Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/203

 for this. Pray that I may be kept in health, if it be the will of God our Savior.

The Prince sent me the report of the visitation to see if it was worth printing. It is all right, if they only stick to what is arranged. The plague is certainly here, but it is not bad. However, the people are so terrified that they are running away in every direction.

I have never seen Satan so successful. The more he can frighten them the happier he is; and that he has scattered our University is a great joy to him.

But only eighteen have died. In the fishers’ quarter no one has died of it, but all are buried there. Today we have buried — ‘s wife, who died yesterday, almost in my arms. This is the first death in the middle of the town. The other eighteen are round about the Ester Gate. Among them was Barbara, your Eberhardt’s daughter, who was marriageable, and John Kronenberg’s daughter. Hans Luft has recovered, and many others get better if they take medicine. But many are so excited they will do nothing, and die defiantly. Justus Jonas has lost his son Johannes. He, with his household, has gone to his fatherland, but I remain here, as the people are in desperation. So Pommer and I are here alone with the chaplain, but Christ is with us, who will overcome the old murderous serpent, who brought sin into the world, even although he may bruise our heel. Pray for us, and may God protect you. MARTIN LUTHER.

CXLIX
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

August 19, 1527.

The visitation will not be allowed to drop, dear Nicolas, so let us be of good cheer. We hope the plague may soon be over. It plagues us in manifold ways, especially me, weakening my faith and loading me with care. The pest has been three times in the house. The little son has been eight days ill, and is only kept alive by liquids; but now he is recovering. For many months I have suffered from faithlessness. Pray that our faith