Luther writes concerningLink's call to Leipsic.
I have received the lamp, my excellent Wenzel, and thank you for it.
You have interpretedmy silence aright,viz.
I would have written had the messenger come for letters.
I do not wish you to giveup your present post to go to Leipsic, where they are not as yet agreed about whom they wish, or as to how the servants of Christ are to be maintained.
Although the common man is well inclined, the upper classes still retain their old dislike to anything pertaining to Wittenberg.
George is not yet defunct in spirit, and it is uncertain if he will ever die.
I detest this Sodom, a sink of vice,but one must stretch out a helpinghand, if it were only to rescue one Enough is being done for the people of the town, and thus far the gospel is spreading most satisfactorily.
A kind of epidemic is beginning to rage among us.
As yet the town is not affected,only one or two houses having been visited.
But it has now attacked the third house, after no death havingtaken placefor eightdays.
Sebald's house, whose wife died to-night, and he too is in great danger.
But the terror occasioned by the visitation is the worst plagueof all.
Neither bathers nor nurses are to be had.
I am certain the devil has entered into the people,filling them with such disgraceful terror that brother forsakes brother,and the son the parents.
Doubtless this is the punishment for the contempt of the gospel and their consuminggreed.
I have broughtthe Sebald's four children into my house.
! what a fearful outcry is beingraised against me.
Pray for us with your congregation, and farewell in the Lord.
Herzog George'sdeath his brother,Herzog Henry, invited Luther,Melanchthon,Jonas,Cruciger, and Myconius to come and further the work in Leipsic. They did so, the two latter remaining for a time.
EventuallyCruciger'sdaughter married Grace and peace in Christ, Most Prince,most graciousLord Council has written us begging that Crucigermay remain, which he has promised to do should we consent, so the Grace will grant their desire at my request.
We wrote saying we could neither promote nor hinder the matter, so it now lies with your Caspar knew no other way of protectinghimself againstthis people'spersistent importunitythan by referringthem to us, he writes that he would far rather be here
; and we are certain he could be far more useful here, as there are many more who, by the grace of God, have been trained in our schools who are waitingto be sent out to all lands than there are, or will be, for many a long day in Leipsic.
Therefore, feeling sure that Caspar cannot accomplish as much in Leipsicas in Wittenberg, we think it a pity he should leave so much undone here and achieve so littlethere,and that littlecould be as well done by some one not nearlyso important; and our universitymust not be left destitute,especially as Caspar should fillmy placein the theological department after my death.
I therefore humbly request (forit all rests with your Grace) that you will not permit Dr.
Caspar to leave Wittenberg,for who knows what God may do shortly.Your Highness will graciously excuse my expressingmy opinion thus freelyon this subject.I herewith commit you to the dear