Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/274

 timid, for that would only make them prouder. I am sure they think you will yield, if they stand by what the Emperor commands. But it is manifest that the Emperor is only reeling to and fro. So if you remain steadfast they will change their opinion. Let us insist upon them giving us back Leonhardt Kaiser and others, whom they made away with in so disgraceful a manner. Let them restore to us the many souls which were led astray through their false teaching, and return to us the possessions they deprived us of through their letters of Indulgence and other modes of deceit. Let them again bestow upon us the honor of God, which they so shamefully vilified, and the purity of the Church, which they have so soiled.

But who can narrate all? I am not sorry that God has so left them to their foolish devices that they are not ashamed to bring forward such matters.

He who permitted them to do so will continue to help us. I comfort myself thus. But perhaps you consider these old news (Old German Theiding). May the Lord Jesus, our Life and Salvation, be with you. This is my hope.

From the wilderness. MARTIN LUTHER. (Walch, 5:16. 1101.)

TO GEORGE SPALATIN
Luther expects no good from the Emperor.

July 13, 1530.

Grace and peace! I also believe, dear Spalatin, that the Emperor is a good, pious man, which you always said he was. But I have no hope of him favoring our cause, even if he would like to. For what can one man do against so many devils?

Therefore, the Lord alone must be our refuge, for He loves to comfort the desponding and help those who are forsaken of the whole world. But I wish to know what has happened since I last heard from you. For I suppose things will now be settled, and you are not only condemned, but the enemy is heaping insults and contempt upon you. For the opponents are boasting of their