Ask for justice for a poor man.
From Lingke's Luthers Geschäfte in Torgau, p. 90, in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 538 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 49.
To the noble and strict Lord Otto von Pack, Amtmann zu Torgau.
Grace and peace through Christ. Noble, consecrated, dear Lord and friend! My willing services are ready for you. This witness to my letter, Michel Reiner, who has come to me in Wittenberg, has complained to me of his distress, which is heavy on his neck, and has appealed to you for intercession, which I have not known how to deny him out of Christian compassion, because the poor man cannot provide for his weak wife and small children if he is not helped to his rightful property. Believe that letters and seals would be enough to protect him; he is not asking for anything wrong, and is a good Christian man whom the authorities can and should help. So pray for me and at the same time for the poor man that you will have mercy on him, as I have had mercy on him, and use diligence so that his right will be done for him and his heartache will not fall on your conscience. For the lawyers push the matter too far, and do not see the miserable condition in which the poor people are stuck, who have to seek their right. This is what I wanted to tell you, so that it will not be necessary to file a complaint with H.G.H. about this. Hiemit dem lieben GOtt befehlt. Date Wittenberg, Tuesday after Trinity [June 2] 1534.
Martin Luther, D.
No. 2059.