Of Emperor Carl V's rather long stay at Insbruck and the true cause of it.
927 Philipp Melanchthon's letter to D. Martin Luther from Augsburg, May 22, 1530, in which he reports how the emperor would not yet arrive there so soon, informs him of various suggestions of the imperial councils, attaches great praise to the chancellor Mercurinus, and adds other important news.
This letter is handwritten in Ms. Manliainiin, p. 15. Printed in Melanchthon's epp. lib. I, sp. 2; eä. r>onä. 1,6P. 2; in Cölestin, vol. I, p. 44 (incomplete); in the Oorp. Rsk., vol. II, p.59 and in Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. VII, p.342; German in Chyträus, Hist., p.62 (in part) and in Wilhelm a Vallo, II, d. p. 56.
Translated from Latin.
Hail! We had already hired a messenger who was to go to you and then to Wittenberg, because Jonas had learned of the death of his son from letters of the scribe Viola. Under the letter, however, your last letters have come to me through D. Apel's messenger. Jonas is quite satisfied after he has learned that his wife is healthy. For he was only worried about her, and I also had no small fear. My suspicions and worries were heightened by the fact that you had not sent Pomer's letter, which he had mentioned in a letter to you.
2 The emperor is not yet here and, as I think, will hardly arrive before Pentecost. He has not summoned either the Dukes of Bavaria or Duke George of Saxony to discuss religious matters, because he wants to remain impartial. It is reported that there are two voices in the emperor's council: one that he should not interrogate the Lutherans but condemn them immediately by an edict; the other that he should interrogate them properly and abolish the abuses in the church. This latter opinion is said to be held by the imperial chancellor Mercurinus 1), an excellent and very moderate man; who is said to say that, in his weakness, he followed the emperor mainly in the hope that he meant that the religious matters would come to a good end, he
1) Mercurinus Arborio, Marchese of Gattinara, Chancellor of the Emperor, died at Jnsbruck on June 5, 1530.
do not want to take part in violent advice. We have heard nothing here that would be more worthy of our consideration to write. And I have a special pleasure in this speech and judgment of the highly competent man. May Christ take care of us and preserve us, and may He govern all actions so that they flourish for peace and the common good. Mercurinus also said this: it was well seen at Worms how nothing fruitful could be achieved with violent attacks. For he was in the emperor's retinue and council at Worms. We are all, including the Prince, very concerned about your health, and therefore ask God to preserve you for the sake of His word. It is also our request to you that you take good care of your health. Doctor Caspar sends you some medicines through the Elector's messenger, which serve to strengthen your heart and soul. For he loves you very much.
3) We change the confession (Apologia) 2) a lot every day. I have taken out the article on vows, because it was a bit too small, and put another, detailed explanation in its place. Now I put the article of church violence. I ask you to overlook the articles of faith; if you will find no lack in these, let us draft the rest fairly. For one always has to change something in it and to be guided by the occasion.
(4) The Landgrave of Hesse is now going about signing the speech of ours, and it seems that he can easily be brought to ours; but for this your letter to him is necessary. Therefore I ask you most earnestly to write to the landgrave and admonish him that he should not weigh down his conscience by defending any false doctrine. I do not want you to write again to the younger prince; 3) for he now hates no one.
2) Apologia here means the Torgau Articles, which form the basis of the second part of the Augsburg Confession; immediately following, "the Articles of Faith" are the Schwabach Articles, the basis of the first part of the same.
3) This is contrary to Melanchthon's earlier letter, No. 902. The first following reads with the old translator: "because he is now no one more ungracious than you" etc.
more than him, whom he had previously seemed to love more than the apple of his eye. But his mind is very changeable, and that does not come from his young years, but rather, as I think, from nature. Schnepf is a good, steady man. I wanted you, in his honor, to write to him on a suitable occasion. As far as the Frisians are concerned, the Elector has ordered D. Pomeranus to look for a capable man who knows the Saxon language and to send him to the Frisians. To this opinion you can reply. I am sending you a painting of the siege of the city of Vienna. Through Apel's messenger we will write more. In the meantime, you will give this messenger of ours letters to your honest wife, for he will be able to bring back an answer. Be well and pray for us to Christ our Lord. Given on Sunday Vocem Jucunditatis [22 May 1530].
928 Letter from Elector John to Luther from Augsburg. May 4, 1530.
This letter is found in the Altenburg edition, vol. V, p. 23; in Walch and in the Erlangen correspondence, vol. VII, p. 327. In a regest in Burkhardt datirt of 20 May. Köstlin, M. Luther, vol. II, p. 653 aä 207 gives the correction: May 4, which results from the sending of the medicine. Cf. no. 902.
Dear Doctor! Be in love with all of us, do not let the time be long for you. We are all very worried about the health of your body, we pray to God to keep you for a long time for the sake of his dear word; we even exhort you to take good care of your health. O. Caspar, our physician, send you medicine by this messenger, to strengthen your head and heart with it; for he is your faithful friend. And we also remain well inclined to you for all graces etc.
929 D. Martin Luther's answer to the above letter, whose delay he excuses, and at the same time emphatically consoles the Elector, who began to be annoyed about the long hesitation of the Emperor and worried about the threats of the enemies. May 20, 1530.
