Almighty, eternal God! What a thing is the world! How it opens people's mouths! How small and small
is man's trust in God! How is the flesh so tender and weak, and the devil so mighty and busy through
Its apostles and worldly wise men! How soon it pulls away its hand and purrs along, lurking in the common way and the long way to hell, where the wicked belong; and it only looks at what is splendid and mighty, great and powerful and has a reputation. If I should turn my eyes there, then it is over with me; the bell has already been cast and the sentence passed. O God! O God! O my God! You, my God, help me against all the world's reason and wisdom. You do it; you alone must do it. It is not my business, but yours. For my own part, I have nothing to do here and nothing to do with these great lords of the world. Would that I could have good, peaceful days and not be sworn to anything. But thine is the cause, O Lord, which is just and eternal. Help me, O faithful and eternal God, I rely on no man. It is in vain and in vain, all that is carnal and tastes of flesh is limp. O God, O God! do you not hear, my God? Are you dead? No, you cannot
die, thou hidest thyself alone. Have you chosen me to do this? I ask you, as I know it for certain; let God do it, for all my life I have never thought of being against such great lords, nor have I intended to be. O God, help me in the name of your dear Son Jesus Christ, who shall be my protection and shield, yes, my stronghold, through the power and strength of your Holy Spirit. O Lord, where are you? You, my God, where are you? Come, come, I am ready to lay down my life for it, patient as a little lamb. For the cause is righteous and thine; I will not separate myself from thee for ever. Let this be decreed in thy name. The world must leave me unconstrained about my conscience, even if it were still full of devils, and if my body, which is first the work of your hands and a creature, should fall to the ground, yes, to ruins; but your word and spirit are good for me. And it is only about the body; the soul is yours and belongs to you and also remains with you forever, amen. God help me, amen.