgeneralsentence:Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree,and
makethitparticular,applyingitmostfitlytoChristandthisparticularsentence:Alittle
leaven,etc,hetakethgenerally,applyingituntodoctrine(asinthisplace,wherehe
entreatethofjustification),anduntolifeandevilmanners(asin1Corinthians5).
ThiswholeEpistlesufficientlywitnessethhowPaulwasgrievedwiththefallofthe
Galatians,andhowoftenhebeatintotheirheads(sometimeschidingandsometimes
entreatingthem)theexceedinggreatandhorribleenormitiesthatshouldensueuponthistheir
fall,unlesstheyrepented.ThisfatherlyandapostolicalcareandadmonitionofPaulmoved
someofthemnothingatall:formanyofthemacknowledgedPaulnomorefortheirteacher,
butpreferredthefalseapostlesfarabovehim:ofwhomtheythoughtthemselvestohave
receivedthetruedoctrine,andnotofPaul.
Moreover,thefalseapostlesnodoubtslanderedPaulamongtheGalatians,sayingthathe
wasanobstinateandacontentiousfellow,whichforalightmatterwouldbreaktheunityof
thechurches,andfornoothercausebutthathealonewouldbecountedwiseandmagnified
ofthem.ThroughthisfalseaccusationtheymadePaulveryodiousuntomany.
Someotherwhichhadnotyetutterlyforsakenhisdoctrine,thoughtthattherewasno
dangerindissentingalittlefromhiminthedoctrineofjustificationandfaith.Wherefore,
whentheyheardthatPaulmadesoheinousamatterofthatwhichseemeduntothemtobebut
lightandofsmallimportance,theymarveled,andthustheythoughtwiththemselves:

BeitsothatwehaveswervedsomethingfromthedoctrineofPaul,andthattherehath
beensomefaultinusyetthatbeingbutasmallmatter,heoughttowinkthereat,oratleast
notsovehementlytoamplifyit,lestbytheoccasionthereofoftheconcordofthechurches
shouldbebroken.
Whereuntoheanswerethwiththisproverbialsentence:Alittleleavenleaveneth[or
makethsour]thewholelump[ofdough].AndthisisacaveatoranadmonitionwhichPaul
standethmuchupon.Andwealsooughtgreatlytoesteemthesameatthisday.Forthe
Sacramentarians,whichdenythecorporalpresenceofChristintheSupper,objectagainstus
inlikemannerthatwearecontentious,obstinate,andintractableindefendingourdoctrine,
seeingthatforthesinglearticleconcerningthesacramentwedobreakChristiancharityand
rendtheconcordofthechurches.Weoughtnot(saythey)tosetsuchgreatstorebythislittle
pointofdoctrine,whichisobscureandinsufficientlyexpoundedbytheApostles,thatforits
sakealonewehavenorespectuntothewholesumofChristiandoctrineoruntothegeneral
concordofallthechurches:especiallyseeingtheyagreewithusconcerningtheotherarticles,
whicharemorenecessaryandofgreatermoment.Withthisveryplausibleargumenttheynot
onlybringusintodisreputeamongtheirownpeople,buttheyalsoleadastraymanygood
men,whichjudgethatwedissentfromthemofmereobstinacyorsomeprivateaffection.But
thesearethecraftyfetchesofthedevil,wherebyhegoethaboututterlytooverthrownotonly
thatarticle,butallChristiandoctrine.TothisweanswerthereforewithPaul,thatalittle
leavenmakethsourthewholelump.
Inphilosophy,asmallfaultinthebeginning,isagreat[andafoul]faultintheend.Soin
divinity,onelittleerroroverthroweththewholedoctrine.
Whereforewemustseparatelifeanddoctrinefarasunder.Thedoctrineisnotours,but
Godswhoseministersonlywearecalledthereforewemaynotchangeordiminishonetittle
thereof.Thelifeisours:therefore,astouchingthat,wearereadytodo,tosuffer,toforgive,
etc.whatsoeverouradversariesshallrequireofus,sothatfaithanddoctrinemayremain
soundanduncorruptofthewhichwesayalwayswithPaul:Alittleleavenleaveneth,etc.In
thismatterwecannotyieldevenanhairsbreadth.Forthedoctrineislikeamathematical
point,whichcannotbedividedthatis,itcansufferneitheradditionnorsubtraction.
Contrariwise,thelife,whichislikeaphysicalpoint,canalwaysbedivided,alwaysyield
somewhat.
Asmallmoteintheeyehurteththeeye.HencetheGermanssayofremediesfortheeyes:
Nothingisgoodfortheeyes.AndourSaviorChristsaithThelightofthebodyistheeye
thereforewhenthineeyeissingle,thenisthywholebodylightbutifthineeyebeevil,then
thybodyisdarkagainIfthybodyshallhavenopartdark,thenshallallbelight(Luke
11:34,36).BythisallegoryChristsignifieththattheeye,thatistosay,thedoctrineoughtto
bemostsimple,clear,andsincere,havinginitnodarkness,nocloud,etc.AndJamesinhis
Epistlesaith:Hethatoffendethinonepointisguiltyofallwhichsayinghehadnotofhis
ownspirit,butdoubtlesshadhearditofthefathers.Thedoctrineoughtthereforetobeasit
wereagoldencircle,roundandwhole,whereinthereisnobreachforwherethereisthevery
leastbreach,thecircleisnolongercomplete.WhatprofitisittotheJews,thattheybelievein
oneGod,eventheCreatorofallthings,orthattheybelieveallthearticlesandacceptthe
wholeScripture,whentheydenyChrist?Hethereforethatoffendethinonepoint,isguiltyof
all.Thisplacethereforemakethverymuchforusagainstthesecavillerswhichsay,thatwe
breakcharitytothegreathurtanddamageofthechurches.
Butweprotestthatwedesirenothingmorethantobeatunitywithallmen:sothatthey

cleaveuntothedoctrineoffaithentireanduncorrupt.Ifwecannotobtainthis,invaindothey
requirecharityofus.
Accursedbethatcharitywhichispreservedthroughthelossofthedoctrineoffaith,to
thewhichallthingsoughttogiveplace,beitcharity,anApostle,oranangelfromheaven,
etc.Therefore,whentheymakethismatterofsolittleaccount,theydosufficientlywitness
whatstoretheysetbytheWordofGod.WhichiftheydidbelievetobetheWordofGod,
theywouldnotsotriflewithit,butwouldholditinhighhonor,andwithoutanydisputingor
doubtingwouldputtheirfaithinit,knowingthatonewordofGodisallandallareone.
Likewisetheywouldknowthatonearticle[ofdoctrine]isallandallareone,sothatifoneis
setaside,thenbylittleandlittleallarelost:fortheyarejoinedtheonetotheother,andare
bounduptogetherasitwerebyonecommonbond.Letussufferthemthereforetoextol
charityandconcordasmuchastheylist:butontheotherside,letusmagnifythemajestyof
theWordandfaith.
Charitymaybeneglectedintimeandplacewithoutanydanger:butsocannottheWord
andfaithbe.Charitysufferethallthings,givethplacetoallmen.Contrariwise,faithsuffereth
nothing,givethplacetonoman.
Charityingivingplace,inbelieving,ingivingandforgiving,isoftentimesdeceived,and
yetnotwithstandingbeingsodeceived,itsufferethnolosswhichistobecalledtrueloss
indeed,thatistosay,itlosethnotChrist:thereforeitisnotoffended,butcontinuethstill
constantinwelldoing,yeaeventowardstheunthankfulandunworthy.Contrariwise,inthe
matteroffaithandsalvation,whenmenteachliesanderrorsunderthecolorofthetruth,and
seducemany,herehathcharitynoplace:forherewelosenotanybenefitbestoweduponthe
unthankful,butwelosetheWord,faith,Christ,andeverlastinglife.Whereforeifthoudeniest
Godinonearticle,thouhastdeniedhiminallforGodisnotdividedintomanyarticles,but
isallineachseveralone,andoneinthemalltogether.Thereforeletusalwaysanswerthe
Sacramentarians,whichaccuseusofneglectingcharity,withthisproverbofPaul:Alittle
leaven,etc.also:Playnotwithaname,faith,ortheeye.ThesethingshaveIspokenat
lengthtoconfirmourpeopleandtoteachothers,whoperchanceareoffendedbyour
constancy,notthinkingthatwehavesureandweightyreasonsforit.Letitnotmoveus
thereforethattheyurgesomuchthekeepingofcharityandconcordforwhosolovethnot
GodandhisWord,itisnomatterwhatorhowmuchheloveth.
Paulthereforebythissentenceadmonishethaswellteachersashearers,totakeheedthat
theyesteemnotthedoctrineoffaithasalightmatter,wherewiththeymaydallyattheir
pleasure.Itisabrightsunbeamcomingdownfromheaven,whichlighteneth,directeth,and
guidethus.Now,likeastheworldwithallhiswisdomandpowerisnotabletostoporturn
awaythebeamsofthesuncomingdownfromheavenuntotheearth:evensocantherebe
nothingaddedtothedoctrineoffaith,ortakenfromitforthatisanutterdefacingand
overthrowingofthewhole.
Ihavetrustinyouthroughthelord
Asifhewouldsay:Ihavetaught,admonished,andreprovedyouenough,sothatyewould
hearkenuntome.NotwithstandingIhopewellofyouintheLord.Hererisethaquestion,
whetherPauldothwellwhenhesaithhehathagoodhopeortrustintheGalatians,seeingthe
holyScriptureforbiddethanytrusttobeputinmen.Bothfaithandcharityhavetheirtrustand
belief,butafterdiverssortsbyreasonofthediversityoftheirobjects.

FaithtrustethinGod,andthereforeitcannotbedeceived:charitybelievethman,and
thereforeitisoftendeceived.Now,thisfaiththatspringethofcharityissonecessarytothis
presentlife,thatwithoutitlifecannotcontinueintheworld.Forifonemanshouldnot
believeandtrustanother,whatlifeshouldweliveuponearth?ThetrueChristiansdosooner
believeandgivecreditthroughcharity,thanthechildrenofthisworlddo.Forfaithtowards
menisafruitoftheSpirit,orofChristianfaithinthegodly.
HereuponPaulhadatrustintheGalatians,yea,thoughtheywerefallenfromhis
doctrine:butyetintheLord.Asifheshouldsay:IhaveatrustinyousofarforthastheLord
isinyou,andyeinhimthatistosay,sofarforthasyeabideinthetruth.Fromwhichifyou
fallaway,seducedbytheministersofSatan,Iwillnottrustuntoyouanymore.Thusitis
lawfulforthegodlytotrustandbelievemen.
Thatyewillbenoneotherwiseminded
Towit,concerningdoctrineandfaith,thanIhavetaughtyou,andyehavelearnedofme:that
istosay,Ihaveagoodhopeofyou,thatyewillnotreceiveanyotherdoctrinewhichshallbe
contrarytomine.
Buthethattroublethyoushallbearhiscondemnation,whosoeverhebe
BythissentencePaul,asitwereajudgesittinguponthejudgmentseat,condemneththefalse
apostles,callingthembyaveryodiousname,troublersoftheGalatians:whomtheyesteemed
tobeverygodlymen,andfarbetterteachersthanPaul.Andwithalhegoethabouttoterrify
theGalatianswiththishorriblesentence,wherebyhesoboldlycondemneththefalseapostles,
totheendthattheyshouldflytheirfalsedoctrineasamostdangerousplague.Asifheshould
say:Whatmeanyetogiveeartothosepestilentfellows,whichteachyounot,butonly
troubleyou?Thedoctrinethattheydeliveruntoyouisnothingelsebutatroublingof
consciences.
Wherefore,howgreatsoevertheybe,theyshallbeartheircondemnation.
Now,amanmayunderstandbythesewords:Whosoeverhebe,thatthefalseapostlesin
outwardappearancewereverygoodandholymen.Andperadventuretherewasamongst
themsomenotablediscipleoftheApostles,ofgreatnameandauthority.Foritisnotwithout
causethatheusethsuchvehementandpithywords.Hespeakethafterthesamemanneralso
inthefirstchapter,saying:Ifweoranangelfromheavenpreachuntoyouotherwisethanwe
havepreacheduntoyou,lethimbeaccursed.Anditisnottobedoubted,butthatmanywere
offendedwiththisvehemencyoftheApostle,thinkingthuswiththemselves:Whereforedoth
Paulbreakcharity?Whyishesoobstinateinsosmallamatter?Whydothhesorashly
pronouncesentenceofeternaldamnationagainstthosethatareministersofChristaswellas
he?Hepassethnothingofallthisbutproceedethonstill,andboldlycursethandcondemneth
allthosethatpervertthedoctrineoffaith,betheyneversohighlyesteemed,seemtheynever
soholyandlearned.Inlikemannerweatthisdaydoholdforexcommunicateand
condemned,allsuchassaythatthearticleoftheSacramentofthebodyandbloodofChristis
uncertain,ordoviolencetothewordsofChristattheSupper.
Wedomoststraitlyinsist,thatallthearticlesofChristiandoctrine,aswellsmallasgreat
(althoughnoneissmalluntous),mustbeheldpureandcertain.Andthisismostnecessary:
forthedoctrineisouronetruelight,whichlightenethandguidethusandshowethustheway

toheavenanditissuchthatifitbeoverthrowninonepart,itmustneedsbeoverthrown
altogether.Whenthisisdone,charitycannothinghelpus.Wecanbesavedwithoutcharity
andconcordtowardstheSacramentarians,butnotwithoutpuredoctrineandfaith.Otherwise,
gladlywillwekeepcharityandconcordtowardsthemwhichwithushaveagodlyopinionof
allthearticlesofChristiandoctrineyeamoreover,asmuchasinuslieth,wewillhavepeace
withourenemiesandprayforthemwhichthroughignorancedoblasphemeourdoctrineand
persecuteus:butnotsowiththemthatknowinglyandagainstconsciencedohurtanyarticle
ofChristiandoctrine.
AndPaulhereteachethusbyhisownexampletobethusobstinate,whenhedeclareth
thatthefalseapostlesandtheirdisciplesshouldassuredlybeartheircondemnationfora
matterwhichappearedtothem(sincebothwerepersuadedthatthedoctrinewhichtheytaught
andbelievedwastrueandgodly)tobenotonlyverysmall,butalsoveryunequal.
Wherefore(asIgiveoftenwarning)wemustdiligentlydiscernbetweendoctrineandlife.
Doctrineisheaven,lifeisearth.Inlifeissin,error,uncleannessandmisery,mingledwith
vinegar,astheproverbsaith.Thereletcharitywink,forbear,bebeguiled,believe,hope,and
sufferallthings:thereletforgivenessofsinsprevailasmuchasmaybe,sothatsinanderror
benotdefendedandmaintained.Butindoctrinelikeasthereisnoerror,soithathnoneedof
pardon.Whereforethereisnocomparisonbetweendoctrineandlife.Onelittlepointof
doctrineisofmorevaluethanheavenandearth:andthereforewecannotabidetohavethe
leastjotthereoftobecorrupted.Butwecanverywellwinkattheoffensesanderrorsoflife.
Forwealsododailyerrinlifeandconversation,yeaallthesaintserr:andthisdothey
earnestlyconfessintheLordsPrayer,andinthearticlesofourfaith.Butourdoctrine,bythe
graceofGod,ispure:wehaveallthearticlesofourfaithgroundedupontheholyScripture.
Thosethedevilwouldgladlycorruptandoverthrow.Thereforeheassailethussocraftilywith
thisgoodlyargument,thatweoughtnottobreakcharityandtheunityofthechurches.
Andbrethren,ifIyetpreachcircumcision,whydoIyetsufferpersecution?Thenisthe
slanderofthecrossabolished
PaullaboringbyallmeanspossibletocalltheGalatiansbackagain,reasonethnowbyhis
ownexample.Ihaveprocuredtomyself(saithhe)thehatredandpersecutionofthepriests,
theeldersofthepeopleandmywholenation,becauseItakeawayrighteousnessfrom
circumcision:whichifIwouldattributeuntoit,theJewswouldnotonlyceasetopersecute
me,butalsowouldloveandhighlycommendme.Butnow,becauseIpreachthegospelof
Christandtherighteousnessoffaith,abolishingthelawandcircumcision,thereforeIsuffer
persecution.Contrariwisethefalseapostles,toavoidthecrossandthisdeadlyhatredofthe
Jewishnation,dopreachcircumcisionandbythismeanstheyobtainandretainthefavorof
theJewsashesaithinthesixthchapterfollowing:Theycompelyoutobecircumcised,etc.
Moreover,theywouldgladlybringtopass,thatthereshouldbenodissension,butpeaceand
concordbetweentheGentilesandtheJews.Butthatisimpossibletobedonewithouttheloss
ofthedoctrineoffaith,whichisthedoctrineofthecrossandfullofoffenses.Wherefore
whenhesaith:IfIyetpreachcircumcision,whydoIyetsufferpersecution?Thenisthe
slanderofthecrossabolished,hemeaneththatitwereagreatabsurdityandinconveniency,
iftheoffenseofthecrossshouldcease.Afterthesamemannerhespeakethin1Corinthians1:
Christsentmetopreachthegospel,notwithwisdomofwords,lestthecrossofChristshould
bemadeofnoneeffect.Asifhesaid:IwouldnotthattheoffenseandcrossofChristshould

beabolished.
Heremaysomemansay:theChristiansthenaremadmen,tocastthemselvesintodanger
oftheirownaccordforwhatdotheyelsebypreachingandconfessingthetruth,butprocure
untothemselvesthehatredandenmityofthewholeworldandraiseoffenses?This,saith
Paul,dothnothingatalloffendortroubleme,butmakethmemorebold,andcausethmeto
hopewellofthehappysuccessandincreaseoftheChurch,whichflourishethandgroweth
underthecross:foritbehoveththatChristtheheadandspouseoftheChurch,shouldreignin
themidstofallhisenemies(Psalm110:2).Onthecontrarypart,whenthecrossisabolished,
andtherageoftyrantsandhereticsceasethontheoneside,andallthingsareinpeace,the
devilkeepingtheentryofthehouse,thisisasuretokenthatthepuredoctrineofGodsword
istakenaway.
Bernardconsideringthisthing,saiththattheChurchistheninbeststate,whenSatan
assailethitoneveryside,aswellbysubtlesleightsasbyviolenceandcontrariwise,thatitis
theninworstcasewhenitismostateaseandheallegethverywellandtothepurposethat
sentenceofHezekiahinhissong:BeholdinpeaceIhadbittergrief(Isaiah38:17),applying
ittotheChurchlivingineaseandquietness.WhereforePaultakethitforamostcertainsign
thatitisnottheGospel,ifitbepreachedinpeace.Contrariwise,theworldtakethitforamost
certainsignthattheGospelishereticalandseditiousdoctrine,becauseitseethgreatuproars,
tumults,offensesandsects,andsuchlike,tofollowthepreachingthereof.
ThusGod[sometimes]showethhimselfinthesimilitudeofthedevil,andthedevil
likewiseshowethhimselfinthelikenessofGod:andGodwillbeknownunderthesimilitude
ofthedevil,andwillhavethedevilknownunderthelikenessofGod.
ThecrossimmediatelyfolloweththedoctrineoftheWord,accordingtothatsaying:I
believed,andthereforehaveIspokenandIwassoretroubled(Psalm116.).Nowthecross
ofChristiansispersecutionwithreproachandignominy,andwithoutanycompassion,and
thereforeitisveryoffensive.Firsttheysufferasthevilestcriminalsintheworldandsodid
theprophetIsaiahforeshowevenofChristhimself:Hewasreputedamongstthewicked
(Isaiah53.).Moreover,murderersandthieveshavetheirpunishmentsqualified,andmenhave
compassiononthem.Hereisnooffenseorslanderjoinedwiththepunishment.Contrariwise,
likeastheworldjudgeththeChristianstobethemostpestilentandperniciouspeople,sodoth
itthinkthatnotormentsaresufficienttopunishthemfortheirheinousoffenses.Neitherisit
movedwithanycompassiontowardsthem,butputteththemtothemostopprobriousand
shamefulkindsofdeaththatcanbe.Anditthinkeththatitgaineththerebyadouble
commodity.Forfirst,itimagineththatitdothhighserviceuntoGodinkillingofthem
secondly,thatthecommonpeaceandtranquilityisrestoredandestablishedbytakingaway
suchnoisomeplagues.Thereforethedeathandcrossofthefaithfulisfullofoffenses.Butlet
notthisreproachfuldealing(saithPaul)andthecontinuanceofChristscrossandoffense
thereofmoveyou,butratherletitconfirmyou.Foraslongasthecrossendureth,itshallgo
wellwiththeChristiancause.InlikemannerChristalsocomfortethhisdisciplesinthefifth
ofMatthew:Blessedareye(saithhe)whenmenrevileyouandpersecuteyou,andshall
falselysayallmannerofevilagainstyouformynamessake.Rejoiceandbeglad,forgreatis
yourrewardinheavenforsopersecutedtheytheprophetswhichwerebeforeyou.The
Churchcannotsufferthisrejoicingtobewrestedfromher.WhereforeIwouldnotwishtobe
atconcordwiththePope,thebishops,theprinces,andthesectaries[unlesstheywould
consentuntoourdoctrine]:forsuchconcordwereacertaintokenthatwehadlostthetrue
doctrine.Tobeshort,aslongastheChurchteacheththeGospelpurely,itmustsuffer

persecution.FortheGospelsettethforththemercyandgloryofGod:itdiscloseththemalice
andsleightsofthedevil,paintethhimoutinhisrightcolors,andpluckethfromhimthe
[counterfeit]visorofGodsmajesty,wherebyhedeceiveththewholeworldthatistosay,it
showeththatallworshippings,religiousordersinventedbymen,andtraditionsconcerning
singlelife,meatsandsuchotherthings,wherebymenthinktodeserveforgivenessofsinsand
everlastinglife,arewickedthingsanddoctrinesofdevils.Thereisnothingthenthatmore
stirrethupthedevil,thanthepreachingoftheGospel.Forthatpluckethfromhimthe
[dissembled]visorofGod,andbewrayethhimtobeasheisindeed,thatistosay,thedevil,
andnotGod.WhereforeitcannotbebutthataslongastheGospelflourisheth,thecrossand
theoffensethereofmustneedsfollowit,orelsetrulythedevilisnotrightlytouched,but
slenderlytickled.Butifheberightlyhitindeed,herestethnot,andbeginnethhorriblytorage
andtoraiseuptroubleseverywhere.
IfChristiansthenwillholdtheWordoflife,letthemnotbeafraidoroffendedwhenthey
seethatthedevilisbrokenlooseandragetheverywhere,thatalltheworldisinanuproar,that
tyrantsexercisetheircruelty,andheresiesspringupbutletthemassurethemselvesthatthese
aresigns,notofterror,butofjoy,asChristhimselfexpoundeththem,saying:Rejoiceandbe
glad,etc.Godforbidthereforethattheoffenseofthecrossshouldbetakenaway.Which
thingshouldcometopass,ifweshouldpreachthatwhichtheprinceofthisworldandhis
memberswouldgladlyhear,thatistosay,therighteousnessofworks.
Thenshouldwehaveagentledevil,afavorableworld,agraciousPope,andmerciful
princes.ButbecausewesetforththebenefitsandgloryofChrist,theypersecuteandspoilus
bothofourgoodsandlives.
WouldtoGodtheywerecutoffthatdodisquietyou
IsthisthepartofanApostle,notonlytodenouncethefalseapostlestobetroublersofthe
Church,tocondemnthem,andtodeliverthemtoSatan,butalsotowishthattheymightbe
utterlyrootedoutandperish?Andwhatisthiselsebutplaincursing?Paul(asIsuppose)
alludethheretocircumcision,asifhewouldsay:Theycompelyoutocutofftheforeskinof
yourfleshbutIwouldthattheythemselvesmightbeutterlycutoffbytheroot.
Hererisethaquestion,whetheritbelawfulforChristianstocurse?Whynot?Howbeit
notalways,norforeverycause.Butwhenthematteriscometothispoint,thatGodsword
mustbeevilspokenof,andhisdoctrineblasphemed,andsoconsequentlyGodhimself,then
mustweturnthissentenceandsay:BlessedbeGodandhisWord,andwhatsoeveriswithout
GodandhisWord,accursedbeityea,thoughitbeanApostleoranangelfromheaven.So
hesaidbeforeinthefirstchapter:Althoughweoranangelfromheavenpreachotherwise
untoyou,thanthatwhichwehavepreached,lethimbeaccursed.
HerebyitmayappearhowgreatamatterPaulmadeofalittleleaven,whichforthesame
durstcursethefalseapostles,whoinoutwardappearanceweremenofgreatauthorityand
holiness.Letnotusthereforemakelittleaccountoftheleavenofdoctrine:foralthoughitbe
neversolittle,yetifitbeneglected,itwillbethecausethatbylittleandlittlethetruthand
salvationshallbelost,andGodhimselfbedenied.ForwhentheWordiscorrupted,andGod
deniedandblasphemed(whichmustneedsfollowiftheWordbecorrupted),thereremaineth
nohopeofsalvation.
Butforourparts,ifwebecursed,raileduponandslain,thereisyetOnethatcanraiseus
upagain,anddeliverusfromthecurse,death,andhell.

WhereforeletuslearntoadvanceandextolthemajestyandauthorityofGodsword.For
itisnosmalltrifle(asbrainsickheadssurmiseatthisday)buteverytittlethereofisgreater
thanheavenandearth.Wherefore,inthisrespectwehavenoregardofChristiancharityor
concord,butwesitasitwereonthejudgmentseat,thatistosay,wecurseandcondemnall
menwhichintheleastpointdodefaceorcorruptthemajestyofGodsword:foralittle
leavenmakethsourthewholelump.ButiftheyleaveusGodswordentireandsound,we
arenotonlyreadytokeepcharityandpeacewiththembutalsoweofferourselvestobetheir
servants,andtodoforthemwhatsoeverweareable:ifnot,letthemperishandbecastdown
intohellandnotonlythey,buteventhewholeworldalso,sothatGod[andhispureWord]
doremain.For,aslongasheremaineth,life,salvation,andthefaithfulshallalsoremain.
PaulthereforedothwellincursingthosetroublersoftheGalatians,andinpronouncing
sentenceagainstthem,towit,thattheyareaccursedwithallthattheyteachanddo,andin
wishingthattheymightbecutoff,especiallythattheymightberootedoutoftheChurchof
God,thatis,thatGodshouldnotgovernnorprospertheirdoctrinenortheirdoings.Andthis
cursingproceedethfromtheHolyGhost.AsPeteralsointheeighthoftheActscurseth
Simonthesorcerer:Thymoneyandthouperishtogether.
AndtheholyScriptureoftentimesusethcursingagainstsuchtroublersofmens
consciences,andchieflyinthePsalms,as:Letdeathcomeuponthemletthemgoquickinto
thepitofcorruption(Psalm5:15)also:Letsinnersbeturneddownintohell,andallthey
thatforgetGod(Psalm9:17).
HithertoPaulhathfortifiedtheplaceofjustificationwithstrongandmightyarguments.
Moreover,totheendhemightomitnothing,hereandtherehehathintermingledchidings,
praisings,exhortations,threatenings,andsuchlike.Intheendheaddethalsohisown
example,namely,thathesufferethpersecutionforthisdoctrine,therebyadmonishingallthe
faithful,nottobeoffendednordismayedwhentheyshallseesuchuproars,sectsandoffenses
raisedupinthetimeoftheGospel,butrathertorejoiceandbeglad.Forthemoretheworld
ragethagainsttheGospel,themoretheGospelprosperethandgoethhappilyforwards.
Thisconsolationoughtatthisdaytoencourageus:foritiscertainthattheworldhateth
andpersecutethusfornoneothercause,butforthatweprofessthetruthoftheGospel.Itdoth
notaccuseusfortheft,murder,whoredom,andsuchlikebutitdetestethandabhorrethus
onlybecauseweteachChristfaithfullyandpurely,andgivenotoverthedefenseofthetruth.
Thereforewemaybeoutofalldoubt,thatthisourdoctrineisholyandofGod,becausethe
worldhatethitsobitterlyforotherwisethereisnodoctrinesowicked,sofoolish,and
pernicious,whichtheworlddothnotgladlyadmit,embrace,anddefend:andmoreoverit
reverentlyentertaineth,cherishethandflattereththeprofessorsthereof,anddothallthatmay
bedoneforthem.Onlythetruedoctrineofgodliness,lifeandsalvation,andtheministers
thereof,itutterlyabhorreth,andworkethallthespitethatmaybedevisedagainstthem.Itis
anevidenttokentherefore,thattheworldissocruellybentagainstusfornootherthing,but
becauseithateththeWord.Wherefore,whenouradversarieschargeus,thatthereriseth
nothingofthisdoctrinebutwars,seditions,offenses,sects,andothersuchinfiniteenormities,
letusanswer:Blessedbethedaywhereinwemayseethesethings.Butthewholeworldisin
anuproar.Andwelldone:foriftheworldwerenotsotroubledifthedevildidnotrageand
stirupsuchbroils,weshouldnothavethepuredoctrine[oftheGospel],whichcannotbe
preachedbutthesebroilsandturmoilsmustneedsfollow.Thereforethatwhichyecounttobe
agreatevil,wetaketobeaspecialhappiness.


THEDOCTRINEOFGOODWORKS
Nowfollowexhortationsandpreceptsoflifeandgoodworks.Foritisthecustomofthe
Apostles,aftertheyhavetaughtfaithandinstructedmensconsciences,toaddpreceptsof
goodworks,wherebytheyexhortthefaithfultoexercisethedutiesofcharityonetowards
another.Andreasonitself,afterasort,teachethandunderstandeththispartofdoctrine:butas
touchingthedoctrineoffaith,itknowethnothingatall.Totheendthereforethatitmight
appearthatChristiandoctrinedothnotdestroygoodworks,orfightagainstcivilordinances,
theApostlealsoexhortethustoexerciseourselvesingoodworksandinanhonestoutward
conversation,andtokeepcharityandconcordonewithanother.Theworldcannottherefore
justlyaccusetheChristiansthattheydestroygoodworks,thattheyaretroublersofthepublic
peace,civilhonesty,etc.Fortheyteachgoodworksandallothervirtuesbetterthanallthe
philosophersandmagistratesoftheworld,becausetheyadjoinfaithintheirdoings.
For,brethren,yehavebeencalleduntolibertyonlyusenotyourlibertyasanoccasion
untotheflesh,butbyloveserveoneanother
Asifhewouldsay:YehavenowobtainedlibertythroughChrist,thatistosay,yebefar
abovealllawsastouchingconscienceandbeforeGod:yebeblessedandsaved,Christisyour
life.Thereforealthoughthelaw,sinanddeathtroubleandterrifyyou,yetcantheynothurt
younordriveyoutodespair.Andthisisyourexcellentandinestimableliberty.Nowstandeth
ityouinhandtotakegoodheed,thatyeusenotthatlibertyasanoccasiontotheflesh.
ThiseviliscommonandthemostperniciousofallothersthatSatanstirrethupinthe
doctrineoffaith,namely,thatinverymanyheturneththisliberty,wherewithChristhath
madeusfree,intothelibertyoftheflesh.Ofthis,JudealsocomplainethinhisEpistle:There
arecreptincertainwickedmen(saithhe)whichturnthegraceofourGodintowantonness
(Jude4).
Forthefleshisutterlyignorantofthedoctrineofgrace,thatistosay,itknowethnotthat
wearemaderighteous,notbyworks,butbyfaithonly,andthatthelawhathnoauthority
overus.Therefore,whenitheareththedoctrineoffaith,itabusethandturnethitinto
wantonness,andbyandbythusitgathereth:Ifwebewithoutlaw,letusthenliveaswelist,
letusdonogood,letusgivenothingtotheneedy,andletusnotsufferanyevil,forthereis
nolawtoconstrainusorbindussotodo.
Whereforethereisdangeroneithersidealbeittheoneismoretolerablethantheother.If
graceorfaithbenotpreached,nomancanbesavedforitisfaithalonethatjustifiethand
saveth.Onetheotherside,iffaithbepreached(asofnecessityitmustbe)themorepartof
menunderstandthedoctrineoffaithcarnally,anddrawthelibertyofthespiritintotheliberty
oftheflesh.Thismayweseeinallkindsoflife,aswellofthehighasthelow.Allboast
themselvestobeprofessorsoftheGospel,andallbragofChristianliberty,andyetserving
theirownluststheygivethemselvestocovetousness,pleasures,pride,envy,andsuchother
vices.Nomandothhisdutyfaithfully,nomancharitablyserveththenecessityofhisbrother.
Thegriefhereofmakethmesometimessoimpatient,thatmanytimesIwishsuchswine
whichtreadpreciouspearlsundertheirfeet,wereyetstillremainingunderthetyrannyofthe
PopeforitisimpossiblethatthispeopleofGomorrahshouldbegovernedbytheGospelof
peace.

