Luther gives a joking account of the plague in Wittenberg and intercedes for someone.
Printed in the Eisleben edition, vol. II, p. 349; in the Altenburger, vol. VI, p. 468; in the Leipziger, vol. XXII, p. 565; in Walch, vol. XXI, 378; in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 618 and in the Erlanger, vol. 55, p. 101.
Grace and peace. My dear pastor! I would like our letters to come to Torgau at least, because your city fears us Wittenbergers so much. And your fear is indeed justified; for yesterday a whole child died here, that not a hair of it remained alive, while four children were born. I think the devil has now
1) This word: "make" is too much.
2) Luther also uses this expression in letter No. 2141 from the bailiff Hans Metsch. - Burkhardt notes: "I have not been able to find this designation for a personality.
Shrovetide with such futile terrors, or will there be a fair in hell, that the devil is so lustful with larvae.
I ask you to plead with your lord of the manor for my sake, letter pointer, that they want to lend him 12 silver shocks; for he is sorry about this, and honest people have forbidden him against me, as Hieronymus Krappe, and the parish priest at Dessau, whose brother he is. Fac quod poteris, nam ego istis hominibus libenter obsequerer. Bene in Christo vale [Do what you can, because I would like to please these people. Be well in Christo]. And let me know if I also want to come, where I want to walk to you; because they say here how strict you lords of Torgau are, and God does not want that perhaps more die with you than with us. Go on, let fools; herewith God commanded, Amen. 1535, Ciria.3) Martinus Luther, D.
No. 2152.