Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/235

 But the God of the humble and afflicted will not allow him to be vanquished, although he is still very weak.

I shall write of other things when the grief is a little assuaged.

Farewell in the Lord, and greet your fellow-bishops respectfully in the Lord. MARTIN LUTHER.

CXCI
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SAXONY

Luther sends thanks for present of garments.

August 17, 1529.

Grace and peace in Christ! Most Serene High-born Prince, Most Gracious Lord! I have delayed long in returning thanks for the garments your Grace has so kindly sent me.

But I humbly beg you not to believe people who try to make your Electoral Grace think I am in want. I have, alas, more than I can reconcile it with my conscience, especially from your Electoral Highness, to accept. And as a preacher it is not seemly for me to have superfluity. Therefore I sometimes tremble because of your Grace’s generosity towards me, incase I may be found in this life among those to whom Christ says, “Woe to you rich: for you have your reward here.”

But to use common language, I have no desire to be burdensome to your Grace, for you have so much to give away that I know you have little over, and the purse may be rent asunder if so many demands be made upon it.

It was superfluous sending the leather-colored cloth, but I feel much indebted to your Grace for it, and I shall wear the black coat in honor of your munificence, although too costly for me; and were it not your Grace’s gift I would never appear in such a garment. Therefore, I beseech your Grace to wait till I myself complain and beg, so that your kindness may not make me shy of asking favors for others who are much more worthy of your bounty.

For your Grace loads me with too many benefits.