In response to the Altenburg council's complaint about Spalatin, Luther exhorted them to be patient until he himself would soon mediate between them.
From the original in Joh. Aug. Bergner's "Etwas von denen Superintendenten - Adjuncten in Chursachsen" 2c. Bautzen 1781. 8. p. 61; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. LVI and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 322 f.
To the honorable, wise gentlemen, mayor and council of Altenburg, my favorable, good friends.
Grace and peace in the Lord. Honorable, wise, dear gentlemen and good friends! I was very sorry to hear your complaint against Magister Spalatino, and that he should be so unkind to you. But I ask you very kindly: for Christ's sake, be patient until I can talk to him, which, I trust, will not be long delayed. However, help us to bear the cross, as we truly bear, get and work much beyond all measure.
Letters from the year 1542.- No. 2962 to 2965
in all sorts of things, almost all things in the world. So you have to consider that such an old servant of the Electors of Saxony, and now an experienced man, does not want to hurry us with sharp writings, to prevent further unhappiness and unrest. Thus the article, indicated in the note, is put in such words that it may easily be interpreted as if it were not a compulsory act. But I will do so, and, if it will be necessary, act between you; have patience for a little while. Hiemit GOtt befehlt, Amen. Monday after Elizabeth [Nov. 20] 1542.
Martinus LutheR, D.
No. 2963.