(Reg.)
Lament about the sad conditions in the church and the false attempts to heal them, recalling the clumsy doctor who tormented Luther in Schmalkalden. Of the disputes of the people of Arnstadt with Mörlin, who is to be succeeded in office by Georg Spenlein, who has been expelled from Creuzburg. Complaint about his sickliness etc.
Printed in Teutzel's Hist. Goth. supplem. III, 137 and Lommatzsch, Narratio de Friderico Myconio etc.. Annabergae 1825, p. 85. The above regest in Kolde, Analecta, p. 397.
No. 3098 (Wittenberg.) February 23, 1544.
To Friedrich Myconius, pastor in Gotha.
Answer to the previous letter. Luther testifies to his joy at Mörlin's reconciliation with the Arnstadters, and admonishes Myconius to spare his breast.
The original is in the library at Wolfenbüttel. Printed by Schütze, Vol. I, p. 300 and by De Wette, Vol. V, p. 632.
Grace and peace in the Lord! I write briefly, my dear Frederick, so you will forgive me; at another time, when I have leisure and time, more. Your letter was very pleasant to me, in which you indicate that you have administered your right episcopal office in the reconciliation of Arnstadt and Mörlin, and I thank God. For it is true that I have been greatly disturbed by this discord, since at this time harmony, prayer, and even repentance are most necessary. Therefore, there is nothing you could ask of me or be concerned about me or my letter. Enough has happened to me through this harmony. Whoever has been forgiven by you, has also been forgiven by me. I do not want anyone to be concerned about you or about whom you give such a good testimony. I easily believe that some pastors are too violent, but again I know that in the cities the tyrants are not rare, and likewise many noblemen who have tormented their pastors beyond measure. I cannot count these among the half-dead 1). But about that at another time.
I would certainly like you to be stronger, but if you feel that you cannot speak, I beg you to take care of your health rather than cause yourself further inconvenience. It is better that you live half-mute than that you die with a very strong voice. You can benefit the church with your advice and your reputation, even as a half-dead man. And you see how
1) semivivos, an allusion to the one who fell among the murderers (Luc. 10, 30.), whom the Samaritan had mercy on.
Letters from the year 1544. No. 3098. 3099.
are highly needed, old, tried warriors of Christ, so that through them the adolescence and still tender childhood of those who will take our place may be strengthened. Although the Holy Spirit could do everything without us, he did not want us to be called to the preaching ministry in vain, so that we would be his instruments. More at another time. Fare well in the Lord and pray for me. On the Saturday after Peter's feast [23 Feb] 1544.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 3099 .