Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/242

 what Luther thinks. He teaches that by the operation of the Holy Ghost in our hearts, we recognize in the Word both the mercy and the justice of God; that is, that our hearts by a certain terror of conscience feel the force of the divine judgment and again receive comfort and are quieted in spiritual joy. Luther thinks that he who unfeignedly experiences this is at last truly Christ's. Let the tenth and eighth chapters of Romans* prove this. Should I reject this, I should lie; rather I have in the spirit found it true. In friendship I exhort you not to reject it before you rightly understand it. It is impiety to pronounce rashly about any part of Christian doctrine. Moreover, in those who are thus renewed by the Holy Spirit, the law written by the finger of God, as Jeremiah says, impels to do good works.

Concerning those who are weak as children (and most of us are that way) Paul has left a rule, which do you dili- gently inculcate on children, as I also do. The law is a school- master to bring us unto Christ.* For that sort is to be ruled and coerced by the law. I could wish that this were more fre- quently taught by those who advertise themselves by Luther's label. Thus God demands not only interior righteousness, which is properly Christian, but external righteousness also, by which He wishes the wicked to be coerced and bridled. And we, who are schoolmasters, ought to take care to keep weak childhood and the weak common people within these walls. I see that you are offended by scandal; I also am vehemently moved by the agitations among the common people and by the rashness of base preachers. But these things assail my faith that sometimes I may win more strength from them. I see Satan rage and do his best by these scandals to pull down weak consciences. I also see God permit many such things thereby to prove us and to stimulate our care. Saul began well, Solomon began most happily, and Gideon in most holy wise. But the end does not agree with the be- ginning. Thus I am often wont to fear lest, however good were the beginnings of Luther's ministry, there may be a tragic end. What will you do about it? The mind should be elevated by prayer. Believe me, John, our warfare is with

> Romans x, pfF; viii, jff. ' Galatiins lii, J4.

�� �