Luther asks him to help provide for the support of a poor pastor's widow.
From Cod. Dessav. B. ex chirographo Lutheri mitgetheilt von Prof. Lindner zu Dessau in den Theol. Studien und Kritiken von 1835, p. 346; in the Erlanger Ausgabe, vol. 56, p. XLII. and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 195.
To the worthy Herr Magister Johann Schlainhaufen, pastor at Köthen, my favorable, dear friend.
Grace and peace in Christ. Dear Pastor! My friendly request is to you, because the poor widow gentleman in your preaching ministry became ill and also died in it, may you
Letters from the year 1538. No. 2416. 2417.
Both of you, the rulers and the commoners, use all your diligence, and ask on my account that you do not let her go away so miserable and poor, but do a tax for her for the sake of God. Dear God, do you want to deal with the poor widow in this way, where will you take preachers in time?
I command you this thing faithfully, not only that you perform such service out of love, but also out of the duty of your office. Herewith commanded to our Lord, pray diligently for me. D[atum] on 8 Feb. of the 38th year.
Mart. Luther, D.
No. 2417.