the Bible, where I diligently read, and thereby, God be praised, at
length I attained to the true understanding of the same. Without
such a devil, we are but only speculators of divinity, and according
to our vain reasoning we dream that so-and-so it must be, as the
Monks and Friars in monasteries do. The Holy Scripture of itself is
certain and true enough; but God grant me the grace that I may catch
hold on the right use thereof; for when Satan disputeth with me in
this sort, namely, whether God be gracious unto me or no? then I
must not meet him with this text: "Whoso loveth God with all his
heart, with all his soul, and with all his strength, the same shall
inherit the kingdom of God;" for then the devil presently objecteth,
and hitteth me in the teeth, and saith, "Thou hast not loved God
with all thy heart," etc., which, indeed, is true, and my own
conscience therein witnesseth against me; but at such a time I must
arm myself and encounter him with this text, namely: "That Jesus
Christ died for me, and through him I have a gracious God and
Father; Christ hath made an atonement for me," as St. Paul saith,
"He is of God given unto us for wisdom, for righteousness, for
holiness, and for redemption."

Tyrants, sectaries, seducers, and heretics do nothing else but drive
us into the Bible, to make us read more diligently therein, and with
more fervency to sharpen our prayers.


Of the Advice of the Bishop of Salzburg, how to qualify the
Controversy between the Protestants and Papists, propounded to
Luther shortly before his Death; touching which, Luther discoursed
as followeth: