an opportunity head on, because behind it is [only] emptiness.15 Neglect an opportunity (says Bonaventure),16 and the opportunity will neglect you.
Regarding the royal marriage17 it has already been decided that the other envoy, once he has arrived,18 is to deal with us theologians about this matter; one may not deny him this. This issue is of no concern to the sovereigns. I myself would like to hear the reasons of the English since they appear to be so certain on this issue.
I would very much like to see Master19 Philip20 travel to England on his own, or be sent there,21 for he has previously agreed [to go],22 and as a result negotiations with the King have brought matters to this point.23 Should he again24 be prevented [from going], then he might feel that his reputation is being too much harmed; in the final analysis such stubbornness25 might produce anger, or perhaps an eel's tail.26 If it cannot be accomplished now [that Melanchthon may go], then it should certainly be arranged after my
Most Gracious Lord's return.27 Melanchthon has done much and worked hard, as we all know. But if one were not to have any consideration for him, or put up with him a little bit,28 that would be dealing too harshly with him, and poorly rewarding his merits. After all, all the jurists and physicians are free to go to foreign lords if they wish to do so. I am writing this so that this good man is not forced to overburden himself with sad thoughts.
Your Honor certainly will do what is best in this matter. With this be commended to God. Amen.29
[Wittenberg,] October 28, 1535 Forwarding a letter from Melanchthon, Luther informs Jonas of the death of Christian Beyer, and of the fact that Gregory Brück is not in Prague at the moment. Then he tells of some events in Wittenberg: As yet no news has been received from the Electoral party which is on its way to Austria; Schadewalt has died from the plague; at the moment there are no other deaths from the plague; students are returning; and he himself is suffering from a catarrhal chest cold. He also wonders about the silence surrounding the papal envoy, Pietro Paolo Vergerio, and the council. As an afterthought Luther mentions his intention of writing theses against the private mass, and also on I Corinthians 13 and other passages dealing with justification. He also extends the greetings of his wife, and briefly describes her daily activities, which range from farm chores to Bible reading.
On Justus Jonas, see LW 48, 275, n. 3.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 7, 316–317.
Grace and peace in Christ!
Eight days ago, Doctor Christian Beyer2 departed from this life; so Philip3 writes. He suffered from a fever; during the trip4 he also got a cough and a catarrhal cold5 which moved from the head to the chest. I am sending the letter.6 As you will read in Philip's letter, Brück is not in Prague.7 Up to now we have received nothing from those who are traveling to Austria.8 Last Sunday9 the plague carried away
Schadewalt,10 our best citizen. Since then, however, we are again at peace with the plague.11 I am suffering from a salty catarrhal cold,12 and sometimes from a slight cough. Many students are returning.13 Besides this I have nothing [to write about]. I am wondering where the papal legate is,14 or where he might have gone; concerning him, and concerning the whole council15 there is such great silence.
Greet your whole family, and pray for us!
I am thinking about putting together theses against the private mass, and also on I Corinthians 13 and certain other passages that pertain to the topic of justification.16 My lord Katie sends greetings; she drives the wagon, takes care of the fields,17 buys and puts cattle out to pasture, brews,18 etc. In between she has started to read the Bible, and I have promised her fifty gulden19 if she finishes before Easter. She is very serious20 and is now starting the Book of Deuteronomy.