Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/210

 heathen, a shaking of the head among the people,” but we hope a joy and crown of the angels and saints. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLVI
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

Luther thanks him for comfort received.

November 17, 1527.

Grace and peace in Christ! May our Lord Christ one day, dear Nicolas, comfort you with the comfort you have given me. But I, poor sinner, thank my Lord that up till now He has not permitted Satan to do as he pleased with me, although he has tried with all his might and cunning to do so.

Pray that Christ may overcome him and his onslaught upon me. I do not believe that it is one devil that is attacking me, but that the very prince of devils has risen against me, so great is his power of assailing me with Scripture, so that my own knowledge of the Bible does not suffice for my protection if I were not strengthened by words of Scripture out of the mouths of my friends.

This is why I ask so earnestly for your prayers; and if ever you are in the same position, the sport of the devil, you will understand my request. May Christ be with you. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER

CLVII
TO JUSTUS JONAS

Luther longs for his friend’s return.

November 29, 1527.

Grace and peace! That you are so earnest in your prayers for me, dear Jonas, is a very great boon to me, poor tortured creature. I also pray much for you that Christ may take pity on you, for I hear you suffer from stone.

I would counsel you to return to us, for Christ be praised, the plague has abated, and our townspeople are beginning to marry and live in security. Your quarters