#2400-ML to Elector Johann Friedrich

G.u.Peace in Christ etc.Illustrious,high-born Prince,most gracious Lord! Awriting will be coming to ECFG for a citizen of Halle named Ambrosius Laub, about a grant in Gera etc. Now this same man is not liking to remain in Halle below the evil Worm and harmful Cardinal and is considering leaving. It has been requested of me to request ECFG whether he might be useful for an office so that he could have by ECFG a gracious furtherance. Now he is such an one who holds to the Gospel and gladly heartily does so, so it is my humble request, if it is well to be done, ECFG would  such a poor, bound soul would help from the prison and claws of the desparate Tyrants, so much as ECFG wills can in time and give advice to the good man. The Father of our dear LOrd Jesus Christ direct ECFG blessedly, Amen. Midweek after St. Lucia (19 Dec.) 1537. ECFG' s submissive Martinus Luther.

#2399-Elector to Luther

(Reply to the concerns regarding Markgraphin Elisabeth going to Lichtentenberg)

At the outset, our greetings. Honorable and Highly-Celebrate, dear devoted one!We have your answer on our recent writing to you about our friendly, dear Aunt, the widow Markgraphin and concerning her return to Lichtenberg from Wittenberg , received and so graciously and also noted that you know nothing of the recent writing our Love and about her going from Wittenberg. And we do not conceal to you that we do not think it appropriate to answer to our dear one as concerning her son,our uncle and brother-in-law, Markgraf Hans and his arrival in Wittenberg to our beloved in Wittenberg and whether the same is forthcoming or not. We are expecting daily such answer and whether such meeting proceeds (furgang) as we then there our aunt, Markgraphin , and Ernst will be there on behalf of  Markgraf  Hans undoubtedly and so we are ready and inclined for the same at the time to travel to Wittenberg and provide for the household and other burdens before she again betakes to Lichtenberg giving support in a friendly way. We, however, do not want to keep from you that several matters have taken place that we cannot come to Wittenberg in the coming week. So it is our gracious desire that the son of our aunt the Markgraf Hans would be provided for at Wittenberg and that such would not have to be postponed until after Christmas.What we are considering to do, may it be for the best of the pious Princess. Because then you know nothing better to advise that yet our Love stay in Wittenberg for a time so that you may know may according to our previous writing know what to do if our Love is determined and eager to get on the way and do something if that should happen. But if you want, as we have noted, no longer to be caring but urge our Love to go to Lichtenberg so we cannot stop it and it must happen and be then we have done what we would and are not sorry for it.
That Duke Albrecht of Mecklenburg together with his wife, also Markgraf Hans and the Princess of Anhalt should come to the Markgraphin at Lichtenberg we have up to now heard nothing; what comes further we will report to you by writing.
Because we also understand from your writing what a wilderness Lichtenberg has become and that the previous court should again be restored, as you have reported, so we have decided Mr. Jorgen of Minkwitz to go there and provide for all the necessities of the Markgraphin speaking well of her.Such we have wanted to share with you and are inclined to you with grace and good. Dated at Torgau, Sunday after Lucia (16 Dec.) 1537.

#2398

(ML replying to the Elector's question as to whether ML knew about Markgraphin's Elisabeth's, whom he and Kaethe were caring for in their home at Wittenberg, intention to reside in Lichtenberg and asking what ML thinks about the same.))

