To Veit Dietrich , Preacher in Nurnberg Congratulation upon his marriage - Martin Luther

TO VEIT DIETRICH, PREACHER IN NURNBERG Congratulations upon his marriage.

January 14, 1536.

Grace and peace in Christ! We rejoice greatly, my Dietrich, over the welcome news of your marriage, and wish you much happiness. And yet not too much, so that should your bliss exceed the ordinary lot of husbands, you may not turn St. Paul into a liar, who snarls at us happy and complacent married men, and taunts us with the words, “Such shall have trouble in the flesh.” If this should happen, and you find St. Paul has been nearer the truth than you desire, then show yourself to be a man who can bear with the faults of a wife, giving honor unto the wife, as St. Peter commands. Rather keep the little queen in a good humor than be always looking for righteous cause of anger against her. Still, you must not let yourself be treated anyway. But why should I choose such an inopportune moment as that of

the burning time of first love to instruct you, especially as I know you could guide a hundred women, among whom your wife is only first novitiate! I wish you even more heartily happiness to your new call to your church post. I pray you not to depart from the form of doctrine which you imbibed here in no sparing quantities. I impressed upon Dr. Hieronymus Weller to tell you not to be overcome by that national weakness called self-conceit in German, although it may sometimes tickle you. You know how we have been worried by those who were afflicted with it and deserted us. Therefore, greet your wife from me, and say she must exert herself with all her heart to prevent you succumbing to that dangerous and fascinating rival called self-pleasing. She must come first, and be the receptacle of your love. You understand what I wish. My wife wishes you much joy in your wedded life as well as in your new post.

Pray for us. MARTIN LUTHER WITTENBERG. (Schutze.)

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