To Bernard von Dolen - Martin Luther

TO BERNARD VON DOLEN

Concerning the marriage of this preacher. July 13, 1531.

Grace and peace! My Kathie greets you, dear Bernard. She orders me to write you. What you write of the carelessness of the preachers and the contempt of the peasants is only too true. Here patience is not only salutary but indispensable. I laud your resolution to marry, but see that the manse is first built, so that you may occupy it alone with your wife. For it is an insufferable thing to lodge in someone else’s house with a wife. I know the maiden, Hanna Zetzschin, well, and trust she is an upright and estimable person. I also know that she has been well brought up, for she learned housekeeping under a strict disciplinarian, and had a great deal to do and put up with. Still you must not rely on my judgment or that of anyone else, but must see her for yourself in favourable surroundings. For there is nothing special in her personal appearance, it being rather ordinary, if you wish good looks. Farewell in the Lord, and pray for me. As yet we are,

God be praised, all well. MARTIN LUTHER . (Walch, 5:21. 1233.)