This letter is found handwritten in Wolfenbüttel, Copenhagen and in the Ooä. Ho8toeli. Printed in Flacius' German collection of letters; with omission of the beginning in Chyträus' Hist. der Augsb. Conf. p. 26 b Latin, and German p. 67; also in Cölestinus, Vol. I, p. 47.
and in Buddeus, p. 95 translated into Latin and incomplete, also with the wrong date, May 22. Complete in the Altenburg edition, vol. V, p. 23; in the Leipzig edition, vol. XX, p. 172; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 54, p. 146 and in De Wette, vol. I V, p. 20. In the latter two editions, the supplement that belongs to this letter is erroneously attached to the letter of October 3, 1530.
To the most illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Lord John, Duke of Saxony, Elector of the Holy Roman Empire etc., Landgrave in Thuringia, and Margrave of Meissen, my most gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen! Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! I have now long delayed replying to E. C. F. G.'s first letter from Augsburg, graciously addressed to me, with notice of new newspaper, and admonition that I should not let my time in this place be long etc. And it is truly without need that E. C. F. G. so graciously thinks of me and cares for me, for we should think of E. C. F. G., care for him and ask, as we also truly and faithfully do. Time is indeed not long for me, we live as gentlemen, and therefore these weeks have passed so quickly that it hardly seems like three days to me. But C.F.G. is and must now be in a boring place; so help our dear Father in heaven that C.F.G.'s heart may remain firm and patient in his grace, which he shows us so abundantly [Jac. 1:4, 4:6].
For in the first place, it is certain that C.F.G. must bear such toil, food, travel and long journeys for the sake of God, since all angry princes and enemies have no other blame for C.F.G. than the pure, tender, living word of God, otherwise they must confess that C.F.G. is an innocent, quiet, pious, faithful prince.
3. since this is certain, it is a great sign that God has given E. C. F. G., as He so richly grants His holy word and makes them worthy of it [2 Thess. 1,11.], that they have to suffer such shame and enmity for the sake of it [Apost. 5, 41.], which ever makes a comforting conscience. For to have God for a friend is more comforting than to have the friendship of all the world. On the other hand, we see.
How God does not esteem the angry and wrathful princes worthy to know or have his word. Yes, they must blaspheme and persecute it blindly and stubbornly, as the frenzied and foolish; which are terrible signs of his great displeasure and wrath against them; of which they should be justly terrified and desolate in conscience, as it must ultimately be.
4. above this, the merciful God shows Himself even more gracious, that He has made His word so mighty and fruitful in E. C. F. G. land. Of course, the C.F.G. country has the very best and most good pastors and preachers than any other country in the world, who teach so faithfully and purely, and keep such beautiful peace. Therefore, the tender youth of boys and girls are now growing up, and are so well equipped with catechism and Scripture that it makes me feel good in my heart to see how young boys and girls can now pray, believe and speak more about God, about Christ, than all the monasteries, convents and schools were able to do before, and still can.
5. there is truly such young people in E. C. F. G. land is a beautiful paradise, the like of which is not in the world. And God builds all this in E. C. F. G.'s bosom, as a sign that He is gracious and favorable to E. C. F. G.. As if he should say: "Well, dear Duke Hans, I entrust you with my noblest treasure, my merry paradise, you shall be father over them. For I want to have them under your protection and rule, and do you the honor of being my gardener and caretaker. This is certainly true. For God the Lord, who has made E. C. F. G. the father and helper of this land, feeds them all through E. C. F. G.'s office and service, and they must all eat E. C. F. G.'s bread. This is no different than if God Himself were E. C. F. G.'s daily guest and mouth, because His word and His children who have His word are E. C. F. G.'s daily guests and mouths.
6. in contrast, look at what other princes do to the dear youth by their rage, that they make of God's paradise sinful, rotten, torn puddles for the devil, and spoil everything, and also have vain devils at table and as guests every day; for they
are not worthy of honor with God, that they give His word a cold drink of water from all their goods [Matth. 10, 42]. They even have to give vinegar, myrrh and gall to the thirsty Christ on the cross [Matth. 27, 34]. Although many pious people are secretly among them, here E. C. F. G. long for paradise and the promised land, and ask heartily for help.
7. because God is so abundant in E. C. F. G.'s land, that he so graciously allows his word to prevail, that through it E. C. F. G.'s office, goods and possessions, everything goes in a blessed custom and service, and actually everything is vain daily alms and sacrifice, presented in honor of the holy word of God without ceasing; in addition E. C. F. G. is gifted with a peaceful heart, which is neither bloodthirsty nor murderous like that theil. C. F. G. is gifted with a peaceful heart that is neither bloodthirsty nor murderous, as that part is, and must be: then E. C. F. G. truly has great cause to rejoice in God, and to take comfort in such great signs of His graces. For it is a glorious great honor that God has given E. C. F. G. has been chosen, consecrated and made worthy so that body and goods, land and people, and everything that E. C. F. G. has, stand and walk in such beautiful worship, that His divine word is not only not followed, but also nourished and preserved. It does not hurt that some of us are not well off; nevertheless, E. C. F. G.'s service and protection is in the work of preserving the Word.
