Wilskamp says thanks for the kindness shown him by the explanation, repeats in essence what he had already written on October 10, that it would have been enough for them in Melanchthon's answer, if Luther had not reserved himself to answer them himself. Mainly in order to train preachers of the Gospel, who are also beginning to be lacking there, they want their way of life to be a permanent one.
Handwritten in Wittenberg, Ms. Pagendarm., p. 53. Printed in Erl. Briefw., vol. IX, p. 377.
To the men to be highly honored in Christ, D. M.
Luther and Ph. Melanchthon at Wittenberg.
Grace through Christ ! Since this messenger 6) is sent to you, most esteemed fathers in Christ, I could not help but write to you, even if only a little, at the same time giving thanks for the benefits and asking you to give us credit that we have so often burdened you, who are busy with more important things. If Luther himself (as Philip's letter testifies) had not reserved the right to answer us, we would already have been sufficiently answered to this piece: "Time itself will find counsel" against our pressing enemies by this modest saying of Philip: "Luther does not want abstinence to be forbidden to all, but neither does he want to burden your comrades with vows or marriage covenants 7) or otherwise bind them in such a way that they cannot comfortably leave this way of life." We seek nothing else than that our lives (according to the original institution of our fathers) be Christian free. In the same [institution or rule]they expressly left us in writing a hundred years ago: "But we will accept no vow from anyone, even if he should fervently ask for it." We live in a life where we can feed someone of our own through the Gospel of Christ, as we have often raised up preachers of the Word of God according to our small gifts. For this task, our whole city, except for boys who are almost still small children, to their great future danger, has not prepared even one, as far as I know, now. And in the neighboring towns
6) In any case, the messenger who delivered the letter of the abbess of Herford, to which Luther and Melanchthon replied on January 15. The letter of the Aeb
tissin is missing.
7) Cf. no. 2607a.
Addendum to the letters from 1531 to 1536.
and villages, there is already a shortage of evangelists. What will finally happen? Of course, for this reason in particular we would like our life to continue, so that you may see how certainly (qua fide) you will not find yourselves burdened by the help given to us, since in this matter we are not seeking our own but God's (He Himself is a witness). For Him we and all ours will fight under His direction, and to Him we entrust you and yours. I send for your dear wives (uxorculis) Colifolia Arenue vice. 1) Be well. Given on the Epiphany of the Lord [Jan. 6] Anno 1534.
Gerhard von Xanthen in the house of the brothers at Herford.