About a man who was recommended to Luthern. About a marriage case.
The original is in Dessau. Handwritten in Cod. Jen. a, fol. 228 and in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 219. Printed in Buddeus, p. 245 and in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 600. German in Walch, vol. XXI, 1266.
To the man to be highly honored in Christ, Mr. Georg Spalatin, the servant of Christ, his superior and exceedingly dear brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! You have recommended to me this man who has come from Würzburg, best Spalatin; I will do what I can. Again, I send this matter, which is included in this letter, back to you as to the visitator in these places. For if you find that the girl has been deceived with the marriage proposal, then it seems to me that the first engagement is void. Therefore, you will judge these matters according to your prudence, after the parties have been summoned and heard; or if you are adversely affected by this matter, you may refer it to the court. For since the matter concerns your district, we do not want to bring the sickle into someone else's harvest. Fare well in Christ with thy berries, grapes, and thy vine, and pray for me. 1535, Thursday after Jubilate [April 22].
Your Martin Luther, D.
2) Here we have read primum instead of tamen with the other redaction, and taken statim immediately following.
3) De Wette offers: patribus. Walch, however: "both parts", has therefore read partibus, which is probably the more correct.
No. 2128a.