Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1521-1530.djvu/443

 devil's preaching re-established, the poor-funds robbed, maids and matrons mined.

Now comes the question whether we are to let this ccmie upon us, or, by God's help, to prevent it as best we may. Doctor Martin has given it as his opinion that we have the authority and right to protect our subjects; and that is true. But I would kindly inquire of Martin whether it is better that we let the house catch fire and then put it out, or prevent the fire and keep it from burning. Again I ask, if a child were about to fall into the fire or into the water, whether the mother ought to pray until the child falls into the fire, or hold it so that it does not fall. Now, I suppose that Martin will answer easily, and perhaps he will laugh at my questions. But if he will remember the consequences that may follow, and how the existence of land and people, body and soul, is at stake, he will, without doubt, advise correctly in this matter.

In the third place, I say : Since it is certain that the author- ities are in duty bound to protect their subjects against any misuse of power, and one brother is bound to help another, if he sees him in danger of his life, therefore I ask whether I am to protect my subjects living or dead, in exile or before they are driven away. If I am to protect them after they are dead, then my protection is of no use to them. ... I know very well that all this is reason and htunan planning; but he must also confess that God has given us our reasoning faculty in order that we may use it for the good of our subjects. If in temporal matters we were not to make use of htunan plans, provided they are not contrary to the will of God, what need would we have for the universities, where a great deal of reason is taught that is not contained in God's Word. Even Luther's own advice is not entirely without reason and worldly wisdom. He will say that we must trust God. That is true; why not? I certainly hold that God knows those who trust Him. There- fore we must not boast about it, or there is danger that we may deceive ourselves. But it is also written, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

... It would be my own foolish idea, though I do not wish to urge it, that before the attack is made, the King^ and each


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