Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/188

 ===CXXIX=== TO LEONHARDT BEIER

Concerning Gertrude von Mylen.

January 9, 1526.

Grace and peace in Christ! I am delighted and approve highly of your intention to marry Gertrude von Mylen, if God gives her to you. You have my best wishes for your success. I prefer her in many ways to her companions. Therefore I comply with your request to write her mother.

May the Lord give His blessing. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER.

CXXX
TO THE ELECTOR JOHN OF SAXONY

About Melanchthon’s salary.

February 9, 1526.

Grace and peace in Christ! Serene High-born Prince, Most Gracious Lord.

In the re-organization of the University your Grace ordered that Melanchthon should have 200 gulden a year as salary. Now the man (Mensch ) objects to accept so much when he cannot undertake with a clear conscience to expound the Scriptures daily. It is useless my speaking to him, for he declares your Grace expects him to lecture regularly. Therefore I humbly beg you to let him know that you will be satisfied if he help with the theological lectures and disputations as before, even should it be only once a week. For even should your Grace present him with this salary for a year or two, he is well worthy of it. For he expounded the Scriptures with great success for about two years without any salary, and perhaps to his injury.

I am most anxious to have the Bible spread abroad here, for it is being eagerly inquired after from all directions. I herewith commend you to God. MARTIN LUTHER.