thoughts and makes them seem so dear to us that no one wishes to leave them or to turn away, but all wish to scrutinize them and think them through to the end. To do so is to sur- render to Satan.
But that those who are tempted may divert their thoughts, let them harken to the words of some good man as the voice of God from heaven. So I have often been refreshed by the words of Bugenhagen, which he once said to me : "You ought not to despise my consolation"; this convinced me that his words were from God. Then they will understand the text: "Thy Word hath made me alive." * Christ suffered this temptation when He said to Satan: "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God," * by which He conquered the devil and enabled us to conquer him too. For truly thoughts of this kind are nothing but tempting God, although we do not think it while they are present but esteem them heavenly and profitable unto salva- tion, but they do tempt by opposing God, even if we do not go so far as to despise Him and deny His existence. It is necessary to resolve to turn away from them and to think of God in a different manner, which can be done by believing the Word of the Comforter who leads you back to God if you let Him. I have been diffuse (although I have not said enough) because I know from experience what Satan can do in this way. . . .
I have decided to print the third part of my book.* It does not need another preface by me; you can write one if you wish. I have left out the portion on auricular confession, which I enclose on a separate sheet for you to insert or not, as you think best. I do not enclose the other parts because the book is large and many of the topics treated are digressions from the main point. Farewell in the Lord and pray for me. . . .
Hamburg has adopted the evangelical faith, following the example of Brunswick, and has called Bugenhagen. We have hopes also of Liibeck, for many citizens favor it and the town council opposes it less strenuously than before.
II Samuel ii, 3.(?) 'Matthew iv, 7,
- The last part of the work against Zwingli : The Great Confession on the LoH^M
Supper, Luther sent it to Unk, who publishd it with a preface of his own.
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