Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/310

 ===CCLXXIV=== TO NICOLAS AMSDORF Luther introduces Barnes to Amsdorf.

September 4, 1531.

Grace and peace! I commend to you this Englishman, Herr Dr. Anton, my Amsdorf, for he passes your way on his journey to Lubeck. You can hear of us from him. Simon Hafritz is here, and I do not know in what nest to place this bird, for you gentlemen of the Treasury have endowed his numerous family scantily. But Luther has a broad back, and will bear this burden also. Thanks for supplying the wants of the others you sent back here. The Lord be with you, and pray for me. MARTIN LUTHER. (Schutze.)

CCLXXV
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN Luther invites his afflicted friend to visit him.

October 31, 1531.

Grace and peace in Christ, who dwells above all the Zwickau disturbances!

Yes, my excellent friend, the reason I have not written sooner to comfort you is as much due to the difficulty of sending letters as to the multiplicity of my concerns. I am sorry that you will not return to me, as I like so much to have you with me. Once more I plead with you to return. You would be no burden to me, but a true source of consolation and help. I shall have a room prepared for you and arrange everything. What distresses me most is the ingratitude of the Zwickau people in withholding from you what is your due after you have exhausted your means and strength in their service, which devotion they rewarded by giving you less and less every year. Christ will deliver you from them, and requite them as they deserve. And this same Lord, our hope and crown, our life and peace,