How Luther's matter, after Miltitzen's arrival at the Cardinal Cajetan at Coblenz, according to the agreement made with Luther and also with the Cardinal's approval, was to be settled before the Elector Richard at Trier.
A. How Miltitz reminds the Elector of Trier, who is staying at Ehrenbreitstein at that time, in writing, to now undertake the investigation of Luther's case that was assigned to him and also taken over by him.
From Cyprian's Urkunden, Vol. I, p. 393 reprinted in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, Vol. Ill, p. 96.
The Elector Richard of Trier responds to two letters sent to him by Miltitz, in which he postpones Luther's interrogation until the upcoming Imperial Diet. Ehrenbreitstein, April 2, 1) 1519.
Richardus Dei gratia Archiepiscopus Treuerensis etc. ac Princeps Elector,
Wirdiger, Dear Special. We have now again received one of your writings, concerning the first and ecclesiastical, our dear special one, Master Martin Luther, Doctor of the Holy Scriptures 2c. which date stands Sonnabent post Inuocauit [March 19] glychs content of another of your writings, which date stands Zurbitz vff Mitmachen post trium Regum [Jan. 12.], which we received here before, and read all its contents, and let you know that we have given you an answer to your letter, Zurbitz, at Mitmachen post trium Regum, the contents of which we have abolished, and we are not a little surprised, that such an answer of ours should not come to you, then we have officially transferred the same grove to you, and because your Roman Royal Majesty our most noble Lord has written to us and indicated that your Majesty, the King of the Holy Roman Empire, has given his consent to the use of this grove. He will raise them up in this month of March, and as soon as it is deemed convenient, they will go to the Holy Roman Empire in Schelf. Therefore, we hold that the Diet will be held in the near future, and therefore we leave it at our discretion.
1) Seidemann, "Miltitz", p. 11, has "April 1".
2) No. 298.
according to the above-mentioned copies and documents. We also want to remind you herewith of the order that was given to us by the most exalted in God, our special dear lord and friend, the Papal Legate, and how his love is now incumbent in Rome, but nothing then, when the day of judgement was delayed into the long, (as we do not hold), therefore we want to obey Papal Holiness, whose we are in all ways vndertheniglich to wilnfarn and bereyt, and the matter to good, by the highborn vnnserm special friend, Mr. Friederichen, Hertzogenn zu Taxen 2c. We have decided to make an appeal to the Elector, and to the said Master Martin Luther, and how we may obtain the matter from you, to provide Martinum before the Imperial Diet, before us and you, with sufficient sufferings, on a certain day, and to proclaim to you the knowledge of the same in advance, 4) and to act in all possible ways, so that such a matter may be brought to a just end. We did not want to give you this on your first writing, dated Erenbreitstein on the Saturday after Sunday Oculi [April 2] Anno 2c. XV C. and XIX. more Treuerensi
To the former, vnnsern dear special Carolo Miltitz Thumherren zu Meintz, vnndt Bepstlicher Heiligkeit Nuntien 2c.
A copy of the Electorate of Trier's reply to Miltitzen's first letter, enclosed in the above letter, because he had not received it. Feb. 6, 1519.
From Cyprian's Urkunden, Vol. I, p. 395 reprinted in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, Vol. Ill, p. 97.
Richardus etc.
Dear special. We have received a new letter, from the trade of the first and spiritual of our dear special master Mar-.
3) That is, orally.
4) This will probably mean: to designate the certain [day].
724 Erl.Briefw.il, I8f. Abfchn. 5. L.'s Sache vor d. Churf, v. Trier. No. 298.f. W. XV, 870-872. 725
The Holy Father, in the holy created Doctors, reporting about much, and especially understood in it, how the same for and for with speeches and writings on remission some artyckel vßpreiten, which would reach the holy Roman church to great disadvantage, with indication as you therefore of Papal Holiness, as to whom such matters have been recently and again highly exhorted, by which you have caused us also to be reminded of this, that we, as judges appointed for this purpose, may take far-reaching action to prevent such errors as may arise from it, and appoint a day for this purpose 2c. We would like to let you know that we are completely inclined and meant to do everything possible for Your Holiness, according to all Your Holiness' wishes, and in this matter, we were also inclined to appoint a special hearing day for the matter, but because we have here before at Franckfurt the separation by the Highborn Prince Mr. Frederick Duke of Saxony 2c. Prince, our friend, as you know, that the matter is to be taken up by us on the future judgement day, and that it should be acted upon in this way, and that the Roman Royal Majesty of our most gracious Lord has briefly written to us, and has announced the future of His Majesty, We therefore consider that the necessity will require that we do not bring forward the judgement day, but rather that we take it forward, and therefore we are of the opinion that we should continue with the matter until the same judgement day, unless a change, which we do not hope for, or other matters arise in the meantime with the honourable of our most noble lord the Roman king, for which reason it is necessary for us to act. We have not wished to do so with your good gracious and favorable opinion. Date Ehrenbreitstein Sunday after purificationis Mariae [Feb. 6], anno XV C. XIX. more Treuirensi.