Last but not least, E. C. F. G. has also previously encouraged faithful, heartfelt prayer among all Christians, especially in E. C. F. G.. C. F. G. countries, and we know that our prayer is right and the cause is good; therefore we are also certain that it will be heard and heard well, 1 Tim. 2, 3. Oh, the young people will do it, who with their innocent tongues call and cry so heartily to heaven, and E. C. F. G. will do it. C. F. G. as their dear father so faithfully to the merciful God. On the other hand, we know that that part has evil things, cannot pray either, but go about with clever suggestions, put it all on their wit and power, as one can see before one's eyes; there it stands on the right sand.
9. this my writing E. C. F. G. would graciously accept from me; God knows that I speak the truth and do not hypocrite; for I am sorry that Satan has taken E. C. F. G.'s heart.
would grieve and sadden. I know him well to some extent, I know how he tends to play along with me; he is a sad, sour spirit, who cannot stand for a heart to be happy or to have peace, especially in God; how much less will he be able to stand for E. C. F. G. to be of good cheer than he who knows how much we all care about E. C. F. G.'s heart, and not only us, but almost the whole world. F. G. is of good cheer, than he who knows well how much is at stake in E. C. F. G.'s heart for all of us, and not only for us, but almost for the whole world, I almost wanted to say, also for heaven itself, because of course a large part of Christ's kingdom of heaven is in E. C. F. G., but also in God. C. F.G.'s country is built up by the salvific word without ceasing; he knows this and sees his displeasure in it. Therefore, we all owe it to E. C. F. G. to faithfully assist her with prayer, comfort, love, and whatever we can; for where E. C. F. G. is happy, we live; but where she is sad, we are sick.
But our dear Lord and faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, whom the Father of all mercies has so abundantly revealed and bestowed upon us, may He send His Holy Spirit, the right, eternal Comforter, over all my words, who will always sustain, strengthen and protect E. C. F. G. against all poisonous fiery arrows of the sour, heavy, evil spirit, Amen, dear God, Amen. Given on May 20, Anno 1530.
E. C. F. G.
subservient
Martinus Luther.
Enclosure.
Doctor Apel has also asked me, most gracious sir, 1) that I should request and excuse him from E. C. F. G., that he now takes leave and leaves for Prussia. For he would have liked to do it long ago, so E. C. F. G. has always been so overcharged that he, being very shy and demure, has always not wanted to trouble E. C. F. G., as I understand that he will further report to E. C. F. G. himself. E. C. F. G. will know how to graciously comply with this. Hereby commanded by God.
1) Doctor Johann Apel, who belonged to the electoral council in Wittenberg (see Förstemann's Urkundenbuch, Vol. I, p. 126), accepted a call from Duke Albrecht of Prussia as chancellor, left Wittenberg at the end of May or beginning of June and arrived in Königsberg on July 10. - De Wette has erroneously connected this supplement with letter No. 1126 in this volume.
930 Imperial Instruction, with which the Counts of Nassau and Neuenar were sent to Augsburg to Elector John to request that either he or his Elector Prince travel to the Emperor, or at least that the sermons be stopped until their Majesty's arrival. May 24, 1530.
From a copy in the Weimar archives, printed in Förstemann's Urkundenbuch, vol. I, p. 220 and in Müller's Historie 2c, p. 502. Latin in Cölestinus, vol. I, p. 50 and in Chyträus p. 37; German in the latter, p. 71.
Carl von GOttes Gnaden, Roman Emperor, at all times Mehrer des Reichs etc.
Instruction, what the well-born, our and the realm's dear faithful, Wilhelm, Count of Nassau, Katzenelnbogen, Vianden and Diez, and Wilhelm, Count of Neuenar, should do and advertise to the highborn Johann, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave in Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire, our dear Oheimen and Churfürsten, for our sake, and yet as for themselves, but to show this our Instruction, 2).
Initially, they shall tell his love our imperial grace and all good things. Grace and all good things; and hereafter tell how we have heard his submissive, servile, Christian and obedient offer from him, that we have received a special gracious and friendly favor and that we give special gracious and friendly thanks to his love. And that we therefore also to him, Obgenannttem von Neuenar, and to our and the realm's dear faithful, Hansen von Doltzigk, his dear council and skilful, thereupon also on the articles which they and the said von Nassau have requested from us on account of his love, as, loan of the regalia, confirmation of the marriage with Jülich, 3) granting of the fair at Gotha, and on account of the carriage of our dear grandfather and Elector of Brandenburg husband etc., again give such a gracious good answer, to offer his love promotion, as we have provided, undoubtedly they have done, which we would have thought, his love, according to custom and shape of all occasion, had and still should have good cause to be well satisfied. Non-Desto
2) As can be seen here, the intention was that the envoys should not show these instructions. However, it will have become necessary to show it during the negotiations with the Elector, as can be seen from the following document and No. 932.
3) In the original: Gulch.
