take this presumptuous letter in good part, for thus does God command us to be solicitous for others. Your Majesty’s obedient MARTIN LUTHER . WITTENBERG. (De Wette.)
CCXC
TO THE LEIPSIC PEOPLE, WHO WERE BANISHED FOR THE GOSPEL October 4, 1532.
Grace and peace in Christ! Nowhere else is peace to be found till the Lord comes and overthrows the archenemy of peace. Wolf Breunlein[1] has shown me your petition to Herzog George, with which I am much pleased; also, that you have lighted two torches to the devil,[2] for this will bring great confusion on that stubborn head. If you cannot procure a certificate of your upright walk from him, still you have achieved much, seeing both God and the world, also Herzog George’s adherents, testify that you suffer all this because of him, and solely for Christ’s sake, for all know that you are being persecuted because the Emperor has granted peace to the Lutherans, which is a great grief to the miserable creature. But stand fast!
Christ begins to reign, and will put an end to the drama. Here no one will taunt you with being banished, or hinder your business, for our gracious Lord stands firm by the Confession (Augsburg).
Therefore, pray speak only good words to the madcap, and forgive nothing — even as you have so well expressed matters in the petition. If it help, good; if not, it will do no harm, but rather further your cause in God’s sight, who will soon make short work with the devil and his followers. It is written, “The Lord hath respect unto the lowly, but knoweth the proud afar off.” So take comfort, dear friends! He only can appreciate what is sweet who has tasted the bitter.
Before attaining to glory, the heart must suffer deeply. “Ante gloriam conteritur cor.” May God the Father
