Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/247

 the young and win their love. I accompany the Prince to Coburg with Philip and Jonas till we know the course of events at Augsburg.

Meantime, you with your congregation must pray earnestly for this Diet, also for me. MARTIN LUTHER.

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TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

April 18, 1530.

Grace and peace! Cordatus will have told you that we are still in Coburg, and do not know when we may go further. For we heard yesterday that the Emperor keeps Easter at Mantua, and that the Papists are trying to prevent the Reichstag, fearing what might be decreed against them there. And the Pope is angry at the Emperor, who wishes to hear both sides, interfering in spiritual matters.

His Holiness intended him only to be his executioner against the heretics, and restore his authority. For the Papists’ sole wish is that we should be condemned and they reinstalled in their former position; and thus they shall perish! The Prince has ordered me to remain at Coburg, while the others go to the Diet. Florence has neither been taken nor reconciled to the Pope, a grief to His Holiness; for those inside declared for the Emperor therefore those outside would not proceed against them, but raised the blockade.

You see what our prayers can achieve.

The Turk promises peace next year, but threatens to return to Germany, and even bring Tartars with him.

But God’s Word and our prayers shall fight against them. Farewell, and pray for me. MARTIN LUTHER.

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FRAGMENT OF LETTER TO WENZEL LINK

April 22, 1530.

So far we are sitting quietly in Coburg, knowing nothing certain about the Reichstag or the Emperor’s arrival.