August 9, 1545.
Grace and peace in Christ JEsu, who is our only consolation and Savior. Sublime, highborn prince, gracious lord. I have been informed of E. F. G.'s sad coincidence concerning E. F. G.'s husband, which I am sorry for from the bottom of my heart. May Christ, our Lord, graciously send it for the redemption of such affliction. Nevertheless, E. F. G. must also think that you, with all the saints in the pit of misery, have all
We are here and have not yet arrived at our eternal fatherland, which we hope for. Therefore we cannot have it better than our ancestors, and all our brothers in the whole world must all sail with us in the ship and suffer the devil with his storm winds. He is not angry with us because he tempts us with tribulations, if we only turn to him with right trust and earnestness.
could or wanted to send. Therefore, do not be too weak or too stupid. We have a God who can do better, neither we remember, and gives more, neither we understand, as St. Paul writes; to him we should command it and should entrust our concern to him, as he cares for us, as St. Peter says: "Cast all your care on him and know that he cares for you", 1 Pet. Peter says, "Cast all your care upon him, and know that he careth for you," 1 Pet. 5:7, and David, "Cast thy concern upon the Lord, and he shall provide for thee," Ps. 55:23. If we do not, however, it is
We are lost with our worries, and bring nothing of it, but futile effort, because God knows that he himself cannot care for us. My dear Lord Christ Jesus comfort and strengthen E. F. G. with His Holy Spirit, to do and suffer His gracious will, Amen. I wish my poor Pater noster (Our Father) and all the best to my gracious Lord Prince Joachim and thank both E. F. G. for the game. The 9th of August, Anno 1545.
Martinus Luther.