Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/229

 wards. May Christ comfort you in all your tribulations! It is a miracle that we are not swallowed up of the devil in our impotence. Those who have eyes to see must behold in us one of God’s greatest works, that we insignificant creatures have been enabled to withstand so many powerful enemies and remain steadfast. Outwardly we are much harassed, and inwardly Satan takes up his abode among the children of God. But it is only a reigning Christ who can triumph over us weak ones, and will at length give us a glorious deliverance on the great day. God grant it. Christ will teach and confirm it out of Cordatus’s mouth. Farewell, and pray for me. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLXXXII
TO NICOLAS VON AMSDORF

A marriage case.

May 4, 1529.

This is what I should recommend. Do not believe this faithless bridegroom.

I agree with you to send him back, either to prove that he has never promised (which he is trying to do), or to take the bride, or remain unmarried. I have told him this.

But if matters be as you say, then he must not marry for a punishment, unless he marries her.

We know nothing definite as to the Reichstag. We daily expect Philip Melanchthon. I can scarcely lecture because of my cough. Yesterday and today I expounded Isaiah, but was very hoarse. Pray for us. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLXXXIII
TO WENZEL LINK

Thanks for a gift, etc.

May 6, 1529.

Grace in Christ! The watch, dear Wenzel, has arrived all right. But it is either weary with its journey or not accustomed to its new owner, for it has stopped.