Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/212

 ===CLIX=== TO JUSTUS JONAS

Luther expects the return of the University from Jena.

December 29, 1527.

Grace and peace! I marvel much, my Jonas, that you have not yet returned, seeing the plague is gone.

You might at least have paid us one visit in our affliction — of course, at our expense.

The people who had fled are now returning in shoals — indeed, the whole of the citizens.

Tomorrow the Town Council will also be here, and we expect the University shortly, as Magister Philip writes. God has manifested His love towards us in a marvellous manner, letting us perceive that our earnest prayers are acceptable in His sight, although we ourselves are sinners.

Margaretta Mochim is restored from the jaws of death, for we had given up hope, as she could neither hear nor understand. Otherwise we are all well.

My Kathie, with the little baby Elizabeth, is well, and sends you greetings, but is longing to see you all here again in good health.

I am well in body, also in mind, so long as my Lord Christ upholds me, and the slender thread by which He keeps hold of me, and I of Him, is not snapt asunder.

But Satan has tried to drag me down with powerful cart ropes and ships’ cords into the abyss, but the weak Christ has overcome as yet, through your prayers, and struggles bravely for the victory!

Go on and cause the weak Christ within me to become strong through your prayers, that He in His weakness may defy the might and insolence of the devil. Revenge me on him, and turn his pride into shame, which I have exposed through the discovery of his arts and cunning.

We are all one in Christ. May you prosper much in Him! Greet all your people, and return speedily. MARTIN LUTHER.