Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/359

356 most pleasing wedding, Brisger will tell you. All things are changed under the new Elector, who right nobly confesses the evangelical faith. I am less safe on the road than I was under an Elector who dissimulated his faith, but now where one hopes for citadels of refuge one is forced to fear dens of robbers and traitors. I wish you great happiness and children, with Christ's blessing. Believe me, my mind exults in your marriage no less than yours did in mine. Poor as I am I would have sent you that Portuguese gold piece which you gave my wife, did I not fear that it would offend you. So I am sending you what is left over from my wedding, not knowing whether it will also be left over from yours or not. Greet your wife kindly from me. When you have your Catharine in bed, sweetly embracing and kissing her, think: Lo, this being, the best little creation of God, has been given me by Christ, to whom be glory and honor. I will guess the day on which you will receive this letter and that night I will love my wife in memory of you with the same act, and thus return you like for like. My rib and I send greetings to you and your rib. Grace be with you. Amen.

Yours,Martin Luther.

Enders, v, 281. German. De Wette, iii, 54. December 21, 1525.

Grace and peace in Jesus Christ our Saviour and my humble service. Serene, highborn Prince, gracious Lord. We know that the whole of Scripture teaches that God acts at first severely and sternly and afterwards kindly and paternally. So He first plagued and tried the people of Israel with the stern law of Moses before He blessed them with the Gospel and kindly comforted them. It is written, "The Lord killeth and maketh alive." Accordingly I have attacked many men, your Grace among them, fiercely and bitterly, and afterwards have kindly prayed that God would make you a gracious lord,