September 8, 1530: #1691, #1692

#1691:

To my wife, love of my heart, Katherine Luther in Wittenberg, by my hand. Grace and peace in Christ. My dear Kaethe!

This messenger is in a hurry to be gone but we hope we ourselves will soon come since this messenger brought letters from Augsburg that the proceedings in our matter have come to an end and one waits for what the Emperor will conclude and judge.One thinks that everything will be postponed to a future Council; because the Bishops of Mainz are holding firm and the Pfalzgrafs, Trier and Cologne will not consent to strife or war. The others are furious but make the mistake that the Emperor can be forced by their earnestness. What God wills will happen now that the Diet has come to an end. We have done and offered enough. The Papists do not want to yield a hair's breadth and have anyone tell them they should soften what they teach and make room (for us?). I am wondering why Hans Weiss has not accepted the Psalm (2nd Edition of Psalm 117). I didn't think he could be so disgusting since it is a precious copy. Herewith I am sending the same complete and it will please well Georg Rau. (Evidently Rau and Weiss are printers.) If the copy on "The Keys" pleases Johann Pommer and Creuziger, let it be printed after all. Who is saying to you that I am sick is a great wonder to me as you see before your eyes the books which I am writing. I have the Prophets all out excepting Ezekiel which I am now in and the Sermon on the Sacrament not including writing letters and other things besides. I cannot now writet more in haste. Greet all and everyone. I have a large book of sugar for Hans Luther which Cyriacus of Nuernberg brought from the beautiful garden. Herewith be commended to God and pray. Regarding Polner go with the advice of Pommer and Weller.

Ex eremo ("From the wilderness"), the 8th of September 1530.

Martinus Luther

#1692:

To Hieronymous Weller (who was staying at Luther's home in Wittenberg). Grace and peace in Christ!

I am writing in the greatest haste so that I do not leave you without an answer and make you sad. Actually, I advise that you should accept the offer of the Dresden Call. If after all some danger to the conscience threatens or opresses the position could easily be left. What happens there that is not right happens neither by your command or consent. Joseph served the idol-servers in Egypt and Jacob was under the idolatar Laban in Mesopotamia, and Naeman in the temple of Rimmon in Syria [2 Kings 5,18]. Who knows what fruit in Christ the youth in Dresden may be blessed with? Receive this little bit as advice given in love, be it well with you, and the Lord bless and strengthen you, Amen.

From the wilderness, the 8th of September 1530.

Your Martin Luther.

*NOTES: Do you suppose the volume of Luther's labors convinced Kaethe that he was not sick? Weller it may be remembered was struggling with depression or melancoly and staying at the Luther home. Dresden is the capital of Ducal Saxony and headed by the dreadful Duke Georg for whom Luther had several negative appelations. What does the LCMS constitution say about serving in idolatrous institutions? No way, Jerry Weller or is it permisible if permitted to teach according to your convictions?