Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/325

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TO FRAU VON STOCKHAUSEN

Luther writes regarding her husband’s depression of spirits.

November 27, 1532.

Grace and peace in Christ, honored, virtuous lady! I have written a hurried letter of consolation to your husband. The devil is your enemy, and that of your husband, because you love his enemy Christ. This is how he avenges himself on you, but Christ says, “Because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

The suffering of his saints is very precious before God. In my haste I can write little now.

But beware of leaving the man a moment alone, or leaving anything in his way, in case he do himself an injury.

Solitude is sheer poison for him, and that is why the devil drives him to it.

But if he were entertained with all sorts of stories and news, perhaps even with those which might turn out to be false, or with fables about the Turks, Tartars, and such like, to make him laugh, and then immediately after quote comforting passages of Scripture to him, all this would do him no harm.

But whatever you do, see that he is not left solitary, in case he sink into meditation.

Never mind although he is angry at such conduct, look as if you were sorry, and be a little cross.

Accept these hasty lines. Christ, who causes your heartfelt sorrow, will help you as He did lately.

Only be steadfast, for you are the apple of His eye, and whoever touches it touches Him. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER WITTENBERG. (De Wette.)

CCXCIV
TO JOHANN BUGENHAGEN

Luther approves of his intention to republish some of Athanasius’s writings, especially that upon the Trinity.

(No date.)

Grace and peace in Christ! Your intention, most