Melanchthon was certainly at his best when he
worked on this theological treatise (Apology IV). He was an exact and a hard
worker. Bente recalls an incident, recorded by Mathesius and
others, which happened at Spalatin's house at Altenburg, while
Luther and Melanchthon were returning from Coburg after the
Diet. Melanchthon went to work on the Apology there even on a
Sunday and during meal time. Then Luther went to Melanchthon
and "plucked the pen from his hand," saying, "God can be
honored not only by work, but also by rest and recreation; for that
reason He has given the Third Commandment and commanded
the Sabbath."
CTQ: Warth: 125
