[Torgau,]1 September 20, 1536 Even though Luther thinks that Hausmann is probably well informed about all that is news, he communicates everything he thinks might be news and comments on the various items: The Margraves of Brandenburg have abandoned the gospel; Jerome Weller has moved into his own house close by Luther's own; the French campaign of Emperor Charles V has taken a large toll in lives; Duke George of Saxony apparently is writing a thick book against the bishops; it looks to Luther as if no one really works seriously for the council; lane Seymour, an enemy of the gospel, is to be crowned on St. Michael's Day, and conditions in England have changed so much that Barnes has to go into hiding; the English are boycotting the council. Luther also tells Hausmann that he intends to call him to Wittenberg. In closing he asks for Hausmann's prayer in his behalf, and extends greetings to the sovereign of Anhalt-Dessau.
On Nicholas Hausmann, see LW 48, 399 f.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 7, 546–547.2
To the very gifted3 man, Mr. Nicholas Hausmann, Master [of Arts],4 a servant of Christ in the congregation at Dessau, my dearest brother in the Lord
Grace and peace. I seldom write to you,5 excellent Nicholas, for I think there is no need for writing since you are always best informed about everything that is news among us, and since your court6 finds out news faster than ours. Both Margraves have become alienated from our gospel;7 should you not [yet] know this, then know it now; further, I don't know what evil is starting to burn among us here.8 May
Christ crush Satan under our feet.9
I hereby inform you of my new plan concerning you: I am thinking about calling you away from there and making you a member of my household, so that finally you can enjoy peace and quietness. Already I have the promise of your brother that he will maintain you here at my place. For I can see that position is not meant for you.10
Doctor Jerome Weller is happy and has moved away from me into his own house, close to me; I am pleased with this.11
The affairs of the Emperor are not as prosperous as people brag.12 They say that approximately five thousand of his soldiers13 have perished from starvation, among them some outstanding military men, such as Margrave Frederick, the provost of Würzburg,14 [and] Caspar von Frundsberg,15 and I don't know who else.
It looks to me as if in reality people only pretend to be concerned about the council16 rather than actually working for it, although it is said that Duke George is writing a thick book17 against the bishops, whom he thinks to bring into line with the Canon Law; that is, [he hopes] to bring about unity between the devil and God.
Our Alesius18 writes to us from England that the new Queen Joanna,19 an enemy of the gospel (as he says), is to be crowned on [St.] Michael's Day;20 the conditions in the kingdom are now so different that Antony21 has to go into hiding and be silent, and is not without danger. Nevertheless the King persists in rejecting the pope; with the consent of the whole kingdom it was decided that no one is to attend the council, unless the King has first approved of the council,22 which will never be the case. Thus the monarchs disagree,23 and the council will turn out to be a fairy tale, or at least will not convene at the set date. Once this date has been missed who will set another one? The whole world is full of foul play.24
Farewell in Christ, and pray for me, my brother, for I am very much in need of it. In my behalf greet your excellent sovereigns25 reverently.