Since Amsdorf had been Luther's companion during his capture, Luther asked him for news about the continuation of his journey and told him how he had fared.
Handwritten in 6oü. Isn. L. 24. n, 1.182. Printed in Aurifaber, vol. I, p. 326; in De Wette, vol. II, p. 3 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. Ill, p. 150.
All the Mr. Nicolaus Amsdorf, the holy theology licentiate.
Jesus.
1st Hail! I had recently written to you all, my dear Amsdorf, but after hearing a better counselor, I tore it all up because it was not yet safe to send letters. Now it has been written about the books and sheets 1) to D. Hieronymus, and in this letter I also write to the prior about the same. You will take care of what needs to be done. The Lord is seeking me home, but pray for me, as I always pray for you, that the Lord may strengthen your heart.
2 Therefore, be confident, and when the opportunity arises, speak the word of God with joy. Write also how everything went for you on the journey and what you heard or saw in Erfurt. At Philippils you will find what Spalatin wrote to me.
On the day I was torn away from you, as a new rider tired by the long journey, I came to my night inn at about eleven o'clock in the dark. Now I am here idle, like a suitor among captives. Beware of the Rehoboam of Dresden and the Benhadad of Damascus. 2) For a cruel edict has gone out against us. "But the Lord will laugh at them" [Ps. 37:13.]. In Him be at ease, and greet all who are to be greeted. On Sunday Exaudi [May 12], in the Air Quarter, 1521.
Your Martin Luther.
1) The "books" that Luther needed for his work; the "sheets" that were already printed from the Magnificat he had begun. - Jerome" is Schürf; "the prior" is Helt.
2) George of Saxony and Joachim of Brandenburg, whom Luther compares to them because of their arrogance and mockery of the holy gospel. Cf. I Kings 12 and 20.
No. 71.