To Anton Lauterbach. June 27, 1535.
To the worthy Mr. Antonius Lauterbach, preacher at Leisnig, my favorable, good friend and dear godfather, grace and peace in Christ.
Oh, my dear Anton, what shall I write to comfort the good people of Mitweide; because my letter has done more harm than good to those chased away from Leipzig? It would also happen to those from Mitweide if my letter were to fail, as it has easily happened with such a general letter.
Console them orally also from my desire, the best you can. I am sorry for the misery and torture of the innocent people.
My dear Lord Jesus Christ, for whose sake they suffer, comfort and strengthen them for His glory and their salvation; for they confess Christ, and their suffering is a sure testimony to their salvation and the condemnation of tyrants, as St. Paul says in 2 Thess. 1:7. Although it hurts flesh and blood, it is so much easier, so much more certain that we believe and hope that we are called to that life, where we suffer and share in such torture.
You see what the priest in Halle is doing. God has given them the right spirit, which they should have; this is to be hoped for happily.
1960 L- SS, S4th; 22.29". bb. Consolation scripture for the sake of the gospel etc. W. X, 2260-2262. 1961
May God hasten with them and put an end to the game, amen.
Tell the good people my poor pator- nostor and faithful heartfelt sympathy. But, nevertheless, that you do not burden this writing become mean, so that the people do not come to greater, and other more with them, complaint.
For my part, I would not mind if I wrote even worse about Duke George; for he should almost know that I ask nothing of his great head and that I am rightly always sitting and waiting for him. Hereby commanded by God, Amen. Sunday after Joannis Baptistae, 1535.