Grace and peace in Christ and my arm pater noster. Illustrious, high-born Prince and my most gracious Lord! Regarding ECFG's writing which came to me yesterday therein indicating that they could not know whether beforehand or with advice that my most gracious Lady had written such or intended the same to go Lichtenberg .,etc., I give ECFG this humble answer that I certainly did not know of EFG's writing.At that time I did know of the messenger having a writing and being sent but I did not know to whom or where. Likewise I didn't know of a journey to Lichtenberg , apart from the uproar in the house that exists whether Duke Albrecht of Mecklenburg together with his wife ( who is recently in Roslau), also Markgraf Hans and his Princess of Anhalt should come to my gracious Lady in Lichtenberg.Such delusion now strenghthened by Mr. Philip's arrival in Lichtenberg ( which I thought ECFG ordered to the household in Lichtenberg), whom was there summoned (again as I hear) was likewise appoined to the household by my most gracious Lady: know nothing tho for certain; with that established, at the same time venison ECFG sent to our EFG..hurriedly sent to Lichtenberg, so I thought with such hospitality and meeting happening my most gracious Lady would follow in the coming days, regarding the same and hoping that everything would be regarded, I could nothing other assume than that ECFG had consented to or ordered and it is a wonder that here one would be disappointed.And as ECFG writes that I should advise thereto that yet a time the good Princess abide here, I not only agree but also am happy to because also in faithfulness and that I know nothing better to advise.However, I am concerned that finally I will not be able to hold the eel by the tail which turns and presses to squirm away; reasons for the same I do not know whether I am dreaming awake or in sleeep.ECFG helps for the best in God's Name, otherwise I let go what will happen  or what will not happen.Today Mr. Philip  (came again) said what a wilderness Lichtenberg is . Someone said to me that all the young nobels and the previous court should again be ordered to convene and everything is determined by the travel.If it cannot be otherwise I do nothing for my own pleasure but for the best of ECFG, that I know well. Herewith be commended to the dear God, Amen. Tuesday after St. Nicolas (11 Dec.)1537. ECFG"s submissived Martinus Luther.

#2390-To Wolfgang Reisenbusch, Preceptor in Lichtenberg

Grace and peace in Christ. Respectable, honor-worthy Lord, especially good friend. The head-pastor in N (Brettin?) told me of his need of  which I have personally seen. The wife and child in misfortune, and poor and were bitter to him the house-holder, that God knows. Because he was taken care of by N(Brittin? ) with 20 Floren he could use another 100 Floren  although at that time he consented to the same: but now the need and thirst is there that such agreement should be void by everyone who has any sense.And if like Christ, wash the feet, it would be more an indulgence than a sin.
Now E.A.of N. the most and best from excess can easily help: thus it is not only my earnest plea, but also trusted advice, E.A. would accept and to him completely also grant 100 Floren; since, E.A. such slight money in the matter would not be harmed, and it would greatly help the poor man.
Then I will not conceal, that not only the Conventiale of N. but almost everyone angrily and evilily speaks thereof
that E.A. should take everything to himslelf and the others so merely and naked neglect; and does that with such a forceful appearance that also E.A.'s good friends and I, myself, that I cannot find or have anything to stop their mouth, that E.A. should  for the sake of money have an evil outrage, especially because E.A. has already enough and this poverty (that could comfort this poor  with with and children) not touch him. And as many have learned of this , they think: if should finally be (if E.A. so adamant should remain) the cry of the poor will reach heaven about E.A.
If I were in E.A.'s position I would a hundred or two Floren cast before the rabble and such gossip still, and my conscience before God would quieted and surely and made joyful. insofar as I had done enough; since God has given E.A. enough and can well give more. It says:Facite vobis amicos de Mammona iniquitatis {make to you friends with the mammon of unrighteousness]
Such writing , I plead, E.A. would understand for the best and from me understand as from a good, faithful heart desiring E.A. all honor and good, here and hereafter. This moves me to do for the sake of the poor head-pastor to with his wife and child in need.
And if were not of the hope that E.A. would not remain hard, I would not have undertaken this likely, requesting this . I hope also that E.A. will not my pleas disregard since I think that E.A. in the common treasury has much that has been given, so now is present a greater than has been presented to it. Herewith be to God commended,Amen. Given at Wittenberg on the day of Catherine (25 Nov) Anno 1537.

#2389-ML to Elector Johann Friedrich

Grace and peace and my poor pater noster to God.Illustrious,high-born Prince,most gracious Lord! I am writing now to ECFG about my gracious woman's future (as it seems to me)to Markgraf Hans. I however have in the letters to Markgraf Hans,giving underscoring both help and difficulties. T therefore  ECFG would these gracious writings know well how to understand. The brain is yet "dotterweich" and wants to be very active about much to do  and there is much disturbance so that I actually really do not know what I should do. She is very well, however, the money came from her son and it proceeds  that there is no measure or ceasing from the wastefullness and recklessness. She has given to me also two overflowing vessels with an hundred gold-gulden. However, I cannot and will not accept for many reasons. That embarrasses her then and the matter stands that I am tired and would gladly be released: therefore I humbly request that ECFG would thereto graciously help me. If nothing else will or can be I will finally let her go to Lichtenberg in God's Name, be it for the better or worse.Since I can (because the goal is such) neither prevail or yet endure and have long enought tried. Christ, our dear LOrd, be with EFCG always. ,Amen/Friday after Martin (16 Nov.)1537. ECFG's humble Martinus Luther.
N.B. Looks like the Friday after ML's birthdate in 1537 was not too pleasant.

