Recommendation of a certain Christoph to the clergy, and apology that he had not yet returned the church order.
The original is in Dessau. Handwritten in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 203. Printed in Schütze, vol. II, p. 309; in Strobel-Ranner, p. 236 and in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 526. German in Walch, vol. XXI, 1416.
To the man to be highly honored in Christ, Mr. Nicolaus Hausmann, Magister, and faithful servant of the Word in Dessau, his extremely dear brother.
Grace and peace in Christ! There was nothing I could have written, dear man, only I wanted to give Mr. Christoph a testimony that he had been here with me and, when he asked me for advice, received the answer that I was very pleased that he would take over the office of a clergyman with you. You want to render him the service of a very good patron. Be well. I am not yet returning your [church] order, because I am ashamed that I have been so bold and have so freely changed and marked and crossed out several pieces. In time, God willing, more detailed. Christ be with you. Pray for me. My Lord Käthe greets you respectfully. Monday after Judica [March 23] 1534.
Your Martin Luther, D.
Letters from the year 1534. No. 2044. 2045.
No. 2044.