324 LETTERS OF MARTIN LUTHER 1536 such an inopportune moment as that of the burning time of first love to instruct you, especially as I know you could guide a hundred women, among whom your wife is only first novitiate ! I wish you even more heartily happiness to your new call to your church post. I pray you not to depart from the form of doctrine which you imbibed here in no sparing quantities. I impressed upon Dr. Hieronymus Weller to tell you not to be overcome by that national weakness called self-conceit in German, although it may sometimes tickle you. You know how we have been worried by those who were afflicted with it and deserted us. Therefore, greet your wife from me, and say she must exert herself with all her heart to pre- vent you succumbing to that dangerous and fascinating rival called self-pleasing. She must come first, and be the receptacle of your love. You understand what I wish. My wife wishes you much joy in your wedded life as well as in your new post. Pray for us. .,, Martin Luther. Wittenberg. (SchQtze.) CCCXXXVIII To THE Elector John Frederick Luther thanks him for his present. Discussion with English envoys. January 25, 1536. To the Serene High-born Prince, John Frederick, Elector of Saxony. Grace and peace in Christ and my poor paternoster ! The castellan at Schwenitz has told me of your Electoral Highness's present of six eimers of wine, for which accept my most humble thanks, as well as for the wild boar, although I am most unwilling to be burdensome to your Grace, who has already enough to do in giving and in bearing the burdens of others. I hoped to get rid of the English Embassy in three days, but they have no intention of leaving for a long time. I have far more weighty matters to deal with, and have often done as much in four weeks, whereas they have quarrelled for twelve years over this single point, and they
