To Justus Jonas letter 16 - Martin Luther

TO JUSTUS JONAS

Written on the way to Schmalkalden. Luther left Wittenberg January 31, staying in Torgau, Grimma, Altenburg, Weimar (where he preached February 4), Arnstadt, and Waltershausen.

February 1, 1537.

Grace and peace! Although I fear this letter may be late, still I shall write to say I firmly hope you have been free from your pain up till now, and thus my prayers have been answered. A report has got

abroad that His Holiness the Bishop of Aix is on the way from Nurnberg to our Princes. This was written direct from Coburg to the Princes, who replied that should he come he must be sent straight to Schmalkalden. So if he really come he is expected there. Yes, if he really come! And if he do, doubtless it is not from fear, but to try to get help for the Turks, otherwise —— For what are we Lutherans but lambs who are being led to the slaughter whenever that destroyer requires their help? We shall see. The Emperor’s Chancellor, Dr. Matthias Held, shall also be present. Perhaps this convention may be more numerous than was thought. God grant it may be an authorized council! A canon who has resigned his canonry and taken a wife is here from Zeitz; a handsome man, who swears by all that is sacred that far more learned men will be there than at the Mantua Church Congress, if it ever takes place. I write this for your consolation. I know how anxious you are. Farewell, and visit my people, and also Bugenhagen’s Rome with his little “Quiriten.” We are all well and in good spirits, and have been sumptuously entertained in the castles of Altenburg and Grimma. We fancied we should have slept at our old Pylades’ and Theseus’s. Therefore, according to our custom, we announced ourselves through some verses. I enclose mine, and Philip, our Homer, also sends his. Altenburg, two o’clock in the night. MARTIN LUTHER .