The council had written to Luther about the expelled Joh. Cellarius, whom he wanted to have back, or instead of him another preacher. Luther wrote to the latter, but does not know whether he will come, nor can he promise another one.
The original is in the Frankfurt archive. From it in Ritter's Evang. Denkmal der Stadt Frankfurt, p. 224; in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 651; in Walch, vol. XXI, 1268 f. and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 113.
To the honorable, prudent gentlemen, mayor and council of the city of Frankfort, my favorable gentlemen and good friends.
Dear Sirs, Dear Sirs, Dear Sirs, Dear Sirs! I have written diligently to M. Johann Cellarium after receiving your letter, and for many reasons I would like to see him back with you at Frankfort. But I do not know what to do for him, and where he is lacking, I would like to know a capable and skilful man in his place, and help him faithfully as much as I can. But it is so that we ourselves are almost lacking, and what grows from this is still too immature (as St. Paul says) and is a mere newcomer, who cannot so easily be trusted with such great things as little experience. For you yourselves have well experienced what a task it is to put such large churches in the ways of such people, who boast much, are also learned enough, and yet do not cut off the beak, no one can hear when they gain the following, which must be considered within such large congregations among you, as necessity itself teaches us in the end. I am willing and ready to serve you. Hiemit GOtt befehlt, Amen. The Clementis [Nov. 23] 1535.
Letters from the year 1535. No. 2192 to 2195.
No. 2192.