To Conrad Cordatus letter 3 - Martin Luther

TO CONRAD CORDATUS

Luther says the gospel messenger must suffer persecution. July 14, 1529.

Grace and peace! Be strong in Christ, my Cordatus, in order to put up with those ungrateful people in Zwickau. Do not think of changing your post. This is a more testing temptation than any you have had. The world is the enemy of God and His Word. It is therefore a miracle if among God’s enemies

any are friendly to His children. The world loves its own, so we may know that we are not of this world when she hates and despises us. Hence you have merely to put up with an incarnate devil, who, through the flesh, his sluggish tool, harasses and enervates you, but cannot, much as he wishes,

injure you. But resist him with all your might. Therefore you act in a brotherly way in comforting me so lovingly and wishing me all good. Continue so to do and pray, as I do for you, that we may be set free, and till that day comes, bring forth fruit in patience. God grant this!

Greet your beloved other half in the Lord. MARTIN LUTHER .