To the Willing Our Dear Special Carolo von Miltitz, Dhumherr zw Meintz und Bebstlicher Heiligkeit Nuntien 2c.
B. How Miltitz tried to make Luthern loyal and lure him to Coblenz, but in vain.
299 Miltitzen's letter to Luther, in which he seeks to make him safe and exhorts him to be confident and only soon set out on the road to Coblenz.
so that the settlement of his case will not become more difficult afterwards. Coblenz, May 3, 1519.
From Cyprian's Urkunden, vol. II, p. 123, printed in Löscher, Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 826. Miltitz sent this letter at the same time as his letter to the Elector (No. 304) and to Spalatin (No. 305). Also in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. II, p. 18.
Translated from Latin.
JEsus.
Hail! Excellent and venerable father, dearest friend. I think that your fatherhood will still know what happened and was decided among us when we were with our most noble prince, Frederick, Duke of Saxony and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. I have written to our most holy Lord, and repeatedly urged again and again, that letters and brevia should be sent from their holiness, so that the matter would be happily, as I hope, settled for your fatherhood. But because of many other very important matters with which Her Holiness has been busy in various ways, she has not yet been able to find time for it, although it would have been otherwise. However, I hope hourly for letters from Her Holiness.
Yesterday I came to the most reverend Lord Legate, who was very pleased about my presence and asked me about my prince and about the opinion of your fatherhood, to whom I answered everything to the best of my ability that seemed to me to be useful for the cause of your fatherhood. Among other things, he assured me that he would do everything that a kind father should do, if only your fatherhood would improve, as had already been discussed in many ways between your fatherhood and me in Altenburg. He also added that everything that the most reverend archbishop in Trier would do and decide in his presence should also please his most reverend fatherhood. For since your fatherhood at that time in my presence and afterwards in writing demanded the most reverend archbishop as a unanimous judge and relied on his honesty and loyalty, I also wanted you to come without any fear to the said most reverend archbishop with a letter from the most noble prince; Since I am present, I promise that no injustice will be done to your fatherhood, and also the Cardinal Legate will neither impose nor do anything to your fatherhood than what pleases the said Archbishop. I also promise your
Fatherhood, in turn, my faithfulness, which I hope you consider righteous.
Therefore, I admonish and remind your fatherhood, since it is God's will and order, that you prepare yourselves as soon as possible for the journey to us in Coblenz, where everything will be arranged and settled in the best way for the benefit of your fatherhood. I have also written to our most noble prince, our common lord, who will hopefully also write to your fatherhood. For if your fatherhood refused to come to us (God forbid!), then perhaps the matter would become more difficult because of the many judges. For the most reverend Cardinal of Rango has written to me that the Pope wants to add three other bishops to the bishop in Freisingen. Therefore, if your fatherhood does not hasten its arrival, I would be forced to come to your fatherhood with the breves that I am now hourly awaiting. For this reason, your fatherhood is setting out immediately, setting aside all business and without any fear, since the most reverend Lord Cardinal also wants to completely disregard everything that your fatherhood has written against him, even without apology, which he has sworn by his soul. Therefore, I sincerely ask that your fatherhood advise well in this matter for its own sake and for the common honor and benefit, and I hope that if your fatherhood follows my advice, it will never regret it, for it knows how I have been disposed toward it up to now and will be in the future, as long as I live. May your fatherhood live well, to whom I also entrust myself in her prayers. Given in the city of Coblenz, on the day of the Holy Cross [May 3] 1) Anno 1519.
Carl von Miltitz, Commissarius and Apostolic Nuncio 2c., Canon at Mainz 2c.
To the respectable and excellent man, Brother Martin Luther, of the Order of St. Augustine, Professor of Sacred Theology 2c., his esteemed friend.
