Request to grant Antonius Schönitz and his friendship protection in the Electorate.
The original is in the Dresden Main State Archives, Registrande Stift Magdeburg, Schulden, I^oeat 8580, now 8948, Hansen Schenitz und seine Erben belangend 2c. 1534-1538, col. 2. Printed by De Wette- Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 439.
To the most illustrious highborn prince and lord, Lord John Frederick, Duke of Saxony and Elector, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, my most gracious lord.
G. and peace in Christ with my poor prayer 2c. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! Antonius Schenitz has asked me to write to E. C. F. G. and ask, because he has had to leave Halle, and the unfortunate priest is urging on the friendship, that they should give Hans Schenitz' registers of themselves, and Duke Georgen has already managed to do so, that he has immediately commanded that they should place such registers behind the council in Leipzig. What this means is easy to calculate. Therefore, the said Antonius Schenitz asks E. [C.] F. G. to be your gracious lord, and to let them have their registers in E. C. F. G. lands and protect them from violence. For they rightly ask for it and will gladly wait for it. Since both, Bishop and Duke George, would undoubtedly not suffer in their territories from C.C.F.G. that they would do violence to someone under their rule, but would rightfully direct all things, it is fair that C.C.F.G. do so in such a case. Accordingly, my humble request is that E. C. F. G. will justly grant gracious protection to such good people who are so shamefully overpowered, as I trust that E. C. F. G. will ever show mercy and Christianity. Our dear Lord Jesus Christ
Letters from the year 1535. No. 2139a. 2140. 2141.
bless and govern E. C. F. G. heart and hand, Amen. Saturday after Peter and Paul [July 3] 1535. 1)
E. C. F. G. subservient
Mart. Luther, D.
No. 2140.