Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/350

 3IO LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 1535 Perhaps Christ is punishing us for our sluggishness in this way for not besieging Him with our prayers. Truly He never slumbers, even when we sink into deep sleep. You cannot think how much we have to endure from the insolence and intrigues of the Junkers and rabble, so that I am sure that were you here you would have more to endure from the many than you have there from the calumnies of a single man, I am certain that the Papacy is the devil's kingdom, which God in His anger has sent upon the world ; and what kingdom could be more in unison with the world, for the world wills to have the devil for its god ? Once it seemed to be the duty of the Bishops to suppress this tyranny, but the means used were too violent. For in humbling this abomination the Christian Church would speedily have been extinguished. Now this fiiry is again raising her head, but there is no lack of courageous men who could take those tyrants captive in the very chains they have forged around the Popes. Only I do not wander in the counsel of these people, but cleave to those who fear God, for our kingdom is above. I write this to you to show how my heart beats in unison with yours, and to beg you not to leave your con- gregation. Think of St. Paul's words to Titus : " For this cause left I thee in Crete," to proclaim the Word to God's elect and elsewhere, all for the sake of the elect. Let this be your aim. You are a servant of God's chosen ones, and the target of the reprobate. If we only could render good service to the elect and the least of Christ's servants ! Oh that you could endure to the end, dear Wenzel ! And although there is no man on God's earth I would rather have near me than you, not only because of our old brotherly friendship, but because I ever found in you a comforter, a man full of faith in God, whom I would like to have by my side in my dying hour, still I would rather sacrifice myself than see your congregation suffer. Who knows what advantages God is preparing for you through this trial ? Let us only pray and arm ourselves in patience. You ask our Prince's opinion of your proposal. What if 1 came, or rather fled, to you ?