It has come to us that his beloved should complain about something that we are very much surprised about, especially for these reasons, that his beloved knows well and has to remember in what relationship and good friendship the noble houses of Austria and Saxony have been for so many years, and how the erroneous cause of our holy Christian faith, from which so many disputes have arisen subsequently, has arisen. Let his beloved know, then, that they have separated themselves from us and from the other five princes of ours and of the Holy Roman Empire, its members, and have despised and suppressed the edict which we and they, all six princes and other princes and estates of the Holy Roman Empire, have unanimously considered and decided with us to be the best: which, together with the above-mentioned insanity and discord (we refrain from mentioning ours, as a Roman emperor, their one supreme head and lord, and protector of holy Christendom, the highest disgrace and contempt proven to us therein), has reached and brought the holy empire and almost the whole of Christendom to such an extent that it cannot now easily be recovered and restored; and about that, that also, so his love with those, who became disobedient and repugnant to us in this matter, made and entered into a 1) but understanding and alliance, contrary to us and touched our edict, and which also, as the head, shall still maintain. What bloodshed and cause for further development this has given to many states in the holy kingdom and the whole of Christendom, and may also give in the future, provided we do not occur to the things by grace of the Almighty, to his praise, for which we want to spare no effort: that his love, as the understanding one, easily knows well [to] measure for himself. And yet all this, as to say, notwithstanding, we have requested that the articles which his beloved has sent to us, as reported, be given to us at any time, whether his beloved has sent or written their message to us, with notice and indult, for the sake of receiving the regalia, also confirmation and other things, until our future in the realm, and that we would like to hear mentioned our dear Oheimen and Churfürsten of Brandenburg himself, who would be one of the most distinguished members of our and the holy realm, at all times nevertheless so with most gracious and infinite answer.
1) Förstemann: "in" instead of: "one" and immediately following: "bypassed" instead of: "entered". In the parallel passage in the following number, § 10: "in sondern Verstand und Bündniß etc. have let in."
that we had ever meant [that] his beloved should have understood that no burden at all, but rather that from us in a Christian mind and but gracious and friendly favor. For his beloved, if she will consider it, may take from all this sufficiently that we, as a Christian emperor and head of Christendom, desire nothing else ourselves, but that first the honor and glory of God the Almighty be sought, also that our height and majesty be recognized as befitting this, and not only be increased, but also be maintained to the least: and then to prove and show us graciously against his beloved ones, who have no alliance, but who, as a noble prince no less than the others, are willing and obedient to us, as he is entitled to do. And let this main thing in itself be 2) so great and brave that it cannot be well acted over land by writings nor otherwise. Nevertheless, we have this confidence that if we and his beloved, according to their Christian heritage, were to be personally with each other, that we would, by the grace of God, compare well with each other. And therefore, where his beloved, or, where it would not be convenient due to the impossibility of their bodies, his beloved son, or both of them, would come to us; in which case, if it would please them, they would take their way to Munich, and further await our newspaper, they will be welcome to our arrival, that we also want to be satisfied with good will, as far as the things are concerned, which might happen or be carried out by both of our persons, where they surrender to us, have no alliance, and want to keep themselves as a laudable Elector, and his son, [as] a prince due to us and the Holy Roman Empire, as is stated above. And what then may concern the remaining articles, we may hear with the grace of God and act with good counsel therein. And his beloved, or the son, will now come or not according to their opportunity, that we well desired, that they meanwhile Hinfür, until we arrive at Augsburg, and in these matters, as we hope that the Almighty shall grant us the grace, give good order, with their preachers, to let them preach, stand completely still, to avoid much disputation. That also our opinion is not at all, as from his love and his son's future to us here above message has happened, that we therefore the more
2) Förstemann: "half". This mistake could have been easily improved, because these words are repeated in the following answer of the Elector.
We do not want to stay here any longer, but that we alone would like to address his or her loved ones before we come to Augsburg. And what they encounter in reply to all this and every other thing, they shall let us know again in the most expeditious and actual way, and they shall hold us to it. They do us a special favor, and our sincere opinion. Given at Jnsbruck, sealed under our imperial imprinted seal, on the 24th day of May, Anno etc. in the year 1530, the tenth of our empire, and the fifteenth of our realm.
V. Waltkirch.
Ad mandatum Caesareae et Catholicae Majest. proprium.
Alexander sweat
subscripsit (ssst.).
931 John the Elector's answer to the imperial envoys, in which he rejects the above grace, May 31, 1530.
From the copy in the archive at Weimar printed in Förstemanns Urkundenbuch, vol. I, p. 224, also in Müller 1. e. With different text in Chyträus, sheet 32-38. Latin in Chyträus, pp. 37-42 and in Cölestin, vol. I, sheet 50 b.
1. high and well-born, dear grandfather and special. We have received with the most humble reverence, as on account of our Lord and Emperor, the advertisement sent to us by your love and you on the instructions delivered to us by the Roman Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, from God's Grace John, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire etc., and have understood the same, also her Majesty's gracious attention, as follows: After Her Imperial Maj. After the arrival of Her Imperial Majesty, as if we should complain about the answer that Her Majesty gave to you and to our councilor and dear friend, Hans von Doltzigk, about several articles and things mentioned, Her Majesty would be highly surprised about it, especially for several reasons that are listed one after the other in the Instruction. Which nevertheless, 1) as if to say, unnoticed, Her Majesty is
1) In Förstemann and Walch: "accordingly", for which, according to the preceding document, "nevertheless" is to be read. - The meaning is: although the Elector would not have behaved against the Emperor as it would have been desirable, the Emperor nevertheless took no notice of it, but gave a gracious answer.
