Melanchthon thanks for letters received and gives further news about the negotiations in Frankfurt.
From the original in the Pauline Fathers' Library at Leipzig in Corp. ref.
To the highly famous and worthy man, Mr. Martin Luther, Doctor of Theology, the restorer of the pure doctrine of the Gospel, his father to be revered in Christ.
Hail! I am heartily grateful that you have written to me so often and so lovingly. Whatever the outcome of these negotiations that are being conducted here, I hope that the community will be calm; Christ grant that. Our people are ready to defend themselves with steadfast and brave courage, if necessary, even though another peace formula is still being discussed. For the former one, which had been proposed, has been rejected. A standstill (induciae) of 18 months was granted only to those who have now accepted the doctrine. And a cruel and ungodly condition is added that we should not add anyone to us nor defend ourselves. Therefore this formula
2) Bretschneider has in Corp. Ref., Vol. III, 670, the date: Die passionis Christi, resolved by March 25, that is, Mariä Verkündigung, in which Burkhardt followed him in his Regest, p. 318. We do not consider this correct, but rather take "the day of the passion of Christ" as the Char Friday, April 4 k539. Melanchthon's letter to Jonas of April 5, Corp. Ref., Vol. III, 688, which agrees with our letter not only in content, but also in words, is an excellent match.
Letters from the year 1539. No. 2524. 2525. 2526.