Luther's report of this to Spalatin and his thoughts about it.
See Appendix, No. 33, UI and 4.
Luther's thoughts to Joh. Lang about these whimsical impositions.
See Appendix, No. 34, § 3.
1) 8. oueis is cross invention. Because Löscher has taken it as the raising of the cross, he places Vol. Ill, p. 821 this letter as well as the documents No. 304 and 305 in September.
Luther's response to Miltitz's invitation to the Elector of Trier, in which Luther gives a negative answer. Wittenberg, May 17, 1519.
This letter is found in Aurifaber, vol. I, p. 176k; in Löscher, Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 103; in De Wette, vol. I, p. 275 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. II, p. 53.
Newly translated from the Latin.
To the excellent man, Mr. Carl von Miltitz, apostolic commissary, canon of Mainz, his patron in the Lord.
JEsus.
Hail! Dear Lord, I have received the letters from Your Glory in which you advise me to go to Coblenz as soon as possible, since this would serve my cause. But, I beg you, listen patiently to my opinion. First of all, when we met in Altenburg, it did not seem necessary to me at that time that I be present, but because the books in which I opened my opinion to everyone in the clearest possible way have been published, I thought it would be sufficient if the articles that I had to revoke were established after the examination of my opinions, I thought that it would be sufficient if, after an investigation of my opinions, the articles that I had to revoke were determined, and the manner of the revocation, with indicated causes, so that the revocation would be strong and credible, so that, if it happened in a different manner, it would not be said that it had been forced from me by force, and the last would become worse than the first. And I am still of this opinion.
But even if I should come, you will be able to consider for yourselves how foolish those would think me who heard this matter, since you write that no order has yet come from Rome, nor has the archbishop summoned me in force of this order, but I also do not consider it certain whether such an order will come, especially in this troubled state of the empire; 2) I am also not certain whether the archbishop will accept the order when it comes. How, therefore, can I go into such doubtful matters, through so many dangers and with such heavy expenses? How can I, who
2) during the interregnum after the death of Maximilian I.
'728 Erl.Briefw.il, 54f. Sect. 5. L.'s case before the Churf, v. Trier. No. 302 f. W. XV, 874-877. 729
I am quite poor, take these? I have spent so much in this matter so far, and have made my protectors tired, that I am ashamed to ask for more, to keep silent in the meantime, that as long as the interregnum lasts, not even anyone could be granted safe conduct, especially me, who has so many enemies after me.
In addition to this, a solemn disputation, which the most reverend Cardinal of Augsburg has refused me, now awaits me in Leipzig, which has been entrusted to me by Johann Eck; if I were to withdraw from it, no matter how just the cause, I would bring the greatest disgrace upon myself and all my friends, and even upon our most noble prince and upon my entire order and the university. Yes, in this disputation, in the presence of so many learned men and in such a sharp discussion, this matter can be examined more loudly and precisely than either before the archbishop or the cardinal, so that it is better that all negotiations in this matter come to a standstill than that this disputation be prevented.
But since the archbishop is also Elector of the realm, will he not be required to be absent at this time? But if he is absent, what slot, what treatment of the matter is then possible?
However, even if everything were even, I do not want this matter to be discussed in the presence of the most reverend Cardinal. I do not want him to be present, and he is not worthy of it, since he has tried to dissuade me from the Christian faith at Augsburg; I doubt that he is an orthodox (catholicum) Christian. And if I have time, I will write to the Roman Pontiff and the Cardinals, and if he does not mend his ways, I will convict him of all the things in which he is most shamefully mistaken. I am sorry that the legates of the apostolic see are such people who strive to put Christ aside.
Therefore, I hope, dear sir, that I am quite justly excused by these causes if I do not come, not to add also that the other day a beau laden with many letters
(sycophanta.) was with us, who first asked for you, then for me, who left behind great suspicion that I was being pursued from all sides. Finally he was forced to flee, so that he would not be forced to jump into the Elbe; and there would have been little missing, if we had not resisted, that they would have interpreted it as having happened at your instigation, especially since we heard that you were still staying in Germany, while you promised us that you would travel straight and in a short time to Rome. Thus it comes about that I have excused you, but nevertheless see that I have to fear reproaches from all sides.