Moreover,evenwewhichteachtheWord,donotdoourdutywithsogreatzealand
diligenceinthelightoftheGospel,aswedidbeforeinthedarknessofignorance.Forthe
morecertainwebeofthefreedompurchaseduntousbyChrist,somuchthemorecoldand
negligentwebeinhandlingtheWord,inprayer,inwelldoing,andinsufferingadversities.
AndifSatandidnotvexusinwardlywithspiritualtemptations,andoutwardlywiththe
persecutionsofouradversaries,andmoreoverwiththecontemptandingratitudeofourown
fellows,weshouldbecomeutterlycareless,negligent,anduntowardtoallgoodworks:andso
intimeweshouldlosetheknowledgeandfaithofChrist,forsaketheministryoftheWord,
andseekaneasierkindoflifefortheflesh.Whichthingmanyofourmenbegintodo,forthat
theytravailingintheministryoftheWord,cannotonlynotliveoftheirlabor,butalsoare
mostmiserablyentreatedevenofthosewhomtheydeliveredfromtheservilebondageofthe
PopebythepreachingoftheGospel.ThesemenforsakingpoorandoffensiveChrist,entangle
themselveswiththeaffairsofthispresentlife,servingtheirownbelliesandnotChrist:but
withwhatfruit,thatshalltheyfindbyexperienceintimetocome.
Forasmuchthenasweknowthatthedevillayethwaitmostofallforusthathavethe
Word(fortherestheholdethincaptivityandslaveryathispleasure),andlaborethwithmight
andmaintotakefromusthelibertyoftheSpirit,oratleastwisetoturnthesameintothe
libertyofthefleshweteachandexhortourbrethrenwithsingularcareanddiligencebythe
exampleofPaul,thattheythinknotthislibertyoftheSpirit,purchasedbythedeathofChrist,
tobegivenuntothem,thattheyshouldmakeitanoccasionofcarnalliberty,or(asPeter
saith,1Peter2:16)shouldusethesameasaclokefortheirwickednessbutthattheyshould
serveoneanotherthroughlove.
TotheendthereforethatChristiansshouldnotabusethisliberty,asIhavesaid,the
Apostlelayetha[yokeand]bondageupontheirfleshbythelawofmutuallove.Whereforelet
thegodlyremember,thatinconsciencebeforeGod,theybefreefromthecurseofthelaw,
fromsinandfromdeath,forChristssake:butastouchingthebodytheyareservants,and
mustserveoneanotherthroughcharity,accordingtothiscommandmentofPaul.Letevery
manthereforeendeavortodohisdutydiligentlyinhiscalling,andtohelphisneighbortothe
uttermostofhispower.ThisisitwhichPaulhererequirethofus:Serveyeoneanother
throughlove.
WhichworksdonotsettheChristiansatliberty,butshutthemunderbondage,as
touchingtheflesh.
Moreoverthisdoctrineconcerningmutuallove,whichwemustmaintainandexercise
onetowardsanother,cannotbebeatenintotheheadsofcarnalmen,norsinkintotheirhearts.
TheChristiansdogladlyreceiveandobeythisdoctrine.Others,assoonaslibertyispreached,
byandbydothusinfer:IfIbefree,thenmayIdowhatIlistthisthingismineown,why
thenshouldInotsellitforasmuchasImayget?Moreover,seeingweobtainnotsalvationby
ourgoodworks,whyshouldwegiveanythingtothepoor?etc.Thusdotheymostcarelessly
shakeofftheyokeandbondageoftheflesh,andturnthelibertyofthespiritintowantonness
andfleshlyliberty.Butwewilltellsuchcarelesscontemners(althoughtheybelieveusnot,
butlaughustoscorn)thatiftheyusetheirbodiesandtheirgoodsaftertheirownlust(as
indeedtheydo,fortheyneitherhelpthepoor,norlendtotheneedy,butbeguiletheirbrethren
inbargaining,snatchingandscrapinguntothemselvesbyhookorbycrookwhatsoeverthey
canget),wetellthem(Isay)thattheybenotfree,bragtheyneversomuchoftheirliberty,
buthavelostChristandChristianliberty,arebecomebondslavesofthedevil,andareseven
timesworseunderthenameofChristianliberty,thantheywerebeforeunderthetyrannyof

thePope.Forthedevilwhichwasdrivenoutofthem,hathtakenuntohimsevenotherfiends
worsethanhimself,andisreturnedintothemagain:thereforetheendofthesemenisworse
thanthebeginning(Matthew12:43ff.).
Astouchingus,wehaveacommandmentofGodtopreachtheGospel,whichofferethto
allmenlibertyfromthelaw,sin,deathandGodswrath,freelyforChristssake,ifthey
believe.ItisnotinourpowertoconcealorrevokethislibertynowpublishedbytheGospel:
forChristhathgivenituntousfreely,andpurchaseditbyhisdeath.Neithercanweconstrain
thoseswinewhichrunheadlongintoalllicentiousnessanddissolutenessoftheflesh,tohelp
othermenwiththeirbodiesorgoods.Thereforewedowhatwecan,thatistosay,we
diligentlyadmonishthemthattheyoughtsotodo.Ifwenothingprevailbythese
admonitions,wecommitthemattertoGod,andhewillrecompensethesescornerswithjust
punishmentinhisgoodtime.Inthemeanwhilethisisourcomfort,thatastouchingthegodly
ourlaborisnotlost,ofwhommanynodoubtbyourministryaredeliveredoutofthebondage
ofthedevil,andtranslatedintothelibertyoftheSpirit.
These(whichnotwithstandingarebutfew)whichacknowledgethegloryofthislibertyof
theSpirit,andontheothersidearereadythroughcharitytoserveothermen,andknow
themselvestobedebtorstotheirbrethrentouchingtheflesh,domorerejoiceusthanthe
innumerablemultitudeofthosethatabusethislibertyareabletodiscourageus.
Paulusethhereveryaptandplainwords,whenhesaith:Brethren,yearecalledinto
liberty.Andbecausenomanshoulddreamthathespeakethofthelibertyoftheflesh,he
expoundethhimselfwhatmanneroflibertyhemeaneth,sayingonlyusenotyourlibertyas
anoccasiontotheflesh,butserveyeoneanotherthroughlove.WhereforeleteveryChristian
know,thatastouchingtheconscience,Christhathmadehimlordoverthelaw,sin,anddeath,
sothattheyhavenopoweroverhim.Contrariwise,lethimalsoknowthatthisoutward
bondageislaiduponhisbody,thatheshouldservehisneighborthroughlove.Theythat
understandChristianlibertyotherwise,enjoythecommoditiesoftheGospeltotheirown
destruction,andareworseidolatersunderthenameofChrist,thantheywerebeforeunderthe
Pope.NowPaulgoethabouttodeclareoutoftheTenCommandments,whatitistoserveone
anotherthroughlove.
Forthewholelawisfulfilledinoneword,whichisthis:thoushaltlovethyneighboras
thyself
Paul,afterthathehathoncelaidthefoundationofChristiandoctrine,iswonttobuildgold,
silver,andpreciousstonesuponit.Nowthereisnootherfoundation,ashehimselfsaithtothe
Corinthians,thanJesusChrist,ortherighteousnessofChrist(1Corinthians3:11).Uponthis
foundationhebuildethnowgoodworks,yeagoodworksindeed:allwhichhecomprehendeth
inoneprecept:Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.Asifheshouldsay,whenIsaythat
yemustserveoneanotherthroughlove,Imeanthesamethingthatthelawsaithinanother
place:Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself(Leviticus19:18).Andthisistrulytointerpret
theScriptureandGodscommandments.Theopinionoftheschoolmenconcerningthisword
loveisutterlycoldandvainfortheysaythattoloveisnothingbuttowishsomeonewell,
orthatloveisaqualityinheringinthemind,wherebyamaneliciteththatmotionoftheheart,
orthatact,whichiscalledbenevolence.Thatisaltogethernaked,barrenandmathematical
charity,whichisnot(sotospeak)incarnate,neitherproceedethtowork.ButPaulsaiththat
charityoughttobeaservant,andexceptitbeintheofficeofaservant,itisnotcharity.

Now,ingivingpreceptsoflove,hecovertlytouchethbythewaythefalseteachers:
againstwhomhesettethhimselfmightily,thathemaydefendandestablishhisdoctrineof
goodworksagainstthem.Asifhesaid:OyeGalatians,Ihavehithertotaughtyouthetrue
andspirituallife,andnowalsoIwillteachyouwhatbegoodworksindeed.AndthiswillIdo
totheendyemayknowthatthevainandfoolishworksofceremonieswhichthefalse
apostlesdoonlyurge,arefarinferiortotheworksofcharity.Forsuchisthefoolishnessand
madnessofallwickedteachersandfantasticalspirits,thatnotonlytheyleavethetrue
foundationandpuredoctrinebutalsocontinuingalwaysintheirsuperstitions,theynever
attaintotrulygoodworks.Therefore(asPaulsaith)theybuildnothingbutwood,hayand
stubbleuponthefoundation(1Corinthians3:12).Sothefalseapostles,whichwerethemost
earnestdefendersofworks,didnotteachorrequiretheworksofcharity,asthatChristians
shouldloveoneanother,theytheyshouldbereadytohelptheirneighborsinallnecessities,
notonlywiththeirgoods,butalsowiththeirbody,thatistosay,withtongue,hand,heart,and
withtheirwholestrength:butonlytheyrequiredthatcircumcisionshouldbekept,thatdays,
months,years,andtimesshouldbeobservedandothergoodworkstheycouldteachnone.
Foraftertheyhaddestroyedthefoundation,whichisChrist,anddarkenedthedoctrineof
faith,itwasimpossiblethatthereshouldremainanytrueuse,exercise,oropinionofgood
works.Takeawaythetree,andthefruitmustneedsperish.InlikemannertheSectariesatthis
day,beingbewitchedinthedoctrineofgoodworks,mustneedsteachfantasticaland
superstitiouskindsofworks.
TheyhavetakenawayChrist,cutdownthetree,overturnedthefoundationandtherefore
theybuilduponsand(Matthew7:26)andcansetupnothingbutwood,hay,stubble.They
makeagoodlyshowoflove,humility,etc.,butverilytheylove,asJohnsaith(1John3:18),
notindeedandtruth,butonlyinwordandwiththetongue,etc.Theyalsomakeashowof
greatholiness,wherebytheysodeceivementhattheyjudgetheirworkstobeverysplendid
andwellpleasingtoGod.ButifthoubeholdtheseworksinthelightoftheWord,thouwilt
findthemtobemeretriflesandthingsofnaught,pertainingonlyuntoplaces,times,apparel,
respectofpersons,etc.Whereforeitisnolessneedfulforgodlyteacherstourgethedoctrine
ofgoodworks,thanthedoctrineoffaith.
ForSatanhateththembothandbitterlyassaileththem.Notwithstandingfaithmustfirst
beplantedforwithoutfaithitisimpossibletounderstandwhatagoodworkis,orwhat
pleasethGod.
AndherebywemayseehowSatanhateththetruedoctrineofgoodworks.
Foralbeitthatallmenhaveacertainnaturalknowledgeimplantedintheirminds
(Romans2:14),wherebytheynaturallyperceivethattheyoughttodountoothersasthey
wouldhaveotherstodountothem(andthisandothersuchopinions,whichwecallthe
naturallaw,arethefoundationofhumanrightandofallgoodworks)yetnotwithstanding
mansreasonissocorruptandblindthroughthemaliceofthedevil,thatitunderstandethnot
thisknowledgewherewithitisbornorelse,beingadmonishedbytheWordofGod,it
understandethit,andyet(suchisthepowerofSatan)knowinglyneglectethandcontemneth
it.Moreover,therecomethtopassalsothisevil,thatthedevilafflictethalljusticiariesand
hereticswithsuchmadness,thatneglectingthetruedoctrineofgoodworkstheyteachonly
certainchildishceremoniesormonstrousworksinventedbythemselves.Thesethingsreason,
whenitisignorantoffaith,magnifiethandwondrouslydelightethinthem.
SointhePapacymendidperformwithgreatpleasure,diligenceandzeal,andatgreat
cost,thosefoolishandworthlessworkswhichGodneithercommandethnorrequireth.The

samezealforthingsofnoworthweperceiveatthisdayinthesectariesandtheirdisciples,
andspeciallyintheAnabaptists.Butinourchurches,wherethetruedoctrineofgoodworksis
mostdiligentlytaught,itisawondertorelatewhatindolenceandlistlessnessdoreign.The
moreweexhortandstirupmentoworkwell,toexercisecharityonetowardanother,tocast
awaycarefortheirbellies,etc.,themoresluggishandunreadytheybecometoallexercisesof
godliness.Therefore,Satanbitterlyhatethnotonlythedoctrineoffaith,butalsoofgood
works,sothatontheonehandhepreventethourpeoplefromlearningit,oriftheyknowit,
frompracticingitindeed,whileontheotherhandthehypocritesandhereticsutterlyneglect
it,andinthesteadthereoftheyteachfoolishceremoniesorcertainridiculousandfantastical
works,wherebycarnalmenarebewitched.FortheworldisnotruledbytheGospelandfaith,
butbythelawandcircumcision.
TheApostlethereforeearnestlyexhorteththeChristianstoexercisethemselvesingood
works,afterthattheyhaveheardandreceivedthepuredoctrineoffaith.Fortheremnantsof
sindoyetstillremaineveninthosethatbejustified:which,astheyarecontrarytofaithand
hinderit,sodotheyhinderusfromdoinggoodworks.Moreover,mansreasonandtheflesh,
whichinthesaintsthemselvesresisteththeSpirit,andinthewickeddothmightilyreign,is
naturallydelightedwithpharisaicalsuperstition:thatistosay,ittakethmorepleasurein
measuringGodbyherownimaginationsthanbyhisWord,anddoththeworksthatshe
herselfhathchosen,withfargreaterzealthanthosewhichGodhathcommanded.
Whereforeitisnecessarythatthegodlypreachersshouldasdiligentlyteachandurge
loveunfeigned,orthetrue[doctrineof]goodworksasthetrue[doctrineof]faith.Letnoman
thinkthereforethathethoroughlyknoweththiscommandment:Thoushaltlovethyneighbor
asthyself.
Indeeditisveryshortandeasyastouchingthewords:butshowmetheteachersand
hearers,thatinteaching,learning,andliving,doexerciseandaccomplishitrightly.Therefore
thesewords:Serveyeoneanotherthroughlove,andthesealso:Thoushaltlovethy
neighborasthyself,arefullofspirit,andnoneofthefaithfuldosufficientlyconsider,urge
andexercisethesame.And(whichiswonderful)thefaithfulhavethistemptation,thatifthey
omitneversolightamatterwhichtheyoughttodo,byandbytheirconscienceiswounded
buttheyarenotsotroublediftheyneglect[thedutiesof]charity(asdailytheydo)orbearnot
asincereandbrotherlyloveandaffectiontowardstheirneighbor.Fortheydonotsomuch
regardthecommandmentofcharity,astheirownsuperstitions,fromthewhichtheybenot
altogetherfreeduringthislife.
PaulthereforereprehendeththeGalatiansinthesewords:Forthewholelawisfulfilled
inoneword,etc.Asifhesaid:Yearedrownedinyoursuperstitionsandceremonies
concerningplacesandtimes,whichprofitneitheryourselves,norothers:andinthe
meanwhileyeneglectcharitywhichyeoughtonlytohavekept.Whatmadnessisthis?So
saithJerome:
Wewearandconsumeourbodieswithwatching,fasting,labor,etc.,butweneglect
charity,whichistheonlyladyandmistressofworks.Andthismaybewellseeninthe
monks,whostraitlyobservethetraditionsconcerningtheirceremonies,fasting,[watching,]
apparel,andsuchlike.Inthiscaseiftheyomitanything,beitneversolittle,theysindeadly.
Butwhentheydonotonlyneglectcharity,butalsohateoneanothertothedeath,theysin
not,noroffendGodatall.
ThereforebythiscommandmentPaulnotonlyteachethgoodworks,butalsocondemneth
fantasticalandsuperstitiousworks.Henotonlybuildethgold,silver,andpreciousstones

uponthefoundation,butalsothrowethdownthewood,andburnethupthehayandstubble.
GodindeeddidwellingivingmanyceremoniestotheJewsforhewouldtherebysignifythat
mansmindisnaturallysuperstitious,caringnothingforcharity,butbeingtakenupwith
ceremoniesanddelightingincarnalrighteousness.
NotwithstandinginthemeantimeGodwitnessedalsobyexamplesintheOldTestament
howmuchhedidalwaysesteemofcharity:whereuntohewouldhavetheverylawitself,and
theceremoniesthereoftogiveplace.AtsuchtimeasDavidandtheythatwerewithhimwere
hungry,andhadnotwhattoeat,theydideattheholyshowbread,whichbythelawthe
laypeoplemightnoteat,butonlythepriests(1Samuel21:6).Christsdisciplesbrakethe
sabbath(assaidtheJews)inhealingthesickonthesabbathday(Matthew12:1ff.,10ff.).All
thesethingsshowthatcharityorloveoughttobepreferredbeforealllawsandceremonies,
andthatGodrequirethnothingsomuchatourhandsaslovetowardsourneighbor.Thesame
thingChristalsowitnesseth,whenhesaith:Andthesecondislikeuntothis(Matthew
22:39).
Forallthelawisfulfilledinoneword
Asifhesaid:Whydoyeburdenyourselveswiththelaw?Whydoyesotoilandturmoil
yourselvesabouttheceremoniesofthelaw,aboutmeats,days,places,andsuchotherthings:
ashowyeoughttoeat,drink,keepyourfeasts,sacrifice,etc.?Leaveoffthesefollies,and
hearkenwhatIsay:
Allthelawisfullycomprehendedinthisonesaying:Thoushaltlovethyneighboras
thyself.Goddelightethnotintheobservationoftheceremoniesofthelaw,neitherhathhe
anyneedofthem.Theonlythingthatherequirethatyourhandsisthis,thatyebelievein
Christwhomhehathsent:inwhomyearemadeperfect,andhaveallthings.Butifuntofaith,
whichisthemostacceptableserviceofGod,yewillalsoaddlaws,thenassureyourselvesthat
alllawsarecomprehendedinthisshortcommandment:Thoushaltlovethyneighboras
thyself.Endeavoryourselvestokeepthiscommandment,whichbeingkept,yehavefulfilled
alllaws.
PaulisaverygoodexpounderofGodscommandments:forhedrawethallMosesintoa
briefsum,showingthatnothingelseiscontainedinallhislaws(whichareinamanner
infinite)butthisshortsentence:Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.[Natural]reasonis
offendedwiththisbasenessandshortnessofwordsforitissoonsaid:BelieveinChrist,
andagain:Lovethyneighborasthyself.Thereforeitdespisethboththedoctrineoffaithand
truegoodworks.Notwithstanding,thisbaseandshortwordoffaith,BelieveinChrist,isthe
powerofGodtothefaithful,wherebytheyovercomesin,death,thedevil,etc.,wherebyalso
theyattainsalvation[andeternallife].Thustoserveoneanotherthroughlove,thatis,to
instructhimthatgoethastray,tocomforthimthatisafflicted,toraiseuphimthatisweak,to
helpthyneighborbyallmeanspossible,tobearwithhisinfirmities,toenduretroubles,
labors,ingratitudeandcontemptintheChurchandincivillife,toobeythemagistrate,togive
duehonortothyparents,tobepatientathomewithafrowardwifeandanunrulyfamily,etc.:
these(Isay)areworkswhichreasonjudgethtobeofnoimportance.Butindeedtheyaresuch
works,thatthewholeworldisnotabletocomprehendtheexcellencyandworthinessthereof
(foritdothnotmeasureworksoranyotherthingbytheWordofGod,butbythejudgmentof
impious,blind,andfoolishreason)yea,itknowethnotthevalueofanyoneoftheleastgood
worksthatcanbe,whicharetruegoodworksindeed.

Therefore,whenmendreamthattheyknowwellenoughthecommandmentofcharity,
theyareutterlydeceived.Indeedtheyhaveitwrittenintheirheartfortheynaturallyjudge
thatamanoughttodountoanother,ashewouldanothershoulddountohim.Butitfolloweth
notthereforethattheyunderstanditforiftheydid,theywouldalsoperformitindeed,and
wouldprefer[loveand]charitybeforeallworks.Theywouldnotsohighlyesteemtheirown
superstitioustoys,astogowithanheavycountenance,hangingdownthehead,tolive
unmarried,tolivewithbreadandwater,todwellinthewilderness,tobepoorlyapparelled,
etc.Thesemonstrousandsuperstitiousworks,whichtheyhavedevisedandchosenunto
themselves,Godneithercommandingnorapprovingthesame,theyesteemtobesoholyand
soexcellent,thattheysurmountanddarkencharity,whichis,asitwere,thesunofallgood
works.Sogreatandincomprehensibleistheblindnessofmansreason,thatitisunable,not
onlytojudgerightlyofthedoctrineoffaith,butalsoofexternalconversationandworks.
Whereforewemustfightstrongly,aswellagainsttheopinionsofourownheart(tothewhich
wearenaturallymoreinclinedinthematterofsalvationthantotheWordofGod),asalso
againstthecounterfeitvisorandholyshowofourownwillworks:thatsowemaylearnto
magnifytheworkswhicheverymandothinhisvocation,althoughtheyseemoutwardly
neversobaseandcontemptible,iftheyhavethewarrantofGodsword:and,contrariwise,to
despisethoseworkswhichreasonchoosethwithoutthecommandmentofGod,seemthey
neversoexcellentandholy.
OfthiscommandmentIhavelargelyentreatedinanotherplace,andthereforeIwillnow
butlightlyoverrunit.Indeedthisisbrieflyspoken:Lovethyneighborasthyselfbutyet
veryaptlyandtothepurpose.Nomancangiveamorecertain,abetteroranearerexample
thanamansownself.Neithercantherebeanynoblerandprofounderdispositionthan
charity,noranymoreexcellentobjectthantheneighbor.Whereforetheexample,the
dispositionandtheobjectareallmostexcellent.
Therefore,ifthouwouldestknowhowthyneighboroughttobeloved,andwouldesthave
aplainexamplethereof,considerwellhowthoulovestthyself.Ifthoushouldestbein
necessityordanger,thouwouldestbegladtohavethelove,andtobehelpedwiththecounsel,
thegoodsandthestrengthofallmen,andofallcreatures.Whereforethouhastnoneedofany
booktoinstructandtoadmonishtheehowthououghtesttolovethyneighborforthouhast
anexcellentbookofalllaws,eveninthyheart.
Thouneedestnoschoolmasterinthismatter:askcounselonlyofthineownheart,and
thatshallteachtheesufficientlythatthououghtesttolovethyneighborasthyself.Moreover,
loveorcharityisanexcellentvirtue,whichnotonlymakethamanwillingandreadytoserve
hisneighborwithtongue,withhand,withmoneyandworldlygoodsbutwithhisbodyand
evenwithhislifealso.Andthustodo,itisnotprovokedbygooddesertsoranythingelse,
neitherisithinderedthroughevildesertsoringratitude,etc.Themotherdoththerefore
nourishandcherishherchild,becauseshelovethit.Toconclude,nolivingcreature,towards
whichthououghtesttoexercisecharity,isnoblerthanthyneighbor.Heisnodevil,nolion,
bear,wolf,nostockorstone,etc.,butacreaturemostliketothyselfandthereisnonethat
livethonearththatismorepleasant,morelovable,useful,friendly,comforting,and
necessary,thanthyneighborwhoisnaturallycreatedforcivilityandsociety.Therefore
nothinginthewholeworldcanbeheldmoreworthyoflovethanourneighbor.Butthedevil
hathawondrousart,wherebyheisable,notonlytoobscurethismostnobleobjectand
removeitoutofmansmind,butalsotopersuadehisheartofthecontraryopinion,sothathe
judgethhisneighbortobeworthyofbitterhatred,andnotoflove.Andthisthedevilcan

easilyaccomplish,ifhedobutwhisper:Lo,thismanhathsuchafault,hehathreprehended
thee,donetheeaninjury,etc.Thenthismostlovableobjectseemethtobevile,sothatheis
nomoreaneighbortobeloved,butanenemyworthyofhatred.OnthiswiseSatanis
wonderfullyabletochangethedispositionoflovinginourhearts,sothatinsteadofloversof
ourneighborswearemadedetractors,hatersandpersecutors,sothatofthatprecept(Thou
shaltlovethyneighborasthyself)nothingremainethbutbareandemptylettersand
syllables.
Now,myneighboriseveryman,speciallywhichhathneedofmyhelp,asChrist
expoundethitinthetenthchapterofLuke.Who,althoughhehathdonemesomewrong,or
hurtmebyanymannerofway:yetnotwithstandinghehathnotputoffthenatureofman,or
ceasedtobefleshandblood,andthecreatureofGodmostlikeuntomyself:briefly,he
ceasethnottobemyneighbor.Aslongthenasthenatureofmanremainethinhim,solong
alsoremaineththecommandmentoflove,whichrequirethatmyhand,thatIshouldnot
despisemineownflesh,norrenderevilforevilbutovercomeevilwithgood,orelseshall
loveneverbeasPauldescribethitin1Corinthians13.Adiseasedmemberisnotcutoff,but
caredforandcured.Anduponlesshonorablemembers(saithPaul)weshouldbestowmore
abundanthonor.Butsocorruptedandblindedisnaturebythedevilspoison,thatthechildren
ofthisworld,eventhoughtheyknowamantobeenduedwithmanyexcellentgiftsand
virtues,yetiftheydiscoverbutonespotorblemishinhim,theyhaveregarduntothatonly,
andforgetallhisgiftsandgraces.Thouwiltfindalsomanycrabbedandunciviljesters,which
callnotbytheirpropernamethosetowardswhomtheyareilldisposed,butusesome
opprobrioustitle,asthemaninTerencedid,saying:Slanteyes,hooknose,cabbageear,
andsuchlike.
Tobebrief,theworldisthekingdomofthedevil,whichsecurelydespisethfaithand
charityandallthewordsandworksofGod.
PaulthereforecommendethcharitytotheGalatians,andtoallthefaithful(fortheyonly
loveindeed),andexhorteththemthatthroughcharityoneofthemshouldserveanother.Asif
hewouldsay:Yeneednottoburdenyourselveswithcircumcision,andwiththeceremonies
ofMoseslawbutbeforeallthingscontinueinthedoctrineoffaithwhichyehavereceived
ofme.Afterwards,ifyewilldogoodworks,andhowyeshallfulfillalllaws:Serveyeone
anotherthroughlove.Yeshallnotlackthemtowhomyemaydogood,fortheworldisfull
ofsuchasneedthehelpofothers.Thisisaperfectandasounddoctrineoffaithandlove:and
alsotheshortestandthelongestdivinity.Theshortestastouchingthewordsandsentences:
butastouchingtheuseandpracticeitismorelarge,morelong,moreprofound,andmore
highthanalltheworld.
Ifyebiteanddevouroneanother,takeheedlestyebeconsumedoneofanother
BythesewordsPaulwitnesseth,thatifthefoundation,thatistosay,iffaithinChristbe
overthrownbywickedteachers,nopeaceorconcordcanremainintheChurch,eitherin
doctrineorlife:buttheremustneedsbediversopinionsanddissensionsfromtimetotime
bothindoctrineandlife.AndwhenoncetheconcordoftheChurchisbroken,thereisno
measurenorendofthatevilfortheauthorsofschisms,dissentingamongthemselves,do
teach,onethatthiswork,anotherthatanotherworkisnecessarytorighteousness.Each
approvethhisownopinionandsuperstition,andreprehendeththatofanother.Wherebyit
comethtopassthatonebitethanddevourethanotherthatistosay,onejudgethand

condemnethanother,untilatlengththeybeconsumed.HereofnotonlytheScripture,butalso
theexamplesofalltimesbearwitness.AfterthatAfricawaspervertedbytheManichees,by
andbyfollowedtheDonatists,whoalsodisagreeingamongthemselves,weredividedinto
threesundrysects.InourtimetheredepartedfromusfirsttheSacramentarians,thenthe
Anabaptists,andneitherofthemagreethwiththeother.Onesectbringethforthanother,and
onecondemnethanother.Whenunityceaseth,accordingtothemathematicians,thenumber
progressethtoinfinity.
Thus,whentheunityofthespiritisbroken,itisimpossiblethatthereshouldbeany
concordeitherindoctrineorlife,butdailynewerrorsmustneedsspringupwithoutmeasure
andwithoutend.ThisweseealsointhePapacy,wherethedoctrineoffaithbeingcastaside,
itwasimpossiblethatconcordofspiritshouldremain,andinthesteadthereoftherearose
throughthedoctrineofworksinnumerablesectsofmonks,whichbeingatvariancewithone
another,didmeasuretheirholinessbythestraitnessoftheirordersandthedifficultyoftheir
superstitiousworkswhichtheyhadthemselvesdevised.Andsoonewouldbecountedholier
thananother.Moreover,notonlywastheredissensionbetweenthemonksofdiverse
professions,butalsobetweenthoseofthesameorder.Asapotterenviethapotter,sothe
MinoritedidenvytheMinorite,etc.Andtoconclude,therewereasmanyopinionsinone
monasteryasthereweremonks.Solong,thereforedidtheycherishamongthemselves
rivalries,contentions,wrangling,virulence,bitinganddevouring,until(accordingtothis
sayingofPaul)theyarenowbeingconsumed,etc.
Buttheywhichholdthedoctrineoffaith,andloveoneanotheraccordingtothisprecept
ofPaul,censurenotthelifeandworksoneofanother,buteachapproveththeothersmanner
oflifeandhisdutywhichhedothinhisvocation.Nogodlymanthinkeththeofficeofa
magistratetobebetterinthesightofGodthantheofficeofasubjectforheknoweththat
bothareordainedofGodandhavethecommandmentofGod.Hedistinguishethnotbetween
theofficeorworkofafatherandofason,aschoolmasterandascholar,amasteranda
servant,etc.butheconfidentlydeclareththatbotharepleasingtoGod,iftheybefulfilledin
faithandobediencetowardsGod.Inthesightoftheworld,nodoubt,thesekindsoflifeand
theirdutiesareunequalbutthisexternalinequalitynothinghindereththeunityoftheSpirit,
wherebyallthinkandbelievethesameconcerningChrist,namely,thatthroughhimalonewe
obtainremissionofsinsandrighteousness.Moreover,inrespectofexternalconversationand
duty,onejudgethnotanother,norcensurethhisworks,neitherpraisethhehisownthough
theybefarmoreexcellent,butwithonemouthandspirittheyconfessthattheyhaveoneand
thesameSaviorChrist,withwhomthereisnorespectofpersonsorofworks,etc.(Romans
2:11).Thisitisimpossibleforthemtodowhichneglectthedoctrineoffaithandlove,and
teachsuperstitiousworks.Themonkgrantethnotthattheworksofthelayman,whichhe
doethinhisvocation,areasgoodandacceptableuntoGodashisown.Thenunfarpreferreth
herownkindoflifeandworksbeforethelifeandworksofamatronthathathanhusband:for
shejudgeththathersareabletodeservegraceandeverlastinglife,asthematronsarenot
able.Andhereofitcomeththatthesepeople,accursedasthegreedforgold,havevehemently
contendedandpersuadedthewholeworld,thattheirstateoflifeandworksarefargreaterand
holierthanthoseofthelaity.Anddidtheynotstillatthisdayholdanddefendthisopinionof
theholinessoftheirworks,theyshouldnotlongretaintheirhonorandriches.Nomonk,
therefore,noranyotherjusticiary,willbepersuadedthattheworksofacommonChristian,a
husband,wife,manservant,maidservant,etc.,whicharedoneinfaithandobediencetowards
God,arebetterandmoreacceptabletoGodthanthosesuperstitiousandmonstrousworks

whichtheythemselveshavechosen.ForwhenChristthechiefcornerstoneisremoved,the
seekersofsalvationbyworkscannototherwisejudge,thanthattheyalonewhichdosuch
greatandsplendidworks,areacceptabletoGod.SoatthisdaytheAnabaptistsdreamthat
they,whicharepoor,sufferhungerandcold,andwearmeanapparel,etc.,aresaints,but
thosearenotsaintswhichhavepossessions,etc.Thereforeitisimpossibleforthejusticiaries
andauthorsofsectstokeeppeacewithsuchasassentnottotheirownopinion,buttheybite
anddevourthem,etc.
Paulthereforeteacheththatsuchoccasionsofdiscordaretobeavoided,andheshoweth
howtheymaybeavoided.This(saithhe)isthewaytounityandconcord:Leteverymando
hisdutyinthatkindoflifewhichGodhathcalledhimuntolethimnotliftuphimselfabove
others,norfindfaultatothermensworks,andcommendhisown,butleteveryoneserve
anotherthroughlove.Thisisatrueandsimpledoctrinetouchinggoodworks.Thisdonot
theyteachwhichhavemadeshipwreckofthefaith(1Timothy1:19)andhaveconceived
fantasticalopinionsconcerningfaithandlifeorgoodworksbutdisagreeingamong
themselvesastouchingthedoctrineoffaithandworks,theybiteanddevour,thatistosay,
theyaccuseandcondemnoneanother,asPaulheresaithoftheGalatians:Ifyebiteand
devouroneanother,etc.Asifhewouldsay:Donotaccuseandcondemnoneanotherfor
circumcision,forobservingofholydaysorotherceremonies,butrathergiveyourselvesto
serveandhelponeanotherthroughcharity:orelseifyecontinueinbitinganddevouringone
another,takeheedthatyebenotconsumed,thatistosay,thatyeperishnotutterly,yeaand
thatbodily(whichcommonlyhappeneth,especiallytotheauthorsofsects,asitdidtoArius
andothers,andtocertainalsoinourtime).Forhethathathlaidhisfoundationonthesand,
andbuildethwood,hay,stubble,andsuchlike,mustneedsfallandbeconsumedforallthose
thingsareordainedforthefire.Ineednotsay,thataftersuchbitingsanddevouring,theruin
anddestruction,notofcities,butofwholecountriesandkingdomsarewonttofollow.Now
theApostleshowethwhatitistoserveoneanotherthroughlove.
Itisahardandadangerousmattertoteachthatwearemaderighteousbyfaithwithout
works,andyettorequireworkswithal.HereexcepttheministersofChristbefaithfuland
wisedisposersofthemysteriesofGod,rightlydividingtheWordoftruth,faithandworksare
byandbyconfounded.Boththesedoctrines,aswelloffaithasofworks,mustbediligently
taughtandurgedandyetsothatbothmayremainwithintheirbounds.Otherwise,ifthey
teachworksonly(astheydointhePopeskingdom)thenisfaithlost.Iffaithonlybetaught,
thencarnalmenbyandbydreamthatworksbenotneedful.
TheApostlebeganalittlebeforetoexhortmentodogoodworks,andtoteachthatthe
wholelawwasfulfilledinoneword,namely:Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.Here
willsomemansay:PaulthroughouthiswholeEpistletakethawayrighteousnessfromthe
law,forhesaith:Bytheworksofthelawshallnofleshbejustified(Galatians2:16),also:
Asmanyasareundertheworksofthelawareunderthecurse(Galatians3:10).Butnow
whenhesaiththatthewholelawisfulfilledinoneword,heseemethtohaveforgottenthe
matterwhereofhehathentreatedinallthisEpistle,andtobeofaquitecontraryopinion:to
wit,thattheywhichdotheworksofcharity,fulfillthelawandberighteous.Tothisobjection
heanswerethafterthismanner:
ButIsay,walkinthespirit,andyeshallnotfulfilthelustoftheflesh
Asifheshouldhavesaid:Ihavenotforgottenmyformerdiscourseconcerningfaith,neither

doInowrevokethesameinthatIexhortyoutomutuallove,sayingthatthewholelawis
fulfilledthroughlove,butIamstillofthesamemindandopinionthatIwasbefore.Tothe
endthereforethatyemayrightlyunderstandme,Iaddthismoreover:WalkintheSpiritetc.

ACONFUTATIONOFTHEARGUMENTOFTHESCHOOLMEN:LOVEISTHE
FULFILLINGOFTHELAWTHEREFORETHELAWJUSTIFIETH
AlthoughPaulspeakethhereexpresslyandplainlyenough,yethathhelittleprevailed:forthe
schoolmennotunderstandingthisplaceofPaul,Loveisthefulfillingofthelaw,have
gatheredoutofitafterthismanner:Iflovebethefulfillingofthelaw,itfolloweththenthat
loveisrighteousness:thereforeifwelove,weberighteous.Theseprofoundclerksdoargue
fromthewordtothework,fromdoctrineorpreceptstolife,afterthissort:
Thelawhathcommandedlove,thereforetheworkoflovefollowethoutofhand.Butthis
isafoolishconsequence,todrawanargumentfromprecepts,andtogroundtheconclusion
uponworks.Trueitisthatweoughttofulfillthelaw,andtobejustifiedthroughthefulfilling
thereof:butsinhinderethus.Indeedthelawprescribethandcommandeththatweshouldlove
Godwithallourheart,etc.,andthatweshouldloveourneighborasourselvesbutit
followethnot:Thisiswritten,thereforeitisdonethelawcommandethlove,thereforewe
love.Thereisnotonemantobefounduponthewholeearth,whichsolovethGodandhis
neighborasthelawrequireth.Butinthelifetocome,whereweshallbethoroughlycleansed
fromallvicesandsins,andshallbemadeaspureandasclearasthesun,weshalllove
perfectlyandshallberighteousthroughperfectlove.Butinthislifethatpurityishinderedby
thefleshforaslongaswelive,sinremainethinourfleshbyreasonwhereof,thecorrupt
loveofourselvesissomightythatitfarsurmounteththeloveofGodandofourneighbor.In
themeantimenotwithstanding,thatwemayberighteousinthislifealso,wehaveChristthe
mercyseatandthroneofgrace,andbecausewebelieveinhim,sinisnotimputeduntous.
Faiththereforeisourrighteousnessinthislife.Butinthelifetocome,whenweshallbe
thoroughlycleansedanddeliveredfromallsinsandconcupiscences,weshallhavenomore
needoffaithandhope,butweshallthenloveperfectly.
Itisagreaterrorthereforetoattributejustification[orrighteousness]tolove,whichis
nothingorifitbeanything,yetitisnotsogreatthatitcanpacifyGod:forloveeveninthe
faithful(asIhavesaid)inimperfectandimpure.Butnouncleanthingshallenterintothe
kingdomofGod(Ephesians5:5).Notwithstandinginthemeanwhilethistrustandconfidence
sustainethus,thatChrist,whoalonecommittednosin,andinwhosemouthwasneverfound
anyguile,dothovershadowuswithhisrighteousness(1Peter2:22).Webeingcoveredwith
thiscloud,andshroudedunderthisshadow,thisheavenofremissionofsinsandthroneof
grace,dobegintoloveandtofulfillthelaw.Yetforthisfulfillingwearenotjustifiednor
acceptedofGodwhilstwelivehere.ButwhenChristhathdeliveredupthekingdomtoGod
hisFather,andabolishedallprincipalityetc.,andGodshallbeallinallthenshallfaithand
hopecease,andloveshallbeperfectandeverlasting(1Corinthians13.).Thisthingthepopish
schoolmenunderstandnot,andthereforewhentheyhearthatloveisthesumofthewhole
law,byandbytheyinfer:Ergo,thelawjustifieth.
Orcontrariwise,whentheyreadinPaulthatfaithmakethamanrighteous:yea,saythey,
faithformedandfurnishedwithcharity.ButthatisnotthemeaningofPaul,asIhavelargely
declaredbefore.

Ifwewerepurefromallsin,andwereinflamedwithperfectlovebothtowardsGodand
ourneighbor,thenshouldweindeedberighteousandholythroughlove,andGodcould
requirenomoreofus.Thisisnotdoneinthispresentlife,butisdeferreduntilthelifeto
come.IndeedwereceiveherethegiftandfirstfruitsoftheSpirit,sothatwebegintolove,
howbeitveryslenderly.But,ifwelovedGodtrulyandperfectlyasthelawofGodrequireth,
whichsaith:ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,etc.,thenshouldwebeas
wellcontentedwithpovertyaswithwealth,withpainaswithpleasure,andwithdeathaswith
lifeyea,hethatcouldloveGodtrulyandperfectly,shouldnotlongcontinueinthislife,but
shouldstraightwaybeswallowedupbythischarity.
Butnowmansnatureissocorruptanddrownedinsin,thatitcannothaveanyright
senseorcogitationofGod.ItlovethnotGod,buthatethhimdeadly.WhereforeasJohnsaith:
WelovednotGod,buthelovedus,andsenthisSontobeareconciliationforoursins(1
John4:10).AndasPaulsaithbeforeinthesecondchapter:Christhathlovedmeandgiven
himselfformeandinthefourthchapter:GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman,and
madeunderthelaw,thathemightredeemthemwhichwereunderthelaw.Webeing
redeemedandjustifiedbythisSon,begintolove:accordingtothatsayingofPaulinthe
eighthtotheRomans:Thatwhichwasimpossibletothelawetc.,GodsendinghisownSon
etc.,condemnedsinintheflesh,thattherighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilledinus
thatis,mightbegintobefulfilled.Theyaremeredreamsthereforewhichthesophistershave
taughtconcerningthefulfillingofthelaw.
WhereforePaulshowethbythesewords:Walkinthespirit,howhewouldhavethat
sentencetobeunderstood,wherehesaid:Serveyeoneanotherthroughlove,andagain:
Loveisthefulfillingofthelaw,etc.Asifheshouldsay:WhenIbidyouloveoneanother,
thisisitthatIrequireofyou,thatyouwalkintheSpirit.ForIknowthatyeshallnotfulfill
thelaw:becausesindwellethinyouaslongasyelive,thereforeitisimpossiblethatye
shouldfulfillthelaw.Notwithstanding,inthemeanwhileendeavoryourselvesdiligentlyto
walkintheSpirit,thatis,wrestleinSpiritagainsttheflesh,andfollowspiritualmotions,etc.
Itappeareththenthathehathnotforgottenthematterofjustification.Forwhenhe
biddeththemtowalkintheSpirit,heplainlydenieththatworksdojustify.Asifhewould
say:WhenIspeakofthefulfillingofthelaw,Imeannotthatyearejustifiedbythelawbut
thisImean,thattherebetwocontrarycaptainsinyou,theSpiritandtheFlesh.Godhath
stirredupinyourbodyastrifeandabattle:fortheSpiritwrestlethagainsttheFlesh,andthe
FleshagainsttheSpirit.HereIrequirenothingelseofyou,butthatyefollowtheSpiritas
yourcaptainandguide,andthatyeresistthatcaptaintheFlesh:forthatisallthatyebeable
todo.ObeytheSpiritandfightagainsttheflesh.ThereforewhenIteachyoutoobservethe
law,andexhortyoutoloveoneanother,thinknotthatIgoabouttorevokethatwhichIhave
taughtconcerningthedoctrineoffaith,andthatInowattributejustificationtothelaworto
charity:butmymeaningisthatyeshouldwalkintheSpirit,andthatyeshouldnotfulfillthe
lustsoftheflesh.
Paulusethveryfitworksandtothepurpose.Asifhewouldsay:Wecomenotyettothe
fulfillingofthelawthereforewemustwalkintheSpiritandbeexercisedtherein,thatwe
maythink,say,anddothosethingswhichareoftheSpirit,andresistthosethingswhichare
oftheflesh.Thereforeheaddeth:
Andyeshallnotfulfilthelustoftheflesh

Asifhewouldsay:Thedesiresorlustsofthefleshbenotyetdeadinus,butspringupagain
andfightagainstthespirit.Thefleshofnofaithfulmanissogood,whichbeingoffended
wouldnotbiteanddevour,orattheleastomitsomewhatofthatcommandmentoflove.Yet
evenatthefirstbrunthecannotrefrainhimself,butisangrywithhisneighbor,desirethtobe
revenged,andhatethhimasanenemy,orattheleastlovethhimnotsomuchasheshoulddo,
andasthiscommandmentrequireth.Andthishappenetheventothefaithful.Thereforethe
Apostlehathgiventhisruleforthefaithfulthattheyshouldserveoneanotherthroughlove,
thattheyshouldbeartheburdensandinfirmitiesoneofanother,andthattheyshouldforgive
oneanother.Andwithoutthisbearingandforbearingthroughlove,itisimpossiblethatpeace
andconcordshouldcontinueamongChristians.Foritcannotbe,butthatthoumustneeds
oftenoffend,andbeoffendedthouseestmanythingsinmewhichoffendthee,andIagain
seemanythingsintheewhichmislikeme.Hereifonebearnotwithanotherthroughlove,
thereshallbenoendofdissension,discord,envy,hatredandmalice.
WhereforePaulwouldhaveustowalkintheSpirit,lestwefulfillthelustoftheflesh.As
ifheshouldsay:Althoughyebemovedwithwrathanddispleasureagainstyourbrother,
offendingyouordoinganythingheinouslyagainstyou,yetnotwithstandingresistandrepress
these[violent]motionsthroughtheSpiritbearwithhisweakness,andlovehimaccordingto
thatcommandment:Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.Forthybrotherdothnot
thereforeceasetobethyneighbor,becauseheslippeth,oroffendeththee:butthenhathhe
mostneedthatthoushouldestexerciseandshowthycharitytowardshim.Andthis
commandment:Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself,requireththeselfsamething:towit,
thatthoushouldstnotobeythefleshwhichwhenitisoffended,hateth,biteth,anddevoureth.
Butwrestleagainstitinspirit,andcontinuethroughthesameintheloveofthyneighbor,
althoughthoufindnothinginhimworthyoflove.
Theschoolmentaketheconcupiscenceofthefleshforcarnallust.Indeeditistruethat
eventhegodly,especiallytheyoungersort,aretemptedwithfleshlylust.Yeatheyalsothat
bemarried(socorruptandpestilentistheflesh)arenotwithoutsuchcarnallust.Herelet
everyone(Ispeaknowtothegodlybeingmarried,bothmanandwife)diligentlyexamine
himself,andnodoubt,manyshallfindthisinthemselves,thatthebeautyormannersof
anothermanswifepleasethhimbetterthanofhisown,andsocontrariwisehisownlawful
wifeheloathethormisliketh,andlovethherwhichisunlawful.Andthiscommonlyiswontto
happen,notinmarriageonly,butinallothermatters.Mensetlightbythatwhichtheyhave,
andareinlovewiththatwhichtheyhavenot.Asthepoetsaith:Nitimurinvetitumsemper,
cupimusquenegata,thatis:Ofthingsmostforbiddenwealwaysarefain:
Andthingsmostdeniedweseektoobtain.
Idonotdenythereforebutthattheconcupiscenceofthefleshcomprehendethcarnallust,
butnotthatonly.Forconcupiscencecomprehendethallothercorruptaffections,wherewith
theveryfaithfulareinfected,somemore,someless:aspride,hatred,covetousness,
impatiency,andsuchlike.Yea,Paulrehearsethafterwardsamongtheworksoftheflesh,not
onlythesegrossvices,butalsoidolatry,heresies,andsuchother.
Itisplainthereforethathespeakethofthewholeconcupiscenceoftheflesh,andofthe
wholedominionofsin,whichstrivetheveninthegodlywhohavereceivedthefirstfruitsof
theSpirit,againstthedominionoftheSpirit.Hespeakeththereforenotonlyofcarnallust,
pride,covetousness,etc.butalsoofincredulity,distrust,despair,hatred,andcontemptof
God,idolatry,heresiesandsuchother,whenhesaith:Andyeshallnotfulfillthelustofthe
flesh.Asifheshouldsay:Iwriteuntoyouthatyoushouldloveoneanother.Thisyedonot,

neithercanyedoitbecauseoftheflesh,whichisinfectedandcorruptedwithconcupiscence,
anddothnotonlystirupsininyou,butalsoissinitself.Forifyehadperfectcharity,no
heaviness,noadversitycouldbesogreat,whichshouldbeabletohurtandhinderthatcharity
foritwouldbespreadthroughoutthewholebody.Thereshouldbenowife,weresheneverso
hardfavored,whomherhusbandwouldnotloveentirely,loathingallotherwomen,though
theywereneversofairandbeautiful.Butthisisnotdone,thereforeitisimpossibleforyouto
bemaderighteousthroughlove.
WhereforethinkmenottorevokeandunsaythatwhichIhavetaughtconcerningfaith
forfaithandhopemustcontinue,thatbytheonewemaybejustified,andbytheotherwe
mayberaisedupinadversities,andendureuntotheend.Moreover,weserveoneanother
throughcharity,becausefaithisnotidle:butcharityisweakandlittle.ThereforewhenIbid
youwalkintheSpirit,Idosufficientlydeclarethatyearenotjustifiedthroughcharity.
AndwhenIexhortyoutowalkintheSpirit,thatyeobeynottheflesh,orfulfillnotthe
concupiscenceoftheflesh,Idonotrequireofyouthatyeshouldutterlyputoffthefleshor
killit,butthatyeshouldbridleandsubdueit.ForGodwillhavemankindtoendureevento
thelastday.Andthiscannotbedonewithoutparents,whichdobegetandbringupchildren.
Thesemeanscontinuing,itmustneedsbethatfleshalsomustcontinue,andconsequently
sin,forfleshisnotwithoutsin.Thereforeinrespectofthefleshwearesinnersbutinrespect
oftheSpirit,wearerighteous:andsowearepartlysinnersandpartlyrighteous.
Notwithstandingourrighteousnessismuchmoreplentifulthanoursin,becausetheholiness
andrighteousnessofChristourmediatordothfarexceedthesinofthewholeworldandthe
forgivenessofsinswhichwehavethroughhimissogreat,solarge,andsoinfinite,thatit
easilyswallowethupallsins,ifsobethatwewalkaccordingtotheSpirit,etc.Hereitistobe
noted,thatPaulwriteththesethingsnotonlyuntohermitsandmonks,whichleadasingle
life,butuntoallChristians.ThisIsaytotheendthatweshouldnoterrwiththePapists,
whichdreamedthatthiscommandmentbelongethonlytotheirclergymen,andthatthe
Apostleherebyexhorteththemtolivechastelybysubduingthefleshwithwatching,fasting,
labor,etc.andthentheyshouldnotfulfilltheconcupiscenceoftheflesh,thatistosay,carnal
lust.Asthoughthewholeconcupiscenceofthefleshwereovercomewhenthisfleshlylustis
subdued:whichnotwithstandingtheywereneverabletosuppressandkeepunderwithany
yokethattheycouldlayupontheflesh.WhichthingJerome(Isaynothingofothers)who
wasamarvelousloveranddefenderofchastity,dothplainlyconfess.O(saithhe)howoften
haveIthoughtmyselftobeinthemidstofthevaindelightsandpleasuresofRome,even
whenIwasinthewildwilderness,whichbeingburntupwiththeheatofthesun,yieldethan
ouglesomehabitationtothemonks?etc.Again:I,whoforfearofhellhadcondemned
myselftosuchaprison,thoughtmyselfoftentimestobedancingamongyoungwomen,when
Ihadnoothercompanybutscorpionsandwildbeasts.Myfacewaspalewithfasting,butmy
mindwasinflamedwithdesiresinmycoldbody,andalthoughmyfleshwashalfdead
already,yettheflamesoffleshlylustboiledwithinme,etc.
IfJeromefeltinhimselfsuchflamesoffleshlylust,wholivedinthebarrenwilderness
withbreadandwater,whatdoourholybellygodstheclergymenfeel,thinkye,whosostuff
andstretchoutthemselveswithallkindsofdaintyfare,thatitisamarveltheirbelliesburst
not?Whereforethesethingsarewritten,nottohermitsandmonks(asthePapistsdream)nor
tosinnersintheworldonlybuttotheuniversalChurchofChristandtoallthefaithful:
whomPaulexhortethtowalkintheSpirit,thattheyfulfillnotthelustofthefleshthatisto
say,notonlytobridlethegrossmotionsoftheflesh,ascarnallust,wrath,impatiency,and

suchlikebutalsothespiritualmotions,asdoubting,blasphemy,idolatry,contemptand
hatredofGod,etc.
Paul(asIhavesaid)dothnotrequireofthegodly,thattheyshouldutterlyputoffor
destroythefleshbutthattheyshouldsobridleit,thatitmightbesubjecttotheSpirit.Inthe
thirteenthtotheRomans,hebiddethuscherishtheflesh.Foraswemaynotbecruelto
othermensbodies,norvexthemwithunreasonablelaborevensowemaynotbecrueltoour
ownbodies.Wherefore,accordingtoPaulsprecept,wemustcherishourflesh,thatitmaybe
abletoendurethelaborsbothofthemindandofthebody:butyetonlyfornecessityssake,
andnottonourishthelustthereof.Thereforeifthefleshbegintowaxwanton,repressitand
bridleitbytheSpirit.Ifitwillnotbe,marryawife,foritisbettertomarrythantoburn.
ThusdoingthouwalkestintheSpirit:thatis,thoufollowestGodswordanddoesthiswill.
But(asIhavesaid)thiscommandmenttowalkintheSpirit,etc.,belongethnotonlyto
hermitsandmonks,buttoallChristians,eventhoughtheyfeelnocarnaldesire.Sotheprince
fulfillethnottheconcupiscenceoftheflesh,whenhediligentlydoethhisdutyandgoverneth
hissubjectswell,punishingtheguiltyanddefendingtheinnocent.Herethefleshandthedevil
resist,andtempthim,provokinghimtomakeunrighteouswar,toobeyhisowncovetousness,
etc.andexcepthefollowtheleadingoftheSpiritandobeythegoodandholyadmonitionsof
theWordofGodconcerninghisoffice,thenhefulfilleththelustoftheflesh,etc.Soletevery
maninhiscallingwalkintheSpirit,andheshaltnotfulfilleitherhiscarnallustoranyother
oftheworksoftheflesh.
Forthefleshlustethagainstthespirit,andthespiritagainsttheflesh
WhenPaulsaiththatthefleshlustethagainstthespirit,andthespiritagainsttheflesh,he
admonishethusthatweshallfeeltheconcupiscenceoftheflesh,thatistosay,notonlycarnal
lust,butalsopride,wrath,heaviness,impatience,incredulity,andsuchlike.Notwithstanding
hewouldhaveussotofeelthem,thatweconsentnotuntothem,noraccomplishthem:thatis,
thatweneitherthink,speak,nordothosethingswhichthefleshprovokethusunto.As,ifit
moveustoanger,yetweshouldbeangryinsuchwiseaswearetaughtinthefourthPsalm,
thatwesinnot.AsifPaulwouldthussay:Iknowthatthefleshwillprovokeyouuntowrath,
envy,doubting,incredulity,andsuchlike:butresistitbytheSpirit,thatyesinnot.Butifye
forsaketheguidingoftheSpirit,andfollowtheflesh,yeshallfulfillthelustoftheflesh,and
yeshalldie,asPaulsaithintheeighthtotheRomans.SothissayingoftheApostleistobe
understood,notoffleshlylustsonly,butofthewholekingdomofsin.
Andthesearecontraryonetotheother,sothatyecannotdothethingsthatyewould
Thesetwocaptainsorleaders(saithhe),thefleshandthespirit,areoneagainstanotherin
yourbody,sothatyecannotdowhatyewould.AndthisplacewitnessethplainlythatPaul
writeththesethingstothesaints,thatis,totheChurchbelievinginChrist,baptized,justified,
renewed,andhavingfullforgivenessofsins.Yetnotwithstandinghesaiththatshehathflesh
rebellingagainstthespirit.Afterthesamemannerhespeakethofhimselfintheseventhtothe
Romans:I(saithhe)amcarnalandsoldundersinandagain:Iseeanotherlawinmy
membersrebellingagainstthelawofmymind,etc.also:OwretchedmanthatIam,etc.
Here,notonlytheschoolmen,butalsosomeoftheoldfathersaremuchtroubled,seeking
howtheymayexcusePaul.Foritseemethuntothemabsurdandunseemlytosay,thatthat

electvesselofChristshouldhavesin.
ButwecreditPaulsownwords,whereinheplainlyconfesseththatheissoldundersin,
thatheisledcaptiveofsin,thathehathalawinhismembersrebellingagainsthim,andthat
inthefleshheserveththelawofsin.Hereagaintheyanswer,thattheApostlespeakethinthe
personoftheungodly.Buttheungodlydonotcomplainoftherebellionoftheirflesh,ofany
battleorconflict,orofthecaptivityandbondageofsin:forsinmightilyreignethinthem.
ThisisthereforetheverycomplaintofPaulandofallthesaints.Whereforetheyhavedone
verywickedlywhichhaveexcusedPaulandothersaintstohavenosin.Forbythispersuasion
(whichproceedethofignoranceofthedoctrineoffaith)theyhaverobbedtheChurchofa
singularconsolation:theyhaveabolishedtheforgivenessofsins,andmadeChristofnone
effect.WhereforewhenPaulsaith:Iseeanotherlawinmymembers,etc.,hedeniethnot
thathehathflesh,andthevicesofthefleshinhim.Itislikelythereforethathefeltsometimes
themotionsofcarnallust.Butyet(Ihavenodoubt)thesemotionswerewellsuppressedin
himbythegreatandgrievous[afflictionsand]temptationsbothofmindandbody,wherewith
hewasinamannercontinuallyexercisedandvexed,ashisepistlesdodeclareorifheatany
timebeingmerryandstrong,feltthelustoftheflesh,wrath,impatiency,andsuchlike,yethe
resistedthembytheSpirit,andsufferednotthosemotionstobearruleinhim.Thereforelet
usinnowisesuffersuchcomfortableplaces(wherebyPauldescribeththebattleoftheflesh
againstthespiritinhisownbody)tobecorruptedwithsuchfoolishglosses.Theschoolmen,
themonks,andsuchother,neverfeltanyspiritualtemptations,andthereforetheyfoughtonly
fortherepressingandovercomingoffleshlylustandlechery,andbeingproudofthatvictory
whichtheyneveryetobtained,theythoughtthemselvesfarbetterandmoreholythanmarried
men.Iwillnotsay,thatunderthisholypretensetheynourishedandmaintainedallkindsof
horriblesins,asdissension,pride,hatred,disdain,anddespisingoftheirneighbors,trustin
theirownrighteousness,presumption,contemptofgodlinessandoftheWordofGod,
infidelity,blasphemy,andsuchlike.Againstthesesinstheyneverfought,mayratherthey
tookthemtobenosinsatall:theyputrighteousnessinthekeepingoftheirfoolishand
wickedvows,andunrighteousnessintheneglectingandcontemningofthesame.
Butthismustbeourgroundandanchorhold,thatChristisouronlyperfect
righteousness.Ifwehavenothingwhereuntowemaytrust,yetthesethreethings(asPaul
saith)faith,hopeandlovedoremain.Thereforewemustalwaysbelieveandalwayshopewe
mustalwaystakeholdofChristastheheadandfountainofourrighteousness.Hethat
believethinhimshallnotbeashamed.Moreover,wemustlabortobeoutwardlyrighteous
also:thatistosay,nottoconsenttotheflesh,whichalwaysenticethustosomeevilbutto
resistitbythespirit.Wemustnotbeovercomewithimpatiencyfortheunthankfulnessand
contemptofthepeople,whichabuseththeChristianlibertybutthroughtheSpiritwemust
overcomethisandallothertemptations.Lookthenhowmuchwestriveagainstthefleshby
thespirit,somuchareweoutwardlyrighteous.Albeitthisrighteousnessdothnotcommend
usbeforeGod.
Letnomanthereforedespairifhefeelthefleshoftentimestostirupnewbattlesagainst
thespirit,ofifhecannotbyandbysubduetheflesh,andmakeitobedientuntothespirit.I
alsodowishmyselftohaveamorevaliantandconstantheart,whichmightbeable,notonly
boldlytocontemnthethreateningsoftyrants,theheresies,offensesandtumultswhichthe
fantasticalspiritsstirupbutalsomightbyandbyshakeoffthevexationsandanguishof
spirit,andbriefly,mightnotfearthesharpnessofdeath,butreceiveandembraceitasamost
friendlyguest.ButIfindanotherlawinmymembers,rebellingagainstthelawofmymind,

etc.Someotherdowrestlewithinferiortemptations,aspoverty,reproach,impatiencyand
suchlike.
Letnomanmarvelthereforeorbedismayed,whenhefeelethinhisbodythisbattleof
thefleshagainstthespirit:butlethimpluckuphisheartandcomforthimselfwiththese
wordsofPaul:Thefleshlustethagainstthespirit,etc.,and:Thesearecontraryoneto
another,sothatyedonotthosethingsthatyewould.Forbythesesentenceshecomforteth
themthatbetempted.Asifheshouldsay:Itisimpossibleforyoutofollowtheguidingofthe
Spiritinallthingswithoutanyfeelingorhindranceofthefleshnay,thefleshwillresist:and
soresistandhinderyouthatyecannotdothosethingsthatgladlyyewould.Here,itshallbe
enoughifyeresistthefleshandfulfillnotthelustthereof:thatistosay,ifyefollowthespirit
andnottheflesh,whicheasilyisoverthrownbyimpatiency,covetethtorevenge,biteth,
grudgeth,hatethGod,isangrywithhim,despaireth,etc.
Thereforewhenamanfeeleththisbattleoftheflesh,lethimnotbediscouraged
therewith,butlethimresistintheSpirit,andsay:Iamasinner,andIfeelsininme,forIhave
notyetputofftheflesh,inwhichsindwellethsolongasitlivethbutIwillobeythespirit
andnottheflesh:thatis,IwillbyfaithandhopelayholduponChrist,andbyhiswordIwill
raiseupmyself,andbeingsoraisedup,Iwillnotfulfillthelustoftheflesh.
Itisveryprofitableforthegodlytoknowthis,andtobearitwellinmindforit
wonderfullycomforteththemwhentheyaretempted.WhenIwasamonkIthoughtbyandby
thatIwasutterlycastaway,ifatanytimeIfelttheconcupiscenceoftheflesh:thatistosay,
ifIfeltanyevilmotion,fleshlylust,wrath,hatred,orenvyagainstanybrother.Iassayed
manyways,Iwenttoconfessiondaily,etc.,butitprofitedmenotfortheconcupiscenceof
myfleshdidalwaysreturn,sothatIcouldnotrest,butwascontinuallyvexedwiththese
thoughts:Thisorthatsinthouhastcommittedthouartinfectedwithenvy,withimpatiency,
andsuchothersinsthereforethouartenteredintothisholyorderinvain,andallthygood
worksareunprofitable.IfthenIhadrightlyunderstoodthesesentencesofPaul:Theflesh
lustethcontrarytothespirit,andthespiritcontrarytotheflesh,etc.andthesetwoareone
againstanother,sothatyecannotdothethingsthatyewoulddo,Ishouldnothaveso
miserablytormentedmyself,butshouldhavethoughtandsaidtomyself,asnowcommonlyI
do:
Martin,thoushaltnotutterlybewithoutsin,forthouhastyetfleshthoushalttherefore
feelthebattlethereof,accordingtothatsayingofPaul:Thefleshresisteththespirit.Despair
nottherefore,butresistitstrongly,andfulfillnotthelustthereof.Thusdoingthouartnot
underthelaw.
IrememberthatStaupitiuswaswonttosay:IhavevoweduntoGodaboveathousand
times,thatIwouldbecomeabettermanbutIneverperformedthatwhichIvowed.Hereafter
Iwillmakenosuchvow:forIhavenowlearnedbyexperience,thatIamnotabletoperform
it.UnlessthereforeGodbefavorableandmercifuluntomeforChristssake,andgrantunto
meablessedandahappyhourwhenIshalldepartoutofthismiserablelife,Ishallnotbe
ablewithallmyvowsandallmygooddeeds,tostandbeforehim.Thiswasnotonlyatrue,
butalsoagodlyandaholydesperation:andthismusttheyallconfessbothwithmouthand
heart,whichwillbesaved.Forthegodlytrustnottotheirownrighteousness,butsaywith
David:Enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant,forinthysightshallnonethatlivethbe
justified(Psalm143:2),and:IfthouOLordshouldststraightlymarkiniquities,OLordwho
shallstand?(Psalm130:3).TheylookuntoChristtheirreconciler,whogavehislifefortheir
sins.Moreover,theyknowthattheremnantofsinwhichisintheirflesh,isnotlaidtotheir

charge,butfreelypardoned.NotwithstandinginthemeanwhiletheyfightintheSpiritagainst
theflesh,lesttheyshouldfulfillthelustthereof.Andalthoughtheyfeelthefleshtorageand
rebelagainstthespirit,andthemselvesalsodofallsometimesintosinthroughinfirmity,yet
aretheynotdiscouraged,northinkthereforethattheirstateandkindoflife,andtheworks
whicharedoneaccordingtotheircalling,displeaseGod:buttheyraiseupthemselvesby
faith.
ThefaithfulthereforereceivegreatconsolationbythisdoctrineofPaul,inthattheyknow
themselvestohavepartlytheflesh,andpartlythespirit,butyetsonotwithstandingthatthe
spiritrulethandthefleshissubdued,thatrighteousnessreignethandsinserveth.Hethat
knowethnotthisdoctrine,andthinkeththatthefaithfuloughttobewithoutallfault,andyet
seeththecontraryinhimself,mustneedsatthelengthbeswallowedupbythespiritof
heaviness,andfallintodesperation.Butwhosoknoweththisdoctrinewellandusethit
rightly,tohimthethingsthatareevilturnuntogood.Forwhenthefleshprovokethhimto
sin,byoccasionthereofheisstirredupandforcedtoseekforgivenessofsinsbyChrist,and
toembracetherighteousnessoffaith,whichelsehewouldnotsogreatlyesteem,norseekfor
thesamewithsogreatdesire.Thereforeitprofitethusverymuchtofeelsometimesthe
wickednessofournatureandcorruptionofourflesh,thatevenbythismeanswemaybe
wakedandstirreduptofaithandtocalluponChrist.AndbythisoccasionaChristian
becomethamightyworkmanandawonderfulcreator,whichofheavinesscanmakejoy,of
terrorcomfort,ofsinrighteousness,andofdeathlife,whenhebythismeansrepressingand
bridlingtheflesh,makethitsubjecttotheSpirit.
Whereforeletnotthemwhichfeeltheconcupiscenceoftheflesh,despairoftheir
salvation.Letthemfeelitandalltheforcethereof,sothattheyconsentnottoit.Letthe
passionsoflust,wrathandsuchothervicesshakethem,sothattheydonotoverthrowthem.
Letsinassailthem,sothattheydonotaccomplishit.Yeathemoregodlyamanis,themore
dothhefeelthatbattle.Andhereofcomethoselamentablecomplaintsofthesaintsinthe
PsalmsandinalltheholyScripture.Ofthisbattlethehermits,themonks,andtheschoolmen,
andallthatseekrighteousnessandsalvationbyworks,knownothingatall.
Butheremaysomemansay,thatitisadangerousmattertoteachthatamanisnot
condemned,ifbyandbyheovercomenotthemotionsandpassionsofthefleshwhichhe
feeleth.Forwhenthisdoctrineistaughtamongstthecommonpeople,itmakeththem
careless,negligentandslothful.ThisisitwhichIsaidalittlebefore,thatifweteachfaith,
thencarnalmenneglectandrejectworks:ifworksberequired,thenisfaithandconsolation
ofconsciencelost.Herenomancanbecompelled,neithercantherebeanycertainrule
prescribed.Butleteverymandiligentlytryhimselftowhatpassionofthefleshheismost
subject,andwhenhefindeththat,lethimnotbecareless,norflatterhimself:butlethim
watchandwrestleinSpiritagainstit,thatifhecannotaltogetherbridleit,yetattheleasthe
donotfulfillthelustthereof.
Thisbattleofthefleshagainstthespirit,allthesaintshavehadandfelt:andtheselfsame
dowealsofeelandprove.Hethatsearchethhisownconscience,ifhebenotanhypocrite,
shallwellperceivethattobetrueinhimselfwhichPaulheresaith:thatthefleshlusteth
againstthespirit.Allthefaithfulthereforedofeelandconfessthattheirfleshresistethagainst
thespirit,andthatthesetwoaresocontrarytheonetotheotherinthemselves,that,dowhat
theycan,theyarenotabletoperformthatwhichtheywoulddo.Thereforethefleshhindereth
usthatwecannotkeepthecommandmentsofGod,thatwecannotloveourneighborsas
ourselves,muchlesscanweloveGodwithallourheart,etc.Thereforeitisimpossibleforus

