Behold, we here present unto thee, good Reader, the summary Commentary
of Doctor Martin Luther, collected from his mouth by those that heard
him, with all possible care and diligence. We could scarcely obtain
leave from the holy author to edit this commentary in his name:
because he felt that many things were wanting in this extemporaneous
explication, which a diligent writing down might have rendered more
perfect and more clear. But as he was satisfied that the sense and
substance of each Psalm were every where faithfully given, and that a
very important part of the true religion was here copiously handled;
he was, under these assurances, the more willing to overlook any thing
that might be wanting in the way of greater correctness, and loftier
language and expression.
We hope, therefore, that this our labour will not be unacceptable to
the lovers of the Holy Scriptures and divine things. For they will
here see how blessedly this great man opened and taught the word of
God, and what his only aim and object were therein. And they will also
be the better enabled to judge of the writings of others. For while
others devote all their labours, pains, and aims, to thrust their
books upon the world; they never, in those books, touch in the least
upon those things which form the substance of the true religion!
Reader, farewell! May thy soul be blessed by our labour!