As for the fact that you think the matter will become more difficult because the most holy Lord Leo the Tenth should order several bishops to this matter, I believe the opposite. For since I have submitted this matter to the judgment of the whole world through the published books, and now undertake to act in Leipzig before so many men, it will not only not be burdensome for me, but also pleasant, if the matter is brought to an end by the decision of many judges.
But if, as you write, you are compelled by the apostolic brevia you have received to come to us for the sake of my hesitation, God grant that you may arrive happily. I am indeed very busy and serve many. I cannot lose so much time and walk in vain without great harm to many. Be well, dear sir. Wittenberg, Tuesday after Jubilate [May 17] 1519.
Brother Martin Luther, Augustinian.
6) How Cajetan and Miltitz tried to persuade the Elector by empty promises that the golden rose would soon come, that he should deliver Luther to Coblenz, and what answer Chursachsen gave.
303 Cardinal Cajetan's letter to Chursachsen, in which he reports that the golden rose will arrive soon, but at the same time to
The Pope, on the other hand, expects something more detailed from the Elector in Luther's matter. Coblenz, May 5, 1519.
This letter is found in Latin in Seckendorf's Umt. Imtk., lik. I, x. 62 d and from it in Löscher, Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 820. German in Seckendorfs Historie des Lutherthums, p. 165. The date is given by Seckendorf.
Newly translated from the Latin.
Most Serene Prince, Most Reverend Sir! As soon as the venerable Carl von Miltitz, nuncio of our most holy Lord, returned, I immediately sent him back to you, most noble Lord, so that he might bring you the holy gift of the golden rose with the gracious will and favor of his holiness. Let Your Serene Highness see from this how highly our most holy Lord and his holy council, as well as I, His Holiness' servant, think of you. For only the highest princes, who have rendered great service to the Holy Roman Church, are accustomed to be graced with such a great gift. There was also nothing else by which their holiness could have shown a greater love for E. C. F. G., and no prince could have been chosen whom I would rather grant everything of the highest order. It is only left that E.C. F. G. persistently follows the footsteps of her ancestors, who have rendered excellent services to the Pope and the entire Christian religion, as she does, honor the Roman orthodox church, adhere to it lovingly and protect it manfully. If E. C. F. G. will do this, she will certainly not receive less praise and honor from it than her ancestors did until now. But if I can serve E. C. F. G. in anything, I certainly wish to do so with all my heart, and E. C. F. G. be blessed and well. From the city of Coblenz, Trier diocese.
E. C. F. G.
Thomas, Card. St. Sixti, Legat.
304 Miltitzen's letter to the Elector of Saxony, in which he apologizes, as he is only waiting for some brevia from Rome and wants to come soon afterwards, but does not spare any words to induce the Elector to deliver Luthern to Trier. Coblenz, May 3, 1519.
This letter has Löscher, Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 821 reprinted from lob. Iricl. HelLo1iu8 in his Mg.nl
pulus I. epist. sinA., p. 39. Löscher has the wrong date: Sept. 14. Also in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. II, p. 24.
To the Most Serene Highborn Prince and Lord, Mr. Fredrichen, Hertzog zu Sachsen, of the Holy Roman Empire ErtzMarschalck, Curffürst, Vicario, my most noble Lord. Most Serene Highborn Prince, Most Noble Lord,
My obedient dignity as well as my prosperity for your Curf. and ff. graciousness in all respect, most noble Curf. and Sir, I have, as today of the Holy Cross day, no cobblestones come to the Lord Legate, and his Revma Dominatio has caught me quite happily, and asked sunderly, how it (with) Your Curff. and ff. They also talked to me about Doctor Martin Luther's affairs, in a friendly manner, which they told the Lord Legate and me, which had been going on for three years, and the brevia, or communion, of the Protestant Church had been going on for so long. Concerning Her Martinus things, where I have had an answer from the Cardinal of Rangonibus, that Your Heylikeyt iii. my attack has been handed over to the whole of Her Martinus matter by his Revma Dominatio, and that Bebestliche Heylikeyt has sent my attacks from sthundt ii. Cardinal, as namely Cardinali sanctorum quatuor vnd sancti Eusebii, which sulch brevia wy den seyner Heylikeyt angezeigtyget, von sthundt förtten, so hat (weder) der Cardinal Legate, nach Ich, bis vff disse sthundt keyn Antwort gehat; Wir seyn aber sulcher brevia vnd commission sampt ander Information alle sthundt warten 2c., so the legate's opinion was that Doctor Martinus was now and to my most noble lord of Trier qveme, that his genad was next to the judge. And the legate has also requested, and ordered me, that your Curff. Genaden, that his Revma Dominatio will not act nor strive against Doctor Martina. What the bishop of Trir does, the legate will not revoke. So I also fear, Most Eminent Curate, and Her, that the matter is not so dear to the Legate, but rather as fihel as I have been able to research in such a short time as it has been for times when there was nothing else to do. So the legate has also ordered me to write to Doctor Martin that he must not worry about where he has shouted against the Revma Dominatio. He wants