tobecomerighteousbytheworksofthelaw.Indeedthereisagoodwillinus,andsomust
therebe(foritistheSpirititselfwhichresisteththeflesh),whichwouldgladlydogood,
fulfillthelaw,loveGodandhisneighbor,andsuchlike,butthefleshobeyethnotthisgood
will,butresistethit:andyetGodimputethnotuntousthissin,forheismercifultothosethat
believe,forChristssake.
Butitfollowethnotthereforethatthoushouldestmakealightmatterofsin,becauseGod
dothnotimputeit.Trueitisthathedothnotimputeit:buttowhom,andforwhatcause?Not
tothemthatarehardheartedandsecure,buttosuchasrepentandlayholdbyfaithupon
Christthemercyseat,forwhosesake,asalltheirsinsareforgiventhem,evensotheremnants
ofsinwhichareinthem,benotimputeduntothem.Theymakenottheirsinlessthanitis,but
amplifyitandsetitoutasitisindeedfortheyknowthatitcannotbeputawayby
satisfactions,works,orrighteousness,butonlybythedeathofChrist.Andyet
notwithstanding,thegreatnessandenormityoftheirsindothnotcausethemtodespair,but
theyassurethemselvesthatthesameshallnotbeimputeduntothem[orlaiduntotheir
charge],forChristssake.
ThisIsay,lestanymanshouldthinkthatafterfaithisreceived,thereislittleaccountto
bemadeofsin.Sinistrulysin,whetheramancommititbeforehehathreceivedthe
knowledgeofChristorafter.AndGodalwayshatethsin:yeaallsinisdamnableastouching
thefactitself.Butinthatitisnotdamnabletohimthatbelieveth,itcomethofChristthe
reconciler,whobyhisdeathhathexpiatedsin.ButtohimthatbelievethnotinChrist,not
onlyallhissinsaredamnable,butevenhisgoodworksalsoaresinaccordingtothatsaying:
Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin(Romans14:23).Thereforetheerroroftheschoolmenis
mostpernicious,whichdodistinguishsinsaccordingtothefact,andnotaccordingtothe
person.Hethatbelievethhathasgreatsinastheunbeliever.Buttohimthatbelieveth,itis
forgivenandnotimputed:totheunbelieveritisnotpardonedbutimputed.Tothebelieverit
isvenial:totheunbelieveritismortal[anddamnable]:notforanydifferenceofsins,or
becausethesinofthebelieverisless,andthesinoftheunbelievergreater:butforthe
differenceofthepersons.Forthebelieverassurethhimselfbyfaiththathissinisforgiven
him,forasmuchasChristhathgivenhimselfforit.Thereforealthoughhehavesininhimand
dailysinneth,yethecontinuethgodly:butcontrariwise,theunbelievercontinuethwicked.
Andthisisthetruewisdomandconsolationofthegodly,thatalthoughtheyhaveandcommit
sins,yettheyknowthatforChristssaketheyarenotimputeduntothem.
ThisIsayforthecomfortofthegodly.Fortheyonlyfeelindeedthattheyhaveanddo
commitsins,thatistosay,theyfeeltheydonotloveGodsoferventlyastheyshoulddothat
theydonottrusthimsoheartilyastheywould,butrathertheyoftentimesdoubtwhetherGod
haveacareofthemornotheyareimpatient,andareangrywithGodinadversity.Hereof(as
Ihavesaid)proceedthesorrowfulcomplaintsofthesaintsintheScriptures,andespeciallyin
thePsalms.AndPaulhimselfcomplaineththatheissoldundersin(Romans7:14)andhere
hesaiththatthefleshresistethandrebellethagainstthespirit.Butbecausetheymortifythe
deedsofthefleshbythespirit(ashesaithinanotherplaceandalsointheendofthischapter:
Theycrucifythefleshwiththedesiresandluststhereof),thereforethesesinsdonothurt
themnorcondemnthem.Butiftheyobeythefleshinfulfillingtheluststhereof,thendothey
losefaithandtheHolyGhost.AndiftheydonotabhortheirsinandreturnuntoChrist(who
hathgiventhekeystohisChurch,toreceiveandraiseupthosethatbefallen,thatsothey
mayrecoverfaithandtheHolyGhost),theydieintheirsins.
Whereforewespeaknotofthemwhichdreamthattheyhavefaith,andyetcontinuestill

intheirsins.Thesemenhavetheirjudgmentalready:Theythatliveafterthefleshshalldie
(Romans8:13),also:Theworksoftheflesharemanifest,whichare,adultery,fornication,
etc.,whereofItellyoubefore,asalsoIhavetoldyouthattheywhichdosuchthings,shallnot
inheritthekingdomofGod.
Herebywemayseewhobeverysaintsindeed.Theybenotstocksandstones(asthe
monksandschoolmendream)sothattheyarenevermovedwithanything,neverfeelanylust
ordesiresoftheflesh:but,asPaulsaith,theirfleshlustethagainsttheSpirit,andtherefore
theyhavesinandcansin.
AndthethirtysecondPsalmwitnesseth,thatthesaintsdoconfesstheirunrighteousness,
andpraythatthewickednessoftheirsinmaybeforgiven,whereitsaith:Isaid,Iwillconfess
againstmyselfmywickednessuntotheLord,andthouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin.For
thisshalleveryonethatisgodly,makehisprayeruntothee,etc.MoreoverthewholeChurch,
whichindeedisholy,prayeththathersinsmaybeforgivenher,andbelieveththeforgiveness
ofsins.Andinthe143Psalm,Davidprayeth:OLordenternotintojudgmentwiththy
servant,forinthysightshallnonethatlivethbejustified.AndinPsalm130:Ifthou,O
Lord,shouldeststraitlymarkiniquities,Lordwhoshallstand?Butwiththeeismercy,etc.
Thusdothechiefestsaints[andchildrenofGod]speakandpray:asDavid,Paul,etc.All
thefaithfulthereforedospeakandpraythesamething,andwiththesamespirit.Thepopish
sophistersreadnottheScriptures,oriftheyreadthemtheyhaveaveilbeforetheireyes:and
thereforeastheycannotjudgerightlyofanything,socantheynotjudgerightlyeitherofsin
orofholiness.
Ifyebeledbythespirityearenotunderthelaw
Paulcannotforgethisdoctrineoffaith,butstillrepeatethitandbeatethitintotheirheadsyea
evenwhenhetreatethofgoodworks.Heresomemanmayobject:Howcanitbethatwe
shouldnotbeunderthelaw?Andyetthounotwithstanding,OPaul,teachestusthatwehave
fleshwhichlustethagainstthespirit,andfightethagainstus,tormentethandbringethusinto
bondage.Andindeedwefeelsin,andcannotbedeliveredfromthefeelingthereof,thoughwe
wouldneversofain.Andwhatisthiselsebuttobeunderthelaw?Butsaithhe:Letthis
nothingtroubleyouonlydoyourendeavorthatyemaybeledbytheSpirit,thatistosay,
showyourselveswillingtofollowandobeythatwillwhichresisteththeflesh,anddothnot
accomplishtheluststhereof(forthisistobeledandtobedrawnbytheSpirit)thenareye
notunderthelaw.SoPaulspeakethofhimself(Romans7):InmymindIservethelawof
Godthatistosay,intheSpiritIamnotsubjecttoanysin:butyetinmyfleshIservethelaw
ofsin.
Thefaithfulthenarenotunderthelaw,thatistosay,inSpirit:forthelawcannotaccuse
them,norpronouncesentenceofdeathagainstthem,althoughtheyfeelsin,andconfess
themselvestobesinners:forthepowerandstrengthofthelawistakenfromitbyChrist,
whowasmadeunderthelaw,thathemightredeemthemwhichwereunderthelaw
(Galatians4:4).Thereforethelawcannotaccusethatforsininthefaithful,whichissin
indeedandcommittedagainstthelaw.
SogreatthenisthepowerofthedominionoftheSpirit,thatthelawcannotaccusethe
godly,thoughtheycommitthatwhichissinindeed.ForChristisourrighteousness,whomwe
apprehendbyfaith:heiswithoutallsin,andthereforethelawcannotaccusehim.Aslongas
wecleavefastuntohim,weareledbytheSpirit,andarefreefromthelaw.Andsothe

Apostle,evenwhenheteachethgoodworks,forgettethnothisdoctrineconcerning
justificationbutalwaysshoweththatitisimpossibleforustobejustifiedbyworks.Forthe
remnantsofsincleavefastinourflesh,andthereforesolongasourfleshliveth,itceasethnot
tolustcontrarytotheSpirit.Notwithstandingtherecomethnodangeruntousthereby,
becausewebefreefromthelaw,sothatwewalkintheSpirit.
Andwiththesewords:IfyebeledbytheSpirit,yearenotunderthelaw,thoumayest
greatlycomfortthyselfandothersthatbegrievouslytempted.
Foritoftentimescomethtopass,thatamanissovehementlyassailedwithwrath,hatred,
impatiency,carnaldesire,heavinessofspirit,orsomeotherlustoftheflesh,thathecannot
shakethemoff,thoughhewouldneversofain.Whatshouldhedointhiscase?Shouldhe
despair?No,[Godforbid]butlethimsaythuswithhimself:Thyfleshfightethandrageth
againsttheSpirit.Letitrageaslongasitlisteth:onlyseethouthatinanycasethouconsent
nottoit,tofulfillthelustthereof,butwalkwiselyandfollowtheleadingoftheSpirit.Inso
doingthouartfreefromthelaw.Itaccusethandterrifieththee(Igrant)butaltogetherinvain.
InthisconflictthereforeofthefleshagainsttheSpirit,thereisnothingbetter,thantohavethe
WordofGodbeforethineeyes,andthereintoseekthecomfortoftheSpirit.
Andletnothimthatsuffereththistemptation,bedismayed,inthatthedevilcanso
aggravatesin,thatduringtheconflicthethinkethhimselftobeutterlyoverthrown,andfeeleth
nothingelsebutthewrathofGodanddesperation.Hereinanywiselethimnotfollowhis
ownfeeling[andthejudgmentofreason],butlethimtakesureholdofthissayingofPaul:If
yebeledbytheSpirit,thatistowit,ifyeraiseupandcomfortyourselvesthroughfaithin
Christ,yebenotunderthelaw.Soshallhehaveastrongbucklerwherewithhemaybeat
backallthefierydartswhichthewickedfiendassailethhimwithal.Howmuchsoeverthen
thefleshdothboilandrage,yetcannothermotionsandrageshurtandcondemnhim,
forasmuchashe,followingtheguidingoftheSpirit,dothnotconsentuntotheflesh,nor
fulfilltheluststhereof.Thereforewhenthemotionsofthefleshdorage,theonlyremedyisto
taketoustheswordoftheSpirit,thatistosay,theWordofsalvation(whichis,thatGod
wouldnotthedeathofasinner,butthatheconvertandlive),andtofightagainstthem:which
ifwedo,letusnotdoubtbutweshallobtainthevictory,althoughsolongasthebattle
endureth,wefeeltheplaincontrary.ButsettheWordoutofsight,andthereisnocounselnor
helpremaining.OfthisthatIsay,Imyselfhavegoodexperience.Ihavesufferedmanyand
variouspassions,andthesamealsoveryvehementandgreat.ButsosoonasIhavelaidhold
ofanyplaceofScripture,andstayedmyselfuponitasuponmychiefanchorhold,
straightwaysmytemptationsdidvanishaway:whichwithouttheWordithadbeenimpossible
formetoendureanylittlespace,andmuchlesstoovercomethem.
ThesumoreffectthereforeofallthatwhichPaulhathtaughtinthisdisputationor
discourseconcerningtheconflictorbattlebetweenthefleshandthespirit,isthis:thatthe
saintsorbelieverscannotperformthatwhichtheSpiritdesireth.Forthespiritwouldgladlybe
altogetherpure,butthefleshbeingjoineduntothespirit,willnotsufferthat.Notwithstanding
theybesavedbytheremissionofsins,whichisinChristJesus.Moreover,becausetheywalk
intheSpiritandareledbytheSpirit,theybenotunderthelaw,thatistosay,thelawcannot
accuseandterrifythem:yea,althoughitgoaboutneversomuchsotodo,yetshallitneverbe
abletodrivethemtodesperation.
Moreovertheworksofthefleshbemanifest,whichare,etc.

ThisplaceisnotunliketothissentenceofChrist:Bytheirfruitsyeshallknowthem.Domen
gathergrapesofthornsorfigsofbrambles?Soeverygoodtreebringethforthgoodfruit,and
aneviltreebringethforthevilfruit,etc.(Matthew7:16).Paulteacheththeverysamething
whichChristtaught,thatistosay,thatworksandfruitsdosufficientlytestifywhetherthe
treesbegoodorevil:whethermenfollowtheguidingofthefleshoroftheSpirit.Asifhe
shouldsay:Lestsomeofyoumightsayforhimself,thatheunderstandethmenotnowwhenI
treatofthebattlebetweenthefleshandtheSpirit,Iwillsetbeforeyoureyesfirsttheworksof
theflesh,whereofmanyareknowneventotheungodlyandthenalsothefruitoftheSpirit.
AndthisdothPaulbecausethereweremanyhypocritesamongsttheGalatians(asthere
arealsoatthisdayamongus),whichoutwardlypretendedtobegodlymen,andboastedmuch
oftheSpirit,andastouchingthewordstheyunderstoodverywellthedoctrineofgodliness:
buttheywalkednotaccordingtotheSpirit,butaccordingtotheflesh,andperformedthe
worksthereof.WherebyPaulmanifestlyconvinceththemtobenosuch[holy]menindeedas
theyboastedthemselvestobe.Andlesttheyshoulddespisethishisadmonition,he
pronouncethagainstthemthisdreadfulsentence,thattheyshouldnotbeinheritorsofthe
kingdomofheaven,totheendthatbeingthusadmonished,theymightamend.Everyage,
eveninthefaithfulhathhispeculiartemptations:asfleshlylustsassailamanmostofallin
hisyouth,inhismiddleageambitionandvainglory,andinhisoldagecovetousness.There
wasneveryet(asIhavesaidalready)anyofthesaintswhomthefleshhathnotofteninhis
lifetimeprovokedtoimpatiency,anger,etc.Paulthereforespeakinghereofthesaints,saith
thatthefleshlustethinthemagainsttheSpirit,etc.Thereforetheyshallneverbewithoutthe
desiresandbattleoftheflesh:notwithstandingtheydonothurtthem.Butofthismatterwe
mustthusjudge,thatitisonethingtobeprovokedoftheflesh,andyetnotwillinglytoyield
tothelustsanddesiresthereof,buttowalkaftertheleadingoftheSpirit,andtoresistthe
flesh:andanotherthingtoassentuntotheflesh,andwithoutallfearorremorsetoperform
andfulfilltheworksthereof,andtocontinuetherein,andyetnotwithstandingtocounterfeit
holinessandtobragoftheSpiritetc.Thefirsthecomforteth,whenhesaiththattheybeled
bytheSpiritandbenotunderthelaw.Theotherhethreatenethwitheverlastingdestruction.
Notwithstandingsometimesithappeneththatthesaintsalsodofallandperformthe
desiresoftheflesh:asDavidfellhorriblyintoadultery.Alsohewasthecauseoftheslaughter
ofmanymen,whenhecausedUriahtobeslainintheforefrontofthebattle:andtherebyalso
hegaveoccasiontotheenemiestogloryandtriumphoverthepeopleofGod,toworshiptheir
idol,andtoblasphemetheGodofIsrael.Peteralsofellmostgrievouslyandhorriblywhenhe
deniedChrist.Butalthoughthesesinsweregreatandheinous,yetweretheynotcommitted
uponanycontemptofGodorofawillfulandobstinatemind,butthroughinfirmityand
weakness.Again,whentheywereadmonished,theydidnotobstinatelycontinueintheirsins,
butrepented.Suchhewillethafterwardsinthesixthchaptertobereceived,instructed,and
restored,saying:Ifamanbefallenbyoccasionetc.Tothosethereforewhichsinandfall
throughinfirmity,pardonisnotdenied,sothattheyriseagainandcontinuenotintheirsin:
forofallthingscontinuanceinsinistheworst.Butiftheyrepentnot,butstillobstinately
continueintheirwickednessandperformthedesiresoftheflesh,itisacertaintokenthat
thereisdeceitintheirspirit.
Nomanthereforeshallbewithout[lustsand]desiressolongashelivethintheflesh,and
thereforenomanshallbefreefromtemptations.
Notwithstandingsomearetemptedonewayandsomeanother,accordingtothe
differenceofthepersons.Onemanisassailedwithmorevehementandgrievousmotions,as

withbitternessandanguishofspirit,blasphemy,distrust,anddesperation:anotherwithmore
grosstemptations,aswithfleshlylusts,wrath,envy,hatredandsuchlike.Butinthiscase
PaulrequirethusthatwewalkintheSpirit,andresisttheflesh.Butwhosoobeyeththeflesh,
andcontinuethwithoutfearorremorseinaccomplishingthedesiresandluststhereof,lethim
knowthathepertainethnotuntoChristandalthoughhebragofthenameofaChristiannever
somuch,yetdothhebutdeceivehimself.FortheywhichareofChrist,docrucifytheirflesh
withtheaffectionsandluststhereof.

WHOBERIGHTLYCALLEDSAINTS,ANDBESOINDEED
Thisplace(asIhavealsoforewarnedyoubytheway)containethinitasingularconsolation:
foritteachethusthatthesaintslivenotwithoutconcupiscenceandtemptationsoftheflesh,
noryetwithoutsins.Itwarnethusthereforetotakeheedthatwedonotassomedid,ofwhom
Gersonwriteth,whichlaboredtoattain[tosuchperfection],thattheymightbewithoutall
feelingoftemptationsorsins:thatistosay,verystocksandstones.Thelikeimaginationthe
monksandschoolmenhadoftheirsaints,asthoughtheyhadbeenverysenselessblocksand
withoutallaffections.AssuredlyMaryfeltgreatgriefandsorrowofheartwhenshemissed
herson(Luke2).DavidinthePsalmscomplaineththatheisalmostswallowedupwith
excessivesorrowforthegreatnessofhistemptationsandsins.Paulalsocomplaineththathe
hathbattleswithout,andterrorswithin(2Corinthians7:5),andthatinhisfleshheserveththe
lawofsin.Hesaiththatheiscarefulforallthechurches(Corinthians11:28),andthatGod
showedgreatmercytowardshim,inthathedeliveredEpaphroditusbeingatthepointof
death,tolifeagain,lestheshouldhavehadsorrowuponsorrow(Philippians2:27).Therefore
thesaintsofthePapistsareliketotheStoics,whoimaginedsuchwisemen,asintheworld
wereneveryettobefound.Andbythisfoolishandwickedpersuasion,whichproceedeth
fromtheignoranceofthisdoctrineofPaul,theschoolmenbroughtboththemselvesand
otherswithoutnumberinto[horrible]desperation.
WhenIwasamonkIdidoftentimesmostheartilywish,thatImightoncebesohappy,as
toseetheconversationandlifeofsomesaintorholyman.
ButinthemeantimeIimaginedsuchasaintaslivedinthewildernessabstainingfrom
meatanddrink,andlivingonlywithrootsofherbsandcoldwater:andthisopinionofthose
monstroussaints,Ihadlearnednotonlyoutofthebooksofthesophisters[andschoolmen],
butalsooutofthebooksoftheFathers.ForthuswritethSt.Jeromeinacertainplace:As
touchingmeatsanddrinksIsaynothing,forasmuchasitisexcess,thatevensuchasareweak
andfeebleshouldusecoldwater,oreatanysoddenthing,etc.Butnowinthelightofthe
GospelweplainlyseewhotheyarewhomChristandhisApostlescallsaints:nottheywhich
liveasinglelife,or[straitlyobservedays,meats,apparel,andsuchotherthings],orin
outwardappearancedoothergreatandmonstrousworks(aswereadofmanyintheLivesof
theFathers)buttheywhichbeingcalledbythesoundoftheGospelandbaptized,dobelieve
thattheybesanctifiedandcleansedbythedeathandbloodofChrist.SoPauleverywhere,
writingtotheChristians,calleththemholy,thechildrenandheirsofGod,etc.
WhosoeverthendobelieveinChrist,whethertheybemenorwomen,bondorfree,etc.,
areallsaints:notbytheirownworks,butbytheworksofGod,whichtheyreceivebyfaith:
ashisWord,hisSacraments,thepassionofChrist,hisdeath,resurrection,victory,andthe
sendingoftheHolyGhost.Toconclude,theyaresaintsthrough[suchaholinessasthey

freelyreceive,notthroughsuchaholinessastheythemselveshavegottenbytheirown
industry,goodworksandmerits:thatistosay,]apassive,notanactiveholiness.
SotheministersoftheWord,themagistratesofcommonweals,parents,children,
masters,servants,etc.aretruesaints,iffirstandbeforeallthingstheyassurethemselvesthat
Christistheirwisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption:secondly,ifeveryone
dohisdutyinhisvocationaccordingtotheruleofGodsword,andobeynottheflesh,but
repressthelustsanddesiresthereofbytheSpirit.Now,whereasallbenotoflikestrength[to
resisttemptations],butmanyinfirmitiesandoffensesareseeninthemostpartofmen:this
nothinghindereththeirholiness,sothattheirsinsproceednotofanobstinatewillfulness,but
onlyoffrailtyandinfirmity.For(asIhavesaidbefore)thegodlydofeelthedesiresandlusts
oftheflesh,buttheyresistthemtotheendthattheyaccomplishthemnot.Alsoiftheyatany
timeunadvisedlyfallintosin,yetnotwithstandingtheyobtainforgivenessthereof,ifbyfaith
inChristtheyberaisedupagain:whowouldnotthatweshoulddriveaway,butseekout[and
bringhome]the[strayingand]lostsheep,etc.ThereforeGodforbidthatIshouldstraightway
judgethosewhichareweakinfaithandmanners,tobeprofaneorunholy,ifIseethatthey
loveandreverencetheWordofGod,tocometotheSupperoftheLord,etc.FortheseGod
hathreceivedandcounteththemrighteousthroughtheremissionofsins:tohimtheystandor
fall,etc.(Romans14:4).
AfterthismannerPaulspeaketheverywhereconcerningthesaints.Andwithgreat
rejoicingIgivethankstoGod,forthathehathabundantlyandabovemeasuregrantedthat
untome,whichIsoearnestlydesiredofhimwhenIwasamonk:forhehathgivenuntome
thegracetoseenotonebutmanysaints,yeaaninfinitenumberoftruesaintsnotsuchasthe
sophistershavedevised,butsuchasChristhimselfandhisApostlesdodescribeofthewhich
numberIalso,bythegraceofGod,amone.ForIambaptized,andIdobelievethatChrist
myLordbyhisdeathhathredeemedanddeliveredmefromallmysins,andhathgiventome
eternalrighteousnessandholiness.Andlethimbeholdenaccursed,whosoevershallnotgive
thishonoruntoChrist,tobelievethatbyhisdeath,hisWord,hisSacraments,etc.,heis
justifiedandsanctified.
Whereforerejectingthisfoolishandwickedopinionconcerningthenameofsaints
(whichoncewethoughttopertainonlytothesaintswhichareinheaven,andinearthtothe
hermitsandmonkswhichdidcertaingreatandstrangeworks):letusnowlearnbytheholy
Scriptures,thatalltheywhichfaithfullybelieveinChristaresaints.Theworldhathingreat
admirationtheholinessofBenedict,Gregory,Bernard,Francis,andsuchlike,becauseit
heareththattheyhavedonecertainrareand(inoutwardappearance)excellentworks.
DoubtlessHilary,Cyril,Athanasius,Ambrose,Augustineandothersweresaintsalso,which
livednotsostraitandseverealifeastheydid,butwereconversantamongstmen,anddideat
commonmeats,drankwine,andusedcleanlyandcomelyapparel,sothatinamannerthere
wasnodifferencebetweenthemandotherhonestmenastouchingthecommoncustom,and
theuseofthingsnecessaryforthislifeandyetaretheytobepreferredfarabovetheother.
Thesementaughtthe[doctrineand]faithofChristsincerelyandpurely,withoutany
superstition:theyresistedheretics,theypurgedtheChurchfrominnumerableerrors:their
companyandfamiliaritywascomfortabletomany,andspeciallytothosewhichwere
afflictedandheavyhearted,whomtheyraisedupandcomfortedbytheWordofGod.For
theydidnotwithdrawthemselvesfromthecompanyofmen,buttheyexecutedtheiroffices
evenwheremostresortofpeoplewas.Contrariwise,theothernotonlytaughtmanythings
contrarytofaith,butalsowerethemselvestheauthorsandfirstinventorsofmany

superstitions,errors,[abominableceremonies]andwickedworshippings.Thereforeexceptat
thehourofdeaththeylaidholdofChrist,andreposedtheirwholetrustinhisdeathand
victory,theirstraitandpainfullifeavailedthemnothingatall.
Thesethingssufficientlydeclarewhobethetruesaintsindeed,andwhichistobecalleda
holylife:notthelifeofthosewhichlurkincavesanddens,whichmaketheirbodiesleanwith
fasting,whichwearhair,anddootherlikethingswiththispersuasionandtrust,thattheyshall
havesingularrewardinheavenaboveallotherChristiansbutofthosewhichbebaptizedand
believeinChrist,whichputofftheoldmanwithhisworks,butnotatonce:for
concupiscenceremainethinthemsolongastheylive:thefeelingwhereofdothhurtthem
nothingatall,iftheysufferitnottoreigninthem,butsubdueittotheSpirit.
Thisdoctrinebringethgreatconsolationtogodlyminds,thatwhentheyfeelthesedartsof
theflesh,wherewithSatanassaileththespirit,theyshouldnotdespair:asithappenedtomany
inthePapacy,whichthoughtthattheyoughttofeelnoconcupiscenceofthefleshwhereas
notwithstandingJerome,Gregory,Benedict,Bernard,andothers(whomthemonkssetbefore
themasaperfectexampleofchastityandofallChristianvirtues)couldnevercomesofaras
tofeelnoconcupiscence[orlust]oftheflesh.Yea,theyfeltit,andthatverystrongly.Which
thingtheyacknowledgeandplainlyconfessindiversplacesoftheirbooks.ThereforeGoddid
notonlynotimputeuntothemtheselightfaults,buteventhoseperniciouserrorswhichsome
ofthembroughtintotheChurch.Gregorywastheauthoroftheprivatemass,thanwhich
thereneverwasanygreaterabominationintheChurchoftheYewTestament.Othersdevised
monkery,wickedworshippingsandvoluntaryreligions.Cypriancontendedthattheywhich
hadbeenbaptizedofhereticsshouldberebaptized.
Thereforewerightlyconfessinthearticlesofourbelief,thatwebelieve[thereis]aHoly
Church.Foritisinvisible,dwellinginSpiritinaplacethatnonecanattainunto,andtherefore
herholinesscannotbeseen:forGoddothsohideherandcoverherwithinfirmities,withsins,
witherrors,withdiversformsofthecrossandoffenses,thataccordingtothejudgmentof
reasonitisnowheretobeseen.Theythatareignorantofthis,whentheyseetheinfirmities
andsinsofthosewhicharebaptized,whichhavetheWordandbelieveit,arebyandby
offended,andjudgethemnottopertaintotheChurch.Andinthemeanwhiletheydreamthat
thehermitsandmonks[andsuchothershavelings]aretheChurchwhichhonorGodonly
withtheirlips,andworshipHiminvain,becausetheyfollownottheWordofGod,butthe
doctrinesandcommandmentsofmen,andteachotherstodothesame.Andbecausetheydo
certainsuperstitiousandmonstrousworks,which[carnal]reasonmagnifiethandhighly
esteemeth,thereforetheyjudgethemtobesaintsandtobetheChurchandinsodoingthey
changeandturnthisarticleoffaithcleancontrary:Ibelieve[thatthereis]aholyChurch
etc.,andinthesteadofthiswordIbelieve,theyputinIsee.Thesekindsofrighteousness
andholinessofmansowndevising,arenothingelsebutspiritualsorcerieswherewiththe
eyesandmindsofmenareblindedandledfromtheknowledgeoftrueholiness.
Butthusteachwe,thattheChurchhathnospotnorwrinkle,butisholy,andyetthrough
faithonlyinChristJesus:again,thatsheisholyinlife[andconversation]byabstainingfrom
thelustsoftheflesh,andbyexerciseofspiritualfruitsbutyetnotinsuchsortthatsheis
deliveredfromallevildesires,orpurgedfromallwickedopinionsanderrors.FortheChurch
alwaysconfessethhersins,andprayeththatherfaultsmaybepardoned(Matthew6:12)also
shebelieveththeforgivenessofsins.Thesaintsthereforedosin,fall,andalsoerr:butyet
throughignorance.FortheywouldnotwillinglydenyChrist,forsaketheGospel,revoketheir
Baptism,etc.,thereforetheyhaveremissionofsins.Andifthroughignorancetheyerralsoin

doctrine,yetisthispardonedforintheendtheyacknowledgetheirerror,andrestonlyupon
thetruthandthegraceofGodofferedinChrist,asJerome,Gregory,Bernard,andothersdid.
LetChristiansthenendeavortoavoidtheworksofthefleshbutthedesires[orlustsofthe
flesh]theycannotavoid.
Itisveryprofitablethereforeforthegodlytofeeltheuncleannessoftheirflesh,lestthey
shouldbepuffedupwithsomevainandwickedopinionoftherighteousnessof[theirown]
works,asthoughtheywereacceptedbeforeGodforthesame.Themonksbeingpuffedup
withthisopinionofrighteousness,thoughtthemselvestobesoholybecauseoftheirholy
kindoflife,thattheysoldtheirrighteousnessandholinesstoothers,althoughtheywere
convincedbythetestimonyoftheirownhearts,thattheywereunclean.Soperniciousand
pestilentapoisonitisforamantotrustinhisownrighteousness,andtothinkhimselftobe
clean.Butthegodly,becausetheyfeeltheuncleannessoftheirownhearts,thereforethey
cannottrusttotheirownrighteousness.Thisfeelingsomakeththemtostoop,andso
humbleththem,thattheycannottrusttotheirowngoodworks,butareconstrainedtoflyunto
Christtheirmercyseatandonlysuccor,whohathnotacorruptandsinfulbutamostpureand
holyflesh,whichhehathgivenforthelifeoftheworld.Inhimtheyfindasoundandperfect
righteousness.Thustheycontinueinhumilitynotcounterfeitandmonkish,buttrueand
unfeigned,becauseoftheuncleannesswhichyetremainethintheirflesh:forthewhichifGod
wouldstraitlyjudgethem,theyshouldbefoundguiltyofeternaldeath.Butbecausetheylift
notupthemselvesproudlyagainstGod,butwithabrokenandcontritehearthumbly
acknowledgingtheirsins,andrestingwhollyuponthebenefitofthemediatorChrist,they
comeforthintothepresenceofGod,andpraythatforhissaketheirsinsmaybeforgiven
themGodspreadethoverthemaninfiniteheavenofgrace,anddothnotimputeuntothem
theirsinsforChristssake.
ThisIsay,totheendthatwemaytakeheedoftheperniciouserrorsofthesophisters
touchingtheholinessoflife,whereinourmindsaresowrapped,thatwithoutgreatdifficulty
wecouldnotwindourselvesoutofthem.
Wherefore,doyouendeavorwithdiligence,thatyemaydiscernandrightlyjudge
betweentruerighteousnessandholiness,andthatwhichishypocritical:thenshallyebehold
thekingdomofChristwithothereyesthan[carnal]reasondoth,thatis,withspiritualeyes,
andcertainlyjudgethosetobetruesaintsindeedwhicharebaptizedandbelieveinChrist,
andafterwardsinthesamefaithwherebytheyarejustified,andtheirsinsbothpastand
presentareforgiven,doabstainfromthedesiresoftheflesh.Butfromthesedesirestheyare
notthoroughlycleansedforthefleshlustethagainstthespirit.Notwithstandingthese
uncleannessesdostillremaininthemtothisend,thattheymaybehumbled,andbeingso
humbled,theymayfeelthesweetnessofthegraceandbenefitofChrist.Sotheseunclean
remnantsofsindonothingatallhinder,butgreatlyfurtherthegodlyforthemoretheyfeel
theirinfirmitiesandsins,somuchthemoretheyflyuntoChristthethroneofgrace,andmore
heartilycravehisaidandsuccor:towit,thathewilladornthemwithhisrighteousness,that
hewillincreasetheirfaith,thathewillenduethemwithhisSpirit,bywhose[graciousleading
and]guidingtheymayovercomethelustsoftheflesh,thattheymaynotruleandreignover
them,butmaybesubjectuntothem.ThustrueChristiansdocontinuallywrestlewithsin,and
yetnotwithstandinginwrestlingtheyarenotovercome,butobtainthevictory.
ThishaveIsaid,thatyemayunderstand,notbymensdreams,butbytheWordofGod,
whobetruesaintsindeed.WeseethenhowgreatlyChristiandoctrinehelpethtotheraising
upandcomfortingof[weak]conscienceswhichtreatethnotofcowls,shavings,rosaries,and

suchliketoys,butofhighandweightymatters,ashowwemayovercometheflesh,sin,
death,andthedevil.Thisdoctrine,asitisunknowntothejusticiaries[andsuchastrustin
theirownworks,]soisitimpossibleforthemtoinstructorbringintotherightwayone[poor]
consciencewanderingandgoingastrayortopacifyandcomfortthesamewhenitisin
heaviness,terror,ordesperation.
Theworksoftheflesharemanifest,whichareadultery,fornication,uncleanness,
wantonness,idolatry,witchcraft,etc.
Pauldothnotrecitealltheworksoftheflesh,butusethacertainnumberforanumber
uncertain.First,hereckonethupthekindsoflusts,asadultery,fornication,uncleanness,
wantonness,etc.Now,notonlycarnallustisaworkoftheflesh,asthePapistsdreamed,who
calledmarriagealsoaworkoftheflesh(sochasteandholyarethesemen),whereofGod
himselfistheauthor,whichalsotheythemselvesreckonedamongtheirsacraments:buthe
numberethalsoamongsttheworksoftheflesh(asIhavesaidbefore)idolatry,witchcraft,and
suchother,whichhereafterfollow.Wherefore,thisplacealonedothsufficientlyshowwhat
Paulmeanethbytheflesh.Thesewordsaresowellknownthattheyneednointerpretation.
Buthethatdesirethtoknowthemeaningofeachseveralword,mayreadifhewilltheold
commentarywhichIpublishedin1519.
ThereIshowed,aswellasIwasable,thenatureandforceofeachwordinthewhole
catalogueoftheworksofthefleshandthefruitsoftheSpirit.
IthathnowbeenchieflyourpurposeinexpoundingtheEpistletotheGalatians,to
explainasclearlyaswecouldthearticleofjustification.
Idolatry
Allthehighestreligions,theholinessandmostferventdevotionsofthosewhichdoreject
ChristtheMediator,andworshipGodwithouthisWordandcommandment,are[nothingelse
butplain]idolatry.Asinpoperyitwascountedamostspiritualact,whenthemonksbeing
shutupintheircellsdidmuseandmeditateofGodandhisworks,andwhentheybeing
inflamedwithmostearnestdevotions,kneeleddown,prayed,andweresoravishedwiththe
contemplationsofheavenlythings,thattheyweptforjoy.
Therewasnothinkingofwomenorofanyothercreature,butonlyofGodtheCreator,
andofhiswonderfulworksandyetthismostspiritualwork(asreasonesteemethit)is,
accordingtoPaul,aworkoftheflesh.
WhereforeallsuchreligionwherebyGodisworshippedwithouthisWordand
commandment,isidolatry.Andthemoreholyandspiritualitseemethtobeinoutwardshow,
somuchthemoredangerousandperniciousitis.
ForitturnethmenawayfromfaithinChrist,andcauseththemtotrusttotheirown
strength,worksandrighteousness.AndsuchisthereligionoftheAnabaptistsatthisday:
albeittheydailymoreandmorebetraythemselvestobepossessedwiththedevil,andtobe
seditiousandbloodymen.
Thereforethefasting,thewearingofhair,holyactions,straitrule,andwholelifeofthe
Carthusians[orCharterhousemonks],whoseordernotwithstandingisofallotherthestraitest
andsharpest,beveryworksoftheflesh,yeaplainidolatry.Fortheyimaginethemselvestobe
saints,andtobesaved,notbyChrist(whomtheyfearasasevereandcrueljudge),butby