#2387-ML,Jonas and Spalatin to Hans von Taubenheim, Landrentmeistr

At the outset, grace and peace through Christ.Honorable, valiant, espicially gracious friend! After I, recntly humbly plead to our high-born Elector of Saxony, our most gracious lord, for Herr,(vor her) Jobst, Fishmaster,blessed, his widow and orphan submissively and at that time his ch.g.(electoral grace) gave to me a gracious and comforting answer, we now both report that likely because of hindrances our highly regarded most gracious lord because of matters and activities has not yet made no help and yet they have only a simple house and also the many children are all undisciplined; for that reason our request ,our friendly  and earnest plea, is that for the same widow and orphans our most gracious lord would faithfully and favorably provide help so that they will be graciously maintained  as certainly Herr Jobst, sainted, entirely devoted his life to you. So it is a great and god-pleasing work to provide for widows and orphans and serve them. That also God ,our right eternal Father in heaven, timely and forever rewards. We are willing to serve and are friendly to you. Dated on Friday after Leonhard (9 Nov,) Anno Domini 1537. Martinus Luther,D.,Justus Jonas D.,,Probst,G.Spalatinus.

ElisabetPr1497.jpg (607×950)

ElisabetPr1497.jpg (607×950):

'via Blog this'

#2386a-To Vice-Chancellor Burkhard

To the high-positioned and worthy man, Herr Franz Burkhard, Vicechancellor of Saxony, in the LOrd his very dear brother.
Grace and peace in Christ.Good Franz!I commend to you the matter of M.Fesel that you give my upright letter to the illustrious Prince as much help as you can. He is worthy and that knight (Centaurus) in Coburg is of the sort of Timon etc.
Likewise, I believe that Herr Chancellor Brueck has written the Prince in the matter of my Markgrafin as I have requested for advice so that I also finally and gladly would be free of this burden. From day to day occur more and more situations which cause me great aggrevations. There is in this house, yes,in the chamber and at the side of the Lordess that Bohemian sow (schrofa=scrofa) implores and attempts to secure favor to receive and is hated by everyone. The Lordess is likewise again (though not in her usual frenzy)fallen into laughable, childishness, about to whom to distribute her money etc.This she squanders actually valiantly and also gives it to those she when she is reasonable (sobria) extraordinarily hates. "My gracious Lord must do something, otherwise there is neither help or advice . She is a child and remains (I fear) a child.", for this reason there is no way that a maniac should have a sword and a child money etc. You understand, and you advise and work it out. "Whatever will be done" ,I have done enough. Your Martin Luther.
N.B. Looks like Knight Schott has the head of a man and body of a horse. Timon was tyrant of Athens, I think.
Poor Elizabeth at the hands of a sow in her bedroom and in her face!

#2386-To Elector Johann Friedrich

(More on Johann Fesel)
G.u.Peace in Christ and my poor PATER Noster. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord!Magister Joahnn Fesel in Coburg, head-pastor at Holy Cross, whom,previously 10 Fl. and 10 (Scheffel) summercorn for extra pay has given out of the cloister Moenchroeden (Munchrote) graciously by ECFG indicated to me that previously by the Visitors ordinance it was so ordered that from the first grant, being late, 10 Fl should be added but it is now this year it will be three late and empty. However, Mr.Hans Schott,knight, denies and fights against following this and he issues yet a new command. I request thereto humbly that ECFG would have the above named Mr. Hans Schott that he would according the Visitors order follow and give ten gulden there is poverty with many children and everything is dear. ECFG will know how to bring this about graciously. Midweek after All Saints (7Nov.)ECFG's submissive Martinus Luther,D.
                                                   (Enclosed list)
Most gracious Lord! Magister Fesel has sent by messenger the enclosed writing and is waiting here for a gracious answer from ECFG so that he may have a little sustenance. He is a pious man and has suffered much and  and is forsaken.

