To the illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Herr Johan Friedrich, Duke in Saxony, and Elector, Arch-marshall of the Holy Roman (h.rom.) Empire, Landgraf in Thuringia and Markgraf in Meissen, my most gracious Lord.
Grace and (G.u.)peace in Christ and my poor Paternoster etc. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! Antonius Schenitz wrote ECFG about the letters of the Bishop of Halle whether they could be officially verified and has requested me to also write to him about the same.I see that the good people are trampled upon with the great difficult case of the evil dragon (Lindwurm=wingless legendary dragon) and well could use counsel and consolation. Therefore I very humbly would that ECFG would give good advice to them how they should proceed with the official verification of the letters. Whether it is up to the Court's discretion I do not know
and whether good or evil should result if perhaps everything of the Bishop including the content of the letters are made known as the world is now quiet and full of trust, unfortunately! I am unexperienced in the matter and know what a Krautlein (little Kraut) the Pfaff is. ECFG will graciously and consolingly indicate to the people so shamefully hounded etc. Christ, our LOrd be with ECFG graciously here and there, Amen.Vigilia Michaelis (28 Sept.)1535. ECFG's obedient Martinus Luther.
NOTES; The official certification of comparing a copy of the original document and if and to what extent the copy was accurate could be done by various officials. The process was called "Vidimirung".
In a letter to ML on 6 October 1535 the Elector promises protection to Schoenitz and advises him to put the letters in print. Pfaff is an ecclesiastic of high position I believe Albrecht is now a cardinal. Check it out.
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