Luthers Letters To Women Collected By Dr K Zimmermann Translated By Mrs Malcolm PDF Download

From the PREFACE: THESE Letters of Luther, collected by Dr. K. Zimmermann, and given by him as a Whitsuntide offering to the German Protestant woman-world, I now present as a Christmas gift to the women of England. Among them a few, perhaps, may be looked upon as trifling, others as curious and interesting, whilst some are beautiful; but all bear testimony to the simple, earnest faith, deep piety, and loving heart of this great and good man, showing how his religion was interwoven with his every-day life, and that his family affections were particularly strong. His Will has been introduced by Dr. Zimmermann as a further proof "that the man who stood at the head of his time did not forget his household ties." In Luther's character were marvellously combined the most opposite qualities—dignity and earnestness with simplicity and playfulness; bitterness and severity with long-suffering and charity; sternness with gentleness and tenderness. There may occasionally be found in the Letters a certain degree of coarseness; which must not be regarded as peculiar to Luther, but as belonging to the times in which he lived. I venture to bring this little book before the English public in the hope that it may prove of some use, in this age of weak and wavering faith, by recalling to the memory, the character and writings of one who has left so bright an example of the power of that steadfast faith which is "the victory that overcometh the world."