From Lesser's collection at Nordhausen in Schütze, Vol. III, p. 192 and in De Wette, Vol. V, p. 129.
Since the church in the neighboring town of Heimchen had appointed Anton Otto from Herzberg to the office of Diaconus, and desired that this profession be confirmed by a public ordination, we have found, after investigating the learning of Antonius, that he has diligently occupied himself with the study of Christian godliness, and understands the gospel doctrine, and accepts the opinion of the general church of Christ in all articles, which our church also confesses, and that he abhors all fanatical opinions, which are rejected by the judgment of the general church of Christ. He also promised that he would faithfully present to the people the pure doctrine that we profess. Therefore, by public ordination, he is commanded in the church to teach the gospel and administer the sacraments according to his calling. Therefore we commend him to the Church of Heimchen, and ask that the Holy Spirit may guide the ministry of this Anton to the glory of God and of our Lord JEsu Christ and to the salvation of the Church. Given at Wittenberg, on the twenty-seventh day of October, Anno 1538.
The pastor and the preachers of the Gospel in the church at Wittenberg.
Martin Luther, D. Justus Jonas, D.
No. 2471.
To George, Prince of Anhalt.
Request for maintenance for the widow of Jakob Bernhard.
In Lindner, p. 54; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 218 and in De Wette-Seidemaun, vol. VI, p. 211.
To the noble, highborn prince and lord, Mr. Georgen, provost of Magdeburg, prince of Anhalt, count of Ascanien and lord of Bernburg, my gracious lord.
God and peace in Christ. Sublime, highborn Prince, gracious Lord! This poor widow of Jacoff Bernhard's blessed, who drowned while hunting, has asked me often and through many (for I do not like to trouble the F. F. G.) that I should ask for her, because she is now a poor woman, burdened with so many children and orphans, that the F. F. G. should graciously help her with bread this winter and spare her the duty of hunting. For she indicates how she must also be prepared to beg. Now I know well, that E. F. G. together with the brothers, my 1) gn., l. gentlemen, have Christian hearts and like to help poor people, without that I think, that sometimes (as in all courts) a Ziba falls in the way of David, who hinders poor Mephiboseth, even without the will of holy pious David. It is therefore my very humble request that E. F. G., as a Christian prince, created in the image of God, show himself to be a judge of widows and father of orphans against these poor women and not let any Ziba hinder him. For these are the right good works. Herewith we swear to the dear God together with both E. F. G. brothers, my gracious lords, and all common flesh, 2) Amen. Wednesday after Simonis et Judae [Oct. 30] 1538.
E. F. G. williger
Martinus Luther.
No. 2472.