Answer to the previous letter. The Elector rejects her request because the fief has already been granted.
The original concept (with many corrections) is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Ji, fol. 122b. C. 5. 9i. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 297.
Our greetings beforehand. Venerable and reverend, dear devotees and faithful! We have received your entire petition, which you sent to us on behalf of Ambrosius Lauben's son in Halle, who is supposed to have been granted a fief in Gera by Johann von Walten, as collator, for the advancement of his studies, and we have heard its contents along with your request, that such fiefs have already been put into common boxes by our appointed visitators, for the entertainment of the church servants in Gera and elsewhere, and that some pastors and others have been ordered to receive allowances from it, upon the worthy memory of our dear devout Magistri Georgii Spalatini. Should Johann von Walten, as collator of this fief, which has already been decreed for the entertainment of the servants of the divine word, be deprived of the same of his property, he shall be entitled to it.
Letters from the year 1537. No. 2402 to 2405.
You should consider what kind of disruption and separation this would bring to our visitation order, and what kind of cause it would give to others to grant fiefs in the same way. However, since this has not yet been done, and our mind and opinion is to keep the order of the visitation, you will not blame us for not granting your request in this respect, and you will again know how to indicate this to the guild, according to which it is to be judged; if we do not want to restrain you again, and are inclined to you with grace. Date Torgau, Saturday after Thomä Apostoli [22. Dec.] Anno 1537.
No. 2403.
To the Elector Johann Friedrich.
Luther refuses the council of Zerbst and the princes of Anhalt his intercession for the request to let D. Jonas come there permanently as a preacher.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Ll, pag. 213. n. 151. 3. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 297 f.
Grace and peace in Christ etc. Most Serene, Highborn Prince, Most Gracious Lord! The pious princes of Anhalt have asked me in writing to help their F. G. request, which they (eight I) are making to E. C. F. G. Doctor Jonas. Now this would be an 1) opinion that Doctor Jonas would be lent there for several weeks, especially because there is to be a prince's day in Zerbst (Zerwest), so that they would then have a handsome preacher. But to be pastor for and for there, because because of the lack of our church and school of the pastor, 2) and Doct. Martinus' fortune is uncertain, I do not know how to advise nor to ask, as I also verbally answered your F. G.. But E. C. F. G. will and may do what they think best in this matter. Hiemit dem lieben GOtt befohlen, Amen. Sunday after St. Thomas [23 Dec.] 1537.
E. C. F. G.
1) "one" put by us instead of: "ime".
2) Bugenhagen was in Denmark at that time. Compare No. 2356.
No. 2404.