Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/200

 from me, for they know they will either receive nothing or I be ruined. At length I pressed a fourth goblet upon them for 12 gulden, which they lent me, upon my word of mouth, to give to the fat Hermann. How could I let myself be so drained, and plunge my small belongings in such debt?

Now, it would not be giving my own, but other people’s money as alms.

So no one can say I am mean or greedy seeing I have been so lavish to others.

Now I shall arrange thus. I shall talk it over with them, and perhaps satisfy them, and if I can lay hands on more money I would not hesitate to advance it. And, lastly, I would like to visit you myself, and talk over matters with you, and see your glebe. Why not let your empty house? It would have brought in a bit of money. Farewell. Yours, MARTIN LUTHER.

CXLV
TO ELSIE VON KANITZ

The visitation of the churches and schools began in February.

Melanchthon Schurf, and two nobles were sent to the Wittenberg district.

May 2, 1527.

To the honorable and virtuous maiden, Elsie von Kanitz. My dearest friend in Christ!

Grace and peace in Christ! I have written your dear aunt, Hanna von Plausig, to let you come to me for a time, as I could employ you in teaching young girls, and thus set an example which others might follow.

You would live in my house and eat at my table, so you would be safe and free from all care; therefore pray come.

I hear the Evil One is tormenting you with evil thoughts. Oh, dear young lady, do not let that trouble you, for those who suffer from the devil here will not be troubled with him above; so this is a good sign. Christ also had to endure the same, and many holy prophets and apostles, as the Psalms plainly show. Therefore take comfort, and gladly suffer the Father’s rod. He will