Amsdorf thanks Luther for his letter of comfort (No. 2480) and laments the lack of charity during the plague. The disease was on the wane. About the wedding of the son of George of Saxony.
From the original in the state archives at Zerbst in Kolde, Analecta, p. 334.
To the venerable Father in Christ, D. Martin Luther, the Apostle of Christ, his most revered Lord and Benefactor.
Hail! Your letter, which is full of spirit and comfort, has pleased me greatly, my father, who is greatly honored in Christ, and I thank you infinitely for it, and it is quite true what you write, that none of our people dies in unbelief or despair, but all, young and old, fall asleep in the Lord. But ten years ago, even under the gospel, they feared less than they do now; indeed, they feared nothing: one neighbor visiting another, helping and serving him. Now nothing happens, but they avoid each other in such a way that not only the neighbors, but also the closest and best friends keep away from their own. But, praise be to God! The plague has become less severe and is decreasing daily; God would have us be safe from war as well, for everything seems to threaten us with the same. You have already heard about the new marriage of Duke George's son; God grant his prosperity to this event; here, at least, one prophesies and proclaims extremely bad things about this marriage. If there is a true spirit in the mouth of those prophets, then woe to that country and to the lords of the land! We pray for you daily and diligently. How miserable the appearance of the church would be if the Lord took you away and left us behind. Far be it, far be it, far be it, my dear Father! Fare well in Christ with your whole house. Magdeburg, Wednesday after Nicolai [Dec. 11] 1538.
Yours N. Amsdorf.
No. 2485.