Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/345

1534 all your dealings? The Lord can requite you if you believe He was and is your Creator according to the flesh. Why worry needlessly about your children's future ? Christ, who has ever cared for us, will provide abundantly for those who trust Him. Doubtless I have many cares for those belonging to me, as I have much less than you, but I am aware that my cares are fruitless. Therefore I commit them to Him who has hitherto supplied my wants so abundantly, and will continue so to do if I be worthy of it, or take those away for whom I worry so needlessly, if He do not see fit to provide for them. May the Lord teach you that all our anxiety will neither increase nor lessen the necessities of life ! Martin Luther.

(Schiitze.)

CCCXIX

To George Spalatin

The Torgau people wished to have their excellent preachers dismissed, under the pretext that they were not heard in church.

December 1534.

Grace and peace ! We learn from your letter to Jonas, my excellent Spalatin, that they are pressing you and the other superintendents to remove the pastors in Torgau because their voices are too weak to fill the churches. This is not the first time we have heard this old song, especially as they hear Wolfgang Fuss when he preaches. But do not let yourself be talked over, my Spalatin, into making such a doubtful alteration solely because of the single recommendation of voice, which would offend many.

For if we once began to permit the people to dismiss their pastors whenever they felt inclined, how long would we retain our pastors? Take yourself, for example. Would you allow yourself to be set aside merely on account of your voice or health? Gabriel and the other clergy in Torgau possess so many other good qualities that they not only cast Magister Wolfgang's voice into the shade, but eclipse his other properties.

Therefore pray spare us this trial, which we feel would x