Expert opinion on how to proceed with the Anabaptists who had left Zerbst and had submitted articles.
1) Already before May 1, 1534, Kohlhase had announced the feud to the Saxon lands. See Melanchthon's letter to Camerarius of May 1, Corp. Ref. vol. II, 720.
2) As a result of this letter, Kohlhase traveled to Wittenberg and promised Luther that he would not harm the Electorate of Saxony, but he did not keep his word, and in 1540, he was hanged in Berlin. See Seidemann in De Wette, vol. VI, p. 528, note 3.
Letters from the year 1534. No. 2092 to 2094a.
Printed in Lindner's "Mittheilungen", p. 24, No. 16; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 194 f. and in De Wette- Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 151 f.
To the illustrious, well-born Prince and Lord, Lord John, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien, Lord of Bernburg, my gracious Lord.
God and peace in Christ. Sublime Prince, gracious Lord! Magister Franciscus has reported to me some articles of the Anabaptists that have crept into Zerbst, and E. F. G. has asked how they are to be dealt with. F. G. Begehrd besides, how to be done with them 2c. But there must not be much dispute, because they are such sneaks and come secretly without being called, like wolves in the sheepfold. On the other hand, their articles are publicly inflammatory, murderous and blasphemous, also approving of the damned coiner. Therefore, E. F. G. cannot do otherwise than to do so seriously and not tolerate them in any way. How they should be examined, however, is beyond my authority, because it is a secular matter. Nevertheless, it would be good that they were also sharply spoken to spiritually, whether their insolent consciences want to be ashamed, namely, who sent them here, and who ordered them to sneak in this way, because they should know where their spirit is right, that no one should send himself nor call himself, just as Christ himself did in Heb. 5. did not honor himself 2c.; wherefrom they have the right to interfere with a called pastor in his office, and behind his knowledge turn away his commanded people, so that they may condemn his doctrine in an insidious and unheard-of manner, and are not so honest that they would have greeted him or his overlords for it beforehand. Such are vile knaves and, as Christ says John X, thieves and husks or murderers, and that one reproaches them harshly with such things, as they have deserved death with it alone, and what else is worthy of their seditious doctrine 2c., as E. F. G. well knows to do better in this than I can write. I thank my Lord Christ that he has heard our prayer and made the dear prince, Prince Joachim, healthy and happy, He give long, amen. May the same Christ be with E. F. G. and both my gn. Lords with all that is and is called, Amen. Tuesday after St. Lucy's [Dec. 15] 1534. E. F. G. williger
Mart. Luther, D.
No. 2093.