Here Moses expressly adds the clause, “The earth was corrupt in God’s sight,” (Genesis 6:11) in order to indicate that in the sight of his age Noah was treated and regarded as a stupid and worthless person. In contrast, the world appeared to itself most holy and most righteous; it assumed that it had adequate reasons for persecuting Noah, especially so far as the First Table and the worship of God were concerned. To be sure, the Second Table likewise gives rise to pretense and hypocrisy; but there is no comparison with the First. An adulterer, a thief, and a murderer can remain hidden for a time, but not forever. But the sins against the First Table usually remain hidden under the guise of saintliness until God reveals them. Ungodliness never wants to be considered and actually to be ungodliness; it strives to be praised for piety and godliness. It embellishes its forms of worship to such a degree that in comparison with them the true forms of worship and true godliness are filthy.  (Luther’s Works, v.2 p.158)

Oh, how I have been carried away and how I overflowed with words! It is due to my faith in Christ which thus gave vent to my joy over your faith and bold confession.  John also had to leap in his mother’s womb when Christ came to him.  Thus you see him coming to me through your letter. I hope to God that he will also come to you through this missive of mine and fill not only your John but also Elizabeth and the entire house with joy and spirit, and remain with you not just for three months but forever. May God the Father of all mercy grant that. Amen.  (Luther’s Works, v.43, p.69)