#2152-To Justus Menius in Eisenach

To his very dear brother in Christ,Justus Menius, the very faithful Bishop in Eisenach.
Grace and peace, my dearest Justus! This woman who delivers this message to you I commend to you very much that you assist her with counsel and with whatever help you are able to give. She appears to me to be of a very high progeny perhaps not far from there where one speaks your dialect as her manner of speaking indicates. She has been very honorable by us and has borne a child; I am the god-father. I think it has been of a sort of accident about which she alone knows and now bemoans and she now laments that she stayed in a foreign (land). If some sort of slip occured you can determine executing the office of a Samaritan yet in a way that you do not believe humans uncritically. We must be without guile as the doves but as wise as the serpents. I believe strongly that she is unhappy but as I am often deceived I must be somewhat reticent. You do according to your wisdom what (as I believe) is fitting for a very good woman and one who appears to be a suitable wife for you. She herself has wanted me to write to some pastor of that area likely in that area of her relatives and blood-relations (Blutsfreunde?) to take up (residence). Be it well with you in Christ and pray for me as I do for you. On the 8th of August 1535. Your Martin Luther.
NOTES: Editors say that this is the sister of Hartmuth of Kromberg and , I think, that she was kidnapped by a Jew but check the latter out as I am not sure I am understanding it right.
I think Menius was at the death-bed of Luther's father and of Luther himself but check that too.

#2151-To Gabriel Zwilling, Pastor in Torgau

Grace and peace. My dear Herr Pastor! I wanted that at least our letters might come to because your city fears greatly for us Wittenbergers. And, to be sure, your fear is justified; yesterday a child died completely so not an hair remained alive but on the other hand four children were born. I think the devil has a Fastnacht (night before Ash Wednesday) with such vain frights or there is a church dedication in hell as the devil is so lecherous about masks.
I plead with that you would request on my behalf from your treasury-overseer that he would grant this man who bears this letter 12 silver Schock so that he may be encouraged as upright people have pleaded for him with me namely Hieronymous Krappe and his brother who is head-pastor in Dessau. Fac quod poteris, nam ego isis hominbus libenter obsequerer. Bene in Christ vale (Do what you can since I want to please these people. Be in right well with you in Christ). And let me know whether I should come and go for a walk with you; one here says it is a wonder how strong are the Herr in Togau, and may God not will that as many die by you as by us. So well, let fools be; herewith be commended to God, Amen. 1535 Cyriaci. Martinus Luther,D.

NOTE: The Editors say ML is giving a joking report to Zwilling on the plague in Wittenberg.

Martyrdom of St. Cyriacus

Melanchton

#2146-Melanchton to Luther,Jonas and Roerer

To the renown and worthy men,D. Martin Luther,D.Justus Jonas and Magister Georg,Deacon of the Church in Wittenberg, his friends.

There are weighty reasons for me not being ready to say that it was not an error that we were driven away from there. Now under the present circumstances I am experiencing more unacceptables than I thought would occur. The house of the cloister is not fitting for the school as it was previously.Many wander about without housing,without appliances, without books, staying in the tavern. I have all the evidence on the dwellings; with great pain I have seen the children of prominent people lying on the ground. In addition this brings about great expenses which the those of meagre means find unbearable and there are few professors here. This lack diminishes the reputation and as you know a very large group is required. Therefore when you think it right for the school to return we will hasten back. I at least would rather live in the midst of the Pestilenz than battle with the present difficulties nevertheless I will behave properly for the time. Christ rule us and support you to the glory of His Name. Today, as God wills, I will begin the lectures taking understanding taken for the vexation which this disturbance brings. I await accurate letters from you about the raging of the Pest and not the chatter which fearful and foolish people write. Be it well with you. Thursday after the feast of St.James (20 July) Philippus.

NOTE: Classes from Wittenberg were moved to Jena because of the plague in the former.

