[Wittenberg,] December 26, 1542 After John Luther had returned to Torgau from Wittenberg, where he had been on the occasion of his sister Magdalen's illness and death,1 he became homesick and, misunderstanding a statement made by his mother at his departure from Wittenberg (see letter No. 301), wanted to come home. In this situation
Luther approaches John's teacher in Torgau, Marcus Crodel, and, mentioning the good rapport that (according to John) exists between John and the Crodels, asks Crodel to help John overcome "that childlike weakness." Under the present circumstances Luther does not want his boy to return home, but Luther does ask Crodel to inform him should John get sick.
On Marcus Crodel, see p. 231.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 10, 228–229.2
I readily believe, my Marcus, that my son turned soft through the words of his mother, in addition to mourning over his sister's death. Talk seriously with him.3 For when he was here he certainly praised you and your wife, saying how well he is treated by you there, even better than by us here. Order him, therefore, to curb that womanish feeling, to get accustomed to enduring evil, and not to indulge in that childlike weakness. For this is the reason that he has been sent away, namely, that he learn something and become hardened. I do not wish him to return if there is no other reason. Should another illness come to him, however, please inform me. In the meantime he should be diligent in fulfilling that for which he has been sent away, and [thus] obey his parents.
We here are fine and healthy by God's grace. Farewell!
[Wittenberg,] December 27, 1542 Luther assures his son John that the family is fine, and then encourages him to master "those tears." He suggests that obedient dedication to his studies will help him forget "that softness." Then Luther clarifies a statement made by his wife: when she had said that John should return home if he feels poorly, she was thinking of an illness. In closing Luther also tells John that his mother wishes him to put aside his mourning over Magdalen's death so that he can study in a peaceful frame of mind.
On John Luther, see LW, 49, 152, n. 7.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 10, 229.2
To John Luther, my dearest son, at Torgau Grace and peace in the Lord! My son John: I and your Mother, along with the whole house, are fine. You see to it that you overcome those tears like a man, so that you do not cause your Mother additional pain and worry, for she worries easily and becomes anxious. Be obedient to God who through us has ordered you to be educated there, and you will [more] easily forget that softness. Mother was unable to write, and also thought it unnecessary. She says all that she said to you (that you should return if by chance you feel poorly) was meant to refer to an illness, so that you would inform us at once if you got sick.3 In addition she wishes you to put aside this mourning so that you may study in a happy and peaceful frame of mind.
With this farewell in the Lord!