Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/312

 I fear this spark will light a fire with many. But One has said to Christ, “Sit thou at my right hand!” and “Thou art my Son!” If He lies, then we can worship Campanus and his God. Amen. The Lord has bestowed a Martin upon me through my Kathie. Things go well with us, except that the farmers, who are very well off this year, are causing very bad times through their greed, as a token of gratitude for the gospel, it is said, which has freed them from so much evil. Greet your Eve and Sarah in the name of me and mine. MARTIN LUTHER. (Schutze.)

CCLXXVIII
TO HANS LOESER, HEREDITARY MARSHAL OF SAXONY

Luther sends him an exposition of the 147th Psalm.

December 16, 1531.

Grace and peace, honored dear sir and friend! When I was with you lately you did me the great honor to take me with you to the hunt to try if the dizziness and weakness in my head might not be dispelled through bodily exercise.

As I sat in the carriage I undertook a spiritual chase, and expounded the 147th Psalm (Lauda Jerusalem), which became to me the most delightful hunting-ground where the noblest game was to be found. Having brought it home and worked it up, I wished you to see it, so that I might not secretly retain, to the injury of my conscience, a possession which I acquired upon your ground. Therefore I send it to you, it being your property, and keep it entire for me. For such game is wonderfully adapted for distribution among friends, for each receives the whole, and no one is defrauded. Favor me by accepting it, for I am ready to serve your Grace. I herewith commit you to God, with your dear house vine and olive branches. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER.