Luther reassures him about his deposition in Naumburg, and sends him the interpretation of the prophet Hosea.
Handwritten in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 455. Printed in Schlegel, vita Jo. Langeri, p. 228; in Strobel- Ranner, x. 351 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 760 f. German in Walch, vol. XXI, 1342.
To the highly venerable man, his brother in Christ, M. Georg Mohr, servant of the Gospel, his extremely dear [friend] in Christ.
Grace and peace in the Lord! I beg you, my dear George, do not be so fainthearted and do not lose heart so quickly. He is still alive and will live forever, who said [Hebr.13,5. Jos.1,5.]: "I will not leave you nor forsake you", whom you have preached for so many years, that he is such and will always be. It is up to you to bear this challenge of faith, so that you may prove what the power of God is. If you suspect that your removal from Naumburg has brought you contempt and danger, you should know that this is not the case. For, as you know, things could not have been advised if you and Medler had not been removed at that time. But as it brought no dishonor to him, so it will bring no dishonor to you. Therefore I want you to think better of us. We do not want you to be abandoned, only you must be patient for a short time until the prince, who is now involved in a difficult war, returns. Then I will either obtain a salary for you, or we will provide you with a position as soon as we can. We will not forget you. For we cannot and will not let the gift of God that is in you and the pound that is given to you be idle or dead. Only be a strong man, and trust in the Lord what you have taught others until now. I send you, as a sign of my love for you and my sincere respect, this small gift, but the great prophet Hosea, explained by my work and the gift of God, so that you may be sure of
Letters from the year 1545. No. 3263. 3264. 3265.
that I have you in good memory and will have to advise you most willingly. And if I should perhaps, overwhelmed with business or temptations, postpone it, then you should know that free access to me is open to you, whether by letters or by messengers. Only wait for the Lord and be confident. Fare well in Christ. In the day
St. Galli [16 Oct.] 1545. Martin Luther.
No. 3284.