In response to his request for a Lutheran preacher, Luther suggests Johann Beyer.
The original is in the Idstein 1) Archives. Printed in the Leipzig Supplement, p.54, no. 73; in Walch, vol. XXI, p. 257; in De Wette, vol. III, p. 344 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 54, p. 19. In all these editions with the wrong year 1528. Compare the letter of August 17, 1538. We have used the variants given by Seidemann in De Wette, vol. VI, p. 564.
To the well-born Lord Philipps, Count of Nassau and Saarbrücken, my gracious lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Gracious, merciful Lord! When His Holiness wrote to me to send a skilled preacher, I was heartily inclined and looked around as best I could, since we also lack a preacher here, who we have to fetch from the villages and fill the cities. However, I have dealt with one who came from the ungodly monastery in Halle under our Lordship, but who is still with his wife and child.
1) Thus Burkhardt, p. 304. Seidemann: "im Weltbürger Archiv".
Letters from the year 1538. No. 2448. 2449. 2450.
advise. He is from Steinach, a countryman, and I think he should be capable there. For I hold him in such high esteem that I thought, if a chaplain were to leave our church, [he] would be called to such an office. Since I know of no other this time, I will have reported the same to E. G. and have spoken to him about it, so he will willingly accept my advice 2c. Where now E. G.'s marital status in E. G.'s country does not prevent him from being a member of my family. G. lands does not hinder, then E. G. may write, so that I have him from E. G. order to demand and drive. I hope he shall please E. G.. But I ask that the church, where he is to go, send him provisions, or, if he has to borrow them here, reimburse them there. For such a journey is too difficult for his poverty. I am willing to serve God. Hereby commanded by God, Amen. The first of July, 1538, at Wittenberg.
Your Grace willing Martinus Luther, Doctor.
No. 2449.