Intercession for the church servants in Belgern.
The original (in Kanzleihand) in the Weimar Archives, Reg. Oo, pag. 792. Belgern. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 346.
Most Serene, Highborn Prince and Lord! Parents ch. G. are ready to offer our prayers to God with submissive and obedient service at all times. Most gracious Lord! The Council of Belgern has especially approached me, Martin Luther, Doctor, with the enclosed letter, requesting that I will humbly request from Your Lordship that the same Your Lordship will graciously procure a tax from the monastery properties for the maintenance of their church servants and let it happen to them, likewise also sought from me, Justo Jonah. So this time there is a quick newspaper, and the poor people with their wives and children,
As Your Lordship has graciously requested, but if there is any doubt that they are not well off on a low salary and are suffering hardship, we do not know how to refuse them their request. Therefore, we humbly request that Your Lordship graciously show mercy to the poor people by providing assistance and taxation at Your Lordship's pleasure. This is what E. churf. G. want to ask me by God and to earn in humble obedience at all times. Date Wittenberg, Friday after Estomihi [13 Feb] Anno 1540.
E. churf. G. submissive, obedient Martinus Luther and Justus Jonas, both Doctor.
No. 2628.
Mid-February 1540.