Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/48

8 him with open arms, if he come; he need have no fear on account of having injured me.

I know that offenses will come, and it is no marvel when a man falls, but it is a miracle when he recovers himself and remains steadfast.

Peter fell, so that he might know he was human. Even in the present day the cedars of Lebanon, whose branches almost reach heaven, fell.

Yes, even an angel in heaven fell, which was indeed a marvel — and Adam fell in paradise.

So, is it to be wondered at that the reed should bend before the storm, and the glimmering torch be extinguished? May the Lord Jesus enable you to perfect this good work. Amen. Farewell. From our cloister in Dresden.

MARTIN LUTHER.

VII

TO GEORGE SPALATIN

June 8, 1516.

Thanks for your good wishes, dear Spalatin. Through the grace of God I reached home in good health, at least bodily. God knows if also spiritually.

All this I owe to your love. I got your letter from the brothers. You write that our Serene Prince wishes to make our esteemed Vicar-General (Staupitz) a bishop, and desires your cooperation. You are acting uprightly as a friend, but I would like that your entreaties with the honored father were not so full of fire; for I shall act differently, so that he who is being over-praised may hesitate in his purpose. Do you wonder at this? Certainly not because I despise your counsel, but because love prompts the desire, consequently the judgment is in abeyance. “For true love,” says Chrysostom, “seldom judges aright.” I say this because you are swayed by the Prince’s favor, and I do not wish the esteemed father to do what you urge to please the Prince. Your Prince is fascinated with much that appears lovely in his sight, which is far from pleasing to God.

Frederick the Wise is very clever in worldly things,