To Someone unknown letter 4 - Martin Luther

TO SOME ONE UNKNOWN

Caution against worrying over the doctrine of election. Luther ordained Prince George of Anhalt as Bishop of Merseburg on August 2, and preached there and at Halle, where his colleagues overtook him. August 8, 1545.

My dear friend N. tells me that at times you are tempted to doubt the decrees of God’s eternal providence, and requested me to write you on the subject. No doubt this is a severe temptation, but we must remember that we are forbidden to inquire into such mysteries. For what God desires to keep secret we must not wish to know; because this was the apple, the eating of which brought death to Adam and Eve, with all their posterity. Even as murder, theft, and swearing are sins, so it is also sinful to try to investigate such matters, and the devil is at the root of this, as he is of all other sins. On the other hand, God has given us His Son Jesus Christ, whom we should make our example, daily meditating on Him, which will cause God’s decrees to assume a most lovely aspect in our eyes. For without Christ everything is vanity, death, and the devil; but with Him all is pure peace and joy. For if a man is constantly tormenting himself as to the decrees of Providence, he only reaps anxious

forebodings. Therefore eschew such thoughts as coming from the serpent in paradise, and instead look at Christ.

May God preserve you. MARTIN LUTHER . (De Wette.)