To Philip Melanchthon letter 15 - Martin Luther

TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON

Luther’s ill-health and Satan’s assaults enabled him to sympathize with others in their dark hours. July 31, 1530.

My dear brother, grace and peace in our Lord!

Although I have nothing to say, I did not wish the man who brought the game to return without letters. I believe you have all wrestled manfully with the devil this week, and I presume this is why Weller’s and Schosser’s messenger has not returned from you. In spirit I am very near you. But I am sure this much-maligned Christ is even nearer. Therefore I cry earnestly to Him to stand by you.

God grant you may not desert our cause. For I know the adversaries try to draw away the timid and desponding. Do not be anxious about me, for it is no organic disease from which I suffer, so I scoff at Satan’s angel who buffets me so severely. If I cannot read and write I can still meditate and pray; also sleep, play, and sing. Only do not worry unduly, Philip, over a cause which is not in your hand, but in the hand of Him who is greater than the Prince of this world, and from whom no one can rend us, so that we may verify His Word. “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, . . . to eat the bread of sorrows, for He gives it to His friends sleeping, or in sleep” (Luther’s version).

Cast your care upon God, who raises the dead and heals the broken in heart. The God of all consolation, into whose hands I commit you all, has chosen us to spread abroad His honor and glory. From the castle so full of devils, but where, nevertheless, Christ reigns in the midst of His enemies. Farewell. MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze and Walch, 5:16. 1067.)