We are sure that we would have received a gracious and unending reply to our writings and messages sent, with notice and indult, that Her Imperial Majesty would not have understood this to be burdensome on account of Her Majesty. Majesty would not have understood that we, for the sake of Her Majesty, would have found it burdensome; for if we had considered it well, we could ever have sufficiently assumed from it that Imperial Majesty herself did not desire anything else than that Her Majesty would be pleased with it. If we had thought about it, we would have been able to assume sufficiently that His Majesty did not desire anything else than that the honor and glory of the Almighty be sought first, and that His Majesty's height be recognized as befitting it. But because this main matter is so great and brave in itself that it could not be well dealt with over land by writings or otherwise, and her imperial majesty would be confident, where her majesty, according to our Christian inheritance, would be personally with each other, that her majesty would compare favorably with the graces of God in both respects.
Therefore, if we, or, if it would not be convenient for us due to impossibility, our son, or both of us, would come to her Majesty, in case which way would please us, we would then take the way to Munich and await her Majesty's newspaper there, we would be welcome to her Majesty; and as far as the matters are concerned, which would be arranged by her Majesty and our person, where we would surrender to her Majesty, would not have an alliance, and would want to hold ourselves as a prince, and our son, as one of her Majesty's and the realm's princes, due, as previously reported, to be satisfied with good will.
Whatever might concern the remaining articles, their Majesties could also hear with the grace of God, and act with good counsel in this; and we, or our son, wanting to come or not according to our opportunity, would probably request their Imperial Majesty that we for the time being and in the meantime, until their Majesties arrive at Augsburg and give good order in these matters, with our preachers to have them preach, stand completely still, avoid disputation, with final imperial request: what you encounter in reply to all this and every other thing, that you should let their Majesty know this in the most urgent and proper way. Request: what you encountered in response to all and any of this, that you should inform the imperial majesty of this as a matter of urgency and urgency, and that your majesty should act accordingly.
And first of all, towards the Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, we thank you most humbly for your gracious offer. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, we thank you most humbly for your gracious offer, and especially that your Majesty has been graced and pleased by our submissive and obedient Christian offer.
2. secondly, that Her Imperial Majesty has given us
We would like to suffer and tolerate personally with Her Majesty, and thus graciously request to talk with us, or in the case with our son, about the main matters, but with the difference, as the Instruction allows, of our own person. Now we would have been quite willing, out of humble opinion, to go to Her Imperial Majesty personally, together with us. Majesty personally, together with our son, beforehand and as soon as we learn of Her Majesty's arrival in Jnsbruck. As soon as we learn of her Majesty's arrival in Jnsbruck, as several other princes have done, we will also surrender. For this reason, we have also ordered some of our own to send a letter to Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Court to have experience of what Her Majesty might or might not like in it. But it has been indicated to us that our arrival might not be considered convenient because of this, that the other sovereigns and princes, as well as the estates, have some misgivings and suspicions about special actions, also about Her Majesty's arrival. The rulers and princes, as well as the estates, might have some misgivings and suspicions of special action, even of their Majesty's arrival at the announced Imperial Diet. Soon thereafter, Her Imperial Majesty has also ordered a meeting in Augsburg. Majesty here at Augsburg by some of Her Majesty's Councillors. So soon after, their Imperial Majesty at Augsburg graciously let us know, in addition to other notices, how their Majesty's gracious request would be that we expect them here at Augsburg, where their Majesty would be willing to go. To which Her Majesty's. We are now also a month away, since we have, at Her Majesty's earnest imperial request, first and foremost, agreed to attend this Her Majesty's Imperial Diet. We would also have been pleased, upon Her Majesty's present gracious indication, to surrender to Her Majesty once again without delay, upon the requested advertisement and Her Imperial Majesty's Instruction, to indicate our unavoidable need, also Christian and subservient mind and answer, to Her Majesty personally thereupon again: we have, however, noted from said Instruction that Her Majesty's mind, will, and opinion is not yet clear. Her Majesty's mind, will and opinion rests on the fact that both of you, Lords and Counts of Her Imperial Majesty, are again to be appointed to the Imperial throne. Majesty's Majesty what you will receive from us in response to everything and anything that is held up to us.
Therefore, and in order that we, the Imperial Majesty, may be obedient to Her Majesty. Majesty in obedience to Her Majesty's instructions. Instruction: we hereby decree to the Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, and to you, in place of Her Majesty. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, and you, in the place of Her Majesty, to report to the submissive on the remonstrance made:
3) And firstly, as far as it is concerned, that we are complaining about Imperial Majesty's next answer. Majesty's next reply complaint.
