Above, because we did not have the text in sxtsrrso, we only gave a regest according to Kolde's Analecta, now we share the letter itself according to the Erl. Briefw., vol. IX, p. 5 f. In addition, it is still printed in Christ. Rein, Beiträge zur Geschichte der Reformation in Reval und Esthland, Revaler Programm von 1830; in Bunge's Archiv für die Geschichte Liv-, Esth- und Curland, vol. V (Dorpat 1847), p. 275 and in Ulmann, Jubiläumsschrift 1866, p. 20.
To the honorable and wise, mayor and council of the town of Revel in Liffland, my favorable lords and friends.
Grace and peace in Christ. Honorable, wise, dear gentlemen! At your request, I have had Magister Heurico Harne 1) act, but he refuses such office very highly, and some also think that he is not yet sufficiently grown up for such office, nor practiced or tried, for which he thanks E. W. kindly. So I have also looked around for another, but have not found anyone capable of doing so in our country, but I promise that others will come. If it pleases E. W., I will gladly add my diligence. However, it would be good and necessary for your city to have a few
1) This is identical with Heinrich Bock from Hameln, inscribed April 28, 1521, Magister in April 1530.
Addendum to the letters from 1531 to 1536.
I have especially urged this Joachim to do so, so that you yourselves would have your own people. So he asked me to write to E. W. and ask that E. W. keep him here in the studio for three years and move him, because there might be another in his place. Accordingly, I ask E. W. to take this opportunity, as there are few people everywhere who cannot be advised, and to help increase God's kingdom and praise, as I comfort E. W.. I also thank you for the marten gift 1) kindly. I hereby command God, who graciously upholds and abundantly strengthens His work begun in you, Amen. May 3, 1531.
Martinus Luther.
(Inserted note on a narrow strip of paper.)
There is also one here, Matthew Roesken, who was a preacher in your city before, who would also be good in your country, but desires help for the studio. I command you to do so.
No. 1792b.
Elector John of Saxony to Luther.
The Elector asks Luther to come to Torgau and preach before Duke Heinrich of Saxony.
The original concept is at Weimar in the archive, N. 109. 42. 1. s. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 107 (with wrong year 1526), and in Erl. Briefw., vol. IX, p. 7.
Our greeting before. Venerable, reverend, dear devotee! We graciously inform you that the highborn prince, our dear cousin, brother-in-law and godfather, Duke Henry of Saxony, came here yesterday. Now we note that he would have special inclination to see you and to hear your sermon. 2) Since no one knows what God Almighty might do by such a coincidence, we graciously request that you be up in Wittenberg this night at about two o'clock before daybreak, submit to it, and as soon as you arrive, report this to us at this hour. You do us a favor, which we are also inclined to recognize with grace. Date Torgau, Thursday after Jubilate [May 4] Anno Dominini XXXI.
1) This will probably be a hood, trimmed with marten fur.
2) On May 5, Luther preached in Torgau before Duke Heinrich.
No. 1799a.