About the matter of the widow Landmann; about the additions to the second edition of the Scripture to the Christian Nobility. Luther sends his "Erbieten" (No. 433 in this volume) and his letter to the Emperor (No. 428 in this volume) for improvement. Content of a letter to the Cardinal 8. Orueis. Postscript: Recommendation of Franz Günther.
The original is in the Anhaltisches Gesammt-Archiv. Printed in Aurifaber, Vol. I, p. 279; in De Wette, Vol. I, p. 480 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, Vol. II, p. 464.
To the dear friend, Mr. Georg Spalatin, Christ's servant, his [patron] in the Lord.
JEsus.
1st Hail! First of all, nothing is answered to the widow Landmann (as I hear), my dear Spalatin, but harsh vituperations, so that this intercession has helped nothing; answer, if you can, what is going on. I have arranged for your letter to be brought to Nuremberg. There will be in the second edition, which Lotther will take over, additions to the
4) D. Johann Sommerfeld. He died on May 31, 1520.
Booklet 1) will be made; it will also be increased. Behold, I send the "Erbieten" (Elogion) and the letter [to the emperor for improvement.
2. the contents of the letter to [the Cardinals St. Crucis 2) is this: Since his fame is extraordinary in the whole world, I have wanted to ask him to make himself a mediator with all the diligence possible to him, so that the matter may be settled; that I also offer any 3) conditions of peace, except recantation, and the ignominy of heresy, and the freedom to teach the word; that banishment and violence would not be feared by me, since I could already be safe in the midst of Germany; at the same time that they should beware lest, if one were destroyed, they would awaken many; I would (if God gives grace) be a match for the enemies in gifts and scholarship. 4) Fare well and pray for me. Wittenberg 1520, the day before Bartholomew [August 23].
Martin Luther, Augustinian.
I recommend Magister Franz Günther to you, and you will see to it that this letter is delivered to the Prince.