Discovery of the body of Saint Alexius

#2143-Elector Johann Friedrich to Luther

(From) Johann Friedrich, Duke in Saxony and Elector by God's Grace. To begin with, our greetings. Honorable and highly-celebrated,dear devout one! We have received your writing regarding a benefit for Caplan Mr. Johann Mantel which has been vacated by the death of Mr. Peter Jueterbock and the out standing money on behalf of Mr Hieronymous Weller and considered it and, as God wills, intend in a few days go about the land so we announce concerning the lapsed beneficence our gracious answer and also extend to Weller the outstanding money. We did not want to keep from you our gracious opinion and are favorably inclined toward you. Dated in Weimar on the Tuesday after Alexius (20 July) 1535 Anno Domini.

#2142-Johann Fredrich Elector of Saxony

Grace and peace in Christ and my poor Paternoster. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! Here Mr. Peter Juerterbock's beneficence from ECFG's institution has become free upon his death.Now also our Caplan Mr. Johann Mantel this entire winter up to now was in danger of a stroke occuring so that I and the other church-servants have more work. And yet it is proper that one such aged servant of the Gospel now in age and sickness should not be forsaken so I humbly appeal that ECFG would graciously give order , not forever, but temporarily that the beneficence of Mr.Peters beneficence to given him until our common treasury may care for him. The good man faithfully served up to now and is worthy that he be appreciated for his labor. Such endowment of ECFG would only be so long until we can do better and do without and then it again would come to the University since there is no one among us so minded (praise God) that would want it to cease. Otherwise,likely, we must find a different way to care for the good man among us which would be difficult. ECFG will graciously provide since today or tomorrow it may go the same for one or another among us. A laborer is worthy of his reward (says Christ). ECFG will know how graciously to proceed. Christ our LOrd be with ECFG here and there, Amen. Friday after Margaretha (16 July) 1535. ECFG's obedient Martin Luther,Dr.
Enclosed
ECFG will graciously consider my Mr. Hieronymous Weller. It is a long time since
his money should have come from Eisenach at the time of St. Phillip and James (1 May) and he has nothing yet and must be nourished at my board.
NOTE: Looks like ML is a one man social welfare committee.

#2141-To Johann Friedrich, Elector of Saxony

To the illustrious, high-born Prince and Lord, Herr Johann Friedrich, Duke in Saxony and Elector, Arch-Marchall of the H.R. Empire, Landgraf in Thuringia and Markgraf in Meissen, my most gracious Lord.

G.a. (grace and) peace in Christ together with my poor Vater=Unser. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! ECFG's Chancellor D.Brueck has indicated to me the gracious offer of ECFG toward me since death's course continues here; and I thank ECFG in complete obedience for such gracious care and offer and want to give an obedient answer whether such a situation may arise. However, my trustworthy rooster-weather-vane Landvoigt Hans Metzsch has such a sober"curse-nose" (Geiers=Nase?) previously that when the Pestilenz was within five Elle (yards?) on the earth he could smell it easily. Because he is staying here I cannot believe that the Pestilenz will be here. It is true that a house or two has something similar but the air is not yet poisoned. Since Tuesday (July 6)no corpse or sick one has been found; yet because the dog-days are at hand and the young fellows are frightened I have permitted them to have some fun jesting until their thoughts are quieted until one sees what is going to happen. I have noted however that many of the same youth are glad to hear of the cry of Pestilenz as the swarm is on the school sack, pain in the books, cramps in the pens, and gout on the paper; for many their color (Dinte?) has become white-like; several are devouring letters from mothers which gives them heart-pains and longing for their home lands and there are likely more of similar frailties than I can relate. And there is a danger if the parents and superiors do not take such illnesses seriously and provide all sorts of medicines there could be well a epidemic of death so that there is neither preacher nor parish-leader or school-master until finally the best cattle become pure sows and dogs while the Papists continue to work feverishly. However, Christ our LOrd give ECFG as He has grace and mercy together with all Christian authority strong medicines and drugs against such sickness to the praise and glory of God and to the vexing of Satan the enemy of all art and discipline, Amen. Herewith, be comnmended to God, Amen. Friday after Visit.(Visitation) of Mary (9 July) 1535. ECFG's Obedient Mart.Luther.

