Grace and peace in Christ. Most-illustrious, high-born Prince, most gracious Lord! I should not and do not want usurp the worldly regimen, nor yet displease ECFG's officials. Because, however, the outcry rages I perceive ECFG's faithfulness and love to me for which I am greatly indebted I do want to have the name, should something go awry, as being silent to the disadvantage of ECFG; our Commander Hans Metsch has often been rightly and earnestly admonished by me that he should cease the whoredom and buberei with women which for me as a preacher at length such gross offensive behavior could not be suffered nor could I be silent. Upon that (admonition) he went forth and did it so well that the mouths, noses, eyes and ears of all the people were filled with it and also made it known to my eyes that he could not be without women. Thereupon I denied him all fellowship with me personally and privately forbid the Sacrament(to him). Now he is so entangled in the whores hair that he indicates little fear of God and I want to deal with him in preaching and judgment openly so I offer the humble opinion to ECFG that he consider graicously this instruction and cooperate with me that I stop the mouth of this offense and do not give place for others to evil. He may be a good war-man but he will not defend me in time of emergency if he does not also have God before his eyes Who previously defended us wonderfully without the striking of a sword and yet daily preserves (us).
Secondly also I want to verify my loyalty to ECFG in this way. I and others have also talked with him about the breach in the city wall in a friendly way. However because the man gave me this answer: Because I am a secretary and do not understand such matters, I regard everything as equally good. Notwithstanding whether others may advise differently as such building forement think no one dare say that I have not warned ECFG of the damage. I know very well that previously what vigorous care was taken that the gates kept the city closed in but the city is open day and night over 100 steps so that the sows and everything run in from field to the market; from the market to the field they are free to stand and defecate since the wall is broken from the ground up and nothing is built on it or stays together. And it's good and fine to let it happen! ECFG will graciously acknowledge this my report and think the matter over. My head's sorrow is that many great upright people here are children that the outlook is dangerous and should something happen by God's permission it will be something that will be wearily and in vain lamented. What is occupying my head and makes the outcry great is whether ECFG is thoroughly informed so that unrest does not arise; pious people are enduring but too much tearing open of the sack may lead easily to spark up something among the impatient whose spite ,cursing and tyranny will not be satisfied. It is a pious,peaceful,obedient city, praise God. However, the pressure and spite might turn that around so that they may not condiser an offical worthy of the fear of a land's prince. I plead once again that ECFG will receive this writing as purely obedient loyalty. I have long enough been silent in order not to disgruntle anyone. However, that is nonsense since they pursue their pleasure with the property and money of ECFG ; although ECFG likely knows everything I have wanted to demonstrate my desire to serve. God preserve ECFG against all the malice of the unpleasant ones, Amen. On the Friday after Vitus (16 June) 1531. ECFG"s obedient one Martinus Luther.
NOTES: If I am not mistaken,Hans Metsch was one of the secular leaders of a visitation team perhaps with Jonas' group. Should check that out. Might be a womanizer like certain contemporary officials and some church men. No, never!
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