To Justus Jonas letter 17 - Martin Luther

TO JUSTUS JONAS

Luther preached before the Princes when he arrived in Schmalkalden. February 9, 1537.

Grace and peace in Christ! I write while I have leisure, for soon we shall have enough to do, and there is no chance of our separating before Sabbath Latare, so sorely are we pressed by people and work. Many believe that not even at the Mantua Congress will more learned men congregate. Yes, doubtless more mules, asses, and even horses, whose riders are greater asses than themselves, will assemble there, as it is written (according to Peter Balbinus’s interpretation), “Be ye not as the horse or the mule, who have no understanding.” Yesterday the Landgrave and the Herzog of Wurtemburg entered in great state. Today the Princes are having a private conference while I write. Yesterday Spalatin

preached, and I today, before the Princes in the town church, which is so enormous that our voices sounded like a shrew-mouse to the people. The air is good, and we are well seen to. You must regret not seeing so many great men, and being seen by them. Yesterday I suffered greatly, but shall be content if the pain disappear as easily as formerly, and not torture me more. I wish you the same happiness. The Papal legate went from Weimar to Halle to the Cardinal. Perhaps he was annoyed not to get speaking to the Princes. He has not appeared here. It is no matter although the Papal pride be

turned into gall. I have nothing else to write about. Greet Dr. Hans Agricola from me with his Grinkel. I fancy the boxes with the powders and packets which were among the luggage belong to him. He must let us know, in case we appropriate other people’s possessions. I am sure you could easily find messengers to send by the help of the steward, if it please His Excellency.

Greet your wife and children from me. MARTIN LUTHER .

P.S. — Pray with Caspar Cruciger for us, and make others do so also. (Schutze.)