Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/220

 accept a certainty for an uncertainty will at length come away emptyhanded, besides being the object of ridicule. He who will not be counselled in time and despises God’s Word will fall a prey to a raging devil as sure as God is God. If things went with us according to our thoughts, prompted by the flesh and the devil, we should all be given over to death, therefore we have the word of promise: “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”

If we persevere to the end we may console ourselves that devilish thoughts shall be expelled, and we may raise our hearts in faith to God, and be certain that we have received forgiveness of sins, and shall be, nay, are justified, according to Christ’s promise, by faith of Jesus Christ, as St. Paul testifies in Galatians 3:22.

That is when we are cast down, and every path seems shut up to us, we shall once more stand erect in faith, resting on God’s promises of Christ, or in Christ. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLXVII
TO NICOLAS AMSDORF

Invitation to Mary Mochim’s marriage.

July 31, 1528.

Grace and peace! We have betrothed Mary Mochim to Herr ,Georgio, and the marriage takes place on St. Lawrence Day. As we think this is a good opportunity for you to visit us, we plead with you to come, when, if God will, we shall have a joyous wedding feast. As to the rest — pray to Christ for us in whom your soul flourishes. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLXVIII
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

Luther thanks him in his boy’s name for toys.

August 5, 1528.

Grace and peace! My Hanschen thanks you, dear Nicolas, for the beautiful toys, which he is very proud of.