To My Most Gracious Lord, Duke John, Elector of Saxony etc., at His Electoral Grace.
Grace and peace in Christ, Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord. Regarding Hans Schott's matters, of which E. C. F. G. has asked me, I express my submissive concern as follows: For the sake of conscience, there is no danger, and E. C. F. G. can with a clear conscience rescind the punishment and take the house of Schott back into his good graces, considering that such a punishment is in E. C. F. G.'s hands. C. F. G. is free to do so, and God has not determined a time; but especially because Hans Schott has quite well atoned and has reformed, E. C.
F. G.'s command has been obediently complied with, nor are so many excellent people's intercessions to be despised; for God Himself also considers the correction of the sinner to be sufficient repentance. But besides this, it will also be stirred up that the poor Jacob Haffener, whose wife has been kidnapped, should be shown mercy in the same way, in order to prevent annoyance and slander; as he then piteously asks. C. F. G.'s good pleasure. Hereby commanded to God, Amen.
Ew. Churfürst! Grace submissive
Martinus Luther.