I have done it to dispel the sadness of my weak flesh and not with a bad conscience." Then, turning to us, he said: "Be witnesses that I have not revoked what I have written against the Pope in the matter of penance and justification, but I per- ceive it to be God's Gospel and God's truth; if some have thought me a little too free and too harsh, I have no regret; God knows I have never wished anyone evil." Then again: "Lord, if it is Thy will that I die in my bed, Thy will be done; I would rather have shed my blood, but John the Evangelist, who also wrote a good strong book against the Pope, died thus, according to Thy will."
When the hot bags were applied he began to ask about his little son: "Where is my dear little Hansf" The boy was brought in, smiling at his father, and then he said: "0 you good little boy, I commend my dear Katie and you to my dear, good God; you have nothing, but God, Who is the Father of the orphan and the Judge of the widow, will protect you and provide for you," Then, at the end, he said something to his wife about some silver cups, adding : "Except these, you know we have nothing." To all this his wife, terrified and distressed, but putting on a cheerful face and repressing the grief that was in her heart, said : My dear doctor, if it is God's will, I would rather have you with God than with me. This con-- cerns only me and my child, but many pious Christian people who still need you; do not worry about me; I commend you to His divine will," When the hot bags were applied, he said his strength was coming back and he hoped he could sweat They were bidden to go away that he might be quiet. May our Lord Jesus Christ long keep this man for us. Amen.
To-day the doctor said to me: "I must make a note of this day ; yesterday I was at school." He said that his spiritual trial of yesterday was twice as great as this bodily illness which came on in the evening.
766. LUTHER TO SPALATIN.
Enders, vi, 68. (WnrENBEKc), July xo, 1527.
Grace and peace in the Lord. It is reported here by word
of mouth and by letters, that you arc in ill-health, my dear
Spalatin. If this is true, I pray the Lord Jesus that He may
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