732 Erl. Briefw. II, p. 5 f. Section 5: L.'s case before the Churf, v. Trier. No. 304f. W. XV, 879-882. 733
Jtzund from sthund as fergeben vnd fergessen have, and an 1) all adebithen or Genad seek. And to keep it all like this, his father has written this on his heart, as he did to his master, and he, as Doctor Martinus has always said, when I was in the country with him, that my most noble master of Trir should be his judge, so it is just like that. If his friend had been at Kobelentz, I would have spoken to his friends about it myself, before I had written something about it to your Curff. and the FfG. By sthundt, as I hope. In iiii. Days, that his Genad will not come to Kobelentz, I will talk about it with his Curff. I will talk about it with his graciousness. Your Curf. and your Grace may also write to me what I should say to my Lord of Trier in this matter. Hern von Trir in this matter. I want to tell Ewrnn Curff. I have agreed in all confidentiality that Doctor Martina should not give her life. It would be my advice, since the legate is to be released and the matter is thus carried out, that Doctor Martina's body and spouse are safe with my Lord of Trir. The legate has also told me, as he has replied to your Curf. and ff. graces, that all this has been done in the opinion of your noble Curf. and your grace. I have not wished to keep this from your Curts and ff. graces, but have given it to your Curts and ff. graces to be acknowledged at the end of the year. However, if all this does not please your Curia and your Grace, your Curia and your Grace must wait for an answer from Rome. I search for the answer every hour. From now on, when I receive the answer, I want you to know. Curff. and ff. G. Estens a copy of it. I have sent Ewrnn Curff. and ff. Genaden sihel briff von Vlm aws, forhoff they sint Ewrnn Curff. and ff. Genaden zuekommen. When I have received an answer from your Curf. and ff. G. to know whom I will send to your Curff. Curff. and ff. graces. I therefore humbly submit myself to your Curia and your Grace as my most noble Lord, date Eylent at Kobelentz die Ste Crucis [May 3] 1519.
E. Curff. vnd ff. Gn.
humble and submissive capellan
Carolus von Miltitz, Nuncio Apostolicus and Canonicus 2c.
1) "an" (that is: without) put by us instead of "he", after the parallel letter of Miltitzen to Luther, No. 299: absousEtiam Petitions veniae. Löscher offers: "und er alles abebithen, oder Genad suchen (soll)".
?8et. Most gracious Lord, it is my advice that your Curff. and ff. Genad scream to the bishop of Trir that his father be allyn judge sey Dni. Martini, considered, that the Cardinal gives all things to his own city, and that what his own council ends and decides, should be kept. If Dominus Martinus agrees with the Cardinal, the Cardinal is Colericus, and he may be forgiven in words. 2c. If your Curator and the Cardinal do this, I also hope that he will carry the matter forward in a friendly manner. 8er. Eylent etc. ut supria.
Most Gracious Lord, when I closed this letter. It has been offered to me by faithful ones, etc. as written above.
Miltitzen's letter to Spalatin, with the same content, in which he makes it even more urgent that Luther should come soon. May 3, 1519.
This letter is found in Cyprian's Urkunden, vol. II, p. 120 and in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 824.
Translated into German.
1. hail! 2c. Excellent and highly learned sir, dearest friend. What happened and was decided between me and the venerable father Martin Luther, when we were with our most illustrious Prince Frederick, Duke of Saxony and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, will hopefully already be known to your dignities. I have written to our most holy lord, and again and again repeated, that their holiness would send letters and letters, so that the said D. Martin's matter would be ended happily. But because of other highly important business, with which Her Holiness is burdened in many ways, she has not yet been able to think of it, although she would otherwise have been able to do so. However, I hope hourly for letters from Her Holiness.
