To Simon, preacher at Eisleben. 1544.
I am almost saddened that Count Albrecht is not only a burden to others, but also, what is worst of all, to himself. It is in vain that he hopes to purify himself or burn white by shutting up one or two preachers. For there are many mouths that speak evil of him, that is, he has more evil cries than I like. And if he does not mend his ways, he cannot shut them up.
According to this, it is a lie and a great injuria or insult that he accuses Libius of being a rebel. It is not sedition if a priest or teacher of the great Hansen punishes life, if he already errs in punishing. For it is another to err or sin, and another to be seditious.
For this reason, the count must not be allowed to
He will interpret anything he wants in a rebellious way. And he, the count, has sinned more against Libius with this vice than Libius has against the count. And the count is obligated to recant and ask forgiveness from Libius, if he has a
wants to be a Christian. But since he has given himself over to the tempter and will not listen, let him go, for I say that he is troubled because of the evil conscience. God have mercy on him and convert him. Amen.