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 the world could bestow on me; indeed, I would not exchange it for them all put together. But should any one deem it strange that I boast of this psalm being mine, which is the property of the whole world, let him know that what no one seems specially taken up with is my own. But Christ is also mine, and is still the Christ of all the saints; and would to God the whole world would claim this psalm as I do, and then there would arise such a friendly rivalry, to which no unanimity or love could be for a moment compared. But, alas! there are few who could say to any portion of the Bible or to a psalm, “Thou art my favorite book” or “My own dear psalm.”

And it is truly sad that the Holy Scriptures are so despised, even of those whose office it is to expound them. All other things, art, books, etc., occupy people night and day; and they never weary of the trouble, while the Scriptures are left lying as if they were of no use. And when people do them the honor of reading them, how quickly they get through them. There is no book upon earth which is so easily mastered by all as the Holy Bible.

And they are really the words of life, not written for speculation, but to be acted on in life. But why complain, for no one pays any attention.

May Christ our Lord help us through His Spirit to honor His gracious word. Amen. I herewith commend myself to your prayers. From the desert. MARTIN LUTHER.

CCXXIX
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

On June 25 the Augsburg Confession was publicly read by Chancellor Bruck in Latin, and by Christian Beyer in German, before the Emperor, Elector John Ernest of Luneburg, Philip of Hesse, etc. The Latin copy was handed to the Emperor with these words, “This Confession can withstand the very gates of hell.”

July 6, 1530.

Grace and peace, much-loved man! Our Horning will tell you more minutely what is taking place at Augsburg and here than I can. After coming here, Dr. Jonas