To an unknown friend. May 23, 1542.
Grace and peace in the Lord. Honorable, careful, good friend! Your dear son N. has informed me of your great sorrow for the stolen goods, and he requests a letter of comfort from me to you. Well, my dear friend, I am truly sorry for your troubles and sufferings. Christ, the greatest comforter of all afflicted, wanted to comfort you, as he well can and will do, amen.
Remember that it is not you alone whom the devil afflicts. Job was afflicted, and not only robbed of everything down to the skin, but also severely beaten both physically and spiritually, yet God found a good end, and was abundantly comforted again. Speak, as the 55th Psalm, v. 23, teaches: "Cast your prayer upon the
He will provide for you," and St. Peter, 1 Epist. 5:7, following the same saying: "Dear brothers, cast all your afflictions on him, for he cares for you. Even if it hurts for a while, he is still faithful and certain and will help in due time, as he says, Ps. 50, 15: "Call upon me in time of need, and I will save you, and you shall praise me"; for he is called helper in time of need, Ps. 9, 10.
And what is our suffering compared to that which God's Son innocently suffered for us? Without our weakness making our suffering heavy and great, which would be easier if we were stronger. Hereby commanded to the dear God. Tuesday after Exaudi 1542.