#2383--ML gives ordination-witness for Jakob Stigel

There is here Jakob Stigel, from Mahren, come and indicated that he from the church in Saalfeld is called to the office of Deacon and has for the same requested, as in our church the practice is, that in our church through public ordination be given the office to teach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments. He has given witness to his calling and the wise of Saalfield hold it as good and we have, after hearing his teaching learned that he accepts the pure teaching of the Gospel and supports   what the common church of Christ confesses and what we in our church teach and that he has an horror over all godless and schwarmerei opinions which the common church of Christ rejects and strives for the teaching which our church holds. He has with zeal and faithfulness assured and promised that in his preaching-office that the above accepted teaching of the church of Christ, which we accept , he will purely teach and defend. Therefore it is according to the Word of God in respect of the  calling of our church-workers  he should be given the public ordination and  this Jakob the office given the Gospel to proclaim and the Sacrament to administer. That is witnessed through this letter. And because the church upon God's command is to call church-servants so we support with the right and blessed prayers that this Gospel wherever Jakob teaches it may be powerful and our LOrd Jesus rightly confessed and honored be and many come to God-blessedness and be saved. Given at Wittenberg on the 17th of October anno 1537. Martin Luther,D.

#2382-ML to Johann Fesel, Pastor in Coburg

To the very dear brother, M.Johann Fesel, the faithful servant of the Word in Coburg.
Grace and peace in Christ! The Chancellor related to me that an appeal writing is required of me as you likely from the treasurer and H.von Sternberg will hear. Since the Prince is very indignant of that which by the orders of the Visitors is neglected and given them a good scolding.If you should know that the Kastner is disturbed by this scolding you can console him that it was not directed to him but to those for whom it was fitting. Since I fear if it already were burdensome to him and experienced unrest it could come to the ears of his wife, and the very good wife become more disturbed. Now your recommendations have proved right and anew caused concern. And they (the visitors?) will call on an obstetrician since that advice is well cast. The rest at another time. Greet all of yours especially the Kastner and his wife. From Neustadt (Neapoli)on 5 October 1537. Martin Luthr.

#2381-To Augustin Himmel, Preacher in Colditz

Grace and peace in Christ! Caspar Schaller is sent to you, a God-blessed and poor man, the bringer of this letter,my dear Augustin, so that he may lead your boys' school.I wish that he would be to you very much recommended. To that end I plead that you the dispensers of the church's treasury,also for my sake,may either order or them impress, that he is given some compensation so that he may be clothed and established and afterward in a time or placed in account to be repaid in accord with the rule of subtraction etc. If I can do anything further according to your pleasure I am ready. The extreme need of this man moves me to write to you for him as there is no other way available to help and counsel him to another position of which he is worthy. Since he is a gifted man, instructed in scholarship and music but he, through an unfortunate accident has lost his stability and is thrown in the extremist of trouble. Be it right well with you and all of yours, joyful in Christ. Amen. Thursday after Mauritius (27 Sept). Anno 1537. Your Maritn Luther.

#2380-ML to Margaretha,Princess of Anhalt

(ML writes to Margaretha daughter of the Markgrafin Elizabeth of Anhalt seemingly dying at ML's home in Wittenberg and being cared for Kaethe. ML thinks that there would be no place in Wittenberg for Margaretha to reside and doesn't think she should come.)

To the illustrious,high=born Princess,Lady Margaretha, born Princess in Brandenburg,Princess in Anhalt,Grafin in Ascania, and Lady in Bernburg,my gracious Lady.
Illustiious,high-born Princess, gracious Lady.! Ready with obligatory and obedient service at all times with zeal to EFG. Gracious Princess! After EFG's recent departure gave me indication that the same EF Grace was inclined and willing to take care of the same's Lady Mother and thereto desire that I EF's Grace together with several personell would again provide lodging in my residence or something nearby to establish a quiet residence: now I have since everywhere the city is full of people in every area do not know of any additional place to dwell..I think it therefore not necessary that EFG be near her Lady Mother since your Grace,God willing , Mother will have no lack of care and I will spare no effort to accomplish that. Also I am with the confident hope that the Almighty God, from day to day, will turn and provide things for the better and thereto
our church steadfastly pleads to God.Should yet EFG desire yet to come here, without a quiet lodging, as said above, EFG herself may consider that it would not be entirely unmanageable. Therefore would EFG as touching the Lady Mother would have no need for you to come.Thus, have I humbly indicated by good intentions and offer in every way by obedient and responible service and am completely willing and not over oppressed. Dated at Wittenberg on midweek after Maurici (26 Sept.)Anno 1537. EFG's humble,obedient Martinus Luther in Wittenberg and Doctor.

