Luther recommends to him Hartmuth von Kronberg's sister, who, kidnapped by a Jew, had come to Wittenberg and given birth to a child there.
From the Schmid collection at Helmstädt in Schütze, vol. II, p. 344 and in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 618f.
To his brother in Christ, Justus Menius, the very faithful bishop in Eisenach.
Grace and peace, my dearest Justus! This woman, who hands over this letter to you, I commend her to you very much, that you will stand by her with advice and with all the help that is in your power. She seems to me to be from some high family, perhaps not far from where they speak your dialect, as her manner of speech will indicate. With us she has been respectable and has given birth to a child; I have been godfather. I think it was due to some event, which only she knows and now mourns, and laments that she is so far away. If there is any misstep, do the office of a Samaritan, but in such a way that you do not carelessly believe people. We must be without
3) Instead of "Ciria" probably Cyriaci is to be read.
To be false, like the doves, but at the same time clever, like the snakes. I strongly believe that she is unhappy, but because I have been deceived many times, I must be a little more reserved. You will do according to your prudence what will seem suitable for the (as I believe) very good woman and not unsuitable for you. For she herself has requested of me that I should write to some pastor of this place, perhaps in order to make use of her relatives and blood friends in the vicinity. Fare well in Christ, and pray for me as I do for you. August 8, 1535.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2153.