I came yesterday to the most dignified Lord Legate, who was delighted with my presence and asked me about our prince and the opinion of the said D. Martin; to whom I answered everything to the best of my ability that seemed to me to be useful for his cause. Among other things, he assured me that he would gladly do everything that was due to a pious father in his love, if he only wanted to improve himself. He also added that everything that the most reverend archbishop in Trier would do and decide in his presence should be agreeable to his most reverend fatherhood. For since also D. Martin
then in my presence and afterwards in writing demanded the said Archbishop of Trier to be the unanimous judge, and trusted in his honesty and fidelity, as was variously acted between me and him in Altenburg: I wanted Your Honor to admonish and urge him to come as soon as possible to the most reverend Archbishop of Trier with a letter from our most noble Prince, setting aside all fear, where, since I am present, no injustice shall be done to him, which I promise to his fatherhood, and also the most reverend Cardinal will certainly not impose or do anything on him other than what the said Archbishop will deem good; I too, whom I hope he will consider honest, promise this to his paternity with all fidelity. Therefore, he must come to us in Coblenz as soon as possible, where everything, if God so wills and ordains, shall be directed and settled in the best way for the cause and the trade of his fatherhood. I have also written to our common Lord, the Most Serene Prince, who will hopefully write to his Fatherhood. For if his fatherhood refuses to come there (which God and then also the most noble prince together with your reverence would like to prevent), then perhaps the matter would become more difficult, namely because of the number of judges. For the most reverend Cardinal von Rangs has written to me that the Pope wants to add three other bishops to the Bishop of Freisingen; if he therefore does not accelerate his coming to us to the utmost, I will be forced to go to his fatherhood with the brevens, which I now expect hourly. But according to my advice, he may set out without fear, setting aside all business. For since the most reverend Cardinal voluntarily promises that he will forget everything that his reverence has written against him, I sincerely ask that your reverence help his own affairs and dealings and the common good and honor in this, and I also hope that if his fatherhood follows my advice, he will never regret it. For you know how I have been against his fatherhood up to now and will be all my life from now on. May Your Reverence live happily and long, whom I entrust to your prayers. Given in the city of Coblenz, on the day of the Holy Cross sdm May 3] 1519.
Carl von Miltitz, Commissarius and Apostolic Nuncio, Canon in Mainz 2c.
D. How Churtrier was finally persuaded to bring Luther to Ehrenbreitstein by petitioning Chursachsen, which, however, Churfürst Friedrich wisely refuses.
306 The Elector of Trier, Richard, requests the Elector of Saxony to put Luthern on trial. Ehrenbreitstein, May 10, 1519.
This letter is found in Cyprian's Urkunden, vol. 1, p. 398 and in Löscher, Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 99.
Our most gracious service before, Most Reverend Prince, especially Dear Friend. The Most Exalted in God Father, Hr. Thomas Priest Cardinal T. S. Sixti, Legatus of the Papal Holiness in Germania 2c. is among others involved with us in discussions 1) the ecclesiastical Martin Luther sanct Augustinus Order, in confusions, which have been preserved 2) on account of the same Martinus letter, concerning the indulgence. So the Cardinal let us hear such a thing, and what we will do about it, that he wants to hold by papal grace. So on this day, in the same masses, our dear particular Karolus von Miltitz, Lord of Mainz, Babylonian Nuncio, has also spoken to us about the same things, with the intention of charging us with such matters. Since we, and especially for the honor and the subordinate official pleasure of the Christian Church, would like to see such an error put to rest, to prevent such a witchcraft as may arise from it, and since the aforementioned Martinus may abstain from it under the authority of V. L. 3), we request with all diligence that V. L. may produce the same Martinum for us here. We will diligently look into such a matter, so that it may be completed in the most proper way, and as easily as we can. We also hereby grant the above-mentioned Martin a free and secure sentence, 4) in front of us and all of ours, and whom we are unreservedly entitled to, that he may join us here and, as long as he loves it, remain with us and everywhere in our country.
1) Perhaps: touching [beruren] or concerning sbetrevenl?
2) Perhaps: sublime?
3) The "V. L." in this letter will have to be resolved by "Ew. Love".
4) Löscher 1. o. Ill, 100 remarks: The citation to Luther and the escort letter directed to his person have not yet come to light. Cf. No. 331: Nota: to ask where the escort had remained?
