Luther asks him to unite with his cousins (Johann, Georg and Joachim) in the reformation of the monastery Mönchennienbnrg in such a way that with equal rights of the princes to the monastery peace is prevented. - Cf. No. 2570.
First printed in 1830, after the original, in Lindner's "Mittheilungen," vol. II, p. 75; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 233 and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. V I, p. 315.
To the illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Lord Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien and Lord of Bernburg, my gracious Lord.
G. and F. in the Lord. Gracious Prince and Lord! I have learned that the lords, my lord princes, E. F. G.'s cousins, are not well off, that E. F. G. has taken and occupied the monastery at Munich-Niennburg without their consent, and that they have also been about to carry out a reformation of it, and have been too slow in finishing it. Now that they have the right and power over the same monastery, I would like to humbly request that the F. F. G. help to promote such a reformation with their support, so that no further ill will may arise between the two parts. For even if they were to place a director there, the reformatio would turn out badly, and more than the monastery is able to do would be lost, although E. F. G. in good opinion wanted to set the goal for the abbot, and did the best. Where now E. F. G. would unite with them in this.
If the two parts find a way that pleases them both, then E. F. G. could proceed all the better; as E. F. G. will probably know how to deal with their part; for I do not like to see discord and displeasure between E. F. G. on either side, nor is it good to see it. Hiemit dem lieben GOtte befohlen, Amen. Friday after St. George [April 28] 1542.
E. F. G.
Mart. Luther, D.
No. 2914.