Luther only wants to give him oral information about what has been written to him concerning Spalatin (cf. No. 2962). About an economic matter.
Handwritten in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 400, printed in Schütze, vol. I, p. 246 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 527.
To the highly famous man, Magister Georg Spalatin, the extremely faithful overseer and bishop of the churches in Meissen, his very dear brother in the Lord.
Grace and peace! That you desire from me, dear Spalatin, that I may inform you what has been written to me or by which people about you, I have decided that it must be postponed until we can talk to each other. For so I have also answered those who have written. I do this so that a word may not slip from the absent pen that cannot be made good. The matter is not great, so I rather try to extinguish the spark than to turn it into a flame.
1) Instead of talem we assumed falsam, because he was oppressed by the papal priest.
Letters from the year 1543. No. 2982 to 2985.
as the Lord says, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Otherwise, there will be enough discord and agitation and unrest. Meanwhile, I beseech thee, act according to thy prudence in a patient and calm manner, and be not provoked by the words of any until I have spoken with thee. That is enough.
My Lord Käthe is sending a wagon to take down the remaining trees, as you know. She asks you very much not to feel burdened if your help or advice should be needed. We all pray that this new year may be a blessed one for you and yours in the Lord, amen. January 4, Anno 1543.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2983.