Luther, having returned from Zeitz, expresses his gratitude for the travel expenses borne and the gifts given to him.
The original is in Cod. Seidel. at Dresden. Printed by Schütze, Vol. I, p. 324 and by De Wette, Vol. V, p. 682. German by Walch, Vol. XXI, 1530.
To the venerable Father in Christ, Mr. Nicolaus von Amsdorf, the theologian and truly upright bishop of the church at Naumburg, his superior who is highly honored in the Lord.
Grace and peace in the Lord! First, venerable father in the Lord, I apologize to your captain that I wanted him to return immediately from Borna, especially from Eilenburg, because I was already at home and at the door, but with complete obstinacy he escorted me to Wittenberg. At the same time, I also accuse you with him that you ordered to set out the costs of the whole journey, so that I did not spend a penny at all. Because for this reason you did not come to the episcopal riches, that it was due to you and that it was proper for you to be a spendthrift. And as if this were not enough, you loaded me with a silver jug and a spoon, without my knowledge, just as you did with a penny.
Letters from the year 1544. No. 3139 to 3142.
the one who is said to have been the host of St. Jacob, and against my will you have almost made me a thief of your things. But you will perhaps refer to the example of Joseph, who ordered that his brother Benjamin secretly put the cup in his sack, but you yourself know how unseemly it is that I, a poor theologian, of lowly origin and in a lowly state, drink from silver and gold. Therefore, I will give and be a nuisance to the enemies and adversaries of the Word, even to many among us. Therefore I throw all blame on your untimely and intemperate extravagance, and will testify (protestatus) (if that will help me a little) that it is through your love, not through my will, that I have become so hopeful and ambitious. For this I thank you most sincerely, and if my prayer, which I am such a cold sinner, is of any use to God, I will work so that I will not be found unaware of you and your government. But this is what I owe without gift and in vain, because of God's command and the need of all of us. In Him, be at ease, and may He, the Lord, guide your steps and the work of your hands to many and abundant blessings, amen. On the fourth day (Wednesday) after Bartholomew [Aug. 27] 1544. Yours Martin Luther, D.
No. 3140.