an inextinguishable flame. It is our part, then, to act fearlessly and "be careful for nothing," as St. Paul bids us, knowing that the Lord is at hand, only seeing to it that our prayers and thanksgiving are made known unto God. For we shall not fight or conquer any better if we are anxious and fearful, nor will things be worse for us if we are glad and joyful. Let us leave sadness and worry to the spirit of Carlstadt, and let us fight like men who are fighting another's battle. The cause is God's, the care is God's, the work is God's, the glory is God's; He will fight and conquer without us. If He deigns to take us for His weapons, we shall be ready and willing.
I write this in order to exhort you, and others through you, not to fear Satan and not to let your heart be troubled.* If we are wicked, what is more just than that we should be oppressed? If we are righteous, God, too, is righteous, and will bring forth our righteousness as the noonday.' Let fall what falls, let stand what stands; the cause is not ours, for we seek not the things that are our own. Farewell, my dear Gerbel, and pray for me. Martin Luther.
652. LUTHER TO THE CHRISTIANS OF STRASSBURG.
Enders, v, 83. (Wittenbesg, December 17, 1524.)
De Wette, ii, 574. German.
De Wette dated this letter December 14 Enders, 15; Albrecht (in Beitrdge zur Kirchengeschichte D, KostUn gewidmet, 1896), the i6Ch. Barge has, however, shown with great probability that it was written on the 17th, ZKG., xxviii, 45-48. This letter is the answer to one from the Strassburg clergy, Capito, Zell, Hedio, Althiesser, Schwarz, Fim and Bucer to Luther, of November 23, 1524, Enders, v, sgff. On the cir- cumstances of writing and sending it, see introduction to the last letter. On Bucer vide Vol. I, p. 80; T. M. Lindsay in Quarterly Review, Janu- Bucer married Elizabeth Silbereisen, who died 1542, immediately after which Bucer married Capito's widow.
Grace and peace in God our Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Dearest brethren, I greatly rejoice and thank God the Father of all mercy for His rich grace in calling you to His wonderful light and to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. For now through His wholesome Word you know Him and
^ John xiv, 27. ' Pstim zzrii, 6.
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