Thus drunkards, idolaters, and the like, know how to help themselves with the Scriptures; but alas! with such fig-leaves they wrong themselves, and suffer themselves to be led by the learned like the ox to the slaughter. O dear Lord, I heartily pray thee, enlighten the eyes of our enemies, as thou didst to Paul, who also persecuted the church of God. Take this brief letter in good part, for I trust that you are yourselves taught and strengthened. Be manful therein, watch, stand fast in the faith, be strong in the faith, and let all your things be done in love, and as I sincerely trust concerning you both. Herewith I will commend you, my much beloved brother-in-law and brother in the Lord, and my greatly beloved sister in the Lord (and by marriage), to the Lord of lords, and to the rich word of his grace, which is able to keep you from all evil, and to make you zealous in that which is good, and meet for his eternal kingdom, to give it to you, the incorruptible inheritance among them that are sanctified. I also thank you both as much as I can, for your great friendship and affection to me unworthy one.
Herewith I bid you adieu; there in the presence of Christ Jesus I will await you, and my very dear wife, and all the godfearing left behind. Amen.
Written shortly before Easter, when I hourly expected to be notified that I was to offer up my sacrifice, to the praise of God, and to my salvation. Amen.
Herewith I bid my nephews and nieces adieu on this earth. O that they would also follow Christ, when they have attained to understanding; then they would also come where he, namely, Christ, is; and they that repent and keep his commandments, these are his friends and disciples who follow him.
Hence I beseech you, my dear, beloved niece, to shun evil, diligently to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and to work to satisfy her hunger with bread, and quench her thirst with drink. If you do this, my dear niece, you will be one who with Mary has chosen the good part; and I will then await you there with Christ Jesus, whither I will go a little beforehand; and all that love the truth will follow. To this end may the good Lord grant his grace, that this my heartfelt wish may be realized, to the salvation of my nieces and nephews. Amen.
Written in my bonds, by me,