Thus far God has at least granted that all the counts,17 together and individually toward one another, are demonstrating extraordinary good will. Pray that God may continue and increase this. Now that we have defeated Enceladus and Typhoeus18 we shall tomorrow pursue the remaining [monsters], among whom we suspect that Pucher will give us something to do.19 But God lives, and he is to retain the victory.20 Amen.
Farewell in the Lord, my Philip, and greet all—especially the Doctor Pastor21 [and] Doctor Cruciger22—for whose prayers we are thankful, surely trusting that God will hear them.23
Eisleben, February 1, 1546 MARTIN LUTHER, DOCTOR To Philip Melanchthon [Eisleben,]1 February 3, 1546 Luther tells Melanchthon that, contrary to statements made in the letter of February 1, the most important issue in the controversy among the counts of Mansfeld has not yet been settled. He thinks that an ill fate is harassing the Grafschaft, that the devil has a hand in all this, and that the ruin of the Grafschaft might be followed by the ruin of Germany. Then Luther tells of a fire he had in the chimney of his quarters, and asks Melanchthon to see to it that this event does not give rise to any rumors. He informs Melanchthon that Justus Jonas will write the news concerning political developments and, in closing, asks for Melanchthon's prayer that he might soon return home.
On Philip Melanchthon, see LW 48, 77, n. 3.
Text in Latin: WA, Br 11,279–280.2
To the distinguished man, Mr. Philip Melanchthon, a faithful servant of Christ, my dearest brother Grace and peace in the Lord. I wrote to you the day before yesterday, my Philip, that we had slain the porcupine.3 But this was really rejoicing before the victory,4 [for] this territory is indeed harassed by a certain ill fate, whoever might be to blame. I fear that the ruin of Germany also will follow, once this territory has passed away. Until now I have played the role of the sick goat,5 almost in despair concerning the successful outcome of this tragedy or comedy. Satan lets loose all his forces. Thus far we have resisted him by prayer. Yesterday after my sermon6 the chimney of my quarters was set on fire,7 no doubt by Satan himself who has very much frightened my poor hosts.8 I suspect Satan of ridiculing our efforts, or of threatening [us with] something else. You see to it that no one interprets this event as being worse [than it really is], and that the rumormongers at Leipzig9 do not blow it out of proportion and spread rumors they themselves have invented. Doctor Jonas10 will write you about the news we recently received concerning the Emperor and the Pope, and their war plans.11
Pray for me that the Lord may bring me back [home] before I am killed by these battles of the wills!12
Farewell in the Lord!
MARTIN LUTHER, DOCTOR To Philip Melanchthon [Eisleben,]1 February 6, 1546 Luther informs Melanchthon about the lack of progress in the negotiations among the counts of Mansfeld,2 and asks that Melanchthon and Brück try to see to it that Elector John Frederick recall him. Luther hopes to use such an order as a means of pressuring the parties into coming to terms, "for I feel they could not tolerate my departure without the affair having been settled." Luther also mentions that he now sees a possible way of reaching an agreement, and that some progress is being made in the affairs of Newtown.
He blames the slowness in the negotiations on the jurists, the "plagues of the human race," and their "ambiguities, sophistries, and chicaneries," which are poisoning the climate of the negotiations and which make clear that some of the people partaking in the negotiations lack good will and faith.
On Philip Melanchthon, see LW 48, 77, n. 3.