Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/405

 tion on our faith and virtue, but on His own word and power. He says it, and He does what He says, whether we believe or not. Wherefore admonish them to consider not the impi- ous papists, but the true and powerful maker, Christ, who has willed and wills that His Word and sacrament should be one and the same to all men, whether pious or impious. Pray for me. Martin Luther.

762. LUTHER TO JOHN AGRICOLA. Enders, vi, 65. (WnrENBERc), July,* 1527.

Grace and peace. I have gladly and willingly received your Elsa, my dear Agricola. Her illness * is, as you see, rather of the mind than of the body. I am comforting her as much as I can, with my knowledge. You could have done the same thing, except that woman in such a case believes anybody else sooner than her own husband, for she thinks that ever3rthing her husband says is dictated by love rather than by sober judgment. In a word, her disease is not for the apothecaries (as they call them), nor is it to be treated with the salves of Hippocrates, but by constantly applying plasters of Scripture and the Word of God. For what has conscience to do with Hippocrates? Therefore, I would dissuade you from the use of medicine and advise the power of God's Word. But such are our wives that they think the Word is not for them but for their husbands, who are their guardians and protectors. Therefore, whether absent or present, do not cease to impress it on her that when the Word of God is taught it has some- thing to do with her. I have this same battle to fight all the time with my own Kate. They must beware lest when the time comes for using the Word, they may find that they are without it. Otherwise everything is going well. Farewell in the Lord. Martin Luther.

763. LUTHER TO WENZEL LINK IN NUREMBERG. Enders, vi, 67. (Wittenbeig), July S, i^.

Grace and peace. I congratulate you that God has given you a daughter Margaret. I have looked forward to it eagerly

^On the date vide Enders, ▼!, 66, n. 2, where July a is snggetled.
 * Vide supra, no. 760.

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