On a pastoral question and several other matters.
The original is at Gotha in Cod. chart. fol. 347. Printed by Buddeus, p. 282; by Schlegel, vita SpaIatini, p. 250 and by De Wette, vol. V, p. 608. German by Walch, vol. XXI, 1327.
To the highly famous man, Magister Georg Spalatin, pastor of Altenburg, bishop of the churches in Meissen, his extremely dear brother in the Lord.
Grace and peace in the Lord! I would do so with the sacrament, which, since it was consecrated, that sick man refused?) my dear Spalatin, I would hand it over to the fire, which removes innumerable such impulses. But if someone in his right mind should mock in this way, he would have to be severely punished. Why should we hand it over to nonsensical people?
Of Einsiedel's questions, the most important is the one you mention, that the name of the Father is so much reviled among the subjects. This matter should be investigated and a remedy sought.
Although I do not know what moved the prince to do this and why he did it, he may let his son enjoy it for the time being, until the light brings everything to light, so that it does not cause the prince an evil name before the time.
Regarding the pasture of the horses, he may let go in the same way what goes there, until he hears a complaint, especially since so much has been granted.
I would not ask any questions about the tavern, since there is no fraud in this sale, and the owner of the tavern is free not to keep the purchased one, as you write. This I answer (as I think) without complacency (adulatione).
Your book, as you desire, I will embellish (adornabo) for the press as soon as I have
1) Buddeus offers: retinuit; De Wette reads in the original: rennuit, but has placed renuit in the text.
can, if that, that I smear my bad prefaces before the books, is an adornment (ornare).
No. 3071.