I humbly plead that ECFG will not forget my poor Hieronymous Weller.
NOTE: The Editors say that ML is jesting about the plague perhaps to alleviate the Elector's fear for his life but it also seems to me that the pest is getting too attention and that the Wittenberg students are being diverted from the mission of spreading the Gospel of Life in their concern for this life's well being.Luther's reference to his rooster-weather-vane (Wetterhahn) appears in a following letter without mentioning Hans Metsch who then had left Wittenberg but not because of the plague. believe that Metzsch was one of the Visitors appointed by the Electoral Court.

#2140-Stephan Roth to Luther

To the honorable Lord and Father in Christ, Her Martin Luther, the divine-celebrated Doctor and Professor in Wittenberg, his especially revered Lord.

Salvation in the LOrd. Learned Herr Doctor, in Christ most beloved Father! Regarding my last letter the messenger has brought me the answer that your worthiness would answer me either writtenly or orally through Herr Wolfgang Zeuner. However, the same has traveled on and has neither writtenly or orally put something forward. Since this is now a dangerous time and by us the plague is beginning to rage I plead and implore you through Christ answer through this messenger what I am awaiting namely whether you are again reconciled to me or not or at least write to our pastor to whom according to the content of your letter (to him previously) wherein you regard me as still under the ban and that you proceed severly with nothing beyond. If you do not or again want to reconciled, which I earnestly plead and pray for, I will place the matter before the LOrd and take comfort the passages of the Holy Scriptures. However, I do not believe that your Worthiness has such a stony heart which has no sympathy for a repentant sinner. Live well with all who are with you especially your wife and dear children. Given on July 5th in the year of the LOrd 1535. Stephanus Rodt, Council-secretary in Zwickau.
NOTE: Zwickau and Luther have a long history of disputes. What this one is about I do not know but will try to find out.

#2139a-To Elector Johann Friedrich of Saxony

To the illustrious, high-born Prince and Lord, Herr Johann Friedrich, Duke in Saxony and Elector, Arch-Marchall of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgraf in Thuringia and Markgraf in Meissen, my most gracious Lord.

G.a.Peace in Christ with my poor prayer etc. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! Antonius Schenitz has written to me and appealed, since he must betake himself to Halle, that I should write and request ECFG that you insist in friendship to the suffering Priest you give Hans Schenitz registration yourself as Duke Georg has commanded that the registration be directly deposited with the Council in Leipzig. What that signifies is easy to determine. Therefore Antonius Schenitz pleads that ECFG would be a gracious Lord and permit them to dwell in ECFG's lands and protect them from force. They request it legally and greatly and eagerly await that. Both the Bishop and Duke Georg in their regions would not permit ECFG to force anyone under their sovereignty but all matters determined legally so it is right that ECFG should in return do the same. Thus it is my humble petition that ECFG should, as I perceive, will demonstrate mercy christianly to such good people who have been so harmfully overpowered. Our dear LOrd Christ bless and rule the heart and hand of ECFG,Amen. The Saturday after Peter and Paul (3 July)1535. ECFG's obedient Mart. Luther,D.

#2150-To Johann Friedrich, Elector in Saxony

Grace and peace in Christ and my poor Paternoster. Illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! I am sending ECFG back again the the new printed newspaper and have perceived everything with delight and happiness and want also my poor Paternoster (upon which I depend in every need)with all the dear homes which are called Christian and also are Christian and who are faithfully placed under him that God the Father of all mercy and consolation who has begun His work in the good man would further it to a blessed end, Amen. And I thank ECFG that he has shared such a happy newspaper with me.

We are here in great danger of death so that I marvel that I cannot yet determine who they are who have in such great number died. Everything might be called Pestilenz where there was sickness in the previous year and the number of sick would be more and greater. Previously there has not been ever been yet where twenty or more children were baptized while at the same time one or two died in the week in addition perhaps an old sick man reckoned among the dead.

If we can be so bold and undertake to make Hieronymous Weller and M.Johann Medler, the Caplan of the Markgrafess, to be Doctors I obediently request that ECFG would gracious recommend by letter or command that wild game would be delivered from Lochau. We have determined to make the two Doctors before St.Michael's (Sept.29) and send them to the Mark Meiessen so far as God wills to the extent that death does not knock and defy us.

