"Then give heed," said Luther, "that you may know what is meant by 'the law.' The creature may well fear the law, with its threats and penalties. It is God's purpose, that the law should cause sinners to tremble; for it is a taskmaster, holding the scourge in his right hand. But understand me well,--the law is not a taskmaster for its own sake, as though it delighted in punishment, but it is evermore pointing to Christ. What manner of master would he be, who tormented and chastised his scholars without ceasing, yet taught them nothing? Of such schoolmasters there have been many,--tyrants, who made their schools places of torture, beating without reason or measure the poor children, who studied with great labor and diligence, and yet with small profit. The law is a master of quite another sort, not only making its children to fear, but driving to Christ those who fall under its condemnation. But having driven us to Him, threats no longer avail. Were Moses to accuse my conscience, I should say: Nay, Moses, but Christ is here. And on the blessed Judgment Day, Moses will say to me: Thou hast understood me well. For he that is in Christ, is delivered from the law, as the Scripture saith: 'Christ is the end of the law.' Those who are Christ's, are no longer under the law, but are sanctified." Turning to his wife, he said suddenly: "Dear Kate, do you believe that you are sanctified?" Taken aback by his abrupt question, she was unable at once to reply. After considering for a moment, she said: "How should I believe that I am sanctified? Am I not a great sinner?" The Doctor smiled. "See the popish unbelief,--how it has wounded the hearts of men, and possessed the inner nature so entirely, that it sees nothing beyond that outward, personal righteousness and holiness, which we achieve for ourselves. Dear Kate, if you believe that you are baptized a Christian, you must needs believe that you are sanctified. Holy baptism has power, so to change our sinfulness, that although continually present and felt, yet it does not condemn us." A faint blush rose to Katharine's cheek, and a mute, eloquent glance thanked her husband for his comforting words. Thereafter, following the master's example, all rose while he pronounced the blessing. The maidservants then brought in the morning meal, which was eaten in silence; after which all went to their work. The Doctor brought from his study the Hebrew Bible and, accompanied by Peter Weller, repaired to the University, to lecture upon the Book of Genesis. Jerome took Hans to his own room, where he instructed the child in reading and writing. During the forenoon a long table, covered with a fresh linen cloth, was placed in the court-yard, under the pear-tree; the Doctor had desired to enjoy this festive occasion under the open sky.