To an unknown person. August 8, 1545.
N., my dear Lord and friend, told me how you are at times challenged by the eternal providence of God, and asked me to write you this short letter. Now it is true that this is an evil challenge. But against it is to know that we are forbidden to understand such things, or to deal with them. For what God wants to keep secret, we are not supposed to know. For this is the apple that Adam and Eve ate, along with all their children, when they wanted to know what they should not know. Now as it is sin to murder, to steal, to curse, so it is sin to deal with such inquiring; and is the devil's business, as all other sins.
On the other hand, God has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, whom we are to remember daily and reflect ourselves in Him; for then the transgression itself will be found delightful. For apart from Christ, all is danger, death, and the devil; but in him is peace and joy. For if one eternally tortures himself with misfortune, he gains nothing from it but fear.
Therefore, avoid and flee such thoughts as the serpent was tempted in paradise, and instead look to Christ. God keep you.
Date on August 8, Anno Domini 1545.
Martinus Luther.