(Regest.)
Luther's postscript to Melanchthon.
Handwritten at Wolfenbüttel, Cod. Helmst. 85.1.13.
Printed in Erl. Briefw., vol. X, p. 336.
Bucer reports that they (the Upper German theologians) received Luther's letter on May 16, because four of them were about to visit Erfurt. After receiving the letter (No. 2237), they immediately wrote to the others in Eisenach, who were waiting for Luther's instructions there, that they should follow them and go with them to Wittenberg, where they hoped to arrive on May 21.
The codex adds the remark: This letter was immediately sent by D. Martinus Luther to Grimma to Philipp Melanchthon, who was expecting the theologians of the upper Germany in that place, and Luther had written with his own hand in Bucer's letters:
Here you have M. Bucer's letter. I am surprised at the very great speed of the messenger. Therefore, return to us. You know the other thing.
No. 2241a .
To Margrave George of Brandenburg.
Luther informs him that the preachers in the upper provinces have turned out better than he had hoped. Now he asks the margrave and his preachers to give their consent to the concord.
Printed by Hartmann and Jäger,s) "Brenz", II, 40; in Zeitschrift für Kirchengeschichte, XIII, 333 and in Erl. Briefw., vol. X, p. 341.
To my gracious Lord Margrave Jörgen of Brandenburg etc.
What we have done here with the Upper Austrian preachers (because I could not come to Eisenach, as I was supposed to, because of my new guest, the Calculo), E. F. G., as I see it, will receive in writing from my most gracious lord, the Elector.
2) Hartmann and Jäger found a copy of this letter among Brenz's papers. Luther had enclosed it with a letter from Menius to Brenz, in which he reported on the Concordia negotiations. Brenz, who was in constant contact with Ansbach, was supposed to take care of him. Since Menius left Wittenberg on May 30 (Kolde, Analecta p. 229), it can be assumed,
that our letter was written on May 29.
Addendum to the letters from 1531 to 1536.
They have been found better than I could have hoped, have freely accepted our Confession and Apologia, and have promised to learn and practice them. I have nothing more to demand or urge. But let E. F. G. hereupon and E. F. G. preachers shall also show their good faith and consent, for we are not willing to follow such a request.
chem long delay 1) to conclude the peace without the other's favor. I have humbly answered E. F. G. to the same request. Hiemit GOtt befehlt, Amen. E. F. G. willingly[er].
Martinus Luther.
1) Thus set by us; in the other printings either: "loss" or: "annoyance".