The Elector has requested a teacher for his princes. The citizens of Meissen have declared that if their schoolmaster is requested for this office, it is to be provided,
2) "to groan" to support oneself.
Letters from the year 1539. No. 2594.
that the newly established school would fall apart. Therefore, Luther and Melanchthon recommend Wolfgang Schiefer and Nicolaus von Coburg for this position. Melanchthon sends a letter to the council of Leipzig concerning D. Cruciger's dismissal and asks him to consider the need of the Wittenberg University, which is in great need of him.
The original, written in someone else's hand but with Luther's and Melanchthon's own remarks and signatures, is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. O, fol. 156, Litt. JJJ, no. 18. printed in Corp. Ref., vol. III, 820 (with the forged date in the heading: Nov. 1). The inserted note is also found in De Wette- Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 234.
To the most illustrious, highborn prince and lord, Mr. Johann Friedrich, Elector, Duke of Saxony 2c.
God's grace through our Lord Jesus Christ beforehand. Most noble, highborn, most gracious Prince and Lord! E. C. F. G. I am pleased to know that the schoolmaster of Meissen recently wrote to me that the citizens of Meissen are concerned that if he were to be called away, the newly established school would soon fall and disintegrate. I know nothing more about him at this time. He spoke to me about the free school here, and 1) asked whether he would be allowed to attend court, because he was thinking of becoming a free schoolmaster, and for this reason he gladly accepted the school in Meissen.
Where E. C. F. G. wanted to infer another person, I have hereby listed two unmarried journeymen who are very well known here, and although I have not indicated anything about this matter to anyone, I still believe that each of them is willing to serve E. C. F. G. in loyalty. Thus, they are both of honest morals, of good sense, God-fearing, well-taught and of considerable age, so that I have no doubt which of them E. C. F. G. will choose, who is capable and well to be used. May God grant His grace for this useful and necessary work, and may E. C. F. G. at all times. Date Wittenberg, Nov. 7, 1539.
E. C. F. G.
servant Philippus Melanchthon.
E. C. F. G. I am also sending herewith a letter from an honorable councilor in Leipzig concerning Doctor Caspar Cruciger, to whom the university
1) by name, in particular.
I have answered that it is not up to us to make a change with Doctor Caspar, that this school also needs his help, as I truly believe. I have informed E. C. F. G. of this, so that they may graciously consider this university's need, if those from Leipzig apply to E. C. F. G. again.
(Inserted note.)
Recently Wolfgang Schiefer arrived again, who studied here for two years 15 years ago, and then became preceptor to Hans Hoffmann's 2) sons, from whom he came to King Ferdinand's young lords and became preceptor to them. He is more personal 3) and more learned than the schoolmaster in Meissen, and is an honest, God-fearing man, who has also been persecuted because of the Gospel, and finally came from the court for this reason, and is to be trusted. 4) I also heard some days ago that he wanted to be used for such a service, and he is moral and reasonable.
The other is Nicolaus von Coburg, son of the old centgrave, who is quite a person, serious, sedate, and has a good mind, is also well skilled in musica and arithmetica, and, as far as I can tell, he has an
2) Freiherr zum Grunenbuel und Strechau, Geheimrath Ferdinand, brother-in-law of Count Christoph zu Gundersdorf and Freiherr zu Rogendorf. (Seidemann.)
3) handsome by person. (Bretschneider.)
4) The Elector, as Seckendorf, Hist. Luth. lib. III, p. 231 b, in his reply to Melanchthon of Nov. 12. 1539 some suspicion of apostasy (apostasiae) by which he had come to Ferdinand's court, but nevertheless continues: "Since Doctor Martinus and you consider that one, Wolfgang Schiefer, should be suitable for a schoolmaster's office for our sons, we also accept him for this purpose, and graciously request that you inform him and Doctor Martinus of this, and talk to him so that he can dispose of himself here in Weimar at our expense, so that we can deal with him and set up an appointment, and then have him assigned to the schoolmaster's office." " This passage is from the Weimar Archives, Reg. O, fol. 156, Litt. 444, No. 15, printed in Corp. Ref, vol. III, 822, note).
5) The following words together with the signature are from Luther's own hand.
Briefs from the year 1539. No. 2594. 2595. 2596.
special applies ingenium and is well skilled to talk.
I thought of others, but they are smaller than these two, but they could be used.
1) This Nicolaus is now in Coburg, where he moved before Michaelmas, and he thinks he will soon return, but he has not yet arrived.
No. 2595.