About the same matter as No. 2246.
From a copy in the Weimar Archives, Reg. N, pag. 369, No. 184, printed in De Wette, vol. V, p. 6 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 141.
Grace and peace in Christ. Sublime, highborn prince, gracious lord! I have previously written to E. F. G. for Matthes Luther, 1) citizen of Freiberg. Now he complains to me that such a letter of mine has been more harmful than beneficial to him because of some words that could be interpreted widely, and he nevertheless offers himself for interrogation and justice; if he is accused of having spoken or done something against baptism or the sacrament, or of having drawn someone to himself, then he wants to suffer what he should. Accordingly, 2) my poor request is to F. F. G. that F. F. G. have these matters investigated and, if he is found innocent, that he be mercifully restored, lest there be a clamor as if no one wanted to hear or see; especially because there are many who consider him 3) innocent, some of whom are also in F. F. G.'s country. F. G. lands. E. F. G. will graciously know how to keep this in mind. Hiemit GOtt befohlen, Amen. At Wittenberg, on Tuesday after the Visitation of the Virgin Mary [July 4] 1536.
Martinus Luther, D.
1) In the earlier letter he is called Lotther; he was a map painter, as we see from a later letter.
2) "accordingly" put by us instead of: "nevertheless".
3) "him" put by us instead of: "him".
No. 2255.