More news about the negotiations on Frankfurt and some news.
Handwritten in Cod. Goth. 190, p. 201; in Cod. Goth. 401, p. 96; in Cod. Luv. II, p. 459; in Cod. Mehn. III, p. 190 d and in Cod. Basil. 39, p. 49b. Printed in Manlii Farrag. p. 444 and in Corp. Ref. vol. III, 648. - Misled by Bucer's postscript, Manlius and Burkhardt, p. 318 (in a regest), attributed this letter to Bucer.
To the highly famous and worthy man, Mr. Martin Luther, Doctor of Theology, the restorer of the evangelical doctrine, his father to be revered in Christ.
Hail! After ours handed over the articles on the form of peace, the consultation of the imperial envoy and the peacemakers was delayed until March 12. One of them, that of the envoy, was written in an opprobrious manner, the other in a lighter manner, indicating that the peacemakers would work for a standstill of several years, so that in the meantime meetings could be held to discuss the harmony of the churches and the doctrine. For now the emperor no longer mentions the council, nor does he hope that one will take place, and for this reason, if the envoy is telling the truth, he is angry with the ranting pope. Our people will send an answer. Perhaps they will say exactly what conditions they can accept. For haste is necessary, lest ours be oppressed unprepared, if there is no standstill, though we still hope for tranquility.
At the beginning there were frightening speeches about the Turks; now it is suddenly quiet with them, and they say that an armistice has been made by the French. In the Dutch there are great armaments; they threaten the King of England not indistinctly, but many suspect other things. Yes, I cannot write anything certain about the commonwealth. Therefore, you will ask God to govern and sustain us. The Macedonian 3) does not go out because of the smallpox. But it is believed that there is no danger from the disease. He asks for you as often as I come to him, and tells me to be friendly to you.
3) The Landgrave Philip of Hesse.
Letters from the year 1539. No. 2519. 2520. 2521.
greet. For he told me the other day that he had asked God to prolong his life if it would benefit the Church of Christ. Be well and prosper. May God keep you and your whole family. Greetings to you D. Brück, Sturm and your old host, the preacher of the Count of Neuenaar, respectfully. March 14, 1539.
[Bucer's postscript.]
I also wish you, venerable father, well-being and a long, healthy life, so that you may still be able to assist the afflicted churches. Venerable Father, your most devoted M. Bucer.
No. 2520.