Martin Luther on the power of God's word.
"I have heard a story about that noble bishop, Frederick of Magdeburg, who was also Count of Beichlingen not long ago. Duke Frederick of Saxony, his sworn enemy, was preparing to fight against him. He sent a spy to the bishop’s court for the purpose of learning about his defense operations. The spy returned jubilantly to the Saxon prince and informed him that the bishop was making no preparations and that the victory was theirs. The prince asked: “What does the bishop say about the war?” The spy replied: “He says nothing more than this, that he is interested in discharging his duties, visiting the cloisters, and hearing the cases of the poor. He would let God fight for him, since He would take good care of the war.” When the prince heard this, he said: “If this is what the bishop says, then let the devil fight him in my stead!” He gave up the war, for he was afraid to fight against God. Now who was it who helped the bishop so quickly and easily, and so completely changed the mind of the prince? Only the name of the Lord. The insignificant and the little word “God” accomplishes such great things so quickly, so powerfully, and so easily. I shall not list the many examples of the enemies who were destroyed because they trusted in men. We see altogether too much of this every day."