observingoftheirrule[andorder].IndeedtheythinkofGod,ofChrist,andofheavenly
things,butaftertheirownreason,andnotaftertheWordofGod:towit,thattheirapparel,
theirmannerofliving,andtheirwholeconversationisholyandpleasethChrist:whomnot
onlytheyhopetopacifybythisstraitnessoflife,butalsotoberewardedofhimfortheirgood
deedsandrighteousness.Thereforetheirmostspiritualthoughts(astheydreamofthem)are
notonlymostfleshly,butalsomostwicked:fortheywouldwipeawaytheirsins,andobtain
graceandeverlastinglifebythetrustandaffiancetheyhaveintheirownrighteousness,
rejectinganddespisingtheWord,faith,andChrist.AlltheworshippingsandservicesofGod
therefore,andallreligionswithoutChristareidolatryandidolservice.
InChristalonetheFatheriswellpleased:whosohearethhimanddoththatwhichhehath
commanded,thesameisbelovedbecauseoftheBeloved.Hecommandethustobelievehis
Word,andtobebaptized,etc.,andnottodeviseanynewworshippingorserviceofGod.
Ihavesaidbeforethattheworksofthefleshbemanifest:asadultery,fornication,and
suchlikebemanifestlyknowntoallmen.Butidolatryhathsuchagoodlyshow,andisso
spiritual,thatitisknownbuttoveryfew,thatis,tothemonlywhichbelieveinChrist,[tobe
theworkoftheflesh].
Forthemonkwhenhelivethchastely,fasteth,prayeth,orsaithmass,issofarfrom
thinkinghimselftobeanidolater,orthathefulfillethanyworkoftheflesh,thatheis
assuredlypersuadedthatheisledandgovernedbytheSpirit,thathewalkethaccordingtothe
Spirit,thathethinketh,speaketh,anddothnothingelsebutmerespiritualthings,andthathe
dothsuchserviceuntoGodasismostacceptableuntohim.Nomancanatthisdaypersuade
thePapiststhattheirprivatemassisagreatblasphemyagainstGod,andidolatry,yeaandthat
sohorrible,asneverwasanyintheChurchsincetheApostlestime.Fortheyareblindand
obstinate,andthereforetheyjudgesoperverselyofGodandGodsmatters,thinkingidolatry
tobethetrueserviceofGod,andcontrariwise,faithtobeidolatry,etc.Butwewhichbelieve
inChristandknowhismind,areabletojudgeandtodiscernallthings,andcannottrulyand
beforeGodbejudgedofanyman(1Corinthians2:15).
HerebyitisplainthatPaulcallethfleshwhatsoeverisinman,comprehendingallthe
threepowersofthesoul,thatis,thewillthatlusteth,thewillthatisinclinedtoanger,andthe
understanding.Theworksofthewillthatlusteth,areadultery,fornication,uncleanness,and
suchlike.
Theworksofthewillinclinedtowrath,arequarrellings,contentions,murder,andsuch
other.Theworksofunderstandingorreason,areerrors,falsereligions,superstitions,idolatry,
heresies,thatistosay,sects,andsuchlike.Itisverynecessaryforustoknowthesethings:
forthiswordfleshwassodarkenedinthewholekingdomofthePope,thattheyhavetaken
theworkofthefleshtobenothingelsebuttheaccomplishingoffleshlylustortheactof
lechery:whereforeitwasnotpossibleforthemtounderstandPaul.Butherewemayplainly
seethatPaulreckonethidolatryandheresyamongsttheworksoftheflesh,whichtwo(as
beforewehavesaid)reasonesteemethtobemosthighandexcellentvirtues,wisdom,
religion,holiness,andrighteousness.Paul(Colossians2:18)callethitthereligionofangels.
Butalthoughitseemtobeneversoholyandspiritual,yetitisnothingelsebutaworkofthe
flesh,anabominationandidolatryagainsttheGospel,againstfaith,andagainstthetrue
serviceofGod.Thisdothefaithfulsee,fortheyhavespiritualeyes:butthejusticiariesjudge
thecontrary.Foramonkcannotbepersuadedthathisvowsareworksoftheflesh.Sothe
TurkbelievethnothinglessthanthathisobservationoftheAlcoran,hiswashings,andother
ceremonieswhichheobserveth,beworksoftheflesh.

Witchcraft
OfwitchcraftIhavespokenbeforeinthethirdchapter.Thisvicewasverycommoninthese
ourdaysbeforethelightandtruthoftheGospelwasrevealed.WhenIwasachild,therewere
manywitches[andsorcerers]whichbewitchedbothcattleandmen,butspeciallychildren,
anddidgreatharmalsotothecropsbytempestsandhailstormswhichtheycausedbytheir
enchantments.ButnowinthelightoftheGospelthesethingsbenotsocommonlyheardof,
fortheGospelthrusteththedeviloutofhisseatwithallhisillusions.Butnowhebewitcheth
menmuchmorehorribly,namely,withspiritualsorceryandwitchcraft.
Paulreckonethwitchcraftamongtheworksoftheflesh,whichnotwithstanding,asall
menknow,isnotaworkoffleshlylustorlechery,butakindofidolatry.Forwitchcraft
covenantethwiththedevils:superstitionoridolatrycovenantethwithGod,albeitnotwiththe
trueGod,butwithacounterfeitGod.Whereforeidolatryisindeedaspiritualwitchcraft.For
aswitchesdoenchantcattleandmen:soidolaters,thatistosay,alljusticiaries[orjustifiers
ofthemselves],goabouttobewitchGodandtomakehimsuchaoneastheydoimagine.
Nowtheyimaginehimtosuchaoneaswilljustifythem,notofhismeregrace[andmercy]
andthroughfaithinChrist,butinrespectoftheirwillworshippingsandworksoftheirown
choosing,andinrecompensethereofwillgivethemrighteousnessandlifeeverlasting.But
whilsttheygoabouttobewitchGod,theybewitchthemselves.Foriftheycontinueinthis
wickedopinionwhichtheyconceiveofGod,theyshalldieintheiridolatryandbedamned.
Mostoftheworksoftheflesharewellknown,thereforetheyshallnotneedanyfurther
declaration.
Sects
BythenameofsectsPaulmeanethhere,notthosedivisionsorcontentionswhichrise
sometimesinthegovernmentofhouseholdsorofcommonwealsforworldlyandearthly
mattersbutthosewhichriseintheChurchaboutdoctrine,faith,andworks.Heresies,thatis
tosay,sects,havealwaysbeenintheChurch,aswehavesaidbeforeindiverseplaces.
NotwithstandingthePopeisanarchhereticandtheheadofallhereticsforhehathfilled
theworldasitwerewithahugefloodofinfinitesects[anderrors].Noonesortofmonkcould
agreewithanotherfortheymeasuredtheirholinessbythestraightnessoftheirorders.Hereof
itcomeththattheCarthusianwillneedsbecountedholierthantheFranciscan,andsolikewise
therest.WhereforethereisnounityoftheSpirit,norconcordofminds,butgreatdiscordin
thepapisticalchurch.Thereisnoconformityintheirdoctrine,faith,religion,orservingof
God,butallthingsaremostdiverse.Contrariwise,amongsttheChristians,theWord,faith,
worship,religion,Sacraments,Christ,God,heartsoul,mind,andwillarealloneandcommon
toallandastouchingoutwardconversation,thediversityofstates,[degrees]andconditions
oflifehindereththisspiritualconcord[andunity]nothingatall,asbeforeIhavesaid.And
theywhichhavethisunityoftheSpirit,cancertainlyjudgeofallsects,whichotherwiseno
manunderstandeth:asindeednodivineinthePapacyunderstood,thatPaulinthisplace
condemnethalltheworshippings,religions,continency,andallthehonestconversationand
holylifeinoutwardappearance,ofallthePapists,Sectaries[andschismatics]:buttheyall
thoughtthathespeakethofthegrossidolatryandheresiesoftheGentilesandTurkswhich
manifestlyblasphemethenameofChrist,etc.

Drunkenness,gluttony
Pauldothnotsaythattoeatanddrinkbeworksoftheflesh,buttobedrunkenandtosurfeit,
whichofallothervicesaremostcommonatthisday.Whosoaregiventothismorethan
beastly[dissolutenessand]excess,letthemknowthattheyarenotspiritual,howmuchsoever
theyboastthemselvessotobe,buttheyfollowthefleshandperformtheworksthereof.
Thereforeisthishorriblesentencepronouncedagainstthem,thattheyshallnotbeinheritors
ofthekingdomofGod.PaulwouldthereforethatChristiansshouldflydrunkennessand
surfeiting,livingsoberlyandmoderatelywithoutallexcess,lestbypamperingthefleshthey
shouldbeprovokedtowantonness:asindeedaftersurfeitingandbellycheer,thefleshis
wonttowaxwanton,andtobeinflamedwithoutrageouslust.Butitisnotsufficientonlyto
restrainthisoutrageouswantonnessandlustofthefleshwhichfollowethdrunkennessand
surfeitingbutalsothefleshwhenitismostsoberandinhisbesttemperance,mustbe
subduedandrepressed,lestitfulfillhislustsanddesires.Foritoftentimescomethtopassthat
eventheywhicharemostsober,aretemptedmostofallasJeromewritethofhimself:My
face(saithhe)waspalewithfasting,andmymindwasinflamedwith[fleshly]desiresinmy
coldbody,andalthoughmyfleshwashalfdeadalready,yettheflamesofcarnallustsboiled
withinme.HereofImyselfalsohadexperiencewhenIwasamonk.Theheatthereforeof
carnallustisnotquenchedbyfastingonly,butwemustbeaidedalsobytheSpirit,thatis,by
meditationofGodsWord,faith,andprayer.Indeedfastingrepresseththegrossassaultsof
fleshlylustbutthedesiresofthefleshareovercomebynoabstinencefrommeatanddrink,
butonlybytheearnestmeditationoftheWordofGodandinvocationofChrist.
Andsuchlike
Foritisimpossibletoreckonupalltheworksoftheflesh.
WhereofItellyou,asIhavealsotoldyoubefore,thattheywhichdosuchthings,shall
notinheritthekingdomofGod
Thisisaveryhardandaterriblesaying,butyetverynecessaryagainstfalseChristiansand
carelesshypocrites,whichbragoftheGospel,offaithandoftheSpirit,andyetinallsecurity
theyperformtheworksoftheflesh.Butchieflytheheretics,beingpuffedupwithopinionsof
spiritualmatters(astheydream)arepossessedofthedevil,andaltogethercarnal:therefore
theyperformandfulfillthedesiresoftheflesh,evenwithallthepowersofthesoul.
Thereforemostnecessaryitwasthatsohorribleandterribleasentenceshouldbepronounced
bytheApostleagainstsuchcarelesscontemnersandobstinatehypocrites(namely,thatall
theywhichdosuchworksofthefleshasPaulhathrecited,shallnotinheritthekingdomof
God),thatyetsomeofthembeingterrifiedbythisseveresentence,maybegintofightagainst
theworksofthefleshbytheSpirit,thattheyaccomplishnotthesame.
Butthefruitsofthespiritarelove,joy,peace,longsuffering,sweetness,goodness,
faithfulness,gentleness[ormeekness],temperance
TheApostlesaithnot,theworksoftheSpirit,ashesaidtheworksoftheflesh,buthe
adorneththeseChristianvirtueswithamorehonorablename,callingthemthefruitsofthe
Spirit.Fortheybringwiththemmostexcellentfruitsandcommodities:fortheythathave

themgiveglorytoGod,andwiththesamedoallureandprovokeotherstoembracethe
doctrineandfaithofChrist.
Love
Ithadbeenenoughtohavesaidlove,andnomoreforloveextendethitselfuntoallthe
fruitsoftheSpirit.Andin1Corinthians13Paulattributethtoloveallthefruitswhichare
doneintheSpirit,whenhesaith:Loveispatient,courteous,etc.Notwithstandinghewould
setitherebyitselfamongsttherestofthefruitsoftheSpirit,andinthefirstplace,therebyto
admonishtheChristiansthatbeforeallthingstheyshouldloveoneanother,givinghonorone
toanotherthroughlove,andeverymanesteemingbetterofanotherthanofhimself,because
theyhaveChristandtheHolyGhostdwellinginthem,andbecauseoftheWord,Baptism,
andothergiftsofGodwhichChristianshave.
Joy
Thisisthevoiceofthebridegroomandofthebride,thatistosay,sweetcogitationsofChrist,
wholesomeexhortations,pleasantsongsorpsalms,praisesandthanksgiving,wherebythe
godlydoinstruct,stirupandrefreshoneanother.ThereforeGodlovethnotheaviness[and
doubtfulness]ofspirit:hehatethuncomfortabledoctrine,heavyandsorrowfulcogitations,
andlovethcheerfulhearts.ForthereforehathhesenthisSon,nottooppressuswithheaviness
andsorrow,buttocheerupoursoulsinhim.ForthiscausetheProphets,theApostles,and
Christhimselfdoexhortus,yeatheycommandustorejoiceandbeglad.Zechariah9:9:
RejoicethoudaughterofZion,bejoyfulthoudaughterofJerusalem,forbeholdthyking
comethtothee,AndinthePsalmsitisoftensaidBejoyfulintheLord.Paulsaith:Rejoice
intheLordalways,etc.AndChristsaith:Rejoicebecauseyournamesarewrittenin
heaven.WherethisjoyoftheSpiritis,theretheheartinwardlyrejoiceththroughfaithin
Christ,withfullassurancethatheisourSaviorandourBishop,andoutwardlyitexpresseth
thisjoywithwordsandgestures.AlsothefaithfulrejoicewhentheyseethattheGospel
spreadethabroad,thatmanybewontothefaith,andthatthekingdomofChristisenlarged.
Peace
BothtowardsGodandmen,thatChristiansmaybepeaceableandquietnotcontentious,nor
hatingoneanother,butonebearinganothersburdenthroughlongsufferingorperseverance
withoutthewhich,peacecannotcontinue,andthereforePaulputtethitnextafterpeace.
Longsufferingorperseverance.
Wherebyamandothnotonlybearadversities,injuries,reproaches,andsuchlike,butalso
withpatiencewaitethfortheamendmentofthosewhichhavedonehimanywrong.Whenthe
devilcannotbyforceovercomethosewhicharetempted,thenseekethhetoovercomethem
bylongcontinuance.
Forheknoweththatwebeearthenvessels,whichcannotlongendureandholdoutmany
knocksandviolentstrokesthereforewithlongcontinuance[oftemptations]heovercometh
many.Tovanquishthesehiscontinualassaultswemustuselongsuffering,whichpatiently

lookethnotonlyfortheamendmentofthosewhichdouswrong,butalsofortheendofthose
temptations,whichthedevilraisethupagainstus.
Gentleness
Whichis,whenamanisgentleandtractableinhisconversationandinhiswholelife.For
Christiansmustnotbesharpandbitter,butgentle,mild,courteousandfairspoken,andsuch
asmakeotherstodelightintheircompany:whichcanwinkatothermensfaults,oratleast
expoundthemtothebest:whichwillbewellcontentedtoyieldandgiveplacetoothers,
contentedtobearwiththosewhicharefrowardandintractable,astheveryheathensaid:
Thoumustknowthemannersofthyfriend,butthoumustnothatethem.Suchaonewas
[ourSavior]Christ,aseverywhereistobeseenintheGospel.ItissaidofPeter,thathewept
sooftenasherememberedthesweetmildnessofChrist,whichheusedinhisdaily
conversation.Itisanexcellentvirtueandmostnecessaryineverykindoflife.
Goodness
Whichis,whenamanwillinglyhelpethothersintheirnecessitybygiving,lending,andsuch
othermeans.
Faith
WhenPaulherereckonethfaithamongstthefruitsoftheSpirit,itismanifestthathespeaketh
notoffaithinChrist,butofthefidelityorsincerity[ofonemantowardsanother].Hereupon
hesaithinCorinthians13thatcharitybelievethallthings.Thereforehethathaththisfaithis
notsuspicious,butofasincereandsingleheartandalthoughhebedeceived,andfindeth
himselftobemocked,yetsuchishismildness,thathelettethitpass:briefly,hegivethcredit
toallmen,butheputtethnothistrustinanyman.Onthecontrary,wherethisvirtueis
lacking,theremenaresuspicious,froward,wayward,dogged:theygiveplacetonobody,give
credittonobody:theycansuffernothing.Whatsoeveriswellsaidordonebyother,theycavil
andslanderit,andwhosowillnotlaudandmagnifythem,ishatefuluntothem.Thereforeitis
impossibleforthemtokeepcharity,friendship,concord,andpeacewithmen.Butifthese
virtuesbetakenaway,whatisthislife,butbitinganddevouringoneofanother?
Faiththereforeinthisplaceis,whenonemangivethcredittoanotherinthingspertaining
tothispresentlife.Forwhatmanneroflifeshouldweleadinthisworld,ifonemanshould
notcreditanother?
Meekness
Whichis,whenamanisnotlightlymovedorprovokedtoanger.Therebeinfiniteoccasions
inthislifewhichprovokementoanger,butthegodlyovercomethembymeekness.
Temperance
Thisisasobrietyormodestyinthewholelifeofman,which[virtue]Paulsettethagainstthe
worksofflesh.HewouldthereforethatChristiansshouldlivesoberlyandchastely,thatthey
shouldbenoadulterers,nofornicators,nowantons:andiftheycannotlivechastely,hewould

havethemtomarry:alsothattheyshouldnotbecontentiousorquarrellers,thattheyshould
notbegiventodrunkennessorsurfeiting,butthattheyshouldabstainfromallthesethings.
Chastityorcontinencycontainethallthese.Jeromeexpoundethitofvirginityonly,asthough
theythatbemarriedcouldnotbechasteorasthoughtheApostledidwritethesethingsonly
tovirgins.InthefirstandsecondchaptertoTitus,hewarnethallbishops,youngwomen,and
marriedfolks,bothmanandwife,tobechasteandpure.
Againstsuchthereisnolaw
Indeedthereisalaw,butnotagainstsuchashesaithalsoinanotherplace:Thelawisnot
giventotherighteousman(1Timothy1:9).Fortherighteouslivethinsuchwise,thathe
hathnoneedofanylawtoadmonishortoconstrainhimbutwithoutconstraintofthelaw,he
willinglydoththosethingswhichthelawrequireth.Thereforethelawcannotaccuseand
condemnthosethatbelieveinChrist.Indeedthelawaccusethandterrifieththeirconsciences:
butChristapprehendedbyfaith,vanquishethitwithallitsterrorsandthreatenings.Tothem
thereforethelawisutterlyabolished,andhathnorighttoaccusethem:fortheydothatof
theirownaccord,whichthelawrequireth.TheyhavereceivedtheHolyGhostbyfaith,who
willnotsufferthemtobeidle.Althoughthefleshresist,yetdotheywalkaftertheSpirit.Soa
Christianaccomplisheththelawinwardlybyfaith(forChrististheperfectionofthelawunto
righteousness,toallthatdobelieve),outwardlybyworksandbyremissionofsins.Butthose
whichperformtheworksanddesiresoftheflesh,thelawdothaccuseandcondemnboth
civillyandspiritually.
FortheythatareChristshavecrucifiedthefleshwiththeaffectionsandluststhereof.
Thiswholeplaceconcerningworks,showeththatthetruebelieversarenohypocrites.
Thereforeletnomandeceivehimselfforwhosoever,saithhe,pertainuntoChrist,have
crucifiedthefleshwithallthevicesandluststhereof.Forthesaints,inasmuchastheyhave
notyetutterlyputoffthecorrupt[andsinful]flesh,areinclinedtosin,anddoneitherfearnor
loveGodsoperfectlyastheyoughttodo.Alsotheybeprovokedtoanger,toenvy,to
impatience,tocarnallust,andsuchlikemotions,whichnotwithstandingtheyaccomplishnot
for(asPaulheresaith)theycrucifythefleshwithallthepassionsandvicesthereof.Which
thingtheydo,notonlywhentheyrepressthewantonnessofthefleshwithfastingandother
exercises,butalso(asPaulsaidbefore)whentheywalkaccordingtotheSpirit:thatis,when
theybeingadmonishedbythethreateningsofGod,wherebyheshoweththathewillseverely
punishsin,areafraidtocommitsinalsowhentheybeingarmedwiththeWordofGod,with
faithandwithprayer,donotobeythelustsoftheflesh.
Whentheyresistthefleshafterthismanner,theynailittothecrosswiththeaffections
anddesiresthereof,sothatalthoughthefleshbeyetalive,yetcanitnotperformthatwhichit
woulddo,forasmuchasitisboundbothhandandfoot,andfastnailedtothecross.The
faithfulthensolongastheyliveheredocrucifythefleshthatistosay,theyfeelthelusts
thereof,buttheyobeythemnot.FortheybeingfurnishedwiththearmorofGod,thatis,with
faith,hope,andtheswordoftheSpirit,doresistthefleshandwiththesespiritualnailsthey
fastenthesameuntothecross,sothatitisconstrainedtobesubjecttotheSpirit.Afterwards
whentheydie,theyputitoffwholly:andwhentheyshallriseagainfromdeathtolife,they
shallhaveapureanduncorruptfleshwithoutallaffectionsandlusts.

Ifweliveinthespirit,letusalsowalkinthespirit
TheApostlereckonedbeforeamongsttheworksofthefleshheresyandenvy,and
pronouncedsentenceagainstthosewhichareenvious,andwhichareauthorsofsects,that
theyshouldnotinheritthekingdomofGod.Andnow,asifhehadforgottenthatwhichhe
saidalittlebefore,heagainreproveththosewhichprovokeandenvyoneanother.Whydoth
heso?
Wasitnotsufficienttohavedoneitonce?Indeedhedothitofpurpose:forhetaketh
occasionheretoinveighagainstthatexecrableviceofvainglory,whichwasthecauseofthe
troublesthatwereinallthechurchesofGalatia,andhathbeenalwaysmostperniciousand
hurtfultothewholeChurchofChrist.ThereforeinhisEpistletoTitus,hewouldnotthata
proudmanshouldbeordainedabishop.Forpride(asAugustinetrulysaith)isthemotherof
allheresies,orrathertheheadspringofallsinandconfusion:whichthingallhistoriesaswell
holyasprofanedowitness.
Now,vaingloryorarrogancyhathalwaysbeenacommonpoisonintheworld,whichthe
veryheathenpoetsandhistoriographershavealwaysvehementlyreproved.Thereisno
villagewhereinthereisnotsomeoneorothertobefound,thatwouldbecountedwiser,and
bemoreesteemedthanalltherest.Buttheyarechieflyinfectedwiththisdisease,whichstand
upontheirreputationforlearningandwisdom.Inthiscasenomanwillyieldtoanother,
accordingtothissaying:Yeshallnotlightlyfindamanthatwillyielduntoothersthepraise
ofwitandskill.Foritisagoodlythingtoseemenpointatone,andsay:Thisishe.Butthis
viceisnotsohurtfulinprivatepersons,nonorinanykindofmagistrate,asitisinthemthat
haveanychargeintheChurch.Albeitincivilgovernment(speciallyifitbeingreat
personages)itisnotonlyacauseoftroublesandruinsofcommonweals,butalsothetroubles
andalterationsofkingdomsandempires:whichthingthehistoriesbothoftheScriptureand
profanewritersdowitness.
ButwhenthispoisoncreepethintotheChurchorSpiritualkingdom,itcannotbe
expressedhowhurtfulitis.Forthereisnocontentionastouchinglearning,wit,beauty,
riches,kingdomsempiresandsuchlikebutastouchingsalvationordamnation,eternallife
oreternaldeath.ThereforePaulearnestlyexhorteththeministersoftheWordtoflythisvice,
saying:IfweliveintheSpirit,etc.Asifheshouldsay:Ifitbetruethatwelivebythe
Spirit,letusalsoproceedorderlyandwalkintheSpirit.ForwheretheSpiritis,itreneweth
menandworkethinthemnewmotions:thatistosay,whereastheywerebeforevainglorious,
wrathfulandenvious,etc.,itmakeththemnowhumble,gentle,andpatient,etc.Suchmen
seeknottheirownglory,butthegloryofGod:theydonotprovokeoneanother,orenvyone
another,butgiveplaceonetoanother,andingivinghonorpreventoneanother.Contrariwise,
theythatbedesirousofglory,andenvyoneanother,mayboastthattheyhavetheSpiritand
liveaftertheSpiritbuttheydeceivethemselves,theyfollowthefleshanddotheworks
thereof,andtheyhavetheirjudgmentalready,thattheyshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod.
Now,asnothingismoredangeroustotheChurchthanthisexecrablevice,soisthere
nothingmorecommon:forwhenGodsendethforthlaborersintohisharvest,byandbySatan
raisethuphisministersalso,whowillinnowisebecountedinferiortothosethatarerightly
called.Herestraitwayrisethdissension.Thewickedwillnotyieldonehairsbreadthtothe
godlyfortheydreamthattheyfarpasstheminwit,inlearning,ingodliness,inspiritand
othervirtues.Muchlessoughtthegodlytoyieldtothewicked,lestthedoctrineoffaithcome
indanger.Moreover,suchisthenatureoftheministersofSatan,thattheycanmakeagoodly

showthattheyareverycharitable,humble,loversofconcord,andareenduedwithotherfruits
oftheSpiritalsotheyprotestthattheyseeknothingelsebutthegloryofGodandthe
salvationofmenssouls:andyetaretheyfullofvainglory,doingallthingsfornoneother
endbuttogetpraiseandestimationamongmen.Tobeshort,theythinkthatgodlinessisgain,
andthattheministryoftheWordisdelivereduntothemthattheymaygetfameand
estimationthereby.Whereforetheycannotbutbeauthorsofdissensionsandsects.
Forasmuchthenasthevaingloryofthefalseapostleswasthecausethatthechurchesof
GalatiaweretroubledandforsookPaul,thereforeinthischapterspeciallyhispurposewasto
suppressthatexecrablevice:yeathismischiefgavetheApostleoccasiontowritethiswhole
Epistle.Andifhehadnotsodone,allhistravailbestowedinpreachingoftheGospelamong
theGalatianshadbeenspentinvain.Forinhisabsencethefalseapostles,whichweremenin
outwardshowofgreatauthority,reignedinGalatiawhobesidesthattheywouldseemtoseek
thegloryofChristandthesalvationoftheGalatians,pretendedalsothattheyhadbeen
conversantwiththeApostles,andthattheyfollowedtheirfootsteps,sayingthatPaulhadnot
seenChristintheflesh,norhadbeenconversantwiththerestoftheApostlesandtherefore
theymadenoaccountofhim,butrejectedhisdoctrine,andboastedtheirowntobetrueand
sincere.ThustheytroubledtheGalatians,andraisedsectsamongthem,sothattheyprovoked
andenviedoneanother:whichwasasuretoken,thatneithertheteachersnorhearerslived
andwalkedaftertheSpirit,butfollowedthefleshandfulfilledtheworksthereofandso
consequentlylostthetruedoctrine,faith,Christ,andallthegiftsoftheHolyGhost,andwere
nowbecomeworsethantheheathen.
Notwithstandinghedothnotonlyinveighagainstthefalseapostles,whichishistime
troubledthechurchesofGalatiabutalsoheforesawinspirit,thatthereshouldbeaninfinite
numberofsucheventotheworldsend,whichbeinginfectedwiththisperniciousviceshould
thrustthemselvesuncalledintotheChurch,boastingoftheSpiritandheavenlydoctrine,and
underthispretenseshouldquiteoverthrowthetruedoctrineandfaith.
Manysuchhavewealsoseenintheseourdays,who,notbeingcalled,havethrust
themselvesintothekingdomoftheSpirit,thatistosay,intotheministryoftheWordandby
thishypocrisytheyhavepurchaseduntothemselvesfameandestimation,thattheyweregreat
teachersoftheGospel,andsuchaslivedintheSpirit,andwalkedaccordingtothesame.But
whenbytheirfairspeakingtheyhadwonthemindsofthepeople,theyturnedbyandbyfrom
therightwayandbegantoteachsomenewthing,wherebytheymightmakeanamefor
themselvesasthefirstthathadpointedouttheerrorsintheChurch,putawayandcorrected
theabuses,overthrownthepapacyanddiscoveredsomefinenewdoctrine,andthereforeas
menthathadgoodrighttoholdtheprimacyamongtheevangelicaldoctors.Butbecausetheir
gloryconsistedinmensmouthsandnotinGodthereforeitcouldnotbefirmandstablebut,
accordingtoPaulsprophecy,itturnedtotheirownconfusion,andtheirendwasdestruction.
Forthewickedshallnotstandinjudgment,butshallbetakenawaylikechaff,andscattered
abroadwiththewind,(Psalm1:4f.).
ThesamejudgmentremainethforallsuchasinpreachingtheGospelseektheirown
thingsandnotthethingsofJesusChrist.FortheGospelisnotdelivereduntousthatwe
shouldtherebyseekourownpraiseandglory,orthatthepeopleshouldhonorandmagnifyus
whicharetheministersthereof:buttotheendthatthebenefitandgloryofChristmightbe
preachedandpublished,andthattheFathermightbeglorifiedinhismercyoffereduntousin
ChristhisSon,whomhedeliveredforusall,andwithhimhathgivenusallthings.Wherefore
theGospelisadoctrinewhereinweoughttoseeknothinglessthanourownglory.Itsetteth

forthuntousheavenlyandeternalthingswhicharenotourown,whichwehaveneitherdone
nordeservedbutitoffereththesameuntous,Isay,whichareunworthy,andthatthroughthe
meregoodness[andgrace]ofGod.Whyshouldwethenseekpraiseandglorythereby?He
thereforethatseekethhisowngloryintheGospel,speakethofhimself:andhethatspeaketh
ofhimselfisaliar,andthereisunrighteousnessinhim.Contrariwisehethatseekeththeglory
ofhimthatsenthim,istrue,andthereisnounrighteousnessinhim(John7:18).
PaulthereforegivethearnestchargetoalltheministersoftheWord,sayingIfwelivein
theSpirit,letusalsowalkintheSpirit,thatistosay:letusabideinthedoctrineoftruth
whichhathbeentaughtuntous,inbrotherlyloveandspiritualconcordandletuspreach
ChristandthegloryofGodinsimplicityofheart,andletusconfessthatwehavereceivedall
thingsofhim:letusnotthinkmoreofourselvesthanofothersletusraiseupnosects.For
thisisnottowalkrightly,butrathertorangeoutoftheway,andtosetupanewandperverse
wayofwalking.
HerebywemayunderstandthatGod,ofHisspecialgrace,makeththeteachersofthe
Gospelsubjecttothecrossandtoallkindsofafflictions,forthesalvationofthemselvesand
ofthepeopleforotherwisetheycouldbynomeanssuppressandbeatdownthisbeastwhich
iscalledvainglory.
Forifnopersecution,nocrossorreproachfollowedthedoctrineoftheGospel,butonly
praise,reputationandgloryamongstmen,thenwouldalltheprofessorsthereofbeinfected
andperishthroughthepoisonofvainglory.Jeromesaith,thathehadseenmanywhichcould
suffergreatinconveniencesintheirbodyandgoods,butnonethatcoulddespisetheirown
praises.Foritis[almost]impossibleforamannottobepuffedup,whenhehearethanything
spokeninthepraiseofhisownvirtues.Paul,notwithstandingthathehadthespiritofChrist,
saiththattherewasgivenuntohimthemessengerofSatantobuffethim,becauseheshould
notbeexaltedoutofmeasurethroughthegreatnessofhisrevelations.ThereforeAugustine
saithverywell:IfaministeroftheWordbepraised,heisindanger:ifabrotherdespiseor
dispraisehim,heisalsoindanger.HethathearethmepreachtheWord,oughttohonorme
fortheWordssakeifhehonorethme,hedoethwell,butifIamproudthereof,Iamin
danger.Contrariwiseifhedespiseme,Iamoutofdangerbutsoisnothe.
Whereforewemustbyallmeanshonorourgood(Romans14:16),thatis,theministry
oftheWord,theSacraments,etc.Wemustalsoreverenceoneanother,accordingtothat
saying:givinghonoronetoanother,etc.(Romans12:10).Butwheresoeverthisisdone,by
andbythefleshistickledwiththesepraisesandwaxethproud.Forthereisnone(nonot
amongthegodly)whichwouldnotratherbepraisedthandispraised,exceptperhapssomebe
sowellestablishedinthisbehalf,thathewillbemovedneitherwithpraisesnorreproaches
asthatwomansaidofDavid(2Samuel14.):MylordthekingislikeanangelofGod,which
willneitherbemovedwithblessingnorcursing.LikewisePaulsaith:Byhonorand
dishonor,byevilreportandgoodreport,etc.(Corinthians6:8).Suchmenasbeneither
puffedupwithpraise,northrowndownwithdispraise,butendeavorsimplytosetforththe
benefitandgloryofChrist,andtoseekthesalvationofsouls,dowalkorderly.Contrariwise,
theywhichwaxproudinhearingoftheirownpraises,notseekingthegloryofChristbuttheir
own,alsotheywhichbeingmovedwithreproachesandslanders,doforsaketheministryof
theWord,walknotorderly.
WhereforeleteveryonethatboastethoftheSpirit,seethatheremaininorder.Ifthoube
praised,knowthatitisnotthouthatispraised,butChristtowhomallpraiseisdue.Forin
thatthouteachesttheWordpurelyandlivestgodly,thesearenotthineowngifts,butthegifts

ofGod:thereforethouartnotpraised,butGodinthee.Whenthoudostacknowledgethis,
thouwiltwalkorderly,andnotbepuffedupwithvainglory(Forwhathastthouthatthou
hastnotreceived?:1Corinthians4:7),butwiltconfessthatthouhastreceivedthesameof
God,andwiltnotbemovedwithinjuries,reproachesorpersecutiontoforsakethycalling.
Godthereforeofhisspecialgraceatthisday,coverethourglorywithinfamy,reproach,
mortalhatred,cruelpersecution,railingandcursingofthewholeworldalsowiththe
contemptandingratitudeevenofthoseamongwhomwelive,aswellthecommonsort,as
alsothecitizens,gentlemen,andnoblemen(whoseenmity,hatredandpersecutionagainstthe
Gospel,likeasitisprivyandinward,soisitmoredangerousthanthecruelandoutrageous
dealingsofouropenenemies),thatweshouldnotwaxproudofthegiftsofGodinus.This
millstonemustbehangedaboutourneck,thatwebenotinfectedwiththatpestilentpoison
ofvainglory.
SometherebeofoursidewhichloveandreverenceusfortheministryoftheWord:but
wherethereisonethatreverencethus,therebeontheothersideanhundredthathateand
persecuteus.Thesespitefuldealingstherefore,andthesepersecutionsofourenemies,this
greatcontemptandingratitude,thiscruelandprivyhatredofthemamongwhomwelive,are
suchpleasantsightsandmakeussomerry,thatweeasilyforgetvainglory.Wherefore,
rejoicingintheLordwhoisourglory,weremaininorder.
Thoughwefarsurpassotherinspiritualgifts,weacknowledgethesetobethegiftsof
God,andnotourown,givenfortheedifyingoftheBodyofChristthereforewebenotproud
ofthem.Forweknowthatmoreisrequiredofthemtowhommuchiscommitted,thanof
themwhichhavereceivedbutlittle.Moreover,weknowthatthereisnorespectofpersons
beforeGod.ThereforeapoorartificerfaithfullyusingthegiftwhichGodhathgivenhim,
pleasethGodnolessthanapreacheroftheWordforheservethGodinthesamefaithand
withthesamespirit.WhereforeweoughtnolesstoregardthemeanestChristians,thanthey
regardus.Andbythismeansshallwecontinuefreefromthepoisonofvainglory,andwalkin
theSpirit.
Contrariwise,thefantasticalspiritswhichseektheirownglory,thefavorofmen,the
peaceoftheworld,theeaseoftheflesh,andnotthegloryofChrist,noryetthehealthof
menssouls(althoughtheyprotestthattheyseeknothingelse)cannotchoosebutdiscover
themselvesincommendingtheirowndoctrineandindustry,anddispraisingothermens,and
alltogetthemanameandpraise.Noman,saythey,knewthisbeforeme:Ifirstsawand
taughtthis,etc.Thereforetheyareallvaingloriousspirits,thatis,theydonotrejoiceand
gloryintheLordbutthendotheyglory,thenaretheystoutandhardy,whentheyare
magnifiedofthepeople,whoseheartstheywinbywonderfulsleightsandsubtletiesforin
theirwords,gestures,andwritings,theycancounterfeitanddissembleallthings.Butwhen
theyarenotpraisedandcommendedofthepeople,thenbetheythemostfearfulmeninthe
worldfortheyhateandshunthecrossofChristandpersecution.Onthecontrary,whenthey
arepraisedandmagnified,asIsaid,nonearesostout,noHectororAchillessoboldand
hardyasthey.
Suchaslyandcraftybeastthereforeistheflesh,thatfornoneothercauseitforsakethhis
function,corruptethtruedoctrine,andbreakeththeconcordoftheChurch,thanonlyupon
thiscursedvainglory.ThereforeitisnotwithoutcausethatPaulsosharplyinveighethagainst
itbothhereandinotherplaces,asbeforeinthefourthchapter:Theyare(saithhe)jealous
overyouamissyeatheywouldexcludeyoufromme,thatyeshouldaltogetherlovethem
thatistosay,theywoulddiscreditme,thattheythemselvesmightbefamous.Theyseeknot

