Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/327

 as Israel says, the seed and the root shall along with the branches be rooted up, and all the giants destroyed. We daily look for this, and pray that it may soon take place. Amen. The grace of God be with you. MARTIN LUTHER. (Schutze.)

1533
In this year John Frederick spent fourteen days in Wittenberg, Luther preaching daily before him. On June 18, Bugenhagen, Cruciger, and Apius of Hamburg were made doctors of theology. The Elector, with his wife Sybilla, and his brother, Herzog Franz of Luneburg, and Magnus of Mecklenburg, etc., were present at the disputation. The Englishman, Dr. Robert Barnes, and the Scot, Alesius, along with Melanchthon, took part.

Dr. Jonas presided, and afterwards the Elector entertained them at the Castle.

CCXCV
TO NICOLAS HAUSMANN

Luther, Melanchthon, and Cruciger had visited the Anhalt Princes in November at Worlitz. Luther found them well versed in the Scriptures, and in his own writings, as well as in those of Zwingli and OEcolampadius. At table they conversed on the Bible.

January 2, 1533.

Grace and peace! Three times, most cherished friend, the opportunity of writing you has, much against my will, been snatched from me.

I have been overwhelmed with writing, as the books and prefaces, which will appear at this Leipsic Fair (Messe ), will testify. Therefore I beseech you to forgive my delay. My love to you is and ever remains unchangeable, although I may not always be able to give expression to it, but I am ever at your service.

So, as I was finished with the books early this morning, I wrote the letters which had to be sent to Leipsic and Nurnberg this evening; and now that these also are dispatched, I shall devote my leisure to write fully to