[536] Hic consumitur omne mihi tempus in lacrymis et luctu.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 126.) [537] Versamur hic in miserrimis curis et plane perpetuis lacrymis.--(Ibid. p. 140.) [538] Mira consternatio animorum nostrorum.--(Ibid.) Nothing in fact presented so strong a contrast to the distrust and desolations of Melancthon, as the faith, calmness, and exultation of Luther. It was of advantage to him that he was not then in the midst of the Augsburg vortex, and to be able from his stronghold to set his foot with tranquillity upon the rock of God's promises. He was sensible himself of the value of this peaceful hermitage, as he called it.[539] "I cannot sufficiently admire," said Vitus Diedrich, "the firmness, cheerfulness, and faith of this man, so astonishing in such cruel times." [539] Ex eremo tacita.--(L. Epp. iv. p. 51.) It is thus he dates his letter. [Sidenote: LUTHER'S ANXIETY.] Luther, besides his constant reading of the Word of God,[540] did not pass a day without devoting three hours at least to prayer, and they were hours selected from those the most favourable to study.[541] One day, as Diedrich approached the Reformer's chamber, he heard his voice,[542] and remained motionless, holding his breath, a few steps from the door. Luther was praying, and his prayer (said the secretary) was full of adoration, fear, and hope, as when one speaks to a friend or to a father.[543] "I know that thou art our Father and our God," said the Reformer, alone in his chamber, "and that thou wilt scatter the persecutors of thy children, for thou art thyself endangered with us. All this matter is thine, and it is only by thy constraint that we have put our hands to it. Defend us then, O Father!" The secretary, motionless as a statue, in the long gallery of the castle, lost not one of the words that the clear and resounding voice of Luther bore to his ears.[544] The Reformer was earnest with God, and called upon him with so much unction to accomplish his promises, that Diedrich felt his heart glow within him.[545] "Oh!" exclaimed he, as he retired, "How could not these prayers but prevail in the desperate struggle at Augsburg!" [540] Assidue autem illa diligentiore verbi Dei tractatione alit.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 159.) [541] Nullus abit dies, quin ut minimum tres horas easque studiis optimas in orationibus ponat.--(Ibid.) [542] Semel mihi contigit ut orantem eum audirem.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 159.) [543] Tanta spe et fide ut cum patre et amico colloqui sentiat.--(Ibid.) [544] Tum orantem clara voce, procul stans, audivi.--(Ibid.) [545] Ardebat mihi quoque animus singulari quodam impetu.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 159.)