Here I must relate a beautiful, noteworthy story: There was once a woman who was very sick and commended herself to the devil for a cure. Eventually regretting this dealing, she fell into a fearful worry. Luther came to see her and asked why she was so full of grief, whereupon she said, “Oh, good Doctor, I have forsaken God and commended myself to the devil. Oh, what have I done?” Luther said, “Dear Elsa, that sin is nothing. Have you done nothing worse?” Then she answered, “Oh, good Doctor, how could I ever commit a worse sin?” Luther repeated, “I will tell you again and again, that is nothing. The worst sin would be if you had wished to leave this life in such a foolish state. Dear Elsa, are you able to give away Mr. Fröschel’s* book or my coat? Then the woman said, “No, I can’t, for they aren’t mine.” Luther continued, Who redeemed you?” She answered, “Jesus Christ.” Then Luther concluded, “That is what I wanted to hear. You have spoken rightly. Jesus Christ has redeemed you, so you are His possession. You are the Lord Christ’s in body and soul. This was your oath and pledge in Baptism, so you cannot commend your body and soul to the devil. You cannot remove one finger of your Lord Christ. You are not in control of yourself. Remind the devil of this purchase and say, “Listen, devil, if you want me, go on up to Jesus Christ and ask Him yourself. He’ll give us both what’s good for us. He’ll give you a knock on the skull, and He won’t let me be plucked from His hand.” The woman took the good advice and instantly recovered. This is a masterpiece in Luther, and it shows what kind of comfort it ours for having been sworn to the Lord Christ in Baptism.
* Sebastian Fröschel (1497-1570), Lutheran theologian and deacon of the city church of Wittenberg.
Herberger, Valerius The Great Works of God: Parts One and Two: The Mysteries of Christ in the Book of Genesis, Chapters 1-15 49