Luther tells her that her children and nephews are well provided for in Wittenberg, where they are to study.
Printed in Raupach, Ev. Oesterreich, 1st cont., p. 87; in Moseder, Glaubensbekenntniß, p. 80; in De Wette, vol. V, p. 674 and in the Erlanger Ausg., vol. 56, p. 107.
Grace and peace in the Lord. Honorable, virtuous woman! We have your dear niftel and
I have accepted children here, and hope that they will be well and honestly cared for by a pious Magister Georg Dreyer (Major). God grant them grace, that they may well study and become pious, as I completely commit myself to them. For in these evil times it is necessary that there be many pious people who help us with good life and prayer to atone for our former sins and daily increase of the same 1) before God, and to turn away the rod that is bound upon our head at the door. For the previous idolatry in the papacy (which they still do not want to leave) and our ingratitude press us hard. May the merciful God follow up with His Holy Spirit and graciously accomplish His good work, begun by His holy Word in Iins, Amen, in whose grace I command you, and pray for a blessed hour for me, for the time shall now be for my return home and rest. Date of Margaret (July 13) 1544.
D. Martinus Luther.
No. 3131.