Luther instructs him to thank the Anhalt princes for a gift and to wish Prince John luck. From literary news.
Handwritten in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 253. Printed from the Hanische Sammlung at Kiel in Schütze, vol. III, p. 62; in Strobel-Ranner, p. 264 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 102. German in Walch, vol. XXI, 1457.
Grace and peace in Christ! I did not have time to write to several people now, my best and most dear Nicolaus. Therefore, I ask you first to thank the noble princes for the gift of the pike on my behalf, and then also to wish the prince, Mr. John, good luck in his reconciliation with his princess. May Christ confirm and accomplish the work he has begun with them, amen. Thanks be to him that he has so graciously heard our prayers in this matter. By this example we are taught that we must pray and not cease; he will surely come and save us. But, as I have said, now I am so occupied by some drudgeries of Satan that I cannot write a more. More at another time, when Christ gives it. Pray diligently to the Lord for me also, that I may do that which is good in his sight.
1) Seidemann in De Wette, Vol. VI, p. 508, places this letter on March 1, but the second date at the end of the letter is not in the original.
The monstrosities of the Roman Cardinals 2) will be published both in Latin and German. But the ungodliness of this matter and the unworthiness of these people is too great for one to be sufficiently indignant about it or to be able to talk it out with words. Christ Himself will come as judge; to Him the due vengeance must be reserved over these mockers of God and men. You pray for me, as I have asked you, for I have the confidence that your petitions are much appreciated by God. My Käthe greets you and M[eister] Peter 3) reverently in Christ. I wish that it may go well with you in the Lord. On Saturday after Peter's feast [Feb. 23], that is, after the one which has been introduced by the pope in order to strengthen his tyranny. I send you the coat of arms of the pope, which was drawn by me, or which I had drawn, 4) with his cardinals. I send a copy of the improved church. Because before I had it also already transferred into German. Your Martin Luther.
No. 2419.