To Friedrich Myconius,Preacher in Gotha - Martin Luther

TO FRIEDRICH MYCONIUS, PREACHER IN GOTHA

Congratulations. Luther makes jocular allusion to Myconius refusing him burial in Gotha, where he took so ill on his journey from Schmalkalden to Wittenberg.

July 27, 1537.

Grace and peace in Christ! I rejoice with you, dear Friedrich, that God has at length given you a Fritz.

Having seven daughters, I can quite believe you are delighted to have a son. So once more I wish you happiness, and pray that he may continue healthy, and be endowed with even richer gifts than his father. Amen. I laud your determination not to let me be buried within your bishopric (Gotha), although since then I have often lamented it. For now that my life has been prolonged, I see things I would not have seen had I been at rest in God, or in Gotha. But He who has put all things under His

feet will also overcome this insignificant evil. Even as the angels are round about those who believe, so those who have eyes to see find themselves surrounded by much good. My Kathie greets you, and wishes you much happiness over the birth of your son, and advises you strongly that all the milk that can be spared should be kept for the little son till he can take other food, and that your wife should be made to take very good care of herself. But as a husband you know all this yourself, although my Kathie seems to have doubts on the subject. Farewell in the Lord.

MARTIN LUTHER .