To Wenzel letter 16 - Martin Luther

TO WENZEL LINK AT NURNBERG

About presents, and Herzog George, who died April 17, having outlived all his family. June 23, 1539.

Grace and peace! Knowing how plentiful the gold guldens are with you, I am all the more delighted that the little gift I sent your wife through Herr Stromer should have accomplished its object, and appeased your wrath, and stopped your threats. Your long harangue was certainly of no avail; still we must excuse you, just as if you had been justified in complaining of my silence. So we might daily listen to similar declamations here, and they do as little good as the gold gulden with you, only

furnishing us with material for mirth. At the same time you order me or my Kathie to say what we wish in return. If you are determined to send something, let it be a lamp, but not a common one, such as

we used as monks, but one upon which two or three candles could be placed; and let it be strong enough to stand all the knocks it may receive in cleaning, or when it is thrown downstairs, or even only sent on in advance; or, better still, if you could find one which does not require cleaning (for you know the ways and love of ease of the servants of the day), then it would be secure against the ill- treatment of the maids when they are in the sulks or have a fit of laziness. There is nothing new here

that you do not already know. I had solemnly declared that Herzog George was not entirely vicious and God-forsaken. Certainly he was far from being as wicked as that monstrosity in Mainz. God will perfect what He has begun if we only persevere in prayer. Truly the end is near. May the Lord Christ receive our souls in peace, and thus shall be fulfilled what is written, “The righteous shall be taken away from the evil to come.” Greet all your people and ours.

MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)