Luther asks the Elector, if he could give written or oral advice or help to the pious people expelled from Halle, not to refrain from doing so.
The original (?) is in the private possession of the head of the institute, Bagge, in Friedrichsdorf im Taunus. Printed by Kolde in Zeitschrift für Kirchengeschichte, XIV, 603. and in Erl. Briefw., vol. X, p. 49.
To the most illustrious, high-born Prince and Lord, John Frederick, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, my most gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Sublime, highborn prince, most gracious lord! The pious people, expelled from Halle, 3) have
1) Mr. D. Enders remarks: "I don't know how to explain it! We feel the same way.
2) Luther was visiting Prince Joachim of Anhalt.
3) Albrecht of Mainz, who believed he had found support in the so-called Hallian Alliance of Nov. 24, 1533, acted with all severity against the Protestants in Halle. When the Protestant-minded councilors elected in the spring of 1534 refused to communicate in the old manner at Easter, they were ordered to leave the city after selling their possessions. Around Pentecost, they, seventeen in number, had to wander "into misery". The majority went to Anhalt, to Köchen, and during Luther's visit to Dessau, they presented their request for use to the Elector. The latter indeed pleaded with Albrecht on their behalf. However, since he did not achieve anything with this, he described the proceedings against the people as an encroachment on the banning rights to which he was entitled as Burgrave, which led to protracted negotiations.
asked me so earnestly to write to E. C. F. G. that I could not refuse them. The wrong man and right Cardinal plagues the pious people miserably, as E. C. F. G. will hear from the same publication. The innocent blood of M. Georgen [Winkler], which he has shed and drunk, is stirring and breaking out and wants to provoke his judgment even against him. If E. C. F. G. can advise and help the good people in writing or orally with the bloodhound, then here E. C. F. G. see that it is a highly necessary, Christian good work and alms. And I humbly ask for God's sake for them, E. C. F. G. do not want to complain about it. Oh that God would let the despondent sissy see a terror and seriousness once again, she should certainly leave her wantonness alone. Christ give his reward to his enemy soon, amen. Hiemit GOtt befohlen, Aulen. At Dessau, Friday after Trinity [June 5] 1534. E. C F. G. most humbled
Mart. Luther, D.
To Duke Henry V of Mecklenburg.
This letter, which we have dated De Wette 2c. from July 7, 1534, is according to Erl. Briefw., vol. X, p. 379, it is to be placed in the year 1536, for which he refers to Schnell, Mecklenburg im Zeitalter der Ref.
Marientverder. No. 2077a. 31 August 1534.