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 your own works and regard our Savior as a cruel judge and tyrant, from whom we must flee to Mary and the saints for the comfort He only can give. But we now know the fathomless mercy of our Heavenly Father, and that Jesus is our Mediator and Bishop, daily interceding for us in God’s presence so that all who call upon Him may partake of His consolation, for He bare our sins on the tree, so we may boldly approach Him, calling Him by the sweet name of Savior and Comforter, the true Bishop of our souls. Therefore, joyfully thank the Lord for such tokens of His grace. He who has begun the good work will graciously finish it. For we are powerless to help ourselves. We cannot conquer sin, death, and the devil by our own works, but there is One who can, and who says, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” And again, “Because I live, ye shall live also; and your joy no man taketh from you.” The God of all consolation grant you a firm, joyful faith, so that you may overcome this, and all other distress, and at last experience the truth of these words, “I have overcome the world.” I commend you, body and soul, to His mercy.

Amen. All your children pray for you, also my Kathie. Some weep, others eat and say, “The grandmother is very ill.” May the grace of God be with us all. Amen. Your dear son, MARTIN LUTHER. (De Wette.)

CCLXIX
TO CONRAD CORDATUS

Luther wishes Cordatus to visit the Eisleben living.

May 29, 1531.

Grace and peace! I am delighted with your call to Eisleben, my native town, for then you will be an antagonist of Wicelius, towards whom you have a righteous hatred. But you should first go and inquire into everything, and if you are pleased, then you need not regret leaving that terrible hole. That God’s will be done is my sole desire. There you would perhaps breathe a purer atmosphere, which is cleansed by the furnaces