Luther thanks the duke for his gracious memory and reports on German affairs. Death had put an end to the evil plots of Duke George. 1) On the other hand, he complains that the Archbishop of Mainz and other bishops do not turn to it and King Ferdinand and the Bavarians persecute the gospel.
From Faber's collection of letters, p. 21, in De Wette, vol. V, p. 190 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 231.
G. and Fr. in Christ. Sublime, highborn Prince, gracious Lord! Although I did not know how to write anything special to E. F. G., but because E. F. G. has so graciously sent me greetings through their envoy and asked about my health, also requested several times before, where I could, to write to E. F. G., I have written this letter of thanks, so that I will not be so rude. I have written this letter of thanks, so that I may not be so rudely scolded as a despiser of E. F. G.'s gracious favor, and I thank E. F. G. most humbly for this gracious will. We do not know anything about the new newspaper, except that God has done a special work with Duke George's death; for he had it in mind that God would have had to defend, or Germany would have come to all misery. Now, however, God has given peace and has put an end to the evil man's diabolical intentions, even though the bishop of Mainz and other bishops do not turn to such a horrible, terrible example.
The people of Bavaria have left the country and want to perish; neither pleading nor suffering will help. Ferdinand and the Bavarians are only now beginning to persecute the Gospel. Otherwise, things are peaceful in Germany and have become expensive; but all grain and fruit is well and rich, praise God, who also helps and gives us to become pious and grateful. Hiemit dem lieben GOtt befohlen, Amen. On St. John the Baptist's Eve [June 23] 1539.
E. F. G. williger
Martinus Luther, D. .
No. 2550.