Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/202

 endure, love, and praise out of a full heart the fatherly will of God, whether free or not.

To enable you to do this, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will work in you, according to the riches of His glory, who is the Father of all mercies and the God of all consolation. Amen. I herewith commit you to God; also pray for us. MARTIN LUTHER.

CXLVII
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

In July, Melanchthon, Myconius, and Menius of Erfurt, with three lawyers, began church visitation in Thuringia.

July 13, 1527

To the esteemed Nicolas Hausmann of Zwickau.

Grace and peace! The church visitation has begun in earnest. Eight days ago Herr Hieronymus and Magister Philip set off. May the Lord guide them. Amen.

Rome has been devastated in the most merciless manner. Christ has so overruled it that the Emperor, who, because of the Pope, persecuted Luther, should now be obliged to overthrow the Pope on Luther’s account.

So all things have been made subservient to the welfare of God’s people against the adversary. I have no other news.

My Kathie and my Hans greet you. Farewell in the Lord. I have had a terrible attack of giddiness, so that I can neither read nor write. MARTIN LUTHER.

CXLVIII
TO GEORGE SPALATIN

In this visitation the Elector legally established the office of superintendent, to keep an eye on the efficiency of the clergy.

August 15, I527.

I am glad to hear you are again well, and thank God