Of a marriage matter that Luther rejects; of the war against Duke Henry of Brunswick 2c.
The original is in Cod. Seidel. at Dresden. Printed by Schütze, Vol. I, p. 213 and by De Wette, Vol. V, p.484. German by Walch, Vol. XXI, 1493.
To the ill Christo venerable man, Mr. Nicolaus voll Amsdorf, the right and exceedingly faithful bishop of Naumburg, his superior in the Lord.
Grace and peace in the Lord! There came this letter carrier, dear man, who sent me a
1) The following is missing from Buddeus and Walch.
marriage case. Since I recognized that it belonged to your district, I sent it back to your consistory so that the parties could be summoned and the matter discussed, since we do not admit even our own to an interrogation if the other party is absent. Therefore, according to your office, you will see to it in this matter what is right.
For a long time I have not received a letter from you, nor do I know how you are, or what you are doing, or rather suffering in your episcopate. I think only the best of you and pray [for you]. I am anxious about the bishop's office for your sake, with so many things and troubles. But it is the Lord whom we serve, whom we live and die, as Paul says [Rom. 14:7.], "Our none liveth to Himself, our none dieth to Himself." Since He comforts us, we are able to do all things, or what we are not able to do, those are such things that are not pleasing to Him. This war against the murderer Heinzen, I pray, be ordered to you and your church; besides the prayers, it is absolutely necessary for the defense of many oppressed, but nevertheless the help of the gracious God is necessary, so that he will not look at our misdeeds and debts, but at the exceedingly distressed cries [of the oppressed], and the blasphemy of the shameful papists, amen. Besides, we have no news. Pray for me that the Lord grant me a good hour, for I, who am without juice and strength, have no strength left in my head. The Lord be with you for eternity, amen. My Käthe sends you her respectful greetings. On Margaret's Day [July 13] 1542.
Your Martin Luther, D.
No. 2934.