#2120-To Spalatin

To the welll-known and worth man,Herr G. Spalatin, archbishop and viistor of Meissen, in the LOrd his very dear brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! Good Spalatin, you are a man of mercifulness and love therefore I ask you please to have concern and help for our Christoph Strobel that in the earliest possible time,and to the first place and in the first instance (as much as you are able) provide some sort of position. He is a good man (as you know)and cannot without harm to his health in that swampy,damp,sniffle inciting region endure since namely he is accustomed and almost by nature constituted to live in a mountainous and healthful air. Yes, neither food nor drink of that place is tolerable or at least for him it cannot be endured. Who knows how long we all here in Wittenberg could endure such unusual food and drink? It is nebvertheless around you at least a way of life which is near to the birds of heaven and therefore a happier manner of life. Those people however, who the fish of the sea or rather the deptsh of the underworld (tartari) are possibly nearer are nourished with a bad food.Now also Herr Hausmann I want to be placed in heavenly air since it is not fitting that in his great age that he yet finally be around a river like the Styx,Acheron,or Cocytus or other sources of harmful vapors (Mephitis) be given either. Advise us and stand with us to provide for these good men, yes, to save them.Greet for me your very dear doe, with your sweet little deer or female deer, and pray for me. On the day of St. Mathias (24 February)1535. Your M.Luther,D.
NOTE: Hausmann was in Dessau. Perhaps Strobel was there or nearby?
The Cocytus was the river of wailing which flowed into the Acheron in Hades.
Hausmann's dates 1478-1538 about ten years older than Luther.

#2118-To Johann Lonicer in Marburg

To the, in Christ, highly respected brother, Johann Lonicer, the faithful and zealous servant of the LOrd in Marburg.
Grace and peace!I have understood everything, my dear Lonicer, what motivates you but I do not advise that you be so rash that after one or two onslaughts of Satan that you should be overcome so that therefore you think you should move from your place. Satan is not overcome by a change of place because he is a spirit who roams about widely. Nevertheless if there is a call assigned to you, you may confidently change. Also our important people, for the most part, if not enemies, are yet skillful despisers of the Word and its servants which Christ suffers at length but
but when He is resurrected they will received their deserved punishment.

I don't have any news other than that it is said that a Diet is organized in which they will decide about religion. What will happen Christ knows. In Him be it right well with you with your vine-stock and grapes. The 8th of February 1535. Your Martin Luther.

This young man, Emmer, who delivers this letter would be worthy of your favor and a conversation. He is the teacher of the son of Doctor Jonas and he is visiting his home and on the way wants to visit famous people. Mart.Luther,D.
NOTE: ML calls everyone's wife a fruitful vine except Kaethe.

Philipp von Hesse

#2110-To Landgraf Philip of Hesse

Grace and peace and in addition my poor Paternoster (Lord's Prayer). I have, gracious
Prince and Lord ,EFG's writing together with the presentation of the opinion of Martin Bucer and always perceived the great zeal of EFG for union among all of us on the Article of the Evening Meal (Lord's Supper)etc. Christ, our dear LOrd, preserve EFG in such zeal and all other gifts until that blessed day to his praise and glory,Amen.
What my opinion thereon is now can be perceived by EFG in the writing of my gracious Lord, the Elector; then,praise God, I have come so far that I comfortably hope that there are many among them who heartily and earnestly think thus; for this reason I am inclined to a union which would be fundamental and constant. However because in both parties not all have yet researched it it is sufficient at this time (in my opinion)that to acknowledge the extent of our togetherness until God give more help and grants that a certain unity is concluded. So great a matter, which has waxed for so long and so deep, cannot all of a sudden become complete. Whatever I can continue to do and suffer to bring to completion such a beginning EFG should be certain (as much as God grants) there will be nothing lacking on my part. To serve EFG I am willing and indebted. Herewith be to God commended,Amen. On the Saturday after the conversion of Paul (30 Jan.)Ao.1535. EFG's willing D.Martin Luther.

