Luther repeatedly asks them (cf. No. 2565) to take up the cause of the Reformation in the Duchy of Saxony.
Printed in the Jenaer Ausg. (1568), vol. VII, p. 392; in the Altenburger, vol. VII, p. 426; in the Leipziger, vol. XXI,p.371; inWalch,vol. XXI,438; in De Wette, vol. V, p. 296 and in the Erl. Edition, vol. 55, p. 286.
Again, I ask in all humility that E. F. G. would help seriously and diligently, as you gave me great hope in Leipzig, that the churches and the schools, which is the highest service of God, may not be forgotten, nor be held in low esteem. For I hear and see many things that I would not have provided for myself, which truly displease me; although little is to be gained from my displeasure, if it does not displease God Himself, and in the end does not come to a good end. God grant God the courage to see and do this (as God has now given God the space and power to do it easily), so that the dear Gospel may increase in the principality, or even remain.
For it has many and great secret enemies within, who boast of being great lovers of the word, and yet are heartily hostile to the persons who have to lead it, which is a very crude, foolish, yet damaging handle, to destroy the dear gospel by much and high boasting. E. F. G. will graciously accept such from me for the best. For
Letters from the year 1540. No. 2683 to 2686.
How can I leave it, and how will it behoove me not to care for the dear Gospel, or silently hear its detriment? Hiemit dem lieben GOtt befohlen, Amen. Friday after Joannis Baptistae [June 25] anno 1540.
E. F. G. williger
Martinus Luther.
No. 2684.