To Jacob Probst, Pastor in Bremen letter 2 - Martin Luther

TO JACOB PROBST, PREACHER IN BREMEN

On this day Luther preached for the last time in Wittenberg, warning the people against the lovely syren, the devil’s bride, Reason (Vernunft).

January 17, 1546.

Grace and peace! I, old, weary, lazy, worn-out, cold, chilly, and, over and above, one-eyed man, now write you. And when I flattered myself that, half-dead as I am, I might be left in peace, it looks as if I had neither written nor done anything heretofore, so overburdened am I now with writing and talking. But Christ, who is all in all, is almighty, to whom be praise to all eternity. Amen. I am delighted with what you tell me about the impertinent and bold way the Swiss write about me, condemning me as the most miserable slave of reason. For this is exactly what I wished when I wrote the pamphlet which has so enraged them — that they should openly avow themselves my enemies. I have achieved this, and, as I say, I am glad. I, the most despicable of men, am more than satisfied to be a partaker of the blessedness of the Psalm, “Blessed is the man who does not wander in the counsel of the

Sacramentarians, nor standeth in the way of the Zwinglians, nor sitteth where the Zurich people sit.” You now have my opinion. You beseech me to pray for you, which I do, and I also ask you to do the same for me; and, as I have no doubt of the efficacy of your petitions, I am convinced you have as little of mine, and if I depart before you, which I desire, I shall draw you after me. And if you pass away before me, then you will do the same for me. For we believe in one God, and wait with all the saints for our Saviour’s appearing. I intend, God helping me, to write against the Louvain people. For I am more indignant at the senseless asses than it is seemly for such a theologian as I am to be, and an old man to boot. Nevertheless, Satan’s partisans must be encountered, even should I expend my last breath upon them. Farewell, and remember that you are not only one of my oldest and best friends, but that I love you for Christ’s sake, whom we both teach and love. Amen.

We are sinners, but He is our righteousness, who lives to all eternity. Amen. We all greet you and yours with much respect.

MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)