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 of such intercession, and I rejoice that such pious men feel so deeply interested in me.

The Commentary upon Zechariah, which was half finished, has been delayed because of my health. The Prophets, which we had begun to translate into German, have again been obliged to hang their harps, through the dispersion of our colleagues by the plague.

Let our Jacob know this, that he may pray more earnestly for us, that Christ, our Physician, may allay the fear, not so much of the frequent deaths, as of a most infectious disease, so that our people may again return and our work be resumed. It is Satan himself who has spread these evil reports and fears to impede the gospel, but Christ will, in answer to your prayers, tread him under our feet. God grant this.

Our wives are full of joy, and thank you for your present, and good heart.

Melanchthon unites in thanking you with me.

The High School has been removed to Jena. Pommer and his wife greet you warmly, and also mine.

And I greet you warmly, and promise, with God’s help, to do what you prescribe. And yet one more greeting from my son.

I herewith commit you to God. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLII
TO THE CHRISTIANS IN HALLE

Halle long shut to the Reformation, because of Herzog George, although in 1527 their Evangelical preacher, George Winkler, was murdered by order of the Archbishop of Mayence.

September 1527.

To the dear friends of Christ in Halle. Grace and peace in Christ our Savior! Amen.

Dear sirs and friends — I have long intended writing you a letter of admonition and consolation under the trials with which Satan has visited you, through the murder of that