Circular Letter to all the clergy in church who love the gospel - Martin Luther

CIRCULAR LETTER TO ALL THE CLERGY IN CHRIST WHO LOVE THE GOSPEL February 2, 1539.

We have been so led astray lately by reports of the Turks’ approach, that we scarcely know what to believe. And in case God’s wrath should be nearer than we think, and we should be surprised by the Turk, when, like the wolf, we have become so accustomed to the outcry that we feel secure, let us arm ourselves through prayer, pleading with God to keep the house and prevent such a visitation, and forgive our great and manifold sins, to the glory of His holy name. The Papists have long intended to ruin our German lands, and their rage increases; and they are blinded enough to forget that, although able to set a thing agoing, it may not be in their power to stop it, and they themselves may perish in the general destruction. Were such a fearful war to break out, Germany might be ruined. But as the sins of both parties have waxed great — theirs through lying, blasphemy, murder, and persecuting innocent blood — ours through neglect of God’s Word, ingratitude, and avarice, I fear much that God will visit us and our land with one or both of these scourges. So I beg the clergy faithfully to admonish their people, holding up before them these two plagues, for this is no jesting matter; and I dislike playing the part of a prophet, for what I predict usually comes to pass. Let us pray earnestly that God may graciously visit us with some other scourge, pestilence, or whatever it may be, so that our rulers may be spared to us, so that we may not suddenly be attacked by the Turks, or, what would be worse, through the devil fall out among ourselves and devour one another. For the devil never sleeps, and the Turk never fails to use an opportunity, and the Papists never rest, so their bloodthirstiness will never

be quenched. As no human power can restrain these bloodhounds, God Himself must do so, as He has hitherto done; so be pious and pray that God may not withdraw His protecting hand, and let us receive the penalty both parties merit for their heavy sins. The Papists do not pray, so let us do so, and have the assurance our prayers are heard, even as we have hitherto experienced what great things our prayers have achieved.

MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)