My weather-vane (in the form of a rooster) has also gone away not out of the fear of death ( I think) but for the sake of his father (as is right). We have room enough in the city, praise God, but I do hope it will become better. I commend herewith ECFG. Christ be with ECFG blessedly here and there, Amen. The Day of St. Donatus (August 7) 1535. ECFG's obedient Martin Luther,D.

NOTES: In 2141 ML refers to Hans Metszch as his "rooster weather vane" who can smell the plague coming from miles away.

#2149-Elector Johann Friedrich to Luther

First of all, our greetings. Respectable, dear devout one! After we have given fitting answer to your petitions for Caplan Johann Mantel and Hieronymous Weller we have thought it should in these areas of our land be made known that we want to be further gracious to you and have consented according to your petition that the vacated income from the grant (i.e."Lehen" =use of land in reward for knightly service to the Prince) to Caplan Mr.Peter Jueterbock should be for life. We give also to you the order herewith that the above should be enacted which you will know well how to deliver to him. Also that Hieronymous Weller should no longer be denied the outstanding money we are sending the 40 Gulden which you will know well how to secure to him. We do not want to keep from our gracious opinion of you and are inclined to be gracious to you. Dated on the Tuesday after the Vinicula Petri (3 August) 1535.

A Bit On H. Weller

From Wikipedia (German edition):

Der »Freibergische Prophet«, wie ihn wohl Zeitgenossen nannten, entstammte einem alten Patriziergeschlecht, das in der Gegend von Plauen mehrere Güter besaß, auch Bürgermeister und Ratsherren in Freiberg gestellt hatte und hohes Ansehen genoss. Hieronymus verlor seinen Vater, als er 10 Jahre alt war. Er besuchte die Schule zu Naumburg und konnte drei Jahre darauf an die Leucorea nach Wittenberg gehen.

Mit 19 Jahren wurde er schon Baccalaureus Er konnte jedoch nicht weiter in Wittenberg bleiben, sondern musste als Schulmeister sich seinen Unterhalt in Zwickau und Schneeberg verdienen. Nach sieben Jahren gaben ihm seine adligen Verwandten die Möglichkeit, weiter zu studieren. In diese Zeit fällt jene innere Erschütterung, die eine Predigt Martin Luthers bei ihm auslöste.

Es war 1527, als er sich zu Luther ins Haus begab, um Hauslehrer seiner Kinder zu sein. Während Luther sich auf der Coburg aufhielt, war er insbesondere eine Stütze für dessen Haus. In seiner Nähe brachte er volle acht Jahre zu, bis er die theologische Doktorwürde erwarb. Die Promotion fand in Gegenwart des gerade in Wittenberg weilenden englischen Gesandten Barns am 14. September 1535 statt.

Die inzwischen in seiner Heimatstadt durchgeführte Reformation führte dort zur Errichtung einer theologischen Lektur, die er 1539 übernahm. Nachdem Hausmann hier vorgearbeitet hatte, war es ihm nicht schwer, eine einflussreiche Stellung zu erhalten. Justus Jonas der Ältere und Georg Spalatin führten ihn in das Amt bei Gelegenheit der Meißnischen Kirchenvisitation ein. Seine Tätigkeit am Gymnasium und sein Briefwechsel waren umfassend. Insbesondere blieb er in ständiger Verbindung mit Luther und Philipp Melanchthon. Unangefochten blieb er trotzdem nicht. Nachdem er 22 Jahre lang Vorlesungen gehalten und auch biblische Erklärungen herausgegeben hatte, zog er sich mehr zurück, beteiligte sich aber noch an allen theologischen Fragen der Zeit. Seine geistige Hinterlassenschaft erschien 1702 in zwei Folio-Bänden.

