To Jacob Probst, Pastor in Bremen - Martin Luther
TO JACOB PROBST, PASTOR IN BREMEN Luther recommends a poor preacher. September 15, 1538.
Grace and peace in Christ! I seldom write to you, dear Jacob, and do not answer your letters as you perhaps wish, but I know you do not take it ill, for you are aware how I am borne down by heaps of business, work, years, and temptations; and I also think you do not stand in need of my letters, for God has endowed you so richly that you are able to rule and comfort both yourself and others in this evil world, which is so full of ingratitude and contempt of God’s Word. But enough of this! There are two upright and learned men here from Lower Saxony, but we are very poor ourselves, and are overrun with troops of the destitute, whom it is impossible for us to maintain, however willing. But as
they cannot be of much use here, on account of the language, Herr Philip thinks we should send one to you, on the chance of a vacant church, so as to prevent them being idle, especially as you are rich, and your superfluity could be turned to good account in relieving their poverty. But if the people about you are too ungrateful to support him till he gets a living, then send him back to us, and we shall share what we have with him. The latest news is that I, an old man, so laden with work and so weary, am becoming daily younger, because new sects are constantly rising against me, to combat which the energy of youth is required. If we had no other proof that we were called and chosen of God and
posses His Word, this alone would be sufficient — that we had to put up with so many sects, who are always brewing some mischief, some of whom proceed from ourselves, not to speak of our spiritual conflict with the Pope and the devil, and our friends’ scorn of the Divine Word; but we are not better than the apostles and prophets, nor than our Lord Himself. It is constantly being reported that the Emperor of the French and the Venetians have united their fleets against the Turks, and that they are very successful at sea against the arch-foe. May God graciously hear the prayers of the Christians.
My Kathie and your godchild, my daughter, greet you, for the latter of whom I hope you will provide a good pious husband after my death. I write nothing about myself, except to beg that you will pray for me, that the Lord may deliver me from the attacks of Satan’s angels, and, if it be His will, grant me a peaceful exit from this wretched world. The Lord be with you.
Greet your dear wife from me and my Kathie. MARTIN LUTHER . (Walch, 21. 1285.)