Intercession for Martin Sanger.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. N, p. 108. 41. Printed in the Leipzig Supplement, p. 74, No. 128; in Walch, vol. XXI, 371; in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 551 f. and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 59.
To the most illustrious, highborn prince and lord, Lord John Frederick, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire and Elector, Landgrave of Thuringia, Margrave of Meissen, my most gracious lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! I have now come to E. C. F. G. with an unpleasant letter, on account of Martin Sanger, and I do not like to burden E. C. F. G. with it; but because I see that he is in pain and suffering, that he should have E. C. F. G.'s displeasure, and it is no wonder whether the care for his wife and child also grieves him: I did not want to deny him such a letter, so that he would not have to leave me further grieved and without consolation. If it is not to be lifted, then I want to have done the writing for his service, and this is his humble request that E. C. F. G. do not want to become ungracious to him, but! because it is a great burden for him to provide for his wife and child so suddenly, and to sell his dwelling, E. C. F. G. want to show him the grace, and give him time and space, to pay off his house in the best way, 2) and to provide for his wife and child fairly. In addition, my diligent, humble request that E. C. F. G. take to heart (as I have no doubt that E. C. F. G. will know what to do) is that E. C. F. G. give him the grace to sell his house.
2) "gelosen" == to sell (Dietz).
Letters from the year 1534. No. 2075 to 2078.
F. G. Ungnad without everything else is nevertheless pity and woe enough, both for himself and his friendship, which is supposed to be honest, and he is also considered to be a skilled man. E. C. F. G. will know how to behave in this in a gracious and Christian manner. Christ, our Lord, reign and keep E. C. F. G. forever, Amen. Monday after St. Jacob's [July 27] 1534.
E. C. F. G.
subservient
Mart. Luther.
No. 2076.