#2138-The Electoral Council to Luther

(We offer)first of all our friendly service. Honorable, celebrated,especially dear Herr and Friend! About your writing for Mr. Hieronymous Weller regarding the 40 Gulden which was to come to him from the beneficence at Wartburg and which the treasurer (Schultheiss) refused, the Elector of Saxony, our most gracious Lord, has ordered the above mentioned treasurer and the same report has been passed on to us in the absence of His Electoral Grace and we did not want to omit sending the enclosed unto you and also the same will be reported to you by His Electoral Grace in the future and thereupon his Electoral Grace without doubt will know how to provide the mentioned 40 Gulden for Mr.Hierornymous Weller and it will happen through
the mentioned Treasurer or extended in another way. Such we did not want to keep from you and we are inclined to serve you in a friendly way. Tuesday of Vitus (15 June). Anno Domini 1535.
NOTE: This matter was first resolved on August 3rd.

Barnabas

#2137-To Johann Guelden

Grace and peace! It is not necessary that you come here to me, my dear Johann, as I here said orally what you related to Herr Spalatin. He will tell you everything,namely that your deed and the rumor thereof is yet so recent that it cannot happen that you can be publicly installed anywhere. Otherwise we would already beyond measure be pressured under external and internal offenses. For this reason you must consider having patience for a time and the ears that have been publicly afflicted are satisfied by your penitence and after your misery is known it will be open to us to show mercy increasingly. There are plenty of godless ones lying in wait who can make a plank out of a splinter; and would like to burden us all with your plank if you were suddenly lifted up to another position. Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God until the time comes for you to be raised up and this you should also do for our sakes who must of necessity bear very burdensome things so that you have a right to our mercy who without trespassing must suffer innocently so many offenses of the sects and internal evil. Christ have mercy on you and strengthen you and make you forthwith a different and better man,Amen. Given on Vitus Day (15 June) Anno 1535. Your Martin Luther.
NOTE: "Your Martin Luther" telling it like it is. That signature "YOUR" is commonly used in correspondence with those close to ML especially fellow Augustinians and Kaethe.

#2135-To the Council in Freiberg

Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable,perceptive dear Lords and good friends! Mr. Hieronymous Weller has indicated to me what honor and friendship he has experienced by you which makes me happy for the good man from the heart and happy to hear it especially as he is a son of your city. I also hope, as I reported, that you will further prove your love and favor with him; since he is a faithful,pious,settled and learned man, we have also urged, as he has come so far, that he should now continue and become a Doctor of Theology to which we want anew and faithfully help him toward; it is apparent that it would be helpful for people and yet needed that there are those who stand at the point and strive against the divisive spirits (Rottengeister)and few in all positions there are who such matters and practices consider or help educate and support people. And now it is a golden time in which one can richly, also easily instruct and educate his people; who knows what is going to happen next. It says (2Cor.6:2): Tempore placito exaudivi te,et in die salutis adjuvi te.(In an acceptable time I have heard thee and in the day of salvation I have helped thee.)Therefore you would do well to help and accept such people for the sake of supporting the suffering,poor Gospel. Christ our dear LOrd strenthen and preserve you according to His very best will to the praise and glory of God the Father,Amen. Sunday after Barnabas (13 June)1535. Martinus Luther,D.

Joachim of Anhalt by L.Cranach the Elder

#21334-To Joachim, Prince of Anhalt

To the highly-renown and very good Prince and Lord, Herr Joachim, Prince of Anhalt,Graf of Ansconien, Lord in Anhalt, his most gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ! Although there is nothing, renown and very good Prince, that I might write since M. Franciscus is traveling to EFG and giving an oral report yet I did not want that to be without by my own hand extending my good intentions toward EFG and assuring him of my poor Our - Father (so much as I am able). From my heart I wish that it goes well with EFG with all his flesh, that is, with his very good princely brothers. I would rather be a companion with M. Franciscus but our wisdom is so great that the same forces me to stay behind as one imprisoned however, Christ grant some sort of foolishness that will free me from this wisdom, Amen. May EFG have it right well in Christ. Friday of Barnabas (11 June)1535. EFG's devoted Martin Luther.

NOTES: M. Fransciscus is Franz Burkard of Weimar. Lord's Prayers were often offered in behalf of others and still are, I guess, in some Catholic parishes.