On the above date, Luther sent Metsch a note exhorting him to live a Christian life according to Christ's order.
This note is found in all editions of the Tischreden, Cap. 21, § 4. in the St. Louis edition, vol. XXIl, 613. also in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 213.
No. 2476.
To Johann, Prince of Anhalt.
Luther promises to look for an unmarried preacher, as the prince had desired him because of the dying runs.
In Lindner, p. 55, with the incorrectly solved date: "II November"; likewise in the Erlanger Ausg., vol. 56, p. 219; correct in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 215.
To the illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Lord John, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien, Lord of Bernburg, my gracious Lord.
G. u. F. and my poor pater noster. Gracious Prince and Lord! I am weak and clumsy now, but I have read E. F. G.'s writing almost with pleasure, that E. F. G. desires a preacher in his dying days, I will also look around if I can get one, but I do not yet know who is without a wife; however, I will stop if I get one who leaves his wife sitting here and serves E. F. G. for a short time, since it does not rhyme well with a wife of such short duration. F. G. for a little while, since it does not seem right to drag a wife with him for such a short time, it should not be repugnant to E. F. G.. I will try what I can and report it to E. F. G. again. F. G. again. Hereby commanded by God, Amen. Octava 8. Martini [18. Nov.] 1538. E. F. G. willingly
Martinus Luther, D.
Letters from the year 1538. No. 2477. 2478.
No. 2477.
The war councils of the city of Strasbourg.
From the original, which is in the archive of the Chamber of Thirteen in Strasbourg, in a fascicle, headed: Buceri Handlung mit Carlewitzen 1538, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 132 f. and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 213.
To the strict, firm, wise lords, the councillors of war, called the Thirteen, of the city of Strasbourg, my special favorable lords.
Grace and peace in Christ. Strict, firm, wise, dear lords! I have received your writing and D. Bucer's advertisement, and I have also given him my answer, as he will tell you. Namely, that [there] shall be no lack of the propositions that have gone out on our part, insofar as this matter, previously agreed upon, is to be peaceful on both sides with silence. I have also indicated to him the other part of the church property, that in this time (if much has recently come to light) de facto silence is to be maintained. However, the persons who have church property and do not respect the pastoral care are to be addressed, so that they become re vera persons. Then, if they do not want to leave, they can be petitioned with such writings and rights, indicated by you, first by public writing and finally brought to justice, or other things can be done, so that their will does not have to follow them. All this will be reported to you by D. Bucerus will continue to tell you about all this, and he will indicate my very reasonable courage and heart to promote the churches, and he will also preach that it is also biblical that we, who have the gospel in vain, not only feed on the goods of the dead 1) but also attack ourselves, which St. Paul says Gal. 6, 6. f.: Communicet instructus instructori omnia bona. Deus non irridetur. But D. Bucer will know how to tell you. Hiemit dem lieben GOtt befohlen, Amen. Midweek post Elisabeth [20 Nov] 1538. Martinus Luther.
1) So put by us instead of: "of the dead goods".
No. 2478.
To the Landgrave Philip of Hesse.
How to proceed against the Anabaptists.
From the original at Cassel in D. Rommel's Geschichte von Hessen, vol. 4. Cassel 1830. notes, p. 140; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. XLIII and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 215.
Grace and peace in Christ [and my poor pater noster]. 2) Sublime, highborn prince, gracious lord! I have received E. F. G.'s credence and writing and have heard D. Butzer's word. And as I am aware that E. F. G. is well aware of how to deal with the Anabaptists, but would also like to have concerns [from] more people, 3) it is not only my concern, but also my humble request that E. F. G. seriously expel them from the country, because it is nevertheless the devil's seed, and may well have at first something beautiful seemingly next to the evil one for, but because it is the light devil, the end will finally come to Münster. E. F. G. also do not have to complain that they, expelled, may do harm elsewhere, because elsewhere they do not have much more room, and whether they have it, let those see who have the local regiment and churches. For if I fear that the wolf that strangles in my stable may strangle more in other stables, I cannot therefore leave it unchased. Let each man take care of his own stable. Further, E. F. G. will know how much to consider, because I can write, so D. Butzer will also further indicate my opinion to E. F. G., where it is necessary. May the Father of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, through His Holy Spirit, guide and protect us and all of us in abundant gifts. Amen. Wednesday [after] 4) St. Elisabeth [Nov. 20] 1538.
E. F. G.
Martinus Luther.
2) Added by Seidemann instead of: "u. s. w.". 3) Supplemented by Seidemann.
4) St. Elizabeth was a Tuesday, so "after" should be added.
Letters from the year 1538. No. 2479. 2480.
No. 2479.