Churfürstenthum syn moege, vnnd Widder von dannen bis an fyne gewarsam. 1) V. L., as a lover of the Friddens, and who has a special affection for godly and merciful things, and of princely grace, also to the Order of St. Augustine, to whom we are pleased with all favor; and that also the same Martinus may come to Friddens, and out of the things concerned, prove himself herewith cheerfully and benevolently. We want to earn all the time for the same V. L., whom we are inclined to produce services, cheerfully. Date Erenbreitstein, on Tuesday after Misericordia Domini [May 10], 2) Anno Domini XV 0. XIX.
Richart von Gottes gnaden Archbishop of Trier 2c. und Churfürst.
307 The Elector Frederick of Saxony's answer to the Elector Richard of Trier to the above request, in which he reports that he has not sent Luther the letter from Trier in which he is required to go to Ehrenbreitstein, because he wants to discuss it first with the Elector at Frankfurt. June 2, 1519.
This letter is found in Cyprian's Urkunden, vol. I, p. 401 and in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 105. In the latter place with the wrong date: "May 9" (1. o. p. 106, note 1).
Our kindest thanks before, most exalted in God especially dear friend. When E. L. wrote to us and acknowledged how the Cardinal Sancti Sixti 2c. and likewise Karlln von Miltitz 2c. had come to E. L. about Doctor Martin Luther of the Augustinian Order, and talked with the same, we together with E. L. heard all the contents, and were willing to consider such E. L. letter to Doctor Martin. However, since we have received such a letter by the way we are now, with God's help, to travel to Franckfurt, as soon as we know, E. L. will also be there, and E. L. Bit, Doctor Martinum, will also be there. L. bit to send Doctor Martinum to Erenbreitstein. So we have omitted to send Doctor Martinum to E. L., but first of all we want to tell E. L., because we hope to be with E. L. in a short time, that we do not want to behave to E. L., who we want to show,
1) Seckendorf misunderstood the following words and referred to the Elector of Trier. Ilist. I,utb., lib. I, p. 62 b.
2) Seckendorf, Ilist. I^utb., Iib. I, x. 62 b, has the wrong date: May 3.
Luther's Works, "d. XV.
be fruntlich inclined. Date at Heltburg on Thursday Ascensionis Domini [June 2] 3) anno XV 0. XIX.
Von gots gnaden Friederich 2c.
E. How Miltitz, from received Desehl of Rome, to deliver the golden nose to Chursachsen, the journey of Luther to Coblenz Widerrath, because he himself would come to him, and what Chursachsen, since this Aeberbringung has again delayed, answered to Cajetan.
308 Miltitzen's letter to Chursachsen, in which he reports to the Elector that the golden rose has already arrived at Augsburg with the Fuggers, and therefore considers it good that Luther waits until his arrival and does not travel to Coblenz. May 11, 1519.
In Cyprian's Urkunden, vol. I, p. 402 and in Löscher, Ref.-Acta, vol. Ill, p. 101.
Sublime Lord Highborn surft gmedigester her mein vndertmige gehorssamme Dinsthe sint Ewrn Curff vnd ff genaden mit sampt mein gebetht zu voran 4) bereyt genedigster Curff vnd Her I hab Ewrn Curff und ff genaden Jtzt ans heyligen Crutz tag [3. May] Eylent von Kobnlentz written to discover what the Lord Legate's meynugk is with Hern Martins Lutther zw handeln och dobey Ewr Curff und ff genaden meynn guttduncken nit forhalden, welchs all Ewr Curff vnd ff genaden als ich hoff wirt sorsthandenn habenn so anders als ich nicht zweybel mein Briffe Ew. Curff vnd ff genaden sint zwkommen. V. If my lord has not come from the grave, I have acted in the most faithful way with my own faithfulness between my lordship and his lordship, I have found your lordship's grace to be completely reasonable and willing, and I have offered to help Martinus in his matter 5) with all means and difficulties, who then his Curff genad Ewr
3) Seckendorf, Ilist. I^utb., Iib. I, p. 62 b, has the wrong date: June 8. - "Heldburg" is a small town with a castle in Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen.
4) In Cyprian: "meran"; in Löscher: "meren". "voran" put by us. This expression: "zuvoran bereit" is very frequent, e.g. in No. 304: "zu foran"; No. 315: "zuvoran".
5) on == without.