Erasmus Hands by Holbein

Erasmus by Holbein

#2114-To Caspar Aquila, Pastor in Salfeld

Grace and peace! M.Philippus writes our opinion on the marriage-case which you, good
Aquila, submitted to us. For the rest about your book which you enclosed you have written nothing to me; I leave it to our Erasmus. Our printers find it difficult to determine that they will print a book when they do not have the certain hope or are at least almost certain that they may sell it as soon as possible. They complain that the outlay burdens them and therefore I do not venture to burden them further unless they themselves are ready to publish so I have concluded not to bring something up to anyone. Many people send much here daily without thinking of our poverty and that we are overloaded with projects as if we have as much leisure as they to publish, to correct, to change, to make additions and also to sell so that your confident expectations about us displease as though we have nothing to do than to peruse your book, revise and alter when we are overloaded with ours that we can scarcely catch our breath. Therefore do not take it badly that I herein keep silence. On the day of Fabian (20 Jan)Anno 1535. Martin Luther,D.
nOTE: No doubt this is Saalfeld

#2113-To a Composer

(Kaethe says she hopes the Composer will take this jest (Scherz) of ML in a good way.
I am not sure that I have translated it as intended especially about the pigs and sausages so check it out with the experts.)
Grace and peace in Christ. I, to be sure, have been slow enough with my thankfulness,my dear good friend,for your good willed heart which you have demonstrated with your Canticle and Porsdorfe (?). However, Hieronymous Weller is my witness how often I had the good intention to write but always lacked a message. Please consider that I am of the best of intentions; in truth I believe that you meant it for good for me from your heart and I in return would gladly do no differently as much as I am able. We sing as well as are able at table and afterward. If we are pigs (Saeue) as we do, it is to be sure not your fault but our talent is very slight even after we sing it over two or three times. Virgil sings that we are not all alike. And even if all Composers do well we can go further in our seriousness and sing it badly enough. We are followed by every regimen in the entire world : they permit God and good sense to compose and order good things but they sing also as it were worthy of a shop of worthtless sausages from pigs or a hammer on a field bell. Therefore may composers take it in the best way if we make like pigs with your songs. We would well want to be accurate than make a mistake.
Such a jest as this my Kaethe hopes will be taken in the best way and wants (me) to greet you in a very friendly way. Herewith be commended to God. 1535 on the day of Prisca (18 January). Mart.Luther,D.

#2111-Elector Johann Friedrich to Luther

Dear devout one! The celebrated, our dear trusted one, Master Philipp Melanchton, has on his return from our cousin and brother, the Landgraf, made a report here at Weimar on the dealings between him and Bucer of Strassburg on the article of the most worthy Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, our Savior, which was achieved at Cassel and also the article was agreed to and to be taught by the above named Bucer and others which was previously supported by evangelical sermons on the Sacrament and the same is put forth as you will see by the enclosed list. Since the matter is great and important we in no way not it to thought that we would want anything permitted contrary to God and a good conscience and done without any offense: thus it is our gracious request to you that you listen to the report of Master Philipp and you look at and ponder the enclosed list of particulars and give us your opinion as to whether there is anything in such article as listed which you agree to or regard as objectionable (text is corrupt here)or not. So that we may give our cousin and brother, the Landgraf, an apt written answer, we have ordered our celebrated Counselor and dear faithful one, Gregorious Brueck,Doctor, to speak frienly with you on our behalf; that (we) are eager to hear. We are inclined toward you favorably and with all good . Date at Weimar on the Tuesday after Epiphany (January 12) 1535.

#2110-To Anton Lauterbach in Leisnig

To the very dear brother in the LOrd,M.Antoniius Lauterbach, the faithful and clear servant of Christ in Leisnig.
Grace and peace! You know, my dear Antonius,that the circles of visitation are so divided that I have no authority in your region. For that reason we are able to do nothing beyond admonishing. Therefore, if you cannot do anything, bring the matter to the Prince since up to now our admonishments have not accomplished anything. If the Prince should commend the matter to us then we would be clothed with authority and do what we can. I have great sorrow over the divisions and offenses. Yet God will resolve the same.

There is a nun by you, the wife of Georg Schmid, Christina of Honsberg, who is in misery. I wanted to send her a gulden but I am cognizant of the great unfaithfulness of the messengers( once they lose the money, or again it is stolen etc.) so I do not want to entrust it to them. Thus I request that you procure it from elsewhere in my name; I will be faithful in repaying it. If you can do nothing else, speak to M. Augustin in Colditz about it that he take care to procure the gulden from my Wolfgang which was to fall due on Wallpurgis and he will afterwards have it returned. My Kaethe is sending to the same Christine this "Katigsman" (catechism?) which she requested.The LOrd be with you and yours,Amen. Greet your Agnes and all the beloved lambs in the purity of the faith. On the Friday after Epiphany (8 January)1535. Your Martin Luther,D.