Christsgloryandyoursalvation,buttheirownglory,myreproachandyourbondage.
Letusnotbedesirousofvainglory
Whichistoglory,notinGodandinthetruth(asIhavesaid)butinlies,intheopinion,
likingandestimationofthepeople.Hereisnorightfoundationoftrueglory,butafalse
foundation,andthereforeimpossiblelongtostand.Hethatpraisethamanasheisaman,isa
liarforthereisnothingpraiseworthyinhim,butallthingsareworthyofcondemnation.
Therefore,astouchingourperson,thisisourglory,thatallmenhavesinnedandare
guiltyofeverlastingdeathbeforeGod.Butthecaseisotherwisewhenourministryispraised.
Whereforewemustnotonlywish,butalsototheuttermostofourpowerendeavor,thatmen
maymagnifyitandhaveitinduereverenceforthisshallturntotheirsalvation.Paulwarneth
theRomansthattheyoffendnoman,totheend(saithhe)thatourcommoditybenotevil
spokenof(Romans14:16)andinanotherplace:thatourministrybenotreprehended(2
Corinthians6:3).
Therefore,whenourministryispraised,webenotpraisedforourownpersonssake,but
(asthePsalmsaith)wearepraisedinGodandinHisholyname(Psalm89:17).
Provokingoneanother,andenvyingoneanother
Herehedescribeththeeffectandfruitofvainglory.Hethatteachethanyerror,orisanauthor
ofanynewdoctrine,cannotbutprovokeothersandwhentheydonotapproveandreceivehis
doctrine,byandbyhebeginnethtohatethemmostbitterly.Weseeatthisdaywithwhat
deadlyhatredtheSectariesareinflamedagainstus,becausewewillnotgiveplacetothem,
andapprovetheirerrors.Wedidnotfirstprovokethem,norspreadabroadanywicked
opinionintheworld:but,rebukingcertainabusesintheChurch,andfaithfullyteachingthe
articleofjustification,havewalkedingoodorder.Butthey,forsakingthisarticle,havetaught
manythingscontrarytotheWordofGod,concerningtheSacraments,originalsin,thespoken
Word,etc.Here,becausewewouldnotlosethetruthoftheGospel,wehavesetourselves
againstthem,andhavecondemnedtheirerrors:whichthingbecausetheycouldnotabide,
theydidnotonlyprovokeusfirstwithoutcause,butalsodostillmostspitefullyhateus,and
thatuponnootheroccasionbutonlyuponvaingloryfortheywouldgladlydefaceus,that
theyalonemightruleandreign:fortheyimaginethatitisagreatglorytoprofesstheGospel,
whereasindeedthereisnogreaterignominyinthesightoftheworld.

CHAPTER6
Brethren,ifamanbeovertakeninanyfault,yewhicharespiritual,restoresuchaone
withthespiritofmeekness.
ANOTHERgoodlymoralprecept,andverynecessaryinthisourday.TheSacramentarians
seizeuponthisplaceandinferfromitthatweoughtinpatiencetoyieldsomewhatuntofallen
brethren,andtoconcealtheirerrorthroughlove,whichbelievethallthings,hopethallthings,

endurethallthings(1Corinthians13:7),especiallyseeingthatPaulhereplainlyteacheththat
theywhichbespiritualshouldrestorethemthaterrwithaspiritofmeekness.Thematter(say
they)isnotofsogreatmomentthatforthisonearticleweshouldbreakChristianconcord,
thanwhichtheChurchhathnothingmoregoodlyandprofitable,etc.Sotheydiscoursetous
oftheforgivenessofsins,andaccuseusofbeingobstinatebecausewewillnotyieldanhairs
breadthuntothem,norsuffertheirerror(whichtheywillnotopenlyconfess),andmuchless
willwerestoretheminaspiritofmeekness.Sodothesejollyfellowsadornthemselvesand
theircause,andbringusintocontemptwithmany.
Nothing(asChristismywitness)hathsogrievouslyvexedandtroubledmethesemany
yearsasthatdiscordindoctrine,whereofeventheSacramentariansthemselvesknowvery
wellthatIwasnottheauthor,iftheywillbutconfessthetruth.ForthatwhichIdidbelieve
andteachinthebeginningofthiscause,concerningjustification,theSacraments,andall
otherarticlesofChristiandoctrine,thatdoIyetatthisdaybelieveandprofess(butwith
greaterassurance:forthishathincreasedthroughstudy,practiceandexperience,andalso
throughgreatandfrequenttemptations)andIdodailyprayuntoChrist,thathewillpreserve
andstrengthenmeinthatfaithandconfessionuntothedayofhiscominginglory.Amen.
Moreover,itismanifestinthewholeofGermanythatthedoctrineoftheGospelwasatfirst
assailedbynonesavethePapistsandamongthemwhichreceivedit,therewasfullconcord
concerningallthearticlesofChristiandoctrine:whichconcorddidendureuntiltheSectaries
cameforthwiththeirnewopinions,notonlytouchingtheSacraments,butalsocertainother
articles.Theywerethefirstthattroubledthechurchesandbraketheirconcord.Fromthattime
forwardtherearose,astherecouldnotbutarise,moreandmoresectsandevengreater
dissensionsinconsequence.Whereforetheydousthisgreatinjuryagainsttheirconscience,
andsubjectusinthesightofalltheworldtothisintolerablereproachbeyondourdesert.Itis
averygrievousthingthattheguiltlessshouldsuffer,especiallyinsoburdensomeamatter,
thepunishmentwhichanotherhathdeserved.
Butwecouldeasilyforgetthisinjury,andreceiveandrestorethemwithaspiritof
meekness,ifonlytheywouldreturntotherightwayandwalkorderlywithus:thatistosay,
iftheywouldbelieveandteachgodlyconcerningtheLordsSupperandtheotherarticlesof
Christiandoctrine,andwithoneconsenttogetherwithuswouldpreach,nottheirown
opinions,butChrist,thattheSonofGodmightbeglorifiedthroughus,andtheFather
throughhim.Butseeingtheymakemuchofcharityandconcord,andmakelightofthematter
oftheSacrament,asthoughitwereofsmallmomenthowwethinkoftheEucharistinstituted
byChristourLord,thiswemayinnowisesufferbutasmuchastheypreachconcordoflife,
somuchmustwepreachconcordofdoctrineandfaith.Iftheywillletushavethissoundand
whole,thenwetogetherwiththemwillalsoextoltheconcordofcharity,whichisoffarless
accountthantheconcordoffaithoroftheSpirit.Forifthoulosethis,thouhastlostChrist:
andwhenheislost,charitywillprofittheenothing.Contrariwise,ifthouretaintheunityof
theSpirit,andChrist,ithurteththeenotifthoudissentfromthemwhichcorrupttheWord
andtherebyrendtheunityoftheSpirit.Ihadrather,therefore,thattheyandalltheworld
shoulddepartfrommeandbemyenemies,thanthatIshoulddepartfromChristandhavehim
formyenemy:whichmustcometopass,ifIshouldleavehissimpleandmanifestWordand
cleavetotheirvaindreams,wherebytheywrestthewordsofChristtotheirownopinion.
ButwithsuchasloveChristandfaithfullyteachandbelievehisWord,weoffernotonly
tokeeppeaceandconcord,butalsotobeartheirinfirmitiesandsins,andtorestorethem
whentheybefallen(asPaulherebiddethustodo)inaspiritofmeekness.SoPauldidbear

theinfirmityandfalloftheGalatiansandothers(whichwereledastraybythefalseapostles)
whentheyheartilyrepented.SohereceivedintogracethatunchasteCorinthian(2Corinthians
2:7f.)alsohereconciledOnesimustherunawayslave,whomhehadbegottenatRomeinhis
bonds,tohismaster(Philemon17).Therefore,thatwhichheteachethhereconcerningthe
dutyofsupportingtheweakandrestoringthefallen,thatdidhealsohimselfperform,but
towardssuchonlyascouldbehealed:thatistosay,suchasheartilyconfessedtheirsin,their
fall,theirerror,andreturnedtotherightway.Contrariwise,towardsthefalseapostles,which
wereobstinateanddefendedtheirdoctrine,sayingthatitwasnoterror,buttheverytruth,he
showedhimselfveryhardandsevere.Iwould,saithhe,theywereevencutoffwhich
troubleyouandhethattroublethyoushallbearhisjudgment,whosoeverhebe(Galatians
5:10,12).Again:Thoughweoranangelfromheaven,etc.,lethimbeaccursed(Galatians
1:8).NowwithoutdoubtthereweremanythatdefendedthefalseapostlesagainstPaul,saying
thattheyhadtheSpiritnoless,andwerenolessministersofChristandpreachersofthe
Word,thanPaulandthatalthoughtheyagreednotatallpointsindoctrinewithhim,yethe
oughtnotthereforetopronouncesohorribleasentenceagainstthem:forbythisobstinacyhe
didnothingbuttroublethechurchesanddestroytheirgoodlyconcord,&e.Butnothing
movedbythesearguments,Paulconfidentlycursethandcondemneththefalseapostles,
callingthemthetroublersofthechurchesandsubvertersoftheGospelofChristandhisown
doctrinehesoextolleththathewillhaveallthingstogiveplacetoit,whethertheconcordof
charity,theApostles,anangelfromheaven,etc.
Soneithercanwesufferthiscausetobemadeofsmallaccount,becausehewhosecause
itis,isgreat.Onceindeedhewassmall,whenhelayinthemanger:andyetnotwithstanding
hewaseventhensogreatthathewasworshippedbytheangelsandproclaimedLordofall.
ThereforewewillnotsufferhisWordtobeinjuredinanyarticle.Inthearticlesoffaith
nothingoughttoseemlittleorofsmallaccounttous,andsuchaswecouldforego.Forthe
remissionofsinspertainethtotheweakinfaithandlife,whichacknowledgetheirsinand
seekpardon,andnottosuchasarecorruptersofdoctrine,whichacknowledgenottheirerror
andsin,butstubbornlydefenditastruthandrighteousness.Andbysodoing,theycauseusto
losetheremissionofsins,becausetheypervertanddenytheWordthatpreachethand
bringeththesame.WhereforeletthemfirstbeatonewithusinChrist,thatis,letthem
confesstheirsinandcorrecttheirerrorandifthenweshouldbelackinginthespiritof
meekness,theymightjustlyaccuseus.
HethatdiligentlyweigheththewordsoftheApostle,mayplainlyperceivethathe
speakethnotofheresiesorsinsagainstdoctrine,butoffarlessersins,intothewhichaman
fallethnotwillfullyandofsetpurpose,butofinfirmity.Andhereofitcomeththatheusethso
gentleandfatherlywords,notcallingiterrororsin,butafault.Again,totheintentto
diminish,andasitweretoexcusethesin,andtoremovethewholefaultfromman,headdeth:
Ifanymanbeovertaken,thatistosay,bebeguiledofthedevilortheflesh.Yea,andthis
termornameofmanhelpethsomethingalsotodiminishandqualifythematter.Asifhe
shouldsay:Whatissoproperuntomanastofall,tobedeceived,andtoerr?SosaithMoses
inLeviticus6:3:Theyarewonttosinlikemen.Whereforethisisasentencefullofcomfort,
whichonceinaterribleconflictdeliveredmefromdeath.
Forasmuchthenasthesaintsinthislifedonotonlyliveintheflesh,butnowandthen
alsothroughtheenticementofthedevil,fulfillthelustoftheflesh,thatistosay,fallinto
impatiency,envy,wrath,error,doubting,distrust,andsuchlike(forSatanalwaysassaileth
both,thatis,aswellthepurityofdoctrine,whichhelaborethtotakeawaybysectsand

dissensions,asalsothesoundnessoflife,whichhecorruptethwithdailyfaultsandoffenses)
thereforePaulteachethhowsuchmenthatarefallenshouldbedealtwithal,namely,thatthey
whicharestrong,shouldraiseupandrestorethemagainwiththespiritofmeekness.
Thesethingsitbehoveththemspeciallytoknow,whichareintheministryoftheWord,
lestwhilsttheygoabouttotouchallthingstothequick,theyforgetthefatherlyandmotherly
affectionwhichPaulhererequirethofthosethathavethechargeofsouls.Andofthisprecept
hehathsetforthanexample(2Corinthians2:6ff.),wherehesaiththatitwassufficientthat
hewhichwasexcommunicatewasrebukedofmany,andthattheyoughtnowtoforgivehim
andcomforthim,lestheshouldbeswallowedupwithovermuchsorrow.WhereforeIbeseech
you(saithhe)usecharitytowardshim,etc.Thereforethepastorsandministersmustindeed
sharplyrebukethosewhicharefallen,butwhentheyseethattheyaresorrowfulfortheir
offenses,thenletthembegintoraisethemupagain,tocomfortthemandtodiminishand
qualifytheirfaultsasmuchastheycan,butyetthroughmercyonly,whichtheymustset
againstsin,lesttheythatbefallenbeswallowedupwithovermuchheaviness.AstheHoly
Ghostispreciseinmaintaininganddefendingthedoctrineoffaith,soishemildandpitifulin
forbearingandqualifyingmenssins,iftheywhichhavecommittedthembesorrowfulforthe
same.
ButasforthePopessynagogue,likeasinallothermattersithathbothtaughtanddone
cleancontrarytothecommandmentandexampleofPaul,evensohathitdoneinthisthing
also.TheRomanpontiffandhisbishopshavebeenverytyrantsandbutchersofmens
consciences,Fortheyhaveburdenedthemfromtimetotimewithnewtraditions,andfor
everylightmatterhavevexedthemwiththeirexcommunicationsandthattheymightthe
moreeasilyobeytheirvainterrors,theyannexedthereuntothesesentencesofPopeGregory:
Itisthepartandpropertyofgoodmindstobeafraidofafaultwherenofaultis.Andagain:
Ourcensuresmustbefeared,yea,thoughtheybeunjustandwrongful.Bythesesayings
(whichwerebroughtintotheChurchbythedevil)theyestablishedtheirexcommunication
andthismajestyofthepapacy,whichissoterribletothewholeworld.Thereisnoneedof
suchhumilityandgoodnessofminds,butitisenoughtoconfessafaultwhereafaultis.O
thouRomishSatan,whogavetheethispowertoterrifyandcondemnmensconsciences,that
wereterrifiedenoughbefore,withthyunjustandwrongfulsentences?
Thououghtestrathertohaveraisedthemup,tohavedeliveredthemfromfalsefears,and
tohavebroughtthemfromliesanderrorstothetruth.Thisthouomittest,andaccordingtothy
titleandname,towit,themanofsinandchildofperdition(2Thessalonians2:3),thou
imaginestafaultwherenofaultis.ThisisindeedthecraftanddeceitofAntichrist,whereby
thePopehathmostmightilyestablishedhisexcommunicationandtyranny.
Forwhosoeverdespisedhisunjustsentenceswascountedveryobstinateandwicked:as
someprincesdid,howbeitagainsttheirconsciencesforinthosetimesof.darkness,theydid
notunderstandthatthePopescurseswerevain.
Letthemthereforetowhomthechargeofmensconsciencesiscommitted,learnbythis
commandmentofPaul,howtheyoughttohandlethosethathaveoffended.Brethren(saith
he),ifanymanbeovertaken,donottroublehimormakehimmoresorrowful:benotbitter
untohimdonotrejectorcondemnhim,butamendhimandraisehimupagainandbythe
spiritoflenityandmildnessrestorethatwhichinhimisdecayedbythedeceitofthedevilor
bytheweaknessoftheflesh.Forthekingdomwhereuntoyearecalled,isakingdomnotof
terrororheaviness,butofboldness,joy,andgladness.Thereforeifyeseeanybrothercast
downandafflictedbyoccasionofsinwhichhehathcommitted,rununtohim,andreaching

outyourhand,raisehimupagain,comforthimwithsweetwords,andembracehimwith
motherlyarms.Asforthosethatbehardheartedandobstinate,whichwithoutfearcontinue
carelessintheirsins,rebukethemsharply.Butontheotherside(asIsaid)theythatbe
overtakenwithanysin,andareheavyandsorrowfulfortheirfaultwhichtheyhave
committed,mustberaisedupandadmonishedbyyouthatarespiritual,andthatinthespirit
ofmeekness,andnotinthezealofseverejustice,assomehavedone,whowhentheyshould
haverefreshedthirstyconscienceswithsomesweetconsolation,gavethemgallandvinegar
todrink,astheJewsdiduntoChristhangingontheCross.Thesethingsdosufficientlyshow
thattheforgivenessofsinsmustbeapplied,notuntodoctrine,butuntolifeandourworks.
Hereletnomancondemnanotherorupbraidhimharshlyandinanger.Ezekiel(Ezekiel34:4)
saithoftheshepherdsofIsrael,thattheyruledtheflockofGodwithcrueltyandrigor:buta
brotheroughttocomforthisbrotherthatisfallen,withalovingandmeekspirit.Again,let
himthatisfallenhearthewordofhimthatraisethhimup,andbelieveit.
ForGodwouldnothavethosethatarebruisedtobecastaway,buttoberaisedup,asthe
Psalmsaith(Psalm145:14).ForGodhathbestowedmoreuponthemthanwehavedone,that
istosay,thelifeandbloodofhisownSon.Whereforeweoughtalsotoreceive,toaidand
comfortsuchwithallmildnessandgentleness.Whereforewerefusenotpardontothe
Sacramentariansorotherauthorsofimpioussects,butfromourheartsweforgivethemtheir
insultsandblasphemiesagainstChrist:andofthehurttheyhavedoneuntous,wewillnever
makementionagain,ifonlytheywillrepent,putawaytheirwickeddoctrinewherewiththey
havetroubledthechurches,andwalkintherightwayorderlywithus.Butiftheycontinuein
theirerror,anddestroythetrueorder,invaindotheyrequireofustheforgivenessofsins.
Consideringthyself,lestthoualsobetempted
Thisisaverynecessaryadmonitiontobeatdownthesharpdealingsofsuch[pastors]asshow
nopityinraisingupandrestoringagainthemwhicharefallen.Thereisnosin(saith
Augustine)whichanymanhathdone,butanothermanmaydothesame.Westandona
slipperygroundthereforeifwewaxproudandleaveoffourduty,thereisnothingsoeasy
untousastofall.ItwaswellsaidthereforeofoneinthebookcalledTheLivesoftheFathers,
whenitwastoldhimthatoneofhisbrethrenwasfallenintowhoredom:Hefellyesterday
(saithhe),andImayfalltoday.Paulthereforeaddeththisearnestadmonition,thatthe
pastorsshouldnotberigorousandunmercifultowardstheoffenders,ormeasuretheirown
holinessbyothermenssinsbutthattheyshouldbearamotherlyaffectiontowardsthem,and
thinkthuswiththemselves:ThismanisfallenitmaybethatIalsoshallfallmore
dangerouslyandmoreshamefullythanhedid.
Andiftheywhichbesoreadytojudgeandcondemnother,wouldwellconsidertheir
ownsins,theyshouldfindthesinsofotherswhicharefallentobebutmotes,andtheirown
sinstobegreatbeams(Matthew7:3).Lethimthereforethatstandethtakeheedlesthefall
(1Corinthians10:12).IfDavidwhichwassoholyaman,fulloffaithandtheSpiritofGod,
whichhadsuchnotablepromisesofGod,whichalsodidsomanyandgreatthingsforthe
Lord,didfallsogrievously,andbeingnowstrickeninyears,wasoverthrownwithyouthful
lustsaftersomanyanddiverstemptationswherewithGodhadexercisedhim,whyshouldwe
presumeofourownconstancy?Godbysuchexamplesdothshowuntous,firstourown
weakness,thatweshouldnotwaxproud,butstandinfearthenheshowethuntoushis
judgments,thathecanbearnothinglessthanpride,eitheragainsthimselforagainstour

brethren.Paulthereforesaith,notwithoutcause,consideringthyself,lestthoualsobe
tempted.Theythatbeexercisedwithtemptations,doknowhownecessarythis
commandmentis.Ontheotherside,theywhichbenottriedtherewith,donotunderstand
Paul,andthereforearenottouchedwithanypitytowardsthemthatarefallen:aswastobe
seeninpopery,wherenothingelsereignedbuttyrannyandcruelty.
Bearyeoneanothersburdens,andsofulfilthelawofChrist
Thisisagentlecommandmenttothewhichhejoinethagreatcommendation.Thelawof
Christisthelawoflove.Christ,afterhehadredeemedus,renewedusandmadeushis
Church,gaveusnootherlawbutthelawofmutuallove:AnewcommandmentgiveItoyou,
thatyeloveoneanother,asIhavelovedyou,and:Bythisshallallmenknowthatyearemy
disciplesetc.(John13:34f.).Andtoloveisnot(asthepopishsophistersdream)towishwell
onetoanother,butonetobearanothersburdens,thatis,tobearthosethingswhichbe
grievousuntothee,andwhichthouwouldestnotwillinglybear.ThereforeChristiansmust
havestrongshouldersandmightybones,thattheymaybearflesh,thatis,theweaknessof
theirbrethren:forPaulsaith,thattheyhaveburdensandtroubles.Lovethereforeismild,
courteous,patient,notinreceiving,butingivingforitisconstrainedtowinkatmanythings,
andtobearthem.FaithfulteachersdoseeintheChurchmanyerrorsandoffenseswhichthey
arecompelledtobear.Inthecommonweal,subjectsareneversoobedienttothelawsofthe
magistratesastheyshouldbe.Thereforeunlessmagistratescanwinkanddissembleintime
andplace,theyshallneverbemeettorulethecommonwealth.Inhouseholdaffairstherebe
manythingsdone,whichdispleasethemasterofthehouse.Butifwebearandwinkatour
ownvicesandoffenseswhichwedailycommit,letusalsobearothermensfaults,according
tothissaying:bearyeoneanothersburdens,etc.,and:Thoushaltlovethyneighboras
thyself.
Seeingthentherebevicesineverystateoflife,andinallmen,thereforePaulsetteth
forththelawofChristuntothefaithful,wherebyheexhorteththemtobearoneanothers
burdens.Theywhichdonotso,doplainlywitnessthattheyunderstandnotonejotofthelaw
ofChrist,whichisthelawoflove:which,asPaulsaith(1Corinthians13.)believethall
things,hopethallthings,andbearethalltheburdensofthebrethrenyetalwaysholdingthe
firstcommandment,whereintheythatoffend,donottransgressthelawofChrist,thatisto
say,thelawofcharity,theydonothurtnoroffendtheirneighbor,butChristandhiskingdom
whichhehathpurchasedwithhisownblood.Thiskingdomisnotmaintainedbythelawof
charity,butbytheWordofGod,byfaithandbytheHolyGhost.Thiscommandmentthenof
bearingoneanothersburdensbelongethnottothemwhichdenyChrist,andnotonlydonot
acknowledgetheirsin,butalsodefenditneitherdothitbelonguntothosewhichcontinue
stillintheirsins(whoalsodopartlydenyChrist),butsuchmustbeforsaken,lestwebecome
partakersoftheirevilworks.Onthecontrary,theywhichwillinglyheartheWordofGodand
believe,andyetnotwithstandingagainsttheirwilldofallintosin,andaftertheybe
admonished,donotonlyreceivesuchadmonitiongladly,butalsodetesttheirsinand
endeavortoamendthese,Isay,aretheywhichbeovertakenwithsin,andhavetheburdens
thatPaulcommandethustobear.Inthiscaseletusnotberigorousandmercilessbutafter
theexampleofChrist,whobearethandforbearethsuch,letusbearandforbearthemalsofor
ifhepunishnotsuch(whichthingnotwithstandinghemightjustlydo),muchlessoughtweso
todo.

Forifanymanthinkhimselftobesomewhat,whenindeedheisnothing,hedeceiveth
himself
Hereagainhereprehendeththeauthorsofsects,andpainteththemoutantheirrightcolorsto
wit,thattheybehardhearted,merciless,andwithoutcompassion,suchasdespisetheweak,
andwillnotvouchsafetobeartheirburdens,butrequireallthingsstraitlyandprecisely(like
waywardhusbandsandsevereschoolmasters)whomnothingcanpleasebutwhatthey
themselvesdowhoalsowillbealwaysthybitterenemiesunlessthoucommendwhatsoever
theysayordo,andinallthingsframethyselfaccordingtotheirappetite.Ofallmentherefore
theyaretheproudest,anddaretakeuponthemallthings.AndthisisitthatPaulsaithhere:
theythinkthemselvestobesomewhat,thatistosay,thattheyhavetheHolyGhost,thatthey
understandallthemysteriesoftheScriptures,thattheycannoterrandfall,andneednotthe
remissionofsins,etc.
WhereforePauladdethverywell,thattheyarenothingbutthattheydeceivethemselves
withthefoolishpersuasionsoftheirownwisdomandholiness.Theyunderstandnothing
thereforeeitherofChristorofthelawofChristforiftheydid,theywouldsay:Brother,thou
artinfectedwithsuchavice,andIaminfectedwithanother.Godhathforgivenmeten
thousandtalents,andIwillforgivetheeanhundredpence,etc.(Matthew18:23ff.).Butwhen
theywillrequireallthingssoexactly[andwithsuchperfection,]andwillinnowisebearthe
burdensoftheweak,theyoffendmanywiththistheirsharpnessandseverity,whobeginto
despise,hateandshunthem,andseeknotcomfortorcounselattheirhands,norregardwhat
orhowtheyteachwhereascontrariwise,pastorsoughtsotobehavethemselvestowardsthose
overwhomtheyhavetakencharge,thattheymightloveandreverencethem,notfortheir
person,butfortheirofficeandChristianvirtueswhichespeciallyoughttoshineinthem.Paul
thereforeinthisplacehathrightlypaintedoutsuchsevereandmercilesssaints,whenhesaith:
Theythinkthemselvestobesomewhat,thatistosay,beingpuffedupwiththeirownfoolish
opinionsandvaindreams,theyhaveamarvelouspersuasionoftheirownknowledgeand
holiness,andyetinverydeedtheyarenothing,anddobutdeceivethemselves.Foritisa
manifestbeguilingwhenamanpersuadethhimselfthatheissomewhat,whenindeedheis
nothing.SuchmenarewelldescribedinthethirdoftheApocalypseinthesewords:Thou
sayest:Iamrichandincreasedwithgoods,andhaveneedofnothing,andknowestnothow
thouartwretchedandmiserable,andpoor,andblind,andnaked,etc.
Butleteverymantryhisownwork,andthenheshallhaverejoicinginhimselfonly,and
notinanother
Hegoethforwardinrebukingthoseproudandvaingloriousfellows.Forthedesireof
vaingloryisanodiousandcursedviceitistheoccasionofallevils,andtroublethboth
commonwealsandconsciences.Andespeciallyinspiritualmattersitissuchanevilasis
incurable.Andalbeitthatthisplacemaybeunderstoodoftheworksofthislifeorcivil
conversation,yetprincipallytheApostlespeakethoftheworkoftheministry,andinveigheth
againstthosevaingloriousheads,whichwiththeirfantasticalopinionsdotroublewell
instructedconsciences.
Andthisisthepropertyofthosewhichareinfectedwiththispoisonofvainglory,that
theyhavenoregardwhethertheirworks,thatistosay,theirministry,bepure,[simpleand
faithful,]ornotbutthisonlytheyseek,thattheymayhavethepraiseofthepeople.Sothe
falseapostles,whentheysawthatPaulpreachedtheGospelpurelytotheGalatians,andthat

theycouldnotbringanybetterdoctrine,begantofindfaultatthosethingswhichhehad
godlyandfaithfullytaught,andtoprefertheirowndoctrinebeforethedoctrineofPauland
bythissubtilitytheywonthefavoroftheGalatians,andbroughtPaulintohatredamong
them.Theretheproudandvaingloriousdojointhesethreevicestogether:first,theyare
greedyofglorysecondly,theyaremarvelouswittyandwilyinfindingfaultwithothermens
doingsandsayings,therebytopurchasethe[love,thewelllikingand]praiseofthepeople
andthirdly,whentheyhaveoncegottenaname(thoughitbebyothermenstravail),they
becomesostoutandfullofstomach,thattheydareventureuponallthings.Thereforetheyare
perniciousandpestilentfellows,whomIhateevenwithmyveryheartfortheyseektheir
own,andnotthatwhichisofJesusChrist,etc.(Philippians2:21).
AgainstsuchPaulspeakethhere.Asifheshouldsay:Suchvaingloriousspiritsdotheir
work,thatistosay,theyteachtheGospeltothisendthattheymaywinpraiseandestimation
amongmen,thatis,thattheymaybecountedexcellentdoctors,withwhomPaulandothers
mightnotbecompared.Andwhentheyhavegottenthisestimation,thenbegintheyto
reprehendthesayingsanddoingsofothermen,andhighlycommendtheirown:andbythis
subiltytheybewitchthemindsofthepeople,who,becausetheyhaveitchingears,arenot
onlydelightedwithnewopinions,butalsorejoicetoseethoseteacherswhichtheyhad
before,tobeabasedanddefacedbythesenewupstartsandgloriousheads,andallbecause
theyarecometoafullnessandloathingoftheWord.
Thusitoughtnottobe,saithhe,butleteverymanbefaithfulinhisoffice:lethimnot
seekhisownglory,nordependuponthepraiseandcommendationofthepeople,butlethis
onlycarebetodohisworktruly,thatis,lethimteachtheGospelpurely.Andifhisworkbe
sincereandsound,lethimassurehimselfthatheshalllacknopraiseeitherbeforeGodor
amongthegodly.Inthemeanspace,ifhebenotcommendedoftheunthankfulworld,letthis
nothingmovehim:forheknoweththattheendofhisministryis,notthathe,butthatChrist
shouldbeglorifiedthereby.Wherefore,beingfurnishedwiththearmorofrighteousnesson
therighthandandontheleft(2Corinthians6:7),lethimsaywithaconstantmind:Ibegan
nottoteachtheGospeltotheendthattheworldshouldmagnifyme,andthereforeIwillnot
shrinkfromthatwhichIhavebegun,iftheworldhate,slander,orpersecuteme.Hethatis
suchaone,teacheththeWordandattendethuponhisofficefaithfully,withoutanyworldly
respect,thatis,withoutregardofgloryorgain,withoutthestrength,wisdomorauthorityof
anyman.Heleanethnottothepraiseofothermen,forhehathitinhimself.
Whereforehethattrulyandfaithfullyexecutethhisoffice,carethnotwhattheworld
speakofhimhecarethnotwhethertheworldpraiseordispraisehim,buthehathpraisein
himself,whichisthetestimonyofhisconscienceand[praiseor]gloryinGod.Hemay
thereforesaywithPaul:
Thisisourrejoicing,[thisisourpraiseandglory,]eventhetestimonyofourconscience,
thatinsimplicityandsinceritybeforeGod,andnotinfleshlywisdom,butinthegraceof
God,wehavehadourconversationinthisworld(2Corinthians1:12).Thisgloryisuncorrupt
andsteadfastforitdependethnotonothermensjudgments,butofourownconscience,
whichbearethuswitnessthatwehavetaughttheWordpurely,ministeredtheSacraments
rightly,andhavedoneallthingswell,andthereforeitcannotbedefacedortakenfromus.
Theotherglorywhichthevainglorious[spirits]seek,isuncertainandmostperilous,for
thattheyhaveitnotinthemselves,butitconsistethinthemouthandopinionofthepeople.
Thereforecantheynothavethetestimonyoftheirownconscience,thattheyhavedoneall
thingswithsimplicityandsincerityfortheadvancingofthegloryofGodonlyandthe

