. April 29, 1534.
Grace and peace. My dear Reverend! This journeyman, Briefs Vorzeiger, has told me about a marriage matter between his sister and L. V., and has shown me a letter of affiliation in the name of Carlewitz near Dresden etc. If this were so, as the letter reads and they report to me, then it was certainly not a marriage between the journeyman's sister and the said boy L. V. Accordingly, you, as the priest, to whom such a thing is due to investigate, and if it is so, as the letter reads and they say, then you may acquit the maiden, as she is deceived, and has not had a husband, although ignorantly and without her guilt according to conscience, but a boy to L. V., and besides your
Torgauers warn that they learn to play the safe game in such matters and look to whom they give their children and sisters. You must not divorce her, for it was not a marriage; but only speak freely, that is, indicate that she is now just as free as she was before she deceived L. V.. If, however, the matter turns out differently than they report to me, and the letter, because it has no seal or other sign, reads, then this letter of mine is nothing and shall be nothing. He who confesses or proves right is helped by right; he who otherwise deceives himself. Hereby commanded by God. Amen. Wednesday after Jubilate, Anno 1534.
Martinus Luther, D.