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 behaved in accordance with the gospel, having put up with everything, so do not let him want for anything, for it would be wellpleasing to God. There is little available, but I would gladly give him ten gulden if I had them — but under five you must not let him go, for his clothing is scanty. Pray give him more if you can. The town treasury would honor itself by giving him something, seeing I kept him for the use of their churches. But as they will; let nothing be wanting on our part; look round to see where you can get anything. God will requite it; that I know. Amen.

Kiss little Hans, and bid him, Lenchen, and Tante Lene pray for the dear Prince and me. I can find nothing here, although it is the Fair, for the children, so provide something, if I bring nothing special. MARTIN LUTHER. (De Wette.)

CCLXXXIV
TO ELECTOR JOHN OF SAXONY

Luther wishes him joy on his partial recovery.

March 28, 1532.

Grace and peace, Most Serene Prince, etc. I have received your Electoral Highness’s joyful letter with great delight, and thank God who has not despised our prayers, and has so graciously restored your Grace’s health.

We can well believe all that your Electoral Highness writes of the strange things he has experienced in this illness. But God, who is a God of life, of consolation, of health and of joy, will continue and perfect what He has begun, in opposition to the devil, who is the god of death, of mourning, and of sickness, and will compel him to stop his attacks. Amen.

We pray earnestly that your Grace shall want for nothing, either here or there, although you must eat a little wormwood and bite a sour apple. Pray take these awkward lines in good part, for my head is still in subjection to the enemy of all good and health, who at times promenades through my brains, so that I