salvationofsouls.Forthisisitwhichtheyseek,thattheymaybecountedfamousthroughthe
workandlaboroftheirpreaching,andbepraisedofmen.Theyhavethereforeaglory,atrust
andatestimonybutbeforemen,notinthemselvesnorbeforeGod.Thegodlydonotdesire
gloryafterthismanner.IfPaulhadhadhispraisebeforemen,andnotinhimself,heshould
havebeencompelledtodespairwhenhesawmanycities,countries,andallAsiafallfrom
himwhenhesawsomanyoffensesandslanders,andsomanyheresiestofollowhis
preaching.Christwhenhewasalone,thatis,whenhewasnotonlysoughtforbytheJewsto
beputtodeath,butalsowasforsakenofhisdisciples,wasyetnotalone,buttheFatherwas
withhim,forhehadglory[andrejoicing]inhimself(John16:32).
Soatthisday,ifourtrust,ourgloryandrejoicingdiddependuponthejudgmentand
favorofmen,weshoulddiewithveryanguishandsorrowofheart.Forsofaroffisitthatthe
Papists,Sectaries,andthewholeworlddojudgeusworthyofanyreverenceorpraise,that
theyhateandpersecuteusmostbitterlyyeatheywouldgladlyoverthrowourministryand
rootoutourdoctrineforever.Wehavethereforenothingbeforemenbutreproach.
ButwerejoiceandwegloryintheLordandthereforewedocheerfullyandfaithfully
attenduponourofficewhichhehathgivenusandwhichweknowisacceptabletohim.Thus
doing,wecarenotwhetherourworkdopleaseordispleasethedevil,whethertheworldlove
orhateus.Forwe,knowingourworktobewelldone,andhavingagoodconsciencebefore
God,goforwardbyhonoranddishonor,byevilreportandgoodreport,etc.(2Corinthians
6:8).This,saithPaul,istohave[rejoicingor]gloryinthyself.Andthisadmonitionisvery
necessaryagainstthatexecrableviceofvainglory.
TheGospelisadoctrinewhichbothofitself,andalsobythemaliceofthedevil,bringeth
withitthecrossandpersecution.ThereforePauliswonttocallittheWordofthecrossandof
offense(1Corinthians1:18).Ithathnotalwayssteadfastandconstantdisciples.Manythere
bethattodaymakeprofessionthereofandembraceit,whichtomorrow,beingoffendedwith
thecross,willfallfromitanddenyit.TheythereforethatteachtheGospeltotheendthat
theymayobtainthefavorandpraiseofmen,mustneedsperish,andtheirglorybeturnedto
shame,whenthepeopleceasetoreverenceandmagnifythem.Whereforeletallpastorsand
ministersoftheWordlearntohaveglory[andrejoicing]inthemselves,andnotinthemouth
ofothermen.Iftherebeanythatpraisethem,asthegodlyarewonttodo(Byevilreportand
goodreport,saithPaul),yetletthemreceivethisglorybutasashadowoftruegloryandlet
themthinkthesubstanceofglorytobeindeedthetestimonyoftheirownconscience.Hethat
dothso,provethhisownwork,thatis,heregardethnothisownglory,buthisonlycareisto
dohisofficefaithfully,thatistosay,toteachtheGospelpurely,andtoshowthetrueuseof
theSacraments,etc.Whenhethusprovethhisownwork,hehathgloryandrejoicingin
himself,whichnomancantakefromhimforhehathitsurelyplantedandgroundedinhis
ownheart,andnotinothermensmouths,whomSatancanveryeasilyturnaway,andcan
makethatmouthandtonguenowfullofcursing,whichalittlebeforewasfullofblessing.
Therefore,saithPaul,ifyebedesirousofglory,seekitwhereitshouldbesought,notin
themouthofothermen,butinyourownheartwhichyethendo,whenyeexecuteyouroffice
trulyandfaithfully.Soshallitcometopass,thatbesidestheglorywhichyehavein
yourselves,yeshallhavepraiseandcommendationalsobeforemen.Butifyegloryinother
men,andnotinyourselves,thatshameandconfusionwhichyehaveinwardlyinyourselves,
shallnotbewithoutreproachandconfusionalsooutwardlybeforemen.Thishaveweseenin
certainfantasticalspiritsintheseourdays,whichprovednottheirwork,thatis,theydidnot
seekonlyto.preachtheGospelpurelyandsimply,butmisusedittogainpraiseamongmen,

contrarytothesecondcommandment.Therefore,aftertheirinwardconfusion,therefollowed
alsoanoutwardconfusionandshameamongmen,accordingtothatsaying:TheLordwill
notholdhimguiltlessthattakethhisnameinvain(Exodus20:7)andagain:Theywhich
despiseme,shallbedespised(1Samuel2:30).Contrariwise,ifweseekfirstthegloryofGod
bytheministryoftheWord,thensurelyourglorywillfollow,accordingtothatsaying:Him
thathonourethme,Iwillglorify.
Toconclude,leteverymanprovehisworkthatis,lethimdohisendeavorthathis
ministrymaybefaithful:forthisaboveallthingsisrequiredintheministersoftheWord(1
Corinthians4:2).Asifheshouldsay:Leteverymanendeavorpurelyandfaithfullytoteach
theWord,andlethimhaveaneyetonothingelsebutthegloryofGodandthesalvationof
soulsthenshallhisworkbefaithfulandsoundthenshallhehavegloryandrejoicinginhis
ownconscience,sothathemayboldlysay,thismydoctrineandministrypleasethGod.And
thisisindeedanexcellentglory.
Thissentencemayalsobewellappliedtothoseworkswhicharedoneofthefaithfulin
everystateoflife.As,ifamagistrate,anhouseholder,aservant,aschoolmaster,ascholar,
etc.abideinhisvocation,anddohisdutythereinfaithfully,nottroublinghimselfwiththose
workswhichpertainnottohisvocation,hemaygloryandrejoiceinhimselfforhemaysay:
IhavedonetheworksofmyvocationappointeduntomebyGod,withsuchfaithfulnessand
diligenceasIwasable.ThereforeIknowthatthiswork,beingdoneinfaithandobedienceto
God,pleasethGod.Ifotherspeakevilofit,Ipasslittlethereof.Fortherebealwayssome
whichdespiseandslanderthedoctrineandlifeofthegodly.ButGodhaththreatenedto
destroyalllyinglipsandslanderoustongues.Thereforewhilstsuchmendogreedilyseek
aftervainglory,andwithliesandslandersgoabouttodefacethegodly,ithappenethtothem
asPaulsaith:Whosegloryistheirshame(Philippians3:19)andinanotherplace:Their
foolishnessshallbeknowntoallmen(2Timothy2:9).Bywhom?
EvenbyGodtherighteousjudge,whoashewilluttertheirfalseaccusationsand
slanders,sowillherevealtherighteousnessofthegodlylikethenoonday,asitissaid,Psalm
37.
Thiscause,inhimself(totouchthisalsobytheway)mustsobeunderstoodthatGodbe
notexcluded:thatis,thateverymanmayknow,inwhatgodlystateoflifesoeverhebe,that
hisworkisadivinework:foritistheworkofhisvocationhavingthecommandmentofGod.
Foreverymanshallbearhisownburden
Thisis,asitwere,thereasonorconfirmationoftheformersentence,lestanymanshouldlean
toothermensjudgments[inpraisingandcommending]ofhim,Asifhesaid:Itisextreme
madnessfortheetoseekgloryinanother,andnotinthyself.Forintheagonyofdeathandthe
lastjudgment,itshallnothingprofittheethatothermenhavepraisedtheeforothermenshall
notbearthyburden,butthoushaltstandbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist,andshaltbearthy
burdenalone.Therethypraisersshallnothinghelpthee.Forwhenwedie,thesevoicesof
praiseshallceaseuntous.Andinthatday,whentheLordshalljudgethesecretsofallhearts,
thewitnessofthineownconscienceshallstandeitherwiththeeoragainstthee(Romans
2:15).Againstthee,ifthouhavethygloryinothermenwiththee,ifthouhaveitinthyself,
thatistosay,ifthyconsciencebeartheewitnessthatthouhastfulfilledtheministryofthe
Wordsincerelyandfaithfully,havingrespecttothegloryofGodonlyandthesalvationof
souls,orhastotherwisedonethydutyaccordingtothycalling.Andthesewords:Everyman

shallbearhisownjudgment,areveryvehement,andoughtsototerrifyus,thatweshould
notbedesirousofvainglory.
Andthismoreoveristobenoted,thatwearenothereinthematterofjustification,where
nothingavailethbutmeregraceandforgivenessofsins,whichisreceivedbyfaithalone,
whereallourworksalso,yeaevenourbestworks,andsuchasaredoneaccordingtoGods
calling,haveneedofforgivenessofsins,becausewedothemnotperfectly.Butthisis
anothercase.Hetreatethnothereoftheremissionofsins,butcomparethtrueworksand
hypocriticalworkstogether.Thesethingsthereforeoughtthustobetaken,thatalthoughthe
workorministryofagodlypastorisnotsoperfect,butthathehathneedofforgivenessof
sins,yetinitselfitisgoodandperfect,incomparisonoftheministryofthevaingloriousman.
Soourministryisgoodandsound,becauseweseektherebythegloryofGodandthe
salvationofsouls.Buttheministryofthefantasticalheadsisnotso,fortheyseektheirown
praise.AlbeitthereforethatnoworkscanquiettheconsciencebeforeGodyetisitnecessary
thatweshouldpersuadeourselvesthatwehavedoneourworkuprightly,trulyandaccording
toGodscalling,thatis,thatwehavenotcorruptedtheWordofGod,buthavetaughtit
purely[andfaithfully].Thistestimonyofconsciencewehaveneedof,thatwehavedoneour
dutyuprightlyinourfunctionandcalling,andledourlifeaccordingly.Sofaroughtwethen
togloryastouchingourworks,asweknowthemtobecommandedofGod,andthatthey
pleasehim.Foreveryoneinthelastjudgmentshallbearhisownburden,andthereforeother
menspraisesshalltherenothinghelporprofithim.
Hithertohehathspokenagainstthatmostpestilentviceofvaingloryforthesuppressing
whereof,nomanissostrong,butthathehathneedofcontinualprayer.Forwhatman,almost
evenamongthegodly,isnotdelightedwithhisownpraises?OnlytheHolyGhostcan
preserveusthatwebenotinfectedwiththisvice.
Lethimthatistaughtintheword,makehimthatteachethhimpartakerofallhisgoods
HerehepreachethtothedisciplesorhearersoftheWord,commandingthemtobestowall
goodthingsuponthosewhichhavetaughtandinstructedthemintheWord.Ihavesometimes
marveledwhytheApostlescommandedthechurchessodiligentlytonourishtheirteachers.
ForinpoperyIsawthatallmengaveabundantlytothebuildingandmaintainingofgoodly
temples,totheincreasingoftherevenuesandlivingsofthosewhichwereappointedtotheir
service.Hereofitcamethattheestimationandrichesofthebishopsandtherestoftheclergy
didsoincrease,thateverywheretheyhadinpossessionthebestandmostfruitfulgrounds.
ThereforethoughtIthatPaulhadcommandedthisinvain,seeingthatallmannerofgood
thingswerenotonlyabundantly,giventotheclergy,butalsotheyoverflowedinwealthand
riches.WhereforeIthoughtthatmenoughtrathertobeexhortedtowithholdtheirhandsfrom
giving,thanencouragedtogiveanymore.ForIsawthatbythisexcessiveliberalityofmen,
thecovetousnessoftheclergydidincrease.ButnowIknowthecausewhytheyhadsuch
abundanceofgoodthingsheretofore,andnowthepastorsandministersoftheWorddowant.
Beforetime,whennothingelsewastaughtbuterrorsandwickeddoctrine,theyhadsuch
plentyofallthings,thatofPeterspatrimony(whichdeniedthathehadeithersilverorgold)
andofspiritualgoods(astheycalledthem)thePopewasbecomeanemperor,thecardinals
andbishopsweremadekingsandprincesoftheworld.Butnow,sincetheGospelhathbeen
preachedandpublished,theprofessorsthereofbeasrichassometimeChristandhisApostles
were.Wefindthenbyexperience,howwellthiscommandmentofnourishingand

maintainingthepastorsandministersofGodsWordisobserved,whichPaulhereandin
otherplacessodiligentlyrepeatethandbeatethintotheheadsofhishearers.Thereisnowno
citywhichisknowntous,thatnourishethandmaintainethherpastorsandpreachers:butthey
areallentertainedwiththosegoodswhichweregiven,notuntoChrist,towhomnoman
givethanything(forwhenhewasbornhewaslaidinamangerinsteadofabed,becausethere
wasnoroomforhimintheinnafterwards,beingconversantamongmen,hehadnotwhereon
tolayhisheadandbriefly,beingspoiledofhisgarmentsandhangingnakedupontheCross
betweentwothieves,hediedmostmiserably),buttothePope,forthemaintenanceofhis
abominations,andbecauseheoppressingtheGospel,taughtthedoctrinesandtraditionsof
menandsetupidolatry.
AndasoftasIreadtheexhortationsofPaul,wherebyhepersuadeththechurches,either
thattheyshouldnourishtheirpastors,orshouldgivesomewhattothereliefofthepoorsaints
inJewry,Idogreatlymarvel,andamashamedthatsogreatanApostleshouldbeconstrained
tousesomanywordsfortheobtainingofthisbenefitofthecongregations.Writingtothe
Corinthians,hetreatethofthismatterintwowholechapters(Corinthians8and2Corinthians
9.).IwouldbelothtodefameWittenberg,whichindeedisnothingtoCorinth,ashedefamed
theCorinthiansinbeggingsocarefullyforthereliefandsuccorofthepoor.
ButthisisthelotoftheGospelwhenitispreached,thatnotonlyisnomanwillingto
giveanythingforthefindingofministersandmaintainingofscholars,butmenbegintospoil,
torob,andtosteal,andwithdiversecraftymeansonetobeguileanother.Tobebrief,men
seemsuddenlytogrowoutofkind,andtobetransformedintocruelbeasts.Contrariwise,
whenthedoctrineofdevilswaspreached,thenmenwereprodigal,andofferedallthings
willinglytothosethatdeceivedthem.TheprophetsdoreprovethesamesinintheJews,
whichwerelothtogiveanythingtothegodlypriestsandLevites,butgaveallthings
plentifullytothewicked.
NowthereforewebegintounderstandhownecessarythiscommandmentofPaulisas
touchingthemaintenanceoftheministersoftheChurch.ForSatancanabidenothingless
thanthelightoftheGospel.Thereforewhenheseeththatitbeginnethtoshine,thendothhe
rage,andgoethaboutwithallmainandmighttoquenchit.Andthisheattemptethtwo
mannerofways:first,bylyingspiritsandforceoftyrantsandthenbypovertyandfamine.
ButbecausehecouldnothithertooppresstheGospelinthiscountry(praisedbeGod)by
hereticsandtyrantsthereforeheattemptethtobringittopasstheotherway,thatis,by
withdrawingthelivingsoftheministersoftheWord,totheendthatthey,beingoppressed
withpovertyandnecessity,shouldforsaketheirministry,andsothemiserablepeoplebeing
destituteoftheWordofGod,shouldbecomeintimeassavageaswildbeasts.AndSatan
helpethforwardthishorribleenormitybyungodlymagistratesinthecities,andalsoby
noblemen[andgentlemen]inthecountry,whotakeawaytheChurchgoods,wherebythe
ministersoftheGospelshouldlive,andturnthemtowickeduses.Thesegoods,saiththe
prophetMicah(chapter1:7),weregatheredofthehireofanharlot,andthereforetoan
harlotshireshalltheyreturn.
Moreover,SatanturnethmenparticularlyalsofromtheGospelbyovermuchfullness.For
whentheGospelisdiligentlyanddailypreached,manybeinggluttedtherewithbeginto
loatheit,andbylittleandlittlebecomenegligentanduntowardtoallgodlyexercises.Again,
thereisnomanthatwillnowbringuphischildreningoodlearningandmuchlessinthe
studyoftheholyScripture,buttheyemploythemwhollytogainfulartsoroccupations.All
theseareSatanspractices,tonootherendbutthathemayoppresstheGospelinthisour

countrywithoutanyviolenceoftyrants,orsubtledevicesofheretics.
ItisnotwithoutcausethereforethatPaulwarneththehearersoftheGospeltomaketheir
pastorsandteacherspartakerswiththeminallgoodthings.Ifwe(saithhetothe
Corinthians)havesowntoyouspiritualthings,isitagreatmatterifwereapyourworldly
things?(Corinthians9:11).Thehearersthereforeoughttoministercarnalthingstothemof
whomtheyhavereceivedspiritualthings.Butbothhusbandmen,citizensandgentlemendoat
thisdayabuseourdoctrine,thatunderthecolorthereoftheymayenrichthemselves.
Heretofore,whenthePopereigned,therewasnomanwhichpaidnotsomewhatyearlytothe
priestsforanniversaries(astheycalledthem)andformasses,diriges,trentalsandsuchtrash.
Thebeggingfriarshadalsotheirpart.ThemerchandisesofRomelikewiseanddailyofferings
carriedawaysomewhat.Fromtheseandfromaninfinitenumberofsuchexactions,our
countrymenarenowdeliveredbytheGospel.Butsofaroffisitthattheyarethankfulunto
Godforthisliberty,thatofprodigalgiverstheyarenowbecomestarkthievesandrobbers,
andwillnotbestowonefarthingupontheGospelortheministersthereof,norgiveanything
forthereliefandsuccorofthepoorsaintswhichisacertaintokenthattheyhavelostboth
theWordandfaith,andthattheyhavenospiritualgoodnessinthem.Foritisimpossiblethat
suchasaregodlyindeed,shouldsuffertheirpastorstoliveinnecessityandpenury.But
forasmuchastheylaughandrejoicewhentheirpastorssufferanyadversity,andwithhold
theirlivingorgiveitnotwithsuchfaithfulnessastheyought,itisaplaintokenthattheyare
worsethantheheathen.
Buttheywillfeelereitbelongwhatcalamitieswillfollowthisunthankfulness.Forthey
shalllosebothtemporalandspiritualthings.Forthissinmustneedsbegrievouslypunished.
AndcertainlyIthinkthatthechurchesinGalatia,Corinthandotherplaces,weresotroubled
bythefalseapostlesfornoothercause,butforthattheylittleregardedtheirtruepastorsand
preachers.ForitisgoodreasonthathewhichrefusethtogiveapennytoGod,whooffereth
untohimallgoodthingsandlifeeverlasting,shouldgiveapieceofgoldtothedevil,the
authorofallevilsanddeatheverlasting.WhosowillnotserveGodinalittle,andthattohis
owninestimablebenefit,lethimservethedevilinmuchtohisextremeandutterconfusion.
NowthereforesincethelightoftheGospelbeginnethtoshine,weseewhatthedevilisand
whattheworldis.
Inthathesaith,inallhisgoods,itisnotsotobetakenthatallmenareboundtogiveall
thattheyhavetotheirministers,butthattheyshouldmaintainthemliberally,andgivethem
thatwherebytheymaybewellabletolive.
Benotdeceived,forGodisnotmocked
TheApostleprosecuteththisplaceofthenourishingandmaintainingofministersso
earnestly,thattohisformerreprehensionandexhortationheaddethnowalsoathreatening,
saying:Godisnotmocked.Andherehetouchethtothequicktheperversenessofour
countrymenwhichproudlydespiseourministry.Fortheythinkittobebutasportanda
gameandthereforetheygoabout(especiallythegentlemen)tomaketheirpastorssubject
untothemlikeservantsandslaves.Andifwehadnotsogodlyaprince,andonethatso
loveththetruth,theyhaderethistimedrivenusoutofthecountry.Whenthepastorsasktheir
duty,orcomplainthattheysufferpenury,theycryout:Thepriestsbecovetous,theywould
haveplentynomanisabletosatisfytheirunsatiablecovetousness:iftheyweretrue
gospellers,theyshouldhavenothingoftheirown,butaspoormen,oughttofollowpoor

Christ,andtosufferalladversities,etc.
Paulhorriblythreatenethheresuchtyrants,andsuchmockersofGod,whosocarelessly
andproudlydoscornthemiserablepreachers,andyetwillseemtobegospellers,andnotto
bemockersofGod,buttoworshiphimverydevoutly.Benotdeceived,saithhe,Godisnot
mocked,thatistosay,hedothnotsufferhimselftobemockedinhisministers.Forhesaith:
Hethatdespisethyou,despisethme(Luke10:16).AlsohesaithuntoSamuel:Theyhave
notcasttheeaway,butme(1Samuel8:7).
Therefore,Oyemockers,althoughGoddeferhispunishmentforaseason,yetwhenhe
seethtimehewillfindyouout,andwillpunishthiscontemptofhisWordandbitterhatred
whichyebearagainsthisministers.ThereforeyedeceivenotGodbutyourselves,andye
shallnotlaughatGod,buthewilllaughatyou(Psalm2).Butourproudgentlemen,citizens,
andcommonpeoplearenothingatallmovedwiththesedreadfulthreatenings.Nevertheless
theyshallfeelwhendeathapproacheth,whethertheyhavemockedthemselvesorusnay
rathernotus,butGodhimself,asPaulsaithhere.Inthemeantime,becausetheyproudly
despiseouradmonitionswithanintolerablepride,wespeakthesethingstoourcomfort,tothe
endwemayknowthatitisbettertosufferwrongthantodowrong:forpatienceisever
innocentandharmless.Moreover,Godwillnotsufferhisministerstostarveforhunger,but
evenwhentherichmensufferscarcityandhunger,hewillfeedthem,andinthedaysof
faminetheyshallhaveenough.
Forwhatsoeveramansoweth,thatheshallreap
Allthesethingstendtothispurpose,thatministersshouldbenourishedandmaintained.For
mypart,Idonotgladlyinterpretsuchsentences:fortheyseemtocommendus,andsothey
doindeed.Moreover,ifamanstandmuchinrepeatingsuchthingstohishearers,ithathsome
showofcovetousness.Notwithstanding,menmustbeadmonishedhereof,thattheymay
knowthattheyoughttoyielduntotheirpastorsbothreverenceandanecessaryliving.Our
SaviorChristteacheththesamethinginthetenthofLuke:Eatinganddrinkingsuchthingsas
theyhave,forthelaborerisworthyofhisreward.AndPaulsaithinanotherplace:Doyenot
knowthattheywhichsacrificeinthetemple,liveofthesacrificesandthattheywhichserve
atthealtar,arepartakersofthealtar?EvensohaththeLordordained,thattheywhichpreach
theGospelshouldliveoftheGospel(1Corinthians9:13f.).
Itisgoodthatwealsowhichareintheministry,shouldknowthesethings,lestforour
laborwemightwithevilconsciencereceivethestipendwhichisgivenuntousofthePopes
goods.Andalthoughsuchgoodswereheapedtogetherbymerefraudanddeceityet
notwithstanding,GodspoilingtheEgyptians(thatistosay,thePapists)oftheirgoods,turneth
themhereamongstus,toagoodandholyusenotwhennoblemen[andgentlemen]spoil
themandabusethem,butwhentheywhichsetforthGodsglory,andbringupyouth
virtuouslyaremaintainedtherewith.Foritisimpossibleforonemanbothtolabordayand
nighttogetaliving,andatthesametimetogivehimselftothestudyofsacredlearningasthe
preachingofficerequireth.Letusknowthenthatwemaywithgoodconscience(sinceGod
hathordainedandcommandedthattheywhichpreachtheGospelshouldliveoftheGospel)
usethosethingsthataregivenusoftheChurchgoodsforthenecessarysustentationofour
life,totheendwemayattenduponourofficethebetter.Letnomanthereforemakeany
scruplehereof,asthoughitwerenotlawfulforhimtousesuchgoods.

Forhethatsowethintheflesh,shallofthefleshreapcorruption:buthethatsowethin
thespirit,shallofthespiritreapeverlastinglife
Headdethasimilitudeandanallegory.Andthisgeneralsentenceofsowingheappliethtothe
particularmatterofnourishingandmaintainingtheministersoftheWord,saying:Hethat
sowethintheSpirit,thatistosay,hethatcherisheththeteachersofGodsWord,dotha
spiritualwork,andshallreapeverlastinglife.Hererisethaquestion,whetherwedeserve
eternallifebygoodworks?ForsoPaulseemethtoavouchinthisplace.Astouchingsuch
sentenceswhichspeakofworksandtherewardofthem,wehavetreatedverylargelybefore
inthefifthchapter.Andverynecessaryitis,aftertheexampleofPaul,toexhortthefaithful
togoodworks,thatistosay,toexercisetheirfaithbygoodworks.Forifworksfollownot
faith,itisamanifesttokenthattheirfaithisnotruefaith.ThereforetheApostlesaith:He
thatsowethintheflesh(someunderstanditinhisownflesh),thatistosay,hethatgiveth
nothingtotheministersofGodsWord,butonlyfeedethandcarethforhimself(whichisthe
counseloftheflesh),thatmanshallofthefleshreapcorruption,notonlyinthelifetocome,
butalsointhispresentlife.Forthegoodsofthewickedshallwasteaway,andthey
themselvesalsoatlengthshallshamefullyperish.TheApostlewouldfainstiruphishearers
tobeliberalandbeneficialtowardstheirpastorsandpreachers.Butwhatamiseryisit,that
theperversenessandingratitudeofmenshouldbesogreat,thatthechurchesshouldneedthis
admonition?
TheEncratitesabusedthisplace,fortheconfirmationoftheirwickedopinionagainst
marriage,expoundingitafterthismanner:Hethatsowethintheflesh,shallreapcorruption,
thatistosay,hethatmarriethawife,shallbedamnedergo,awifeisadamnablething,and
marriageisevil,forasmuchasthereisinitasowingintheflesh.Thesebeastswereso
destituteofalljudgment,thattheyperceivednotwhereabouttheApostlewent.Ispeakthisto
theendyemayseehoweasilythedevil,byhisministers,canturnawaytheheartsofthe
simplefromthetruth.Germanyshallshortlyhaveaninfinitenumberofsuch[devils
ministers],yeaandalreadyhathverymany:forontheonesideitpersecutethandkilleththe
godlyministersandontheothersideitneglectethanddespiseththem,andsuffereththemto
liveingreatpenury.Letusarmourselvesagainsttheseandsuchlikeerrors,andletuslearnto
knowthetruemeaningoftheScriptures.ForPaulspeakethnothereofmatrimony,butof
nourishingtheministersoftheChurch,whicheverymanthatisenduedbutwiththecommon
judgmentofreason,mayperceive.Andalthoughthisnourishmentisbutacorporalthing,yet
notwithstandinghecallethitasowingintheSpirit.Contrariwise,whenmengreedilyscrape
togetherwhattheycan,andseekonlytheirowngain,hecallethitasowingintheflesh.
HepronounceththosewhichsowintheSpirit,tobeblessedbothinthislifeandthelife
tocomeandtheotherwhichsowintheflesh,tobebothaccursedinthislifeandinthelifeto
come.
Andletusnotbewearyindoinggood,forinduetimeweshallreapwithoutweariness
TheApostle,intendingtocloseuphisEpistle,passethfromtheparticulartothegeneral,and
exhortethgenerallytoallgoodworks.Asifheshouldsay:Letusbeliberalandbountifulnot
onlytowardstheministersoftheWord,butalsotowardsallothermen,andthatwithout
weariness.Foritisaneasymatterforamantodogoodonceortwicebuttocontinue,and
nottobediscouragedthroughtheingratitudeandperversenessofthosetowhomhehathdone
good,thatisveryhard.Thereforehedothnotonlyexhortustodogood,butalsonottobe

wearyindoinggood.Andtopersuadeusthemoreeasilythereunto,headdeth:Forindue
timeweshallreapwithoutweariness.Asifhesaid:Waitandlookfortheperpetualharvest
thatistocomeandthenshallnoingratitudeorperversedealingofmenbeabletopluckyou
awayfromwelldoing:forintheharvesttimeyeshallreceivemostplentifulincreaseand
fruitofyourseed.Thuswithmostsweetwordsheexhorteththefaithfultothedoingofgood
works.
Thereforewhilewehavetime,letusdogooduntoallmen,butspeciallytothosethatbe
ofthehouseholdoffaith
Thisistheknittingupofhisexhortationfortheliberalmaintainingandnourishingofthe
ministersofthechurches,andgivingofalmstoallsuchashaveneed.Asifhehadsaid:Let
usdogoodwhileitisdayforwhennightcometh,wecannolongerwork(John9:4).Indeed
menworkmanythingswhenthelightoftruthistakenaway,butallinvainfortheywalkin
darkness,andwotnotwhithertheygo,andthereforealltheirlife,works,sufferingsanddeath
areinvain.AndbythesewordshetoucheththeGalatians.Asifheshouldsay:Exceptye
continueinthesounddoctrinewhichyehavereceivedofme,yourworkingofmuchgood,
yoursufferingofmanytroubles,andsuchotherthingsprofityounothingashesaidbeforein
thethirdchapter:Haveyesufferedsomanythingsinvain?Andbyanewkindofspeechhe
termeththosethehouseholdoffaith,whicharejoinedwithusinthefellowshipoffaith,
amongwhomtheministersoftheWordarethechiefest,andthenalltherestofthefaithful.
BeholdwhataletterIhavewrittenuntoyouwithmineownhand
HeclosethuphisEpistlewithanexhortationtothefaithful,andwithasharprebukeor
invectiveagainstthefalseapostles.Before,hecursedthefalseapostles.Now,asitwere
repeatingthesamethingagain,butwithotherwords,heaccuseththemverysharplytothe
endhemayfearandturnawaytheGalatiansfromtheirdoctrine,notwithstandingthegreat
authoritywhichtheyseemedtohave.Theteacherswhichyehave(saithhe)aresuchasfirst
regardnotthegloryofChristandthesalvationofyoursouls,butonlyseektheirownglory.
Secondly,theyflytheCross.Thirdly,theyunderstandnotthosethingswhichtheyteach,
muchlessdotheyperformthem.
Thesefalseteachers,beingaccusedoftheApostleforthreesuchexecrableenormities,
wereworthytobeavoidedofallmen.ButyetalltheGalatiansobeyednotthiswarningof
Paul.AndPauldoththefalseapostlesnowrongwhenhesovehementlyinveighethagainst
thembuthejustlycondemneththembyhisapostolicauthority.Inlikemanner,whenwecall
thePopeAntichrist,thebishopsandthefranticheadsacursedgeneration,weslanderthem
not,butbyGodsauthoritywejudgethemtobeaccursed,accordingtothatwhichissaidin
thefirstchapter:Ifwe,oranangelfromheaven,preachotherwisethanwehavepreached
untoyou,accursedbehe,forthey[hate,]persecuteandoverthrowthedoctrineofChrist.
Behold,saithhe,whataletterIhavewrittenuntoyouwithmineownhand.Thishesaith
tomovethem,andtoshowhismotherlyaffectiontowardsthem.Asifheshouldsay:Inever
wrotesolonganepistlewithmineownhandtoanyotherchurchasIhavedoneuntoyou.For
asforhisotherepistles,ashespake,otherswrotethem,andafterwardshesubscribedhis
salutationandnamewithhisownhand,asitistobeseenintheendofhisepistles.Andin
thesewords(asIsuppose)hehathrespecttothelengthoftheepistle.Othersometakeit

