(Regest.)
Cordatus wishes that in the treatment of the controversial question (whether good works are necessary for the attainment of blessedness) first Cruciger be proceeded against, but Melanchthon be spared. He calls on "Luther" to stand firm.
A copy is in the library at Wolfenbüttel, 11.10. Aug, fol. 608. Printed by Kolde, p. 268.
No. 2304.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
About the deposed preacher Johann Weybringer in Hildburghausen.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg, N, fol. 108. 41 (very defective). Printed in the Leipzig Supplement, p. 79, no. 142; in Walch, vol. XXI, 390; in De Wette, vol. V, p. 29 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 151 f. - We have tried to fill in the gaps and put the additions in square brackets.
3) Kunz Pfeilschmidt had been a castle owner at Schweinitz, and his debt to the Elector stemmed from this employment. His successor in office, Michel von Ende, also pleaded on his behalf.
Letters from the year 1536. No. 2304. 2305.
Your most illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Mr. John Frederick, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, my most gracious Lord.
God and peace in Christ. Most noble, highborn prince, most gracious lord! I have returned to court with the matter of the priest of Hilpurghausen; for he cries out, and so do the lawyers, how injustice is done to him, as E. C. F. G. may hear from this petition of his. It is therefore my humble request, if it is possible otherwise, that E. C. F. G. let him come before them and sue each other severely. For he so highly appeals to God, his innocence and right, which I do not like to hear, and if he were convicted of the deed, I would advise that for the sake of the high calling he does (where it would be falsely invented), he should be so scolded that his head would lie at his feet. E. C. F. G. would graciously grant me such a harsh letter; for I am highly moved when I hear God's name taken in the mouth with such high oaths and complaints, and strange thoughts come to me against both parts 2c. E. C. F. G. will well know how to keep princely and Christian in this. Hiemit GOtt befohlen, Amen. On All Saints' Day [Nov. 1] 1536. E C. F. G. subservient
Martinus Luther.
No. 2305.