Luther refuses to submit an intercession to the court (in Dresden) because he has lost all favor there.
Handwritten in Cod. Goth. 185. 4. and in Aurifaber, vol. III, p. 302. Printed in H. Welleri Opp. omnia zn Ende, p. 202; in Schütze, vol. III, p. 139 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 295.
To the highly honored man, Mr. Hieronymus Weller, Doctor of Theology.
Grace and peace! I would gladly do, my dear Jerome, what you desire, but I am forced to refrain from it, if I give you
I do not want to make things more awkward. For we have lost so much favor with the court that I can neither write petitions nor use myself for anyone. For we are soon told that we are seeking dominion over them, which they absolutely do not want to suffer. Thus we are forced to be mute and, since God allows it, let Satan have his way over the ungrateful and the hopeful. Therefore, you must use other friends who can be of use to you. I like very much the two psalms you have interpreted; continue happily in the Lord and be at ease in him. All of us greet you with me. On St. John's Day [June 24] 1540. Yours, M. Luther.
No. 26683.