otherwise.
Asmanyasdesiretopleaseintheflesh,compelyoutobecircumcised,onlybecausethey
wouldnotsufferthepersecutionofthecrossofChrist
Heusethasignificantword:eujproswph~saitomakeafairshew.Theirchiefvirtue(saith
he)liethinthis,thattheyfawnuponthedignitariesandprelatesandtotheendtheymaywin
theirfavorandlosenothingoftheirownglory,theycompelyoutobecircumcised.Forthe
rulersoftheJewsdoobstinatelyresisttheGospelanddefendMosesandthefalseapostles
studytoservetheirhumorinoutwardlifeandconversation,thattheymaypleasethem.To
thisend,therefore,theyteachcircumcisionasnecessarytosalvation,thattheymayremainin
favorwiththemandavoidthepersecutionoftheCross.Suchatthisdayarecertaincunning
flatterersofthePope,ofthebishopsandprinces,whichcryoutagainstusandwickedly
defameourwritings,notforloveofdefendingthetruth,butthattheymaypleasetheiridols,
thePope,thebishops,thekingsandprincesofthisworld,andmaynotsufferthepersecution
oftheCrossofChrist.ButiftheymightobtainthroughtheGospelthosecarnalcommodities
whichtheyhaveoftheungodlybishopsandprincesoriftheprofessionoftheGospel
broughtwithittheriches,pleasures,peaceandsecurityofthefleshthenwouldthey
forthwithjointhemselvesuntous.
Yourteachers(saithPaul)arevainheads,andnotregardingthegloryofChristandyour
salvation,theyseekonlytheirownglory.Again,becausetheyareafraidoftheCross,they
preachcircumcisionandtherighteousnessoftheflesh,lesttheyshouldprovoketheJewsto
hateandpersecutethem.
Wherefore,althoughyehearthemneversogladlyandneversolong,yetshallyehearbut
suchasmaketheirbellytheirGod,seektheirownglory,andshuntheCross.Andhereisto
benotedacertainvehemencyinthewordcompel.Forcircumcisionisnothingofitself:but
tobecompelledtocircumcision,andwhenamanhathreceivedit,toputrighteousnessand
satisfactionthereinandifitbenotreceived,tomakeitasinthatisaninjuryuntoChrist.Of
thismatterIhavespokenlargelyenoughheretofore.
Fortheythemselvesthatarecircumcised,donotkeepthelawbuttheywouldhaveyou
circumcised,thattheymightgloryinyourflesh
IsnotPaulhereworthytobecalledanheretic?Forhesaith,thatnotonlythefalseapostles,
butallthenationoftheJewswhichwerecircumcised,keepnotthelaw,yearatherthatthey
whichwerecircumcised,infulfillingthelawfulfillitnot.ThisisagainstMoses,whosaith
thattobecircumcisedistokeepthelawandnottobecircumcisedistomakeGodscovenant
void(Genesis17:14).AndtheJewswerecircumcisedfornoneothercausebuttokeepthe
law,whichcommandedthateverymalechildshouldbecircumcisedtheeighthday,etc.
Hereofwehavebeforeentreatedatlarge,andthereforeweneednotnowtorepeatthesame
again.Nowthesethingsservetothecondemningofthefalseapostles,thattheGalatiansmay
befearedfromhearingofthem.Asifheshouldsay:Behold,Isetbeforeyoureyeswhat
mannerofteachersyouhave.First,theyarevaingloriousmen,whichseeknothingbuttheir
ownprofit,andcarefornothingbuttheirownbellysecondly,theyflytheCrossandfinally,
theyteachnotruthorcertaintybutalltheirsayingsanddoingsarecounterfeit[andfullof
hypocrisy].Wherefore,althoughtheykeepthelawoutwardlyintheiractionsyetinkeeping

it,theykeepitnot.ForwithouttheHolyGhostthelawcannotbekept.ButtheHolyGhost
cannotbereceivedwithoutChristandwheretheHolyGhostdwellethnot,theredwellethan
uncleanspirit,thatistosay,despisingGod,andseekinghisown[gainand]glory.
Thereforeallthathedothastouchingthelaw,ismerehypocrisyanddoublesin.Foran
uncleanheartdothnotfulfillthelaw,butonlymakethanoutwardshowthereof,andsoisit
moreconfirmedinhiswickednessandhypocrisy.
Anathissentenceisdiligentlytobemarked,thattheywhicharecircumcisedkeepnotthe
law,thatistosay,thattheywhicharecircumcisedarenotcircumcised,etc.Itmayalsobe
applieduntootherworks.Hethatworketh,prayeth,orsufferethwithoutChrist,worketh,
prayethandsufferethinvainforallthatisnotoffaithissin(Romans14:23).Itprofitetha
manthereforenothingatalltobeoutwardlycircumcised,tofast,topray,ortodoanyother
work,ifhebewithinadespiserofgrace,offorgivenessofsins,offaith,ofChrist,etc.,andbe
puffedupwiththeopinionandpresumptionofhisownrighteousness,whicharehorriblesins
againsttheFirstTable:andafterwardtherefollowalsoothersinsagainsttheSecondTable,as
disobedience,carnallust,furiousness,wrath,hatred,andsuchother.Thereforehesaithvery
well,thattheywhichbecircumcised,keepnotthelaw,butonlypretendthattheykeepit.But
thiscounterfeiting[orhypocrisy]isdoubleiniquitybeforeGod.
Whatmeanthefalseapostleswhentheywouldhaveyoutobecircumcised?Notthatye
mightbecomerighteousalthoughtheysobearyouinhand,butthattheymaygloryinyour
flesh.Now,whowouldnotdetestthismostpestilentviceofambitionanddesireofglory,
whichissoughtwithsogreatperilofmenssouls?Theyare(saithhe)deceitful,shameless
andvainspirits,whichservetheirownbellyandhatetheCross.
Again(whichisworstofall)theycompelyoutobecircumcisedaccordingtothelaw,
thattheymaytherebyabuseyourfleshtotheirownglory,andinsodoingtheybringyour
soulsintodangerofeverlastingdestruction.
ForwhatgainyeelsebeforeGodbutdamnation?Andwhatelsebeforemen,butthatthe
falseapostlesmayglorythattheyareyourteachers,andyetheirdisciples?Andyettheyteach
youthatwhichtheythemselvesdonot.Thusdothhesharplyreprovethefalseapostles.
Thesewords,Thattheymaygloryinyourflesh,areveryeffectual.Asifheshouldsay:
TheyhavenotthewordoftheSpiritthereforeitisimpossibleforyoutoreceivetheSpiritby
theirpreaching.Theydobutonlyexerciseyourflesh,makingyoufleshlyjusticiaries[or
justifiersofyourselves].Outwardlytheyobservedays,times,sacrifices,andsuchotherthings
accordingtothelaw,whicharealtogethercarnal,wherebyyereapnothingelsebut
unprofitablelaboranddamnation.Andontheotherside,thistheygainthereby,thatthey
boastthattheyareyourteachers,andhavecalledyoubackfromthedoctrineofPaulthe
heretic,untoyourmothertheSynagogue.SoatthisdaythePapistsbrag,thattheycallback
thosetothebosomof[theirmother]theChurch,whomtheydeceiveandseduce.
Contrariwise,weglorynotinyourflesh,butgloryastouchingyourspirit,becauseye
havereceivedtheSpiritbyourpreaching(Galatians3:2).
ButGodforbidthatIshouldglorybutinthecrossofourlordJesusChrist
TheApostleclosethupthematterwithanindignation,andwithgreatvehemenceofspirithe
castethoutthesewords:ButGodforbid,etc.Asifheshouldsay:Thiscarnalgloryand
ambitionofthefalseapostlesissodangerousapoison,thatIwishitwereburiedinhell,forit
isthecauseofthedestructionofmany.Butletthemgloryinthefleshthatlist,andletthem

perishwiththeircursedglory.Asforme,Idesirenootherglory,butthatwherebyIgloryand
rejoiceintheCrossofChrist.AfterthesamemannerspeakethhealsoinRomans5:We
gloryinourafflictionsalsoin2Corinthians12:Iwillgloryinmineinfirmities.HerePaul
showethwhatisthegloryandrejoicingoftheChristians,namely,togloryandtobeproudin
tribulation,reproaches,infirmities,etc.
TheworldnotonlyjudgethoftheChristiansthattheyarewretchedandmiserablemen,
butalsomostcruelly,andyet,asitthinketh,withatruezealhateth,persecuteth,condemneth
andkilleththemasmostperniciousplaguesofthespiritualandworldlykingdom,thatisto
say,likehereticsandrebels.Butbecausetheydonotsufferthesethingsformurder,theft,and
suchotherwickedness,butfortheloveofChrist,whosebenefitandglorytheysetforth,
thereforetheygloryintribulationandintheCrossofChrist,andaregladwiththeApostles
thattheyarecountedworthytosufferrebukeforthenameofChrist(Acts5:41).Somustwe
gloryatthisday,whenthePopeandthewholeworldmostcruellypersecuteus,condemnus,
andkillus,becausewesufferthesethings,norforourevildeeds,asthieves,murderers,etc.,
butforChristssake,ourLordandSavior,whoseGospelwetrulypreach.
Nowourgloryingisincreasedandconfirmedprincipallybythesetwothings:first,
becausewearecertainthatourdoctrineissoundandperfect:secondly,becauseourcrossand
sufferingisthesufferingofChrist.
Thereforewhentheworldpersecutethandkillethus,wehavenocausetocomplainor
lament,butweoughtrathertorejoiceandbeglad.Indeedtheworldjudgethustobeunhappy
andaccursedbutontheotherside,Christ,whoisgreaterthantheworld,andforwhomwe
suffer,pronouncethustobeblessed,andwillethustorejoice.Blessedareye(saithhe),when
menrevileyouandpersecuteyou,andfalselysayallmannerofevilagainstyouformysake.
Rejoiceandbeglad(Matthew5:11f.).Ourgloryingthenisanothermannerofgloryingthan
thegloryingoftheworldis,whichrejoicethnotintribulation,reproach,persecution,and
death,etc.butgloriethaltogetherinpower,inriches,peace,honor,wisdom,andhisown
righteousness.Butmourningandconfusionistheendofthisglory.
Moreover,theCrossofChristdothnotsignifythatpieceofwoodwhichChristdidbear
uponhisshoulders,andtothewhichhewasafterwardsnailed,butgenerallyitsignifiethall
theafflictionsofthefaithful,whosesufferingsareChristssufferings,2Corinthians1:5:The
sufferingsofChristaboundinusagain:NowrejoiceIinmysufferingsforyou,andfulfill
therestoftheafflictionsofChristinmyflesh,forhisbodyssake,whichistheChurch,etc.
(Colossians1:24).TheCrossofChristthereforegenerallysignifiethalltheafflictionsofthe
ChurchwhichitsufferethforChristwhichhehimselfwitnessethwhenhesaith:Saul,Saul,
whypersecutestthoume?(Acts9:4).SauldidnoviolencetoChrist,buttohisChurch.But
hethattouchethit,toucheththeappleofhiseye.
Thereisamorelivelyfeelingintheheadthanintheothermembersofthebody.Andthis
weknowbyexperienceforthelittletoeortheleastpartofamansbodybeinghurt,thehead
forthwithshowethitself,bythecountenance,tofeelthegriefthereof.SoChristourhead
makethallourafflictionshisown,andsufferethalsowhenwesuffer,whicharehisbody.
Itisprofitableforustoknowthesethings,lestweshouldbeswallowedupwithsorrow
orfalltodespair,whenweseethatouradversariesdocruellypersecute,excommunicateand
killus.Butletusthinkwithourselves,aftertheexampleofPaul,thatwemustgloryinthe
crosswhichwebear,notforoursins,butforChristssake.Ifweconsideronlyinourselves
thesufferingswhichweendure,theyarenotonlygrievousbutintolerablebutwhenwemay
say:Thysufferings(OChrist)aboundinusor,asitissaidinPsalm44:Forthysakeweare

killedalltheday,thenthesesufferingsarenotonlyeasy,butalsosweet,accordingtothis
saying:Myburdeniseasy,andmyyokeissweet(Matthew11:30).
Now,itiswellknownthatweatthisdaydosufferthehatredandpersecutionofour
adversariesfornoneothercause,butforthatwepreachChristfaithfullyandpurely.Ifwe
woulddenyhim,andapprovetheirperniciouserrorsandwickedreligion,theywouldnotonly
ceasetohateandpersecuteus,butwouldalsoofferuntoushonor,riches,andmanygoodly
things.BecausethereforewesufferthesethingsforChristssake,wemaytrulyrejoiceand
glorywithPaulintheCrossofourLordJesusChrist,thatistosay,notinriches,inpower,in
thefavorofmen,etc.,butinafflictions,weakness,sorrow,fightingsinthebody,terrorsinthe
spirit,persecutions,andallotherevils.Whereforewetrustitwillshortlycometopass,that
ChristwillsaythesametousthatDavidsaidtoAbiatharthepriest:Iamthecauseofall
yourdeaths(1Samuel22:22).Again:Hethattouchethyou,toucheththeappleofmineeye
(Zechariah2:8).Asifhehadsaid:Hethathurtethyou,hurtethmeforifyedidnotpreachmy
Wordandconfessme,yeshouldnotsufferthesethings.SosaithhealsoinJohn:Ifyewere
oftheworld,theworldwouldlovehisown:butbecauseIhavechosenyououtoftheworld,
thereforetheworldhatethyou(John15:19).Butthesethingsaretreatedofbefore.
Bywhomtheworldiscrucifiedtome,andIuntotheworld
ThisisPaulsmannerofspeaking:Theworldiscrucifiedtome,thatis,Ijudgetheworldto
bedamnedandIamcrucifiedtotheworld,thatis,theworldagainjudgethmetobe
damned.Thuswecrucifyandcondemnoneanother.Iabhorallthedoctrine,righteousness
andworksoftheworld,asthepoisonofthedevil.Theworldagaindetestethmydoctrineand
deeds,andjudgethmetobeseditious,apernicious,apestilentfellow,andanheretic.Soat
thisdaytheworldiscrucifiedtous,andweuntotheworld.Wecurseandcondemnallmans
traditionsconcerningmass,orders,vows,willworshippings,works,andalltheabominations
ofthePopeand[other]heretics,asthedirtofthedevil.Theyagaindopersecuteandkillusas
destroyersofreligionandtroublersofthepublicpeace.
Themonksdreamedthattheworldwascrucifiedtothem,whentheyenteredintotheir
monasteries:butbythismeansChristiscrucifiedandnottheworld,yeatheworldis
deliveredfromcrucifying,andisthemorequickenedbythatopinionofholinessandtrustin
theirownrighteousnesswhichtheyhadwhoenteredintoreligion.Mostfoolishlyand
wickedlythereforewasthissentenceoftheApostlewrestedtotheenteringintomonasteries.
Hespeakethhereofanhighmatterandofgreatimportance,thatistosay,thateveryfaithful
manjudgeththattobethewisdom,righteousness,andpowerofGod,whichtheworld
condemnethasthegreatestfolly,wickednessandweakness.Andcontrariwise,thatwhichthe
worldjudgethtobethehighestreligionandserviceofGod,thefaithfuldoknowtobenothing
elsebutexecrableandhorribleblasphemyagainstGod.Sothegodlycondemntheworld,and
againtheworldcondemneththegodly.Butthegodlyhavetherightjudgmentontheirside:
forthespiritualmanjudgethallthings(1Corinthians2:15).
Whereforethejudgmentoftheworld,touchingreligionandrighteousnessbeforeGod,is
ascontrarytothejudgmentofthegodlyasGodandthedevilarecontrarytheonetotheother.
ForasGodiscrucifiedtothedevilandthedeviltoGod,thatistosay,asGodcondemneththe
doctrineandworksofthedevil(fortheSonofGodappeared,asJohnsaith,todestroythe
worksofthedevil,1John3:8),andcontrariwise,asthedevilcondemnethandoverthroweth
thewordandtheworksofGod(forheisamurderer,andthefatheroflies,John8:44):sothe

worldcondemneththedoctrineandlifeofthegodly,callingthemmostperniciousheretics
andtroublersofthepublicpeace.Andagain,thegodlycalltheworldthesonofthedevil,
whichrightlyfollowethhisfatherssteps,thatistosay,whichisasgreatamurdererandliar
ashisfatheris.ThisisPaulsmeaningwhenhesaith,Wherebytheworldiscrucifiedtome,
andIuntotheworld.NowtheworlddothnotonlysignifyintheScripturesungodlyand
wickedmen,buttheverybest,thewisestandholiestmenthatareoftheworld.
Andherebytheway,hecovertlytoucheththefalseapostles.Asifheshouldsay:Iutterly
hateanddetestallglorywhichiswithouttheCrossofChrist,asacursedthingyeaIcountit
asdead,andashavingdiedsuchanhorribledeathasonedieththatishangedonacross.For
theworld,withalltheglorythereof,iscrucifiedtome,andItotheworld.Wherefore
accursedbealltheywhichgloryinyourflesh,andnotintheCrossofChrist.Paultherefore
witnessethbythesewords,thathehateththeworldwithaperfecthatredoftheHolyGhost
andagain,theworldhatethhimwithaperfecthatredofawickedspirit.Asifheshouldsay:It
isimpossiblethatthereshouldbeanyagreementbetweenmeandtheworld.WhatshallIthen
do?ShallIgiveplaceandteachthosethingswhichpleasetheworld?
No:butwithastoutcourageIwillsetmyselfagainstit,andwillaswelldespiseand
crucifyit,asitdespisethandcrucifiethme.
Toconclude,PaulhereteachethhowweshouldfightagainstSatan(whichnotonly
tormentethourbodieswithsundryafflictions,butalsowoundethourheartscontinuallywith
hisfierydarts,that,bythiscontinuance,whenhecannootherwiseprevail,hemayoverthrow
ourfaithandbringusfromthetruthandfromChrist),namely,thatlikeasweseePaul
himselftohavestoutlydespisedtheworld,sowealsoshoulddespisethedeviltheprince
thereof,withallhisforces,deceits,andhellishfuries,andsotrustingtotheaidandhelpof
Christ,shouldtriumphagainsthimafterthismanner:OSatan,themorethouhurtestandgoest
abouttohurtme,themoreproudandstoutIamagainstthee,andlaughtheetoscorn.The
morethouterrifiestme,andseekesttobringmetodesperation,somuchthemoreconfidence
andboldnessItake,andgloryinthemidstofthyfuriesandmalice:notbymineownpower,
butbythepowerofChristmyLord,whosestrengthismadeperfectinmyweakness.
Therefore,whenIamweak,thenIamstrong,etc.(2Corinthians12:9f.).Onthecontrary,
whenheseethhisthreateningsandterrorstobefeared,herejoiceth,andthenheterrifieth
moreandmoresuchasareterrifiedalready.
ForinChristjesuneithercircumcisionavailethanything,noruncircumcision,butanew
creature
ThisisawonderfulkindofspeechwhichPaulhereuseth,whenhesaith:Neither
circumcisionnoruncircumcisionavailethanything.Itmayseemthatheshouldratherhave
said:Eithercircumcisionoruncircumcisionavailethsomewhat,seeingthesearetwocontrary
things.Butnowhedenieththateithertheoneortheotherdoanythingavail.Asifheshould
havesaid:Wemustmountuphigherforcircumcisionanduncircumcisionarethingsofno
suchimportance,thattheyareabletoobtainrighteousnessbeforeGod.Trueitis,thattheyare
contrarytheonetotheother:butthisisnothingastouchingChristianrighteousness,whichis
notearthly,butheavenly,andthereforeitconsistethnotincorporalthings.Therefore,
whetherthoubecircumcisedoruncircumcised,itisallonething:forinChristJesuneither
theonenortheotheravailethanythingatall.
TheJewsweregreatlyoffendedwhentheyheardthatcircumcisionavailednothing.They

easilygrantedthatuncircumcisionavailednothingbuttheycouldnotabidetohearthatso
muchshouldbesaidofthelawandcircumcision,fortheyfoughtevenuntobloodforthe
defenseofthelawandcircumcision.ThePapistsalsoatthisdaydovehementlycontendfor
themaintenanceoftheirtraditionsastouchingtheeatingofflesh,singlelife,holydays,and
suchotherandtheyexcommunicateandcurseus,whichteachthatinChristJesuthesethings
donothingavail.Andcertainofourownpeople,beingnolessblindthanthePapists,dothink
libertyfromthePopestraditionstobeathingsonecessary,thatunlesstheybyandbybreak
andabolishthemall,theyareafraidthattheysin.ButPaulsaith,thatwemusthaveanother
thingwhichismuchmoreexcellentandpreciousthancircumcisionoruncircumcision,than
theobservationorviolationofthePopestraditions,wherebywemayobtainrighteousness
beforeGod.InChristJesu,saithhe,neithercircumcisionnoruncircumcision,neithersingle
lifenormarriage,neithermeatnorfastingdoanywhitavail.Meatmakethusnotacceptable
beforeGod.Weareneitherthebetterbyabstaining,northeworsebyeating.Allthesethings,
yeathewholeworldwithallthelawsandrighteousnessthereofavailnothingtojustification
yeatheyarenotworthytobenamedindisputingofsohighamatter.
Reasonandthewisdomofthefleshdothnotunderstandthisforitperceivethnotthose
thingsthatareoftheSpiritofGod(1Corinthians2:14).Thereforeitwillneedshave
righteousnesstostandinoutwardthings.ButwearetaughtoutoftheWordofGod,thatthere
isnothingunderthesunwhichavailethuntorighteousnessbeforeGod,butChristonly,oras
Paulsaithhere,anewcreature.Politiclaws,menstraditions,ceremoniesoftheChurch,yea
andthelawofMoses,aresuchthingsasarewithoutChristthereforetheyavailnotunto
righteousnessbeforeGod.Wemayusethemasthingsbothgoodandnecessary,butintheir
placeandtime.Butifwetalkofthematterofjustification,theyavailnothing,buthurtvery
much.ForinChristJesu,neithercircumcisionnoruncircumcisionavailethanythingetc.
Andbythesetwothings,circumcisionanduncircumcision,Paulrejectethallotherthings
whatsoever,anddenieththattheyavailanythinginChristJesu,thatis,inthecauseoffaith
andsalvation.Forhetakethhereapartforthewhole,thatis,byuncircumcisionhe
understandethalltheGentiles,bycircumcisionalltheJews,withalltheirforceandalltheir
glory.Asifhesaid:WhatsoevertheGentilescandowithalltheirwisdom,righteousness,
laws,power,kingdoms,empires,itavailethnothinginChristJesus.Also,whatsoeverthe
JewsareabletodowiththeirMoses,theirlaw,theircircumcision,theirworshippings,their
temple,theirkingdomandpriesthood,itnothingavaileth.WhereforeinChristJesu,orinthe
matterofjustification,wemustnotdisputeofthelaws,eitheroftheGentilesoroftheJews,
eitherceremonialormoral,butwemustsimplypronouncethatneithercircumcisionnor
uncircumcisionavailethanything.
Arethelawsthenevil?Notso.Theybegoodandprofitable,albeitintheirplaceand
time,thatis,incorporalandcivilthings,whichwithoutlawscannotbeguided.Moreoverwe
usealsointhechurchescertainceremoniesandlawsnotthatthekeepingofthemavaileth
untorighteousness,butforgoodorder,example,quietness,andconcord,accordingtothat
saying:Letallthingsbedonecomelyandorderly(Corinthians14:40).Butiflawsbesoset
forthandurged,asthoughthekeepingofthemdidjustifyaman,orthebreakingthereofdid
condemnhim,theyoughttobetakenawayandabolishedforthenChristlosethhisofficeand
hisglory,whoonlyjustifiethus,andgivethuntoustheHolyGhost,etc.TheApostle
thereforebythesewordsplainlyaffirmeth,thatneithercircumcisionnoruncircumcision
availethanything,butthenewcreature,etc.Now,sincethatinChristneitherthelawsofthe
GentilesnoroftheJewsavailanything,thePopehathdonemostwickedly,inthathehath

constrainedmentokeephislawswiththeopinionofrighteousness.
Now,anewcreature,wherebytheimageofGodisrenewed,isnotmadebyanycoloror
counterfeitingofgoodworks(forinChristJesuneithercircumcisionavailethanything,nor
uncircumcision),butitiscreatedbyChristaftertheimageofGodinrighteousnessandtrue
holiness.Whenworksaredone,theybringindeedanewshowandoutwardappearance
wherewiththeworldandtheflesharedelighted,butnotanewcreature:fortheheart
remainethwickedasitwasbefore,fullofthecontemptofGod,infidelity,etc.Thereforea
newcreatureistheworkoftheHolyGhost,whichcleansethourheartbyfaith,andworketh
thefearofGod,love,chastity,andother[Christianvirtues],andgivethpowertobridlethe
fleshandtorejecttherighteousnessandwisdomoftheworld.Hereisnocoloringornew
outwardshow,butathingdoneindeed.Hereiscreatedanothersenseandanotherjudgment,
thatistosay,altogetherspiritual,whichabhorreththosethingsthatbeforeitgreatlyesteemed.
Themonkishlifeandorderdidsobewitchusintimepast,thatwethoughttherewasnoother
waytosalvation.Butnowwejudgeofitfarotherwise.Wearenowashamedofthosethings
whichweadoredasmostheavenlyandholy,beforewewereregeneratedintothisnew
creature.
Whereforethechangingofgarmentsandotheroutwardthings,isnotanewcreature(as
themonksdream),butitistherenewingofthemindbytheHolyGhostafterthewhich
followethachangeofthemembersandsensesofthewholebody.Forwhenthehearthath
conceivedanewlight,anewjudgmentandnewmotionsthroughtheGospel,itcomethto
passthattheoutwardsensesarealsorenewed.FortheearsdesiretoheartheWordofGod,
andnotthetraditionsanddreamsofmenthemouthandtonguedonotvauntoftheirown
works,righteousnessandrules,buttheysetforthwithjoytheonlymercyofGodofferedtous
inChrist.Thesechangesconsistnotinwords,butareeffectual,andbringanewspirit,anew
will,newsenses,andnewoperationsoftheflesh,sothattheeyes,ears,mouth,andtonguedo
notonlysee,hearandspeakotherwisethantheydidbefore,butthemindalsoapproveth,
[loveth]andfollowethanotherthingthanitdidbefore.Forbefore,beingblindedwithpopish
errorsanddarkness,itimaginedGodtobeamerchant,whowouldselluntoushisgracefor
ourworksandmerits.Butnow,inthelightoftheGospel,itassurethusthatwearecounted
righteousbyfaithonlyinChrist.Thereforeitnowrejectethallwillworks,andaccomplisheth
theworksofcharityandofourvocationcommandedbyGod.ItpraisethandmagnifiethGod
itrejoicethandgloriethintheonlytrustandconfidenceofGodsmercythroughJesusChrist.
Ifitmustsufferanytroubleoraffliction,itendureththesamecheerfullyandgladly,although
thefleshrepineandgrudgethereat.ThisPaulcallethanewcreature.
Andtoasmanyaswalkaccordingtothisrule,peacebeuponthemandmercy
Thisheaddethasaconclusion.Thisistheonlyandtruerulewhereinweoughttowalk,
namely,thenewcreature.TheFranciscanswickedlywrestandapplythissentenceofPaulto
theirownruleandhereofitcomeththatblasphemousandsacrilegiouspersonshavedeclared
thattheirruleisfarholierthanothers,becauseitisfoundedandestablishedbytheauthority
oftheApostle.ButPaul,itiscertain,speakethnothereofcowls,tonsures,andsuchother
vaintoys,whicharecontainedintheirrulebuthespeakethofthenewcreature,whichis
neithercircumcisionnoruncircumcision,butthenewmancreateduntotheimageofGodin
righteousnessandtrueholinesswhichinwardlyisrighteousinthespirit,andoutwardlyis
holyandcleanintheflesh.Themonkshavearighteousnessandholiness,butitishypocritical

andwicked,becausetheyhopenottobejustifiedbyonlyfaithinChrist,butbythekeepingof
theirrule.Moreover,althoughoutwardlytheycounterfeitanholiness,andrefraintheireyes,
hands,tongue,andothermembersfromevilyettheyhaveanuncleanheart,fullof
concupiscence,envy,wrath,lechery,idolatry,contemptandhatredofGod,blasphemyagainst
Christ,etc.:fortheyaremostspitefulandcruelenemiesofthetruth.Whereforeaccursedbe
theruleofFrancis,Dominicandallthemonks,becausefirstthebenefitandgloryofChrist
aredarkenedanddefacedthereby,andthentheworldistilledwithendlessidolatries,false
worships,impiousreligions,willworksetc.ButblessedbethatrulewhereofPaulspeakethin
thisplacebythewhichweliveinthefaithofChrist,andaremadenewcreatures,thatisto
say,righteousandholyindeedbytheHolyGhost,withoutanycoloringorcounterfeiting.To
themwhichwalkafterthisrulebelongethpeace,thatis,thefavorofGod,forgivenessofsins,
quietnessofconscience,andmercy,thatistosay,helpinafflictionsandpardonofthe
remnantsofsinwhichremaininourflesh.Yea,althoughtheywhichwalkafterthisrule,be
overtakenwithanyfaultorfall,yetforthattheyarethechildrenofgraceandpeace,mercy
upholdeththem,sothattheirsinandfallshallnotbelaidtotheircharge.
AndupontheIsraelofGod
HerehetoucheththefalseapostlesandJewswhichgloriedoftheirfathers,braggedthatthey
werethepeopleofGod,thattheyhadthelaw,etc.(Romans9:4f.).Asifhesaid:Theyarethe
IsraelofGod,whichwithfaithfulAbrahambelievethepromisesofGodofferedalreadyin
Christ,whethertheybeJewsorGentiles,andnottheywhicharebegottenofAbraham,Isaac
andJacob,aftertheflesh.Thismatterislargelyhandledbeforeinthethirdchapter.
Fromhenceforthletnomanputmetobusiness
HeconcludethhisEpistlewithacertainindignation.Asifhesaid:Ihavefaithfullytaughtthe
GospelasIhavereceiveditbytherevelationofJesusChristwhosowillnotfollowit,lethim
followwhathewill,sothathereafterhetroublemenomore.Ataword,thisismysentence,
thatChristwhichIhavepreached,istheonlyHighPriestandSavioroftheworld.Therefore,
eitherlettheworldwalkaccordingtothisrule,ofwhichIhavespokenhereandthroughout
allthisEpistle,orelseletitperishforever.
ForIbearinmybodythemarksofthelordJesus
AstheMinoritesunderstandtheformersentence(asmanyaswalkaccordingtothisrule)to
meantheirownrule,evensodotheyinterpretthissentencetomeanthestigmataoftheir
Francis.ButthisIholdtobeavainimaginationandidlesport.Forletitbeso,thatFrancis
borethestigmatainhisbody(asheispainted),yettheywerenotprintedonhimforChrists
sake,butheprintedthemonhimselfthroughsomefoolishdevotion,orrathervainglory,
wherebyhecouldflatterhimselfthathewassodeartoChrist,thatheevenprintedhiswounds
onhisbody.
ThisisthetruemeaningofPaulinthisplace:themarksthatbeinmybodydoshowwell
enoughwhoseservantIam.IfIsoughttopleasemen,requiringcircumcisionandthekeeping
ofthelawasnecessarytosalvation,andrejoicinginyourfleshasthefalseapostlesdo,I
needednottobearthesemarksinmybody.ButbecauseIamtheservantofJesusChristand

walkafteratruerule,thatis,Iopenlyteachandconfess,thatnomancanobtainthefavorof
God,righteousnessandsalvation,butbyChristalone,thereforeitbehovethmetobearthe
badgesofChristmyLord:whichbenotmarksofmineownprocuring,butarelaiduponme
againstmywillbytheworldandthedevil,fornoneothercausebutforthatIpreachJesusto
beChrist.
Thestripesandsufferingsthereforewhichhedidbearinhisbody,hecallethmarksas
alsotheanguishandterrorofspirithecalleththefierydartsofthedevil.Ofthesesufferings
hemakethmentioneverywhereinhisepistles,asLukealsodothintheActs.Ithink,saith
he,thatGodhathsetforthustheApostleslast,asmenappointedtodeath:forwearemadea
gazingstockuntotheworld,andtotheangelsandtomen(lCorinthians4:9).Again:Unto
thishourwebothhungerandthirst,andarenaked,andarebuffeted,andhavenocertain
dwellingplace,andlaborworkingwithourownhands:wearereviled,wearepersecuted,we
areevilspokenof,wearemadeasthefilthoftheworld,theoffscouringofallthings
(Corinthians4:11ff.).Alsoinanotherplace:Inmuchpatience,inafflictions,innecessities,
indistresses,instripes,inimprisonments,intumults,inlabors,bywatchings,byfastings,
etc.(2Corinthians6:4ff.).Andagain:Inlaborsmoreabundant,instripesabovemeasure,in
prisonmoreplenteously,indeathsoft.OftheJewsfivetimesreceivedIfortystripessave
one,Iwasthricebeatenwithrods,Iwasoncestoned,Isufferedthriceshipwreck,nightand
dayhaveIbeeninthedeepsea.InjourneyingsIwasoften,inperilsofwaters,inperilsof
robbers,inperilsofmineowncountrymen,inperilsamongtheGentiles,inperilsinthecity,
inperilsinthewilderness,inperilsinthesea,inperilsamongfalsebrethren,etc.(2
Corinthians11:23ff.).
Thesebethetruemarksandimprintedsigns,ofwhichtheApostlespeakethinthisplace
thewhichwealsoatthisday,bythegraceofGod,bearinourbodiesforChristscause.For
theworldpersecutethandkillethus,falsebrethrendeadlyhateus,Sataninwardlyinourheart
withhisfierydartsterrifiethus,andfornoneothercause,butforthatweteachChristtobe
ourrighteousnessandlife.Thesemarkswechoosenotofanysweetdevotion,neitherdowe
gladlysufferthem:butbecausetheworldandthedevildolaythemuponusforChrists
cause,wearecompelledtosufferthem,andwerejoicewithPaulintheSpirit(whichis
alwayswilling,gloriethandrejoiceth)thatwebeartheminourbodyfortheyareasealand
mostsuretestimonyoftruedoctrineandfaith.ThesethingsPaulspake(asIshowedbefore)
withacertaindispleasureandindignation.
Brethren,thegraceofourlordJesusChristbewithyourspirit.Amen
Thisishislastfarewell.HeendeththeEpistlewiththesamewordswherewithhebegan.Asif
hesaid:IhavetaughtyouChristpurely,Ihaveentreatedyou,Ihavechiddenyou,andIhave
letpassnothingwhichIthoughtprofitableforyou.Icansaynomore,butthatIheartilypray
thatourLordJesusChristwouldblessandincreasemylabor,andgovernyouwithhis[Holy]
Spiritforever.
ThushaveyetheexpositionofPaulsEpistletotheGalatians.TheLordJesusChrist,our
justifierandSavior,whogaveuntomethegraceandpowertoexpoundthisEpistle,andto
youlikewisetohearit,preserveandestablishbothyouandme(whichImostheartilydesire),
thatwedailygrowingmoreandmoreintheknowledgeofhisgraceandfaith[unfeigned],
maybefoundunblamableandwithoutfaultinthedayofourredemption.Towhomwiththe
FatherandtheHolyGhost,begloryworldwithoutend.Amen.Amen.