welcome althoughit were much smaller,and proves that you are well inclined to God's Father of all mercies may, through His dear
Son, richlyendow and maintain you with Holy Spirittill the day of our everlasting redemption. We are ever your Grace's devoted servants.
Royal Highness some slipsof mulberryand figtrees, the only rare things I have at present.
Luther recommends a poor preacher.
I seldom write to you, dear Jacob,and do not answer your letters as you perhaps wish, but I know you do not take it ill,for you are aware how
I am borne down by heaps of business,work, years, and temptations; and I also think you do not stand in need of my letters,for God has endowed you so richly that you are able to rule and comfort both yourselfand others in this evil world, which is so full of ingratitude and contempt of God's
There are two upright and learned men here from Saxony,but we are very poor ourselves, and are overrun with troops of the destitute,whom it is impossiblefor us to maintain,however willing.But as they cannot be of much use here, on account of the language,Herr
Philipthinks we should send one to you, on the chance of a vacant church, so as to prevent them beingidle,especially as you are rich,and your superjfluity could be turned to good account in relieving their poverty.
But if the peopleabout you are too ungrateful to support him till he gets a living, then send him back to us, and we shall share what we have with him.
The latest news is that I,an old man, so laden with work and so weary, am becoming dailyyounger, because new sects are constantlyrisingagainst me, to combat which the energy of youth is required.If we had no other proof that we were called and chosen of Word, this alone would be sufficient
" that we had to put up with so many sects, who are always brewing some mischief, some of whom proceedfrom ourselves, not to speak of our spiritual conflict with the Pope and the devil,and our friends' scorn of the ; but we are not better than the apostles and prophets, nor than our
It is constantlybeingreportedthat the Emperor of the Venetians have united their fleets againstthe Turks, and that they are very successful at sea againstthe arch-foe.
God graciously hear the prayers of the Christians.
Kathie and your godchild, my daughter,greet you, for the latter of whom I hope you will provide a good pious husband after my death.
I write nothingabout myself,except to beg that you will pray for me, that the Lord may deliver me from the attacks of Satan's angels, and, if it be
His will,grant me a peacefulexit from this wretched world.
Greet your dear wife from me and my Luther wishes him joy on his marriage.
I wish you and your bride all that is good, my Nicolas, and pray the He may be with you with His grace, and preserve you to all eternity.
I cannot come to your wedding myself, on account of my health,and still more on account of my work, I send you through Anton a remembrance, no doubt a