#2109-To Elector Johann Friedrich in Saxony

G.u.F. (Grace and peace)in Christ. Most gracious Lord! In obedient confidence I request ECFG to present to me two Gulden which I want to and must give to the poor man Mr. Johann Kolbe in Herzberg for the sake of God as his misery and tears at such an age have deeply moved me. He met me in Torgau. I do not know how it is that neither Visitor nor Sequestator nor yet official people have not previously helped the poor people so that their needs finally come to an end since now such alms are not great and do not last long. May ECFG receive my bold writing in a good way. That is mercy. ECFG's obedient Mart.Luther,D.
NOTE: No date on this but Burkhardt thinks 1535.

St.Mary's Erfurt

Lang's Lexicon

Luther to Johann Lang, May 29, 1522: Lexicon Hebraicon remitto, sed illud primum, quod olim Erfordiae emeram ab initio; nam tuum propter crebras annotationes pro mea teneo memoria, quamquam et istud alquot habeat, quibus aegre careo, et tu illis non omnibus crede, aliquando enim divinavi. (that is, I am sending a Hebrew lexicon: it is the first, which I obtained while in Erfurt from the beginning; for I remember yours [Lang's "rudimentis hebraicis" ?] because of the numerous notations, although this also has some, for which I have no regret, and do not trust all of them...)WA Br 2 pp. 547f

Thoughts on why to flee solitude by ML

Admonition to flee solitude. D.M.L
There are more and more difficult sins encountered in solitude than in the fellowship of men. Eve, in Paradise, was deceived by the snake when alone. Murder, robbery, and thievery are perpetrated in solitude; there Satan is given room and opportunity. Thus one is ashamed among many people or fellowship to contemplate a harmful act. Christ has promised that where two or three are gathered in His Name He will be in the midst of them. The devil tempted Christ in solitude. David fell into murder and adultery at a time when he was alone and idle. And I have learned that I never fall into sin more than when I live in solitude. God has created men for fellowship not for solitude(as one can see from the two generationsthe rational being and the non-rational animals. Humans are created that at the same time there should be two, one man and one woman, and out of their marriage an everlasting church is assembled by God. And the Almighty God has not wanted solitude because He ordered the Sacrament and the holy sermons in the church in the gathering of humans and thereby created an enduring consolation. Solitude, on the contrary, brings an evil sadness and wherein also may come to mind that we consider everything as very evil.And on occasions when we encounter something frustrating we make it exceedingly great as there could be no one more unfortunate than we; thus we imagine the most evil outcome of everything. In short, we deduce one from another and interpret everything in the worst way. On the contrary we imagine others to be very happy and are tormented by that good while evil comes to us.
NOTE: No date except 1534 or why this is included in the letters. Looks like there is a version of this in the table talks.

#2106-To Johann Lang in Erfurt -( a fragment)

Your Erfurt, as I see it, has encountered and been stupefied by a fatal and sulphurous
lightning strike from which ,as they say , one can neither sleep when drunk nor stay awake when awakened. May God care for it and act so that it does not finally become a Sodom and Capernaum and HE nullifies this strike by His better and stronger lightning.
NOTE: Luther's alma mater in danger of going to hell, one might say? Lang a great classical scholar and formerely a colleague of Luther. This is thought to be in 1534 but no month or day noted. Sulphur may refer to the fire and brimstone on Sodom?

#2105-To Spalatin

Grace and peace! We learned from your letter to Jonas, my good Spalatin, that one with you and your co-bishops advocate the removal of pastors and church servants in Torgau chiefly for the reason that their voices cannot be understod in the sermons. They certainly have sung the same little tune to us mainly after they heard the sermons of M.Wolfgang Fuss (Fues)in a lecture. However, you take care, my dear Spaltin that you do not permit yourself to be persuaded by this single recommendation to undertake this dangerous alteration which is not merely annoying but would exceedingly offensive to us. Since if this right is given to the common people that they may change their pastor when they are sick of him how long will they finally have any pastor? Take this for an example: could you bear it if on account of either the voice or for health reasons would either dispose of you or add the one from Colditz as your assistant? Gabriel (Zwilling) and the others of Torgau have so many virtues that they not only darken the voice of M. Wolfgang but also complain about the virtues. Therefore I plead with you that you would spare us in this matter which could not be looked upon without the greatest offense. Such people as these Torgauers are not frequently found and it would be disgraceful for us to exchange the better for the worst simply on the basis of the dissimilarity of the voice when they sufficiently understand, faithfully teach and read and the latter are only beneficial in their screams for the itching ears and the content benefits only a few if any.. The LOrd be with you, my dear Spalatin. Anno 1534. (no day or month). Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: I don't if the "voice" has to do with the various German dialects or what.