#2379-ML to Johann Prince of Anhalt.

My gracious Lord,Prince Johann in Anhalt. For the hands of S.F.G.
Gracious Prince and Lord!It is now that her grace the Markgraf has awakened from sleep but it happens that she understands little; if now EFG wants to see and hear she may yet realize.  My Kette sits beside her at the bed and quiets her and thinks EFG would do well to come not only to see everything but that thereby she might be quieted etc. EFG"s willing Martinus Luther.
N.B.The Markgrafin is Elisabeth.

#2378-Elector Johann Friedrich to ML

(This letter is summarized by the St.Louis Edition)
The Elector orders Luther to endeavor that the disharmony between D. Jakob Schenk of Freiberg and the Wittenberg theologians Jonas and Melancthon  be brought to harmony because the same is an occasion of ridicule by the opponents especially Duke Georg who brings it forth and others who want to bring harm to the Gospel.- Burkhardt oberves that the conflict about the Sacrament arose because Schenk at times administered the Sacrament under both forms and then sometimes under one.

Elector Johann Friedrich to Spaltin

#2377.Elector.Joh. Friedrich to Georg Spalatin, Pastor and Domherr.
At the outset our greetings. Worthy, dear devout one! We have your writing received and that the most worthy and highly-celebrated ,our dear devoted one, Mr.Martinus Luther,Doct., praise God is fresh and healthy,also weekly preaches and teaches. Such we have graciously received and gladly heard  and hope from the Almighty God in His Almightiness give enduring health for His salvific Word  for the consolation also for Christianity graciously inspire and support.The news which you gave us of the report of the named Doctor Martinus from Etschland clientele which has come here that he yet lives, gives, and does we have gladly received. And that there such report resounded and such cry came to us that Doct.Martinus in Schmalkalden was very sore and severly illl.
We believe also happily that the named Doctor Martinus from our Aunt, the Markgrafin and her daughter were greatly concerned about their arrival in Wittenberg but now needs not to be changed.
We also have ordered the oversight of Magister Georg Rorer ready  to order, except he must with patient await . until we, as God wills. come, to Torgau for the publication of the same; we will then complete the same and send to him.We also have ordered Magister Georg Roerer's observations prepared, only he must await our prescription with patience until we, as God wills, either come to Torgau again; then we will complete the same and send to him.
2.We have also, as you know, been pleased that Doct. Martinus sermons and Lectures be assembled in the library written during  his life.And you also, as we do not know, also order that you, as one who knows, are ordered to commend  that he should such sermons and lectures transcribe. As this is our gracious desire that we desire such work to be undertaken beneficially: such you will not be without remuneration and recompense with nothing lacking since it proceeds therewith we do not want to fail in anything.
3.Whatever several of the great learned Constrasei would want done in the library to them we will give consideration and we when we come to Torgau give further consideration.
4.Concerning the old Duke of Saxony's,blessed one, whose remains should be brought out of the cloister to the main church according to a common practice should be ordered we want to speak with Doctor Martin and others. Whether it seems good to you  it also would seem good to us and we will condsider and decide. The enclosed Pasquilla we have graciously received. Thus we would be pleased to have your gracious opinion, and are graciously inclined toward you. Date in Coburg,Tuesday nach Egidius (4 Sept.) Anno 1537.

Excuse,please!

#2374-Luther to Johann Prince of Anhalt
To the illustrious,high-born Prince and Lord, Herr Johann, Prince in Anhalt, Graf in Ascania, and Lord in Bernburg, my gracious Lord.
G.(Grace) and Peace in Christ etc.Illustrious,highborn Prince, gracious Lord! That I at the time could not come I ask that EFG would  graciously excuse me. Then it was not that I lacked the willingness and ready desire, but it was resolved for me to appear in Roslow and afterward to Dessen before EFG wanted me and this troubles my heart. As soon as I can, I will not miss the opportunity. God give His grace thereto, Amen. Herewith be to God commended. Monday after Bartholomew (27 August)  1537. EFG's willing one, Martinus Luther,D.