me, by God's grace bravely despise them all, and am girt up for a work of peace. Thus I offer your Highness the homilies you asked for. What can I not do in him who strengthens me? If I wanted to rely on my own strength, I should not dare to publish even my book on the Psalter, were I seven times Luther. For that book, not to mention my two ser- mons daily, requires much genius, learning, diligence and grace. I say nothing of my occupations outside the ministry of the Word.
I fear that the work will fall short of your hopes. For as there is nothing more holy in the heart of everyone than knowledge of the gospel (and rightly, since its majesty is inestimable and adorable), many will expect homilies worthy of the gospel, whereas they will find only a mouse born of the mountain's labor, and that having conceived fire I bring forth straw. I say nothing about my eloquence and elegant Latinity. For I am unskilled in these things, nor do I write for those who are skilled in them, but for the people and for men whose breath is in their nostrils as Isaiah says,* and who are considered noble by God. Though they speak artlessly their judgment is what I fear, especially yours, most illustri- ous Prince, who not only favor sacred studies with incom- parable zeal, but who are so formed that you can dispute on these questions with any theologian, no matter how great This is why the Romanists are unable to impose on you with their silly bulls, and cannot snare you in their impious super- stitions, although with this gross nonsense they have to-day sent all the bishops insane.
I shall be satisfied if I lay bare the pure and simple sense of the gospel and thus meet the foolish commentaries of some. Thus the people can hear instead of fables and dreams the pure Word of God purged from human dross. I promise nothing, but this pure and simple gospel truth, meant to capture the lowly and meek. Whether I even do this others must judge, but at least no one shall learn from me to dis- cuss matters which have nothing to do with the subject.
Deign, therefore, most illustrious Prince, in clemency to accept this my gift, and keep yourself, as you do, for the
ilsaiah, ii. 22.
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