You, Count Wilhelm von Neuenar, know that when you were summoned to your return by Imperial Majesty, you were also summoned by us. Majest. allhie, beside our council, Hansen von Dolzigk, the plot and kaiserl. Majesty. Majesty, of the action and Imperial Majesty's answer that fell on it, in which way we are grateful for the gracious audience and answer that Her Imperial Majesty has given to the fiefdom or to the fiefdom of the Holy Roman Emperor. Majesty's fiefdom or regalia, given to the Saxon Chapter, we thank you most humbly. And although we have renewed and introduced the causes against you, by which we stood in comforting confidence that we would also receive a final and gracious answer to the other articles, as you, Count Wilhelm of Nassau, may have indicated the same friendly opinion back against Jnsbruck: we nevertheless know from the graces of God that we have complained about such action and answer, that we have not allowed ourselves to be heard of the same in any other way than with all humble notification of our need. 1) For we should be sorry that we have caused the Emperor's Majesty to be offended by unseemly actions. Majesty by an unseemly turn of events that might justifiably give rise to misgivings or displeasure on our part; we also believe and well believe that, if it had not been for our disfavored ones and those who are partial in these matters, and too many mild reports, Imperial Majesty would have been able to take a stand by reporting the matter to us. Majesty would not have allowed himself to be moved to such burdensome reproaches against us, as advertising is capable of, by our reported complaints alone. For the kinship and good friendship between the noble houses of Austria and Saxony has been the custom for many years, as Imperial Majesty has shown. Majest. Instruction indicates, knowingly, and for this reason we have shown so much more kindness to Imperial Majesty. Majesty so much more gracious will in our favorable matters; as we have also appealed to Imperial Majesty's graciousness and Saxony. Majesty's gracious and manifold request, we cannot do otherwise.
4 However, we would not have been able to persuade the Imperial Majesty against us on account of the edict. Majesty against us for the sake of the edict, we could not have provided for it. For Her Majesty has been reminded in the inexplicable, 2) as if six Electors, and thus also our dear brother, Duke Frederick the Blessed, should have considered the Edict, along with other more Princes and Estates, to be the best; for Her Imperial Majesty, along with the other Princes and Estates, should have considered the Edict to be the best. Majesty, together with the other Electors, will be grateful to our brothers of blessed spirit and to the
1) From here on, another redaction of this letter is in Spalatin's Annals, p. 236 ff, which several times almost literally coincides with this one.
2) that is, reported without proper reason.
The court has also asked the Imperial Majesty to be kindly and graciously reminded of the fact that the same edict has to be carried out. Majesty to be graciously and kindly reminded that, in case of necessity, it should be done to this day.
(5) Thus His Imperial Majesty has graciously considered that the matters to which this edict applies are matters concerning God. Majesty graciously consider that, since the matters to which the edict in question applies are matters concerning God, His Word, and our holy faith, we may not be subjected to any special reprimand from our beneficiaries on account of the other Electors. For what concerns Imperial Majesty, Imperial Highness, and the honor, benefit and welfare of the Holy Roman Empire, according to God:
6 We truly hope and know that our dear brother, Duke Frederick the Blessed, and we, in particular glory, have promoted the same with the most submissive will, services, mind and our fortune, and have kept ourselves in it, that we, in particular male reduction, know no one in it before to give.
On the other hand, it has never been proper for our brother and us to oppose God the Almighty and His eternal and imperishable Word (in which stands the only consolation of our blessedness). Those who have brought this to the attention of their Imperial Majesty for our disparagement know well themselves how arduous it has been for the Imperial Majesty to hold almost all the imperial congresses after the Diet of Rome. Majesty after the Diet of Worms, the matters were considered troublesome because of the edict, and that for this reason a common free Christian council is considered highly necessary, and has been unanimously agreed upon by princes, princes and estates on several occasions. For this reason, our favored ones should have refrained from complaining to their Majesty about the matter.
(7) Wherever these things and their origins are to be discussed and disputed, we would like to be heard, with the help of the Almighty, on the basis of a faithful, constant, truthful and irrefutable report, from which His Imperial Majesty should graciously note what ungodly and un-Christian abuses have occurred in the empire, both in sermons and in other ways. Majesty should graciously note what ungodly and unchristian abuses, both in sermons and otherwise, have occurred and are occurring in the empire, also from where all erroneous things and divisions have arisen and are not to be attributed to us.
(8) If God wills, this shall be heard when we, at the Imperial Majesty's Diet, now preceding, present our opinion and opinion, according to Her Majesty's Christian invitation, like other Princes, Princes and Estates, as we, with the help of the Almighty, Imperial Highness of the Holy Roman Empire.
Majesty to obey what is taught in our principality and lands.
9 And that we, for the sake of the edict, should now apply to the Imperial Majesty. Majesty, even if we had acted erroneously in these matters in part, as may not be shown, we would not have suspected, since the imperial decree clearly entails that we are to be granted the right to a new title. The Imperial Decree clarifies the matter, and the Imperial Majesty desires that this be done. Majesty to act at this Imperial Diet in such a way as may be decided on account of the confusion and discord, so that this may be done all the better and more salutary, to put an end to the discord, to leave behind reluctance, to surrender past errors to Christ our Savior etc., and diligently to listen to, understand and consider all the good thoughts of each, to bring them to a unified Christian truth and to compare them, and also to do away with everything that is not rightly aligned or acted on both sides etc. Majesty graciously remembers this from her letter.
