To Leonhardt Kaiser - Martin Luther

TO LEONHARDT KAISER

Who was imprisoned and finally burned for his religion. May 20, 1527.

To the esteemed dear brother in Christ, the faithful servant and prisoner of Christ, Leonhardt Kaiser. Grace and peace! That your old man should be a prisoner, dear Herr Leonhardt, is the will of Christ your Savior, who gave Himself up for you and your sins into the hands of the godless, so that He might redeem you with His blood, and make you His brother and co-heir of eternal life. We are in

deep sorrow on your account, and pray earnestly that you may be set free, not so much for your sake as for the benefit of many and the honor of God, if it be His will. But if it be the will of Heaven that you should not be free, still you are free in spirit. Only see that you are strong, and constantly

overcome the weakness of the flesh, patiently bearing with it in the strength of Christ, who is with you in your cell, and will stand by you in all your affliction, as He has promised: “I will be with him in trouble.” Hence you must confidently call upon Him in prayer, sustaining yourself with Psalms of consolation amid Satan’s fury, so that you may be strengthened of the Lord, and not succumb too readily to the teeth of Behemoth ( Job 40:15). For you know he cannot injure you if you cry to Christ, whose presence and power are over all. As St. Paul says, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” and He will help all who are tempted. Therefore, my beloved brother, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, so that you may recognize, endure, love, and praise out of a full heart the fatherly will of God, whether free or not. To enable you to do this, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will work in you, according to the riches of His glory, who is the Father of all mercies and the God of all consolation. Amen.

I herewith commit you to God; also pray for us. MARTIN LUTHER .