Luther asks that Melanchthon be spared the trip to the colloquium in Regensburg because D. Georg Major was sufficient for this.
The original is in Weimar, Reg. H, fol. 663, X. 203. Manuscript in Cod. chart. Goth. 451. printed in the Leipz. supplement, p. 112, No.215; in Walch, vol. XXI, 514 (wrong 504); in De Wette, vol. V, p. 774 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 147.
Grace and peace in the Lord, and my poor Pater noster. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! I humbly ask E. C. F. G. to consider whether M. Philippus should be sent to the present futile and vain colloquium at Regensburg, since there is no hope; for they have no man on that side who is worth anything, and D. Major is more than enough for it, even if he can do nothing. Major is more than enough for it, even if he could say nothing but no or yes to it. And if Schneppe and Brentius are also there, who let them take nothing; and if they wanted to let them take something, then there is still the back passage that we must also ask. How would one do if M. Philippus were dead or ill, as he is truly ill, that I am glad that I brought him home from Mansfeld. His future is to be spared, so he is more useful here in bed than there in the Colloquio. He will gladly go if one wants him to, and dares his life; but who will advise or tell him to do so in such danger, in which one would like to tempt God, and in the end cause ourselves a vain remorse. The young doctors must also go up, and lead the word after us; can D. Major and others preach and
Letters from the year 1546. No. 3289. 3290. 3291.
If they teach, they will not be angry to talk with such sophists as to listen to them, because without that they must daily stand and fight against the devil himself. Such I write, as in E. C. F. G.'s concerns. May the Lord Christ grant E. C. F. G. to do what is dear to His divine will, amen. Saturday after Epiphany. Cat. [9 Jan.] 1546. E. C. F. G.
subservient
Martinus Luther.
No. 3290.