Luther asks him to grant the ailing pastor Schlaginhaufen zu Köchen the pastorate in Wörlitz to strengthen his health.
According to the Cod. Dessav. B "ex chirographo Lutheri" mitgetheilt von Prof. Lindner zu Dessau in den theol. Studien und Kritiken von 1835, Heft II, S. 347; in the Erlanger Ausgabe, Vol. 56, S. XXXVII f. und bei De Wette- Seidemann, Vol. VI, S. 169.
To the illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Lord Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien and Lord of Bernburg, m. g. Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Sublime, highborn prince, gracious lord! I have long since wanted to write to E. F. G. and also to speak verbally to E. F. G. on account of a preacher, Johann Schlainhauffen in Köthen, but I have always forgotten, because I am getting old, lazy and completely forgotten in addition to all my business. And is that the thing. I have often heard from him how the air and the elements in Köthen are almost difficult for him, but because he has such a gracious, kind master in E. F. G., he has been persuaded, also by me, to stay until then, whether he would have liked to be in healthy air [beneficial] 1) for his body; for he was brought up and accustomed to fresh air. Now, at last, I talked to him whether it would not be possible, since he could not be in Köthen,
1) Here a word seems to be omitted, such as "zuträglicher" (Lindner).
that he would not leave the dominion of Anhalt, but because Wörlitz would now be vacant, he could be transferred there, as there would perhaps be fresher air in the wood; because I did not want him to leave the dominion completely. So he answered, where it would be possible, he would like to try it, especially because he would be close to Wittenberg. Accordingly, my humble request to E. F. G. is that you will graciously help in this matter, so that the good man may also provide for his body's needs (which are now approaching the years), as is right according to God's command. Request the E. F. G. gracious answer. Hiemit GOtt befohlen, Amen. On Palm Day [April 9] 1536.
E. F. G.
Mart. Luther, D.
No. 2229.