Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/224

 ===CLXXIII=== TO MICHAEL STIEFEL Luther rejoices in his friend’s happiness.

November 1528.

Grace and peace! I am delighted, dear Michael, that you are so pleased with your wife and her children, and that she loves you. May God maintain this unity! Will you say to the overseer that it is impossible for me to come to his marriage, as I have not a free hour that day. I expected we would have been in Schweritz then, and could sacrifice half a day in his honor, but the business connected with the church visitation has increased so enormously that all our plans have been upset. So please apologize for me.

Greet your Eve with the olive branches committed to your care. The evening I got your letter. MARTIN LUTHER.

CLXXIV
TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON

Luther sends letters to his friend, who is on the visitation.

November 30, 1528.

Grace and peace! I send you, as well as Lukas Cranach, letters which have lain long here.

The Chancellor will tell you the rest. Say to Lukas that gloves and a black cap were sent with the other things from Augsburg. If any of the letters tell you for whom they are, let them write. For we have received all our things, but did not wish to open any of the letters.

Today I am again a prey to the tempter. Do pray in such times of sifting for me as I do for you, that my faith may not fail. We have paid all due honor to the Chancellor. Your family and ourselves are all well. My Kathie greets you respectfully, and longs for your return. May Christ be with you! Amen.

I trust all our folks who are with you may keep well. MARTIN LUTHER.