To Anton Lauterbach letter 7 - Martin Luther

TO ANTON LAUTERBACH

Luther complains of overwork and old age. December 2, 1544.

You are always urging me to write a little book upon Church Discipline, but you do not say where I am to find leisure and strength to do so, now that I am an old and worn-out man. And I am burdened with letter-writing without end; besides, I promised the young princes a sermon upon drunkenness. I have promised others to write upon secret engagements and against the Sacramentarians; while again

some demand I should leave everything else alone and write a commentary upon the whole Bible, while meantime, with so many importunities, I do nothing. I fancied that I, a used-up old man, would not have been grudged a little quiet and peace before I fell asleep. But thus I am pressed on all sides to lead a life of worry. But I shall do what I can, and the rest must be left undone. Many thanks for all your kind feelings towards me. May you prosper in the Lord, and pray for me, as I do for you all. I am sorry to hear that Dr. Daniel (Gresser) is thinking of leaving the flock at Dresden. May the Lord do what pleaseth Him. Greet your dearest wife from me.

MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)