Luther asks this prince, who was governor in the Mark, for protection for the pastor Erasmus Alberus, who was challenged by some of the council in the new city of Brandenburg.
From the original in the Dessau Archives in Lindner, vol. II, p. 77; in the Erlangen edition, vol. 56, p. 234 and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 317.
To the illustrious, highborn Prince and Lord, Lord John, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien and Lord of Bernburg, my gracious Lord.
G. and F. in Christ. Sublime, highborn prince, gracious lord! I have had to hear several times how the people of Brandenburg in the new city, but not the common man, but some of the council, are making themselves exceedingly angry against their pious preacher, M. Alberum, whom the common people love very much, and are doing 1) this especially now, because of the absence of the landlord, m. gn. Herr Churfürsten 2c., they let themselves think that they are lords 2c. Therefore, my humble request to E. F. G. is that E. F. G., as Vicarius in the Mark, protect the aforementioned preacher against such wanton people, so that he is not forced to turn away from the Mark. E. F. G. understand well how cunningly the devil intends to eradicate or drive out the Gospel. I also hereby send to E. F. G. of the same M. Alberi writing and complaint to me, from which E. F. G. can hear his request. May the Father of all mercies grant us all his Holy Spirit, that we may be grateful and not deserve to have his word taken from us again, Amen. Friday after Trinity (June 9) 1542.
E. F. G. williger
Martinus Luther, D.