Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/146

 ===LXXXIII=== TO GEORGE SPALATIN

Luther sends him a specimen of his translation of the Bible. May 10, 1522.

All hail! I send you the beginning of our Bible, but on no account let it be printed. I am expecting the precious stones, which we shall take the greatest care of and faithfully return. Also pray ask Bernard Hirsfeld to petition His Electoral Highness to persuade his Chancellor to remit a certain sum, which our Prior is due upon a valuable possession, and for which I am security, till we can pay it. And there has been no remission of interest. And now that it is not customary to beg (for the cloister), we are 300 florins a year poorer. Here there is nothing but love and friendship.

May all prosper with you, and send a favorable answer. MARTIN LUTHER.

(Walch, v. 15. 84.)

LXXXIV
TO WENZEL LINK

Luther presses Link to take up his abode in Wittenberg.

July 4, 1522.

Grace and peace! You must either, dearest father, be able to give a good reason for keeping away from us, or you must hate our society. For why sit there? Both north and south are shut up to you, so there is no place where you can be more secure or better cared for than with us. Or does the reputation of our order frighten you, and do you fear association with us banished ones, in case of offending those who seem born to seek cause of offense in Christ?

But come speedily, for God’s sake, so that we may enlist you in the Lord’s service. We are waiting for you; see that you do not turn us into ridicule. We wish your