Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/222

 ===CLXX=== TO JOHANN AGRICOLA

Melanchthon in Thuringia on the visitation.

October 25, 1528.

Grace and peace! Philip is absent on the visitation, so we are deprived of his counsel in seeking a schoolmaster.

But I shall consult Milich and George Major to see if one can be sent at once, although I am told that Veit was with you before, whom meantime you could have again. Within eight days we shall tell you what we have arranged.

I am just starting for Lochau to marry M. Stiefel to the widow of the Bishop of Lochau, and to introduce him to his new charge. One thing always seems to come upon the top of another. I could not keep the man (Mensch ) with me, for he was far too modest, fancying he was a burden to me, so preferred living anyhow elsewhere, thus compelling me at length to let him go. He herewith sends you by me some letters inviting you to his marriage. I fear they are a little late, but dispose of them as quickly as possible. Farewell to your Hans Albert and the other branches of your vine. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLXXI
TO GEORGE SPALATIN

Luther comforts him over calumnies caused by his marriage.

October 29, 1528.

You must not vex yourself over the outcry your marriage has caused, but rather rejoice; for it is a condition which has God’s approval, and is lauded by the angels, and held in honor of all saints. In addition it has this seal, that it is distinguished by the cross being vilified by devils and false brethren, to which every word and work of God are subjected.