To Justus Jonas letter 23 - Martin Luther

TO JUSTUS JONAS

Respecting affairs in Halle, and the revision of the New Testament. May 22, 1541.

Grace and peace! I always expect consideration from you, whether I am long in answering your letters or not. My health is not such that I can read or write for an hour without injury. I have often tried to, being so anxious to write. Whatever my malady may have been, it was most severe. My hearing has not entirely returned, but God will do as seemeth good to Him, and I feel rather better. Regarding the Burgraviate, you say you had letters from Court. But the Prince is too prudent to interfere in Halle, as it is beyond his jurisdiction, except in the matter of the Burgraviate; and who would advise him to do so, especially as we teach that each must attend to the things devolving on him? And it is no small victory that the gates of hell, by the mere virtue of the aforesaid title and the shadow thereof, should be compelled to endure your presence, Jonas, the enemy of Satan and the Cardinal, in their midst.

Let us thank God for this! Say to those timid ones to be at ease as to the alienation of their title. God, who calls into being what does not exist, will make this insignificant title great, for He makes all out of nothing. I shall be delighted to do what you ask, as I consider it my duty to pray for the Church at Halle, and even for Balthaser himself. We all wish that the Lord would make him alive.

In future do not expect such long letters from me, for tomorrow I begin to revise the New Testament. The publishers, our lords, insist upon this, for I bear about with me in my sickness the marks of the wounds of those gentlemen, the publishers. The Lord be with you, my beloved.

Greet our friends in Christ. MARTIN LUTHER . (Schutze.)