About rumors of war. Luther wants to write once again Against the Papacy.
1) Antonius Musa helped with the visitation in Merseburg. (De Wette, Vol. V, p. 763.)
2) Medium Comicum - the means for the resolution of all difficulties, as in the comedy. The same expression is also found in the interpretation of Genesis, St. L. edition, vol. II, 1640, §45 and ibid. vol. XV, 1171.
The original is in Cod. Seidel, at Dresden. Printed by Schütze, vol. I, p. 347 and by De Wette, vol. V, p. 736 f. German in Walch, vol. XXI, 1542.
To the venerable father and lord in Christ, Mr. Nicolaus, the right and fair bishop of the church at Naumburg, his superior to be reverently honored in the Lord.
Grace and peace! Although there was nothing, my venerable father in Christ, that I could have written, and even if there were still so much, there is still such a great desire to lie, to invent, to hear, so that one may not believe even what is true. That defeat at Soest was first 4000 killed, then 1500, later 300; and before it was Spaniards, now it is Germans. The Turk is said to have fallen on his sword while hunting and to have died, and the sons to have made war among themselves. This I praise, that at least this is certain, that the Son of God sits at the right hand of the Father and speaks with us on earth in the most loving way through his Spirit, as he spoke with the apostles, but that we are his disciples and hear the word from his mouth. Praise be to God, who has chosen us totally unworthy sinners to this glory of His blessing, that we should be hearers of His majesty through the word of the Gospel. Angels wish us happiness and all creatures of God; the pope mourns and fears, the monster of Satan, and all the gates of hell tremble. Let us all rejoice in the Lord. The day is approaching for those and their end.
I am thinking of another book against the papacy. But I am prevented from doing so by the condition of my head, and also by the innumerable number of letters that have to be written, which steal my leisure time in an unseemly manner, even rob it by force. Yet I will, if God gives grace, continue as soon as I can. Pray for me that I may be dissolved as soon as possible and be with Christ, or if I am to live longer or, more correctly, be sick, that He may give me strength of body and impetuosity of spirit, so that like Samson I may take one more vengeance on these my Philistines. Fare well in the Lord. May 7, 1545.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 3218.