Much less did the imperial gracious decree allow the same claimants to judge the matters as touched, unheard and unweighed, for itrig, 1) and to complain to her imperial majesty in this way. Majesty in this manner.
(10) When we continue to complain to Imperial Majesty about this, it is as if we should be in agreement with those who have the right to do so. Majesty, as if we were to join forces with those who have disobeyed and offended His Majesty in this matter. Majesty in this matter have also been disobedient and repugnant, but have entered into an understanding and alliance contrary to Imperial Majesty and the same edict. Majesty and against the same edict, and which also, as the head, again entertain: on such a too much lenient statement of our adversaries our unavoidable necessity requires to give the following notice to Imperial Majesty:
(11) That no man in the whole empire may say with truth, or report to the imperial majesty, that our dear brother blessed, and we, have left ourselves to some covenant in the matters of the Gospel. Without doubt, to whom more of the states God Almighty has bestowed grace, he will have relied on God alone, and not on any covenant or human comfort.
After we have nevertheless (as we feel from the advertisement) applied to Imperial Majesty about this, our humble request is that Imperial Majesty should let us, together with those who have been complained about with us, speak before Her Majesty. Majesty would have us, together with those who have been complained of with us, speak against the same accusers before Her Majesty, answer and interrogate them here, and then the Imperial Majesty shall be informed.
1) Förstemann: "zuuertaylenn".
Your Majesty will again hear our need and reply to the same submission, and graciously find that we have been charged with no fault by Your Imperial Majesty, as if we had made an alliance against Your Majesty. Majesty, as if I had made an alliance against Her Majesty, that we have been charged with guilt and quite unjustifiably.
For with whom we have left ourselves in friendly and tangible agreement, that is not contrary to Imperial Majesty. Majesty, nor contrary to anyone, but solely for the natural and reasonable protection and protection of each and his country, people, and relatives against criminal and unlawful violence, whether or not it is to be carried out in these lost lusts, contrary to equity and Imperial Majesty's wishes. Majesty's absence, was to be carried out. Therefore, this should not have led to any unjustness on the part of the claimants to Imperial Majesty. Therefore, this should not have been interpreted as an impropriety against us, but should have been taken into consideration by the claimants at Imperial Majesty, in which way they were bound by obligation, and what strange, also burdensome, threatening speech often sounded in the realm, by which we, together with the aforementioned our friends and others, did not unreasonably cause ourselves in [a] friendly and unquestionable understanding, as touched, for protection and salvation alone, until [the matter] reached Imperial Majesty. Where such claimants will also bring the alliance, which in the meantime and sooner than we and our allies have set up, before Imperial Majesty, they shall be allowed to do so. Majesty, there shall be no lack of us to make such a presentation, so that Imperial Majesty may see them, and not be unreasonable. Majesty to see and note who started it first and gave the other cause for unions).
(13) That we should also leave the preaching in place here, asking the Imperial Majesty most humbly for this, as we are also doing herewith, we are urged to the utmost for the sake of our conscience. 1) Since our preachers preach nothing but the bright truth of God and the Holy Scriptures, as we would not knowingly allow them to do otherwise, it would be frightening to put down God's Word and its truth.
2) So we are also, as a human being, such preaching and proclamation of divine word to comfort our conscience and help thereby with God.
1) The preceding passage, which is difficult to understand, reads in Spalatin's Annals, p. 242 f., as follows: "Since our adversaries will also state that they have not made alliances before we have united with our friends, we also want to state our necessity in such a way that the Catholic Majesty shall recognize and note which part has raised the first and given the other cause to seek allies. Majesty shall recognize and note which part has raised the first and given the other cause to seek confederates.
to seek in all our troubles, which we and every man daily meet with, in all our need, that we may not escape the preaching, if we would have God otherwise before our eyes.
14. 3) To this end, our preachers, after their sermons, daily exhort the people most diligently to pray to God for all the needs of Christendom, and especially that God will grant His Imperial Majesty, as His decreed authority, together with the princes and estates of the Empire, grace in these dwindling times to God. Majesty, as His decreed authority, together with the Princes, Princes and Estates of the Empire, may grant grace to act in these dwindling times for the praise of God, and also for Christian peace and good unity, at this Imperial Diet announced by Her Majesty.
15. 4) They also gave a faithful report against the false doctrines that were being taught to the people against the sacraments here; therefore, they were burdensome and harmful for the sake of much improvement, as it was to be hoped to God, where our preachers were to stand still with their preaching. 5) Thus in all ways already and for some years the ambiguous things have been discussed, so that now the discussion of them has little to fear.
6) It would also be quite burdensome to refrain from preaching the holy gospel for the sake of those who wanted to be unnecessarily angry.
16. 7) And especially because at both imperial congresses at Speier the doctrine of the Gospel has been preached most sincerely for us and our friends, also publicly and without any considerable or constant annoyance.
17. 8) For Your Imperial Majesty can graciously judge. If we and our friends were to stop preaching in this way, it would first of all give many Christian hearts a terrible annoyance, and for the sake of His Majesty it would be understood that because of His Majesty's Christian and highly thoughtful invitation and request for this Imperial Diet had gone out into all the world, how everyone's opinion should be heard and then acted upon for a Christian settlement, as if Her Majesty wanted to lay down this doctrine unheard and unacted upon, that Her Majesty no doubt did not want to be told by her, as if Her Majesty's invitation should not be followed.
