In the Lord Jesus Christ worthy Professor,

Yesterday I received an order from the Royal House of
Copenhagen to bring the rather pressing affair concerning Magister
Reuss, to an end. At the same time I was informed that the
proposition is still passing through a time of crisis, and there-
fore, dear Professor, you will have reason enough to use caution
in order that in Denmark our dear Lord's blessed reign may be
extensively extended. What may the theology professor contribute
in Copenhagen? Since you are known to be a man of discretion I
shall explain to you how the facts of this affair are linked
together -- in the hope that you will prove your discretion once
more. When I had thoroughly explained to the King the case of
Dr. Rambach and finally had freed him of this obstacle, I suggested
that one should not be blinded by eloquence, but should care for
the solidity of the recognition of Jesus Christ and true erudition.
Then the King commanded me to do two things: First, to propose
a professor and court chaplain; secondly, to found a university.
On which terms the latter is to be and what part "the Patronus
Academiae Hafniensis" will have, will be reported at another time
and occasion. However, this I did: I wrote to Mr. Steinmetz
(remembering that it might be unwise to speak to him). Once again
I reported Spangenberg's qualities, but received the answer, he
could not exchange his position at Jena for that of the court
ministry at Copenhagen, which I also reported, to His Majesty's
amazement. Brother Sethen I praised because of his eloquence and
abilities in "omni studioso genere", but I also reported the trouble
I had with the court administration. Concerning Magister Reuss,
however, whom I had written about "suo loco", I passed the judgment
that in his philosophical attitudes he was similar to Bulffinger;
that before he was converted he had been a lobbyist to Wolfen, but

2.

nevertheless a clever witness of truth; that he had been an
incomparable orator, a very great master of Latin. Because of
his craving for money one need not have any objections to call
him hither, although the Duke might not let him go willingly.
Furthermore, the King asked me to check on Magister Reuss which
I refused three times; finally, however, when I agreed, a mishap
occurred, namely that I had asked Magister Reuss to meet me in
Une (Denmark?), so I could explain the affair to him orally,
but the letters were too slow, so I did not meet him there, which
would make it necessary for him to come here; but now he is not
willing to do it, moreover he thinks of getting rid of his
obligations in Tubigen and to lecture profitably at a more
convenient university on Christ's Kingdom. However, should he
receive an offer, he would have to accept it. Some . . . . . .
lasts to appear in any place. In the meantime I have got his
passport which I hereby send and furthermore I add a paragraph of
his letter from January 11th whereof a note . . . . . . . . . .
to make. Would it be possible that you, dear Professor, could make
sure that you can report without a doubt, that you do not know him,
but have heard from here and there (qui nominandi) this and that
news about him, which you cannot contradict, and that the
knowledge, which one can acquire out of books -- sub spectatione
of people -- is not reliable. These recent days I received the
following news from the parish in Denmark: When you had gone away
it had seemed as if a revolt would break out and someone had
written to almost every place in the country and from all pulpits
had slandered, with the result that the mass of people was
aroused; they have disturbed our hours of devotion and have yelled
into our windows the most scandalous slogans. A week ago Count
Lounage had a very hard struggle, but now he has come through

3.

with the grace of God; Preacher Blum had mentioned that he was
pleased to have had a bit of this joy and sweet fulfillment,
when he was told how great the change of visible things had been.
The Lord be praised! Countess Blume is still the same as she
was when you left her and for the mercy of God I hope that God
has reserved an hour to accept this soul which has done so much
good for the members of Christ's Church. The Gram family is
not hostile towards us - especially the old gentleman who is
fond of doing good - yet they think that we go too far. The
Lord Chamberlain is very willing to accept the right and to help
the children of God. May the true Saviour make him persistent!
As far as the Court and its methods are concerned, one must not
judge by appearances, even if the methods point that way. Yet
they are true, and even if the Royal House would like that not
everything be revealed, there remains some work to be done. It
will please the wise Father! The Crown Prince (these are his
own words!) gives His kindest regards to the Brotherhood of
Herrnhut and wants to be included in our prayers and He wants you
to know that he will do everything to become a truly devoted
child of God.

T. T. Z.

Herrnhut, September 23, 1731

P.S. The brothers Baumgartner and Wacker and their wives give their kindest regards. I have had very good news from Dr. Grothusen, who wants to work seriously; Prof. Wacker will be glad to hear it.