Curff vnn ff genaden has written to me and ordered me to speak to Ewm Curff vnd ff g about these and other matters. Therefore, Most Reverend Judge, and the one who has my authority, do not regard my letter as a nest, concerning the affairs of Martinus, until I have agreed between the Supreme Curate and the Princely Grace. So I wanted to talk to your curate and prince's grace about it, if I had any doubt that the matter should be carried forward according to the will of your curate and prince's grace. I read your. I have been summoned by Rome to submit to the Holy See and to all the bulls of the Holy See and to all the graces of the Holy See for the sake of the Holy State and for the sake of the Holy Spirit, and also for the sake of other matters with the Holy See. I do not know how to deal with the rose and the bulls between me, when your Curia and your Grace know that the rose and the bulls are between Awsburck and the Lord Fuhrer Eden I know Awsburck qveme and thereafter between your Curia and your Grace, If the time is right, I have a meeting with your Curf and your Grace to discuss the matter, which will not be continued, so I am sending your Curf and your Grace a letter to the buyers, asking them to write to your Curf and your Grace to make sure that the matter is answered, where your Curff and ff your Grace will be in charge, I would like to make it clear to your Curff and ff your Grace that I have no objections. If she then comes there, where she will be taken by your Curia and the Holy See, I will then take her to you according to the command of your Curia and the Holy See and do what I am ordered to do by the beastly authority and the Holy See of Rome. I do not now raise any mentz zw faren where I have my pherdt sthen. From now on, as God has helped me to this point, I will submit myself in the most favorable way to Your Curia and Your Grace. In order that the matter may be resolved in a timely manner, I have sent this eloquent offer to your Curate and your Grace, humbly beseeching that your Curate and your Grace will do me the best of their good will, and that life and limb are always for your Curate and your Grace. Herewith I will have myself as your most noble lord before your curvature and your grace in the humble discharge. Datum Coblentz ser Eylent am Mittwochen nach Misericordias Dom. [11 May] 1519. E Curf. and f g.
Undertheniger Cappellan Carolus von Miltitz, Nuntius apostolicus thumher zw mentz.
309 Answer of the Elector of Saxony, Frederick the Wise, to Cajetan, in which he mentions that the rose, which had been on its way for so long, has not yet arrived, but also does not show any strong desire for it. Würzburg, June 8, 1519.
This letter is found in Latin in Cyprian, Nützliche Urkunden, Vol. II, p. 109 and in Löscher's Ref.-Acta, Vol. Ill, p. 106.
Translated from Latin.
1 Our cordial greetings! We received the letter of your devotion, venerable Father in Christ, special Lord and friend, dated May 5 at Coblenz, on the 28th of the same month, in which your Reverence informs us that Mr. Carl von Miltitz, the Roman Pontiff Leo X., of our most holy Lord, Nuncio, our dear faithful, was immediately sent back to us to bring us the sacred gift of the golden rose, and that he could not have chosen a prince to whom he would be more grateful for everything of the highest order.
We do not doubt that the papal holiness would be kind to us with paternal benevolence, since we would never willingly give it cause to think otherwise of us than of one who in turn would repay its constant good will toward us with all diligence and love, although there has not been a lack of such people who have dared to blaspheme such things, as with our most holy Lord, so also with us, since we thought of nothing less.
Moreover, Mr. Carl von Miltitz has already let it be known for many days that the golden rose has been sent to us by the pope, out of paternal kindness and clemency, as a gift and for our veneration, although without our merit, but until now it has not yet reached our hands. We do not know for what reasons and through what hindrance the delivery of the golden rose has been delayed.
4. But that your devotion adds in its letter that there is nothing left but that we follow in the footsteps of our forefathers and ancestors, who have rendered excellent service to the popes and the entire Christian religion, and who have held the orthodox Roman Church in honor, clung to it lovingly and protected it manfully, as we would do, by which we would receive as much praise and glory from it as our forefathers had received before: we hope to the Almighty God that He will grant us the grace to be able to conduct ourselves in all right and proper ways.
We are to prove ourselves as an obedient son to papal holiness and the Catholic Church, and to remain in our ancestors' footsteps with such willingness to serve; as you mention in your letter that we have done so up to now, and with God's help are willing to continue to do so in the future. Therefore, since such a duty is due to us as a Christian prince of the Holy Roman Empire, we neither desire nor expect either praise or glory from the
People. We have not wished to do this to your devotion, to which we are prepared to show courtesy. Given in Würzburg, June 8, 1519.
Inscription:
To the Most Reverend in Christ Father, Mr. Thomas, of the Holy Roman Church, of the title of St. Sixti, Cardinal Priest, and of the Holy Apostolic See Legate de Latere, our dear Lord and friend.