While sitting here, I ponder all day long on the state of the Churches as represented in the Thou made all men in vain?"
What a dreadful pictureof the wrath of God is the cursed kingdom of the I lament my hard-heartedness, that I do not weep rivers over the destruction of the daughtersof my people.
Is there no one who will arise and pleadwith God, or become a wall for the defence of the house of Israel, in those lastdaysof the wrath of God
Therefore be up and doing,ye servants Word, and build up the walls and towers of Jerusalem tillthey close round about you.
You know your calling and gifts.I pray earnestlyfor you, if my prayers may avail (which I hope they may).
Do the same for me, and let us share this burden.
We are still alone upon the field.
When they are done with me theywill seek you.
Spalatinwrites that a terrible Edict ^ has been issued, making it a matter of conscience for every one to search out my writings to destroy them.
Rehoboam rejoices, and is eager to promote such doings.
Emperor has also been instigated to write to the King of Denmark not to favour the Lutheran heresy,and my enemies now chant,
*' When will he be destroyed,and his name perish^ Kronenberg has renounced his pay of ducats,and told the Emperor that he will serve him no longer. I believe this
Edict will have no effect,except with the above-mentioned Rehoboam, and with your neighbourwho is afflicted with a great love of honour.
God lives and reignsto all eternity.
God has visited me with great bodilysuffering.
I have not sleptall night,and had no rest.
Pray for me, as this evil will become unbearable if it go on increasing as it has hitherto done.
Salzburgaccompanied Ferdinand, the fourth day after our return, to his bride at Ferdinand was not greatlypleasedwith his
That signed by the Emperor at Worms.
2 Herzog George, Luther's enemy. convoy, and neither was the Emperor, Spalatinwrites.
Write particularly how things are going on with you.
And may you be happy with your wife.
In the regionof the birds.
Amsdorf accompanied Luther to Waltershausen,where an armed force capturedhim.
I wrote you all a few days ago, dear Amsdorf, but I listened to counsel,and tore up what I had written,as it was not considered safe to send letters.
I have now written about the books and sheets to Hieronymus, and am also writingto the Prior about them in this letter.
You will order what is necessary.
God is tryingme sorely,but pray for me, because I alwayspray for you, that God would strengthenyour heart.
Therefore be of good cheer and proclaimthe God with joy,as often as you have the chance.
Tell me about your journey,and what you heard at Spalatin's letter to me.
On the day I was torn from you, at night,tired and weary, in the garbof a knight.
I sit,a free man among the bondmen.
Damascus, your neighbour. For a terrible Edict has been issued against us, but the Lord will laugh at them May you prosper in the Lord.
Greet all our friends.
In the regionof the air.
Luther asks his friend who lived with him in Wittenberg how the gospel was progressing there.
On the margin is Herzog George.
Elector of Brandenburg.