To Nicolas Gerbel , Doctor of Laws in Strassburg - Martin Luther

TO NICOLAS GERBEL, DOCTOR OF LAWS IN STRASSBURG No date.

I can only write a few lines, my Gerbel, because Satan’s onslaughts are daily becoming worse. I shall gladly help the Count Hohenlohe with letters to Court. We are firmly convinced that Ferdinand will not make war on Hesse this year, for he is rather afraid of him, and could do nothing. All of us marvel at God’s wondrous acts, and thank Him for having turned into derision the terrible threats at the Diet of Augsburg, so that we may enjoy peace, for all thought that a terrible war would break out in Germany this summer. But God is letting us see that He has the hearts of kings and all men in His hands. I commit you to God, and pray for me. MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)

In this year Luther’s good friend John the Steadfast passed away, and was succeeded by John Frederick. The Protestants also united with Charles V. to protect themselves against the Turks, who were happily defeated. The Reformation spread rapidly, and the Protestants were promised a council to arrange religious matters.