See St. Louis edition, vol. XVII, 2084.
1) Burkhardt: "gedachtem".
2) That is: to some extent.
No. 2222.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
About the negotiations with the English envoys concerning doctrine; about Duke George; a request for Cruciger.
The original is in the archives at Weimar, Reg. M 402. 6. Printed by De Wette, Vol. IV, p. 683 and in the Erlangen edition, Vol. 55, p. 128 f.
To the most illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Lord John Frederick, Duke of Saxony and Elector etc., Landgrave in Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, my most gracious Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ our Lord with my poor prayer. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! We have humbly heard E. C. F. G.'s order from Magister Francisco, Vice-Chancellor, 3) for the sake of the English etc.; and the said M. Franciscus will hand over the articles all translated, in which E. C. F. G. will see how far we have got with them here. But since they do not know how their Lord King will accept them, especially the last four, they have therefore taken a step backward to inform His Holiness. Where now His Majesty would accept them, the covenant may have its continuation, for such articles rhyme well with our doctrine; whereupon in time, if they desire it, a message may be made herein to report the king more clearly. But if His Holiness does not want to accept these articles or seek much reflection or change in them, we can certainly not confuse and mislead our churches anew for their sake, which have hardly yet been brought to peace and quiet.
E. C. F. G. may conclude the king's affairs with marriage from this religious matter, or, if it is considered good, offer to answer for it as far as we have approved it.
With Duke George's things, ours have acted almost carelessly, so that I was highly moved. But E. C. F. G. have a good conscience and have honestly and Christianly offered to drop all ill will; in this is GOtte
3) Burkhardt: Vicecanz, in the editions: "Vicelaus".
Letters from the year 1536. No. 2222. 2223. 2224.
enough, he will not forget it in his time. But that revengeful, unpeaceful man remains as he has always been, bloodthirsty and murderous, until it happens to him according to Psalm VIII [v. 3]: "That you execute the enemy and the revengeful." The best thing is that he cannot pray before such hardened wickedness, with all who cling to him; for he does not need either, so proud is he. But we can pray, praising God, who seek and offer peace and forgiveness; 1) therefore God will also hear us, if we humbly confess our sin and seek His glory. May Jesus Christ, our dear Lord, strengthen and comfort E. C. F. G.'s heart against the devil's threatening and evil eye. He has probably had more evil in mind, amen. Tuesday after Lätare [March 28] 1536.
E. C. F. G., subject Martinus Luther, D. and the others etc.
Enclosure.
Doctor Caspar Creuziger has also asked me to write to E. C. F. G. and ask that E. C. F. G. graciously grant him the castle of Eulenburg for his wedding; for he does not know where else to go, because it cannot happen in Leipzig or Wittenberg. E. C. F. G. will know how to graciously keep him. For such things must be helped. Hiemit GOtt befohlen, Amen.
No. 2223.