(18) And if we should advise Her Majesty by our relationship, and as we mean Her Majesty, out of subservience, to honor and all Her Majesty's welfare, we would not know how to advise Her Majesty otherwise, than that Her Majesty should not be able to prevent the goal of Her Majesty's tender and request by anyone.
But that in these most important matters, by virtue of which Christian unity and conciliation are to be acted upon, this will be graciously done: which we have graciously caused the Imperial Majesty to remember out of good faith and in the very best manner. Majesty, out of good faith and in the very best, are obliged to remember; also, in consideration of all these matters, circumstances and occasions, if it is advised to Her Majesty by someone else, that it may not be beneficial to Her Majesty, the Empire and the whole of Christendom, nor may it be meant for the best. And is therefore addressed to the Imperial Majesty, our allies. Majesty, our most gracious lord, our most humble request, that he may understand such our necessary and most humble notification, also that we may not commit ourselves nor allow ourselves to be heard otherwise than as stated above, not ungraciously, and be our most gracious lord and emperor, as we humbly promise ourselves:
(19) Thus, with the help of the Almighty, we want to be faithful to the end of our lives to Imperial Majesty as our ordered authority. Majesty, as our authorities decreed by God, in guilty, reasonable and entirely willing submission and obedience, and then in matters which are due to us to act with and beside our friends, the Princes, also Princes and Estates of the Empire for the honor, benefit and welfare of the same Empire, in such a way as we hope to be responsible for this to God and subsequently to Imperial Majesty, also to the said Estates and men. Majesty, and also to the said estates and males, as we hope to answer for the same.
20 As far as the other and remaining articles are concerned, we hope that Your Imperial Majesty will graciously consider that we do not seek to have any complaints against us. Majesty, in gracious consideration, that we will not seek anything that anyone might have with fugue difficulty, graciously and finally agree to the same, and thus show ourselves in mercy toward us.
21 We are obliged to do this with our unsaved body and property for the sake of Your Imperial Majesty as our most gracious Lord and Emperor. Majesty, as our most gracious Lord and Emperor, in all subservience.
22 And it is to you two Counts in general and in particular our friendly and gracious request that you, according to the gracious command of Our Lord, bring and let reach Her Majesty this our humble and necessary answer, with the best glimpses and fugue that you know how to do from the graces of the Almighty, which we are also inclined to owe you in friendship, grace, and all good. Given at Augsburg, sealed under our imprinted secret, on the last day of May Anno Domini etc. 1530.
932 Letter from Elector John to Luther, in which he gives him secret information about the above-mentioned delegation. June 1, 1530.
This letter is handwritten in Hamburg. Printed in the Wittenberg edition (1569), vol. IX, p. 408; in berJenaer (1566), vol.V, p. 25b; in the Altmburger, vol. V, p. 24; in the Leipziger, vol.XX, p. 175; in the Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. VII, p. 359; in Chyträus, col. 28 and in ^Vilbelrai a Vallo II. b, 62. Latin in Ooelektiii., Vol. I, p. 51.
By the Grace of God John, Duke of Saxony and Elector etc.
To the venerable, highly learned, our dear devotee, Mr. Martino Luther, Doctor, to hand.
Our greetings first, venerable and reverend, dear devotee! We have received your next letter, and the Christian exhortation and consolation, which you have given us with it, has been graciously understood by you, and, if God wills, we shall also be highly consoled in these important actions by the grace of the Almighty.
2 And we cannot secretly conceal from you that Imperial Majesty has issued an Instruction to us. Majesty has issued an instruction to us here, in which we have almost been highly praised by Her Majesty's Edict, as well as for several other things. We have also requested (albeit gently) that we leave the preaching here until Her Imperial Majesty comes here and puts things in order.
But we have to give an answer to Her Majesty again, from which Her Majesty graciously has to hear that we cannot consent to these things as they are intended for us. But what will happen further on, we will hear, God willing.
4 There is talk that His Imperial Majesty has left Jnsbruck. Majesty has left Jnsbruck, is heading for Munich, and will come here from there after Pentecost. We did not want to leave this undisclosed to you, and we are graciously inclined to you. Date Augsburg on the first of June, Anno 1530.
933 Luther's report to Jakob Probst, how there was great hope that the emperor would act mercifully, since he had written two or three times quite graciously to the Elector, as others of his court had done, especially Earl
Henry of Nassau. In particular, he had not listened to the three princes, the princes of Brandenburg and Bavaria, and Duke George, who wanted to make John the Prince of the Church hated by him, and the Grand Chancellor Mercurinus had absolutely rejected violent attacks. June 1, 1530.
See Appendix, No. 2, § 1.
934 Luther's other report to Melanchthon: there was a lot of talk about it in Coburg, nothing came of the whole Diet, and the papists diligently held up the emperor and tried to play the matter so that he would not come to Augsburg at all. The
June 2, 1530.
See Appendix, No. 3.8 2.