#1889-To the "nine men" at Her.ford

(The "nine" are thought to administrators of the cloister properties in Herford.)

To the honorable, wise , nine men in Herford.
Honorable, wise, favored friends! We have your writings and earnestly read them and were moved by them and also have listened to your emisaries who at length have indicated the reasons you think justifies your decision that the Brothers (Fratres) should have no communion of their own; thereby you have also indicated that there is no disposition among the preachers or the city that the Brothers should forsake their dwelling and habits (habitum). If you could deal with this matter in a friendly way so that without pressure, threats or forceful measures so that they and the entire city would go to one communion (Communio)that would be and well done and also set a good example for many others.As we have written to them also that, so far, you grant them that in their dwelling,properties, and administration you make no law so they have nothing to complain of; but if the Fratres want to preserve their own communion and in spite of friendly offers do not betake themselves to your communion: it is our advice that you should in no way force or pressure them to forsake their communion while they do not hold anything contrary to the Gospel. It is to the public that the parish-law applies as there are often many parishes in a city; it does not follow that every citizen can establish a parish in his own house, such is not permitted; in addition there is a great difference between a common and public assembly and that of a household since what a citizen does in his household is a matter of privacy. Further it is sensible that one should not be siezed by an outside authority; because the Fratres are not your subjects. This is our advice and appeal and please understand it given in a friendly way and moreover we think that time will provide its own advice. These are honorable, old people whom it is right to tolerate and it is common sense that one should not perpetrate an outrage against them since God has people among them whom He accepts. To serve you in a